NBA roundup: Grizzles set NBA mark with 73-point winning margin
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 27 points to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a franchise record for points and the biggest winning margin in NBA history, 152-79 over the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday.
The previous NBA record for largest margin of victory was 68, by the Cleveland Cavaliers over the Miami Heat on Dec. 17, 1991. Memphis’ previous record for points was 144, set in January 2007 against the Golden State Warriors.
The Grizzlies, who had nine players score in double figures, stretched their winning streak to three. They managed the record blowout despite the absence of their leading scorer, Ja Morant, who is sidelined due to a knee injury.
The Thunder have lost eight in a row and 10 of their past 11. Luguentz Dort scored a team-high 15 points for Oklahoma City, which was without leading scorer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (concussion protocol).
Suns 114, Pistons 103
Cameron Johnson and Cameron Payne had 19 points and six rebounds apiece and host Phoenix set a franchise record with its 18th consecutive victory by defeating Detroit.
Mikal Bridges supplied 18 points for the Suns, while Deandre Ayton contributed 17 points and 12 rebounds and Chris Paul added 12 points and 12 assists. The Suns didn’t have top scorer Devin Booker, who injured his hamstring during the team’s record-tying victory over Golden State on Tuesday.
Jerami Grant’s 34 points led the Pistons, who have lost eight straight. Cade Cunningham had 19 points and five assists and Isaiah Stewart added 12 points and 14 rebounds.
Raptors 97, Bucks 93
Fred VanVleet scored 26 of his 29 points in the second half and Toronto ended visiting Milwaukee’s eight-game winning streak.
The Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo (sore calf). DeMarcus Cousins (rest) also did not play after making his Bucks debut on Wednesday. Jrue Holiday led Milwaukee with 26 points, and Khris Middleton added 22.
Pascal Siakam added 20 points before fouling out in the fourth quarter for the Raptors, who ended a five-game home losing streak. Toronto was without OG Anunoby (hip pointer) and Khem Birch (knee).