Durant returns, Nets win

Kevin Durant returned from a 23-game absence to spark Brooklyn’s most explosive half of the season, finishing with 17 points and perfect shooting in the Nets’ 139-111 rout of the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night.

Durant came off the bench with about 7 1/2 minutes left in the second and by the time the period ended the Nets had 79 points and a 20point halftime lead. Brooklyn was a sizzling 14 for 18 (78%) in its 43-point quarter.

Durant went 5 for 5 and added seven rebounds and five assists in 19 minutes in his return from a strained left hamstring.

Wizards 131, Magic 116 — Bradley Beal returned from a five-game absence to score 26 points, Russell Westbrook had his 20th tripledouble of the season and Washington made a seasonbest 19 3-pointers to beat Orlando.

Pacers 141, Timberwolves 137 — Aaron Holiday scored 22 points, brother Justin Holiday had 21 and Indiana beat Minnesota.

The Pacers were without All-Star forward Domantas Sabonis and three other injured starters.

Rockets 102, Mavericks 93 — John Wall had 31 points and seven assists in his return from injury and Houston beat Dallas.

Christian Wood added 22 points and 10 rebounds for the Rockets.

Grizzlies 131, Hawks 113 — Grayson Allen scored 17 of his season-high 30 points in a dominant third quarter, leading Memphis past shorthanded Atlanta.

Ja Morant added 14 of his 19 points in the Grizzlies’ decisive third quarter.

Hornets 113, Thunder 102 — Jalen McDaniels had a career-high 21 points in his second career start to help Charlotte beat Oklahoma City.

McDaniels also had six rebounds and three assists. Terry Rozier added 17 points.