KD lifts Suns past Kyrie, Mavs
Kevin Durant scored 37 points, including the tiebreaking jumper with 11 seconds to go, to lift the Suns to a 130-126 victory over the Mavericks on Sunday in Dallas in a thrilling showcase of stars for both teams.
The first meeting between Durant and Dallas’ Kyrie Irving since they were traded by Brooklyn before the deadline last month was even when Durant pulled up over Tim Hardaway Jr. and Irving for the lead.
Luka Doncic had 34 points for Dallas, but his point-blank shot for a tie rimmed out before he fouled Durant after the rebound with 3.5 seconds remaining.
After the play was over, Doncic and Devin Booker, who scored 36 points, ended up nose-to-nose and both were issued technical fouls before Durant hit two free throws to clinch the victory.
Irving scored 30 points exactly four years to the day since the last time he faced Durant, when his Celtics blew out Durant and his Warriors 128-95.
Lakers 113, Warriors 105
In Los Angeles, Anthony Davis scored 39 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, and the Lakers held on for a victory over Golden State despite Stephen Curry’s 27 points in his return to the lineup.
Austin Reaves scored 16 points for the Lakers, who have split their four games with LeBron James out of the lineup due to a foot tendon injury.
Bucks 117, Wizards 111
In Washington, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 23 points, had a season-high 13 assists and rebounded his intentionally missed shot with a second left for his fourth-triple double of the season as NBA-leading Milwaukee beat the Wizards.
Jevon Carter added 20 points while Jrue Holiday scored 19 in Milwaukee’s victory a night after a home loss to Philadelphia snapped a 16-game win streak.
Bradley Beal scored 33 points for the Wizards, who remain 10th in the East and in line for the final play-in tournament spot. Kristaps Porzingis added 24 points and 14 rebounds for Washington.
Trail Blazers 122, Magic 119
In Orlando, Fla., Damian Lillard scored eight of his 41 points from the foul line in the final three minutes to lead Portland over the Magic.
Clippers 135, Grizzlies 129
In Los Angeles, Paul George scored 42 points while Kawhi Leonard went for 34 and the Clippers beat Memphis. The Grizzlies were without Ja Morant, who is suspended for at least two games after the guard posted video of himself brandishing a gun at a nightclub.