LeBron gets 36 in 3-point barrage, Lakers rout Spurs
LOS ANGELES — LeBron James scored 19 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter while hitting five 3-pointers in an incredible three-minute span, propelling the Los Angeles Lakers to a 129-102 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night.
James added nine assists and seven rebounds, and he hit five of his six 3s in that decisive barrage. Anthony Davis and Kyle Kuzma had 18 points apiece as the Lakers beat San Antonio for the third time this season, sweeping the season series.
After the Spurs chipped into the Lakers’ big lead late in the third quarter, James and Kuzma put the game away with a combined seven 3-pointers in 3½ minutes to start the fourth. James’ final 3 was a beauty while absorbing contact, earning him a standing ovation from the Staples Center crowd.
Kuzma, the subject of numerous trade rumors with the deadline approaching, added 12 rebounds in one of his most impressive recent performances.
DeMar DeRozan had 28 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in his hometown for the Spurs, who have lost five of seven.
ROCKETS 125, HORNETS 110
In Houston, James Harden has regained his shooting touch and that’s helped the Rockets go on a winning streak despite injuries to other starters.
Harden had 40 points and 11 assists, and the short-handed Rockets overcame an early deficit to beat the Charlotte Hornets.
Houston won its third straight, handing Charlotte its fourth consecutive loss and 12th in 13 games.
BUCKS 120, PELICANS 108
In New Orleans, Giannis Antetokounmpo had the strength and savvy to outshine rookie sensation Zion Williamson in the latest double-digit triumph for the NBA-leading
Milwaukee Bucks.
Antetokounmpo had 34 points and 17 rebounds, and the Bucks defeated New Orleans.
The Pelicans struggled to slow Antetokounmpo, as have many teams this season — especially recently. The Greek star now has at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in each of his past four games.
NUGGETS 127, TRAIL BLAZERS 99
In Denver, the combination of Gary Harris and Torrey Craig was too much for Damian Lillard and the Trail Blazers to overcome.
Not on offense, but defense. Harris and Craig hounded the hot-shooting Lillard all evening and never let him get on track as the Denver Nuggets routed Portland.