Nets make playoffs to end four-year drought
Avoid losing record for first time since 2014-15
D’angelo Russell scored 20 points and Joe Harris added 19 on Sunday, leading the Brooklyn Nets to a 108-96 victory over the Indiana Pacers and back into the NBA playoffs for the first time in four years.
The Nets moved into position to clinch when Miami lost in overtime at Toronto earlier in the day. It’s also the first time since 2014-15 the Nets have not posted a losing record. Magic 116, celtics 108: Terrence Ross had 26 points, Nikola Vucevic added 25 points and 12 rebounds and Orlando clinched its first playoff berth in seven years. Even with the loss, the Celtics clinched at least the fourth seed and home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs when Brooklyn beat Indiana. Kyrie Irving had 23 points for Boston. Knicks 113, Wizards 110: Mario Hezonja scored a career-high 30 points and made the go-ahead 3-pointer with 44 seconds left.
Bucks 115, Hawks 107: Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 30 points for the Bucks, who have 60 wins in a season for the first time since 1981. The Bucks, who have clinched the best record in the Eastern Conference, led from the outset as the Hawks rested leading scorers John Collins and Trae Young. Alex Len had a careerhigh 33 points for Atlanta, including six 3-pointers. Shenendehowa graduate Kevin Huerter had nine points, six assists and four rebounds for Atlanta. rockets 149, suns 113: James Harden scored 30 points in just three quarters as Houston broke their NBA record by making 27 3-pointers in a win over Phoenix. Jamal Crawford had 27 points off the bench for the Suns. Glens Falls native Jimmer Fredette played five minutes and missed his only shot for the Suns, a 3-pointer. He had a rebound and an assist.
Mavericks 129, Grizzlies 127 (OT): Salah Mejri scored a career-high 19 points, including the tying basket in regulation and the first seven points of overtime to lead Dallas. Delon Wright had his second consecutive triple-double with 20 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists for the Grizzlies. Thunder 132, Timberwolves 126: Russell Westbrook had 27 points, 10 rebounds and 15 assists to help Oklahoma City remain a half-game ahead of San Antonio for seventh place in the Western Conference. Karl-anthony Towns led Minnesota with 35 points. spurs 112, cavaliers 90: Lamarcus Aldridge had 18 points and 13 rebounds for San Antonio. raptors 117, Heat 109 (OT): Pascal Siakam had 23 points and 10 rebounds, Norman Powell added 23 points and Toronto further dented Miami’s fading playoff hopes.
Hornets 104, Pistons 91: Kemba Walker scored 20 of his 31 points in the first half to help Charlotte cling to its chances of rallying for a playoff spot in the East. Warriors 131, clippers 104: Stephen Curry’s 27 points led Golden State. Pelicans 133, Kings 129: Ian Clark scored 31 points with a career-best seven 3-pointers for New Orleans.
Trail Blazers 115. Nuggets 108: Damian Lillard’s 30 points led Portland. Lakers 113, Jazz 109: Kentavious Caldwell-pope led the way for Los Angeles with 32 points, six rebounds and six assists.