Celtics bury Hornets in 11th straight win
BOSTON – Jayson Tatum and Shane Larkin each had 16 points and the Boston Celtics overcame an injury to Kyrie Irving to beat the Charlotte Hornets 90-87 on Friday night for their 11th straight victory.
Terry Rozier had 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists, playing an increased role after Irving left in the first quarter after taking an elbow to the face. Jaylen Brown added 10 points and 13 rebounds.
Celtics center Aron Baynes’ elbow inadvertently struck Irving when Baynes was landing after a rebound attempt. Irving was bleeding from the nose as he was escorted back to the locker room. Irving was ruled out for the rest of the game while he was monitored for possible concussion symptoms.
Kemba Walker led the Hornets with 20 points and 11 assists.
In Oklahoma, Paul George scored 42 points and Oklahoma City beat Los Angeles, 120-111, to snap a four-game losing streak.
It was George’s highest points total since joining the Thunder in an offseason trade. He made 13 of 22 shots and had nine rebounds and seven assists.
Russell Westbrook had 22 points and eight assists and Carmelo Anthony and Alex Abrines each scored 14 points in the Thunder’s highest-scoring game of the season.
Lou Williams scored 35 points for the Clippers, and Blake Griffin had 17 points.
In other NBA games, it was Milwaukee 94, San Antonio 87; Magic 128, Suns 112; Pacers 105, Bulls 87; Nets 101, Trail Blazers 97; Heat 84, Jazz 74; Detroit 111, Atlanta 104.