Nets get strong debut from Aldridge, rout Hornets
NEW YORK » Jeff Green outscored Charlotte by himself in Brooklyn’s overpowering first quarter before finishing with 21 points, and the Nets got a strong debut from LaMarcus Aldridge in a 111-89 rout of the Hornets on Thursday night.
Aldridge started at center and had 11 points, nine rebounds and six assists, looking like a good fit for a Nets team that won for the 20th time in its last 23 games. They signed him last month after he reached a buyout agreement with San Antonio.
With All-Stars Kevin Durant and James Harden sitting out with hamstring injuries, the Nets led 32-11 after one quarter behind 12 points from Green. They put six players in double figures in their season-best seventh straight home win.
Landry Shamet scored 17 points in his return from a five-game absence with a sprained right ankle and Kyrie Irving had 15 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.
•» Kevin Durant apologized for threatening and profane comments he made to entertainer Michael Rapaport through social media.
Rapaport released images of the private messages on his Twitter account, and they included homophobic and misogynistic language from the Brooklyn Nets star.
“I’m sorry that people seen the language that I used,” Durant said. “That’s not really what I want people to see and hear from me, but hopefully I can move past it and get back out on the floor.” PISTONS 120, WIZARDS 91 » Josh Jackson scored 19 of his season-high 31 points in the first half and Detroit went on to rout Washington.
The Pistons overcame Russell Westbrook’s 18th triple-double of the season. Westbrook finished with 16 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds. He also had nine turnovers, falling one short of his NBA-record sixth quadruple-double. James Harden (three) is the only other player with more than one.
Bucks add Teague
MILWAUKEE » Veteran guard Jeff Teague signed with Milwaukee after the Orlando Magic waived him last week. The move reunites Teague with Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer, the two having worked together while with the Atlanta Hawks.
The 32-year-old Teague played 34 games for Boston this season but was traded to Orlando last week.