Irving directs Nets to rout of Jazz with 29-point outing
NEWYORK— Kyrie Irving scored 20 of his 29 points in the first half to lead the undermanned Brooklyn Nets to a 130-96 win over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday night.
Brooklyn, which entered the game having lost two straight and four of five, never trailed.
The Nets led 35-14 after the first quarter and 63-44 at halftime. Brooklyn’s 19point halftime lead was its biggest in about 10 months. In the Nets’ 139-120 win over San Antonio on March 6, they had a 21-point (75-54) halftime lead.
Irving was a prime factor in the Nets’ first-half attack, scoring 18 points in the first quarter and 20 by halftime. Irving’s 18 first-quarter points were the third-most scored by an player on any team in an opening quarter this season. His 20 first-half points marked the fifth time this season he had that many in an opening half.
Donovan Mitchell led Utah with a game-high 31 points. Jordan Clarkson added 12, and Rudy Gobert and Royce O’neale had 10 each for the Jazz, whose two-game winning steak was snapped.
As brilliant as he was individually, Irving had help from Jarrett Allen and Caris Levert.
Allen recorded his third double-double of the season with 19 points and 18 rebounds, and Levert had 24 points off the bench. Allen’s totals were season highs. Joe Harris chipped in 10 points.
LAKERS 94, GRIZZLIES 92
Anthony Davis and LeBron James each scored 26 points, rallying visiting Los Angeles past Memphis.
James added 11 rebounds and seven assists, and Dennis Schroder finished with 12 points for the Lakers.
Jonas Valanciunas, Dillon Brooks and Gorgui Dieng led the Grizzlies with 13 points apiece, and Brandon Clarke added 12 points. Valanciunas finished with11 rebounds.
On a poor shooting night for both teams, the Lakers were able to depend on James and Davis down the stretch. Los Angeles trailed
79-77 with five minutes left when the two big men combined for a 9-2 run for an 8681 lead. The final basket came on a dunk by Davis on an assist from James.
James and Davis combined for a run of 15 straight points late in the fourth to take the lead to 92-83 with 31.1 seconds left.
Memphis was able to put together some late baskets to make it close, but couldn’t overtake the Lakers, who won their fourth straight.
Los Angeles’ defense held the Grizzlies to 43.5 percent shooting in the first half, but the Lakers offense sputtered, shooting 41.3 percent. Memphis built a 10-point lead late in the second and held a 49-45 lead at the break.
NUGGETS 123 TIMBERWOLVES 116
Nikola Jokic scored 13 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter after losing his cool earlier in the game, and host Denver scrambled late for its 10th straight win over Minnesota.
Jokic shook off two second-quarter technical fouls — one for hanging on the rim and another for jawing at an official — to lead the Nuggets to the comeback victory. He also had 15 rebounds.
Will Barton added 20 points and reserve Jamychal Green had 17 for Denver, which squandered an 18-point lead in the first half and fell behind by eight. The Nuggets went on a 15-0 run in the fourth quarter to take control. Denver held Minnesota scoreless for more than five minutes during the decisive stretch.
D’angelo Russell scored 33 points in the fifth straight loss for the Timberwolves.
BULLS 111 TRAIL BLAZERS 108
Coby White had a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds and Otto Porter Jr. scored 19 as visiting Chicago stunned Portland.
CJ Mccollum led the Trail Blazers with 26 points, and Damian Lillard chipped in 24 points and nine assists.