Harden, Rockets get 11th straight victory
Minnesota loses Butler to knee injury
HOUSTON — James Harden wrapped up another 30-point night and another Rockets victory, and then he made his way to Minnesota’s training room.
Even the Timberwolves’ opponents were concerned about Jimmy Butler.
Harden scored 31 points as Houston won its 11th straight game with a 120-102 victory Friday over the Timberwolves, who lost Butler to an apparent right knee injury.
Butler left late in the third quarter. After grabbing a rebound, the All-star pivoted and planted hard on his right foot before collapsing and grabbing his right knee.
He was on the floor for at least three minutes before he was carried off by two teammates. He appeared to avoid putting weight on his right leg.
Minnesota coach Tom Thibodeau said early evaluations by the team’s medical staff were inconclusive and that Butler will undergo an MRI examination Saturday.
Butler did not speak to reporters after the game but was in high spirits, according to multiple teammates. He was visited in the training room by Harden.
At Los Angeles, Julius Randle had 18 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists for Los Angeles, which welcomed back Lonzo Ball after a 15-game injury absence. The rookie had nine points, seven rebounds and six assists in 17 minutes.
Lakers 124, Mavericks 102 — Cavaliers 112, Grizzlies 89 —
At Memphis, Tenn., Lebron James had 18 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists in his 11th triple-double this season for Cleveland, which dealt Memphis its eighth straight loss. At New Orleans, Anthony Davis had 45 points, 17 rebounds, five blocked shots and five steals for New Orleans, which won its fourth straight.
At Phoenix, Lou Williams had 35 points in 33 minutes for Los Angeles, which scored the first 19 points and handed Phoenix its eighth loss in a row.
At Denver, Nikola Jokic had 28 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds in his third straight triple-double for Denver, which won its fourth in a row.
At Salt Lake City, C.J. Mccollum scored 26 points and Damian Lillard 24 for Portland, which snapped Utah’s 11game win streak.
At Toronto, Giannis Antetokounmpo had 26 points and 12 rebounds for Milwaukee, which snapped Toronto’s seven-game win streak.
At Detroit, rookie Daniel Theis scored a career-high 19 points and Kyrie Irving 18 for Boston, which halted a three-game skid.
At Washington, Kemba Walker scored 20 of his 24 points in the second half for Charlotte, which won its third straight.
At Indianapolis, Thaddeus Young scored 16 of his 20 points in the first half for Indiana, which never trailed.
Pelicans 124, Heat 123, OT — Clippers 128, Suns 117 — Nuggets 122, Spurs 119 — Trail Blazers 100, Jazz 81 — Bucks 122, Raptors 119, OT — Celtics 110, Pistons 98 — Hornets 122, Wizards 105 — Pacers 116, Hawks 93 —