Jordan downplays recent streaks
League: Magic did nothing wrong with Simmons comments
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Michael Jordan says James Harden’s streak of 30 straight 30-point games and Russell Westbrook’s 10 straight triple-doubles are both impressive and tough to accomplish.
But the Charlotte Hornets owner said Tuesday — flashing a big grin — that there is one accomplishment tougher than both those feats: “Which is harder from the player’s standpoint? Six championships by all means.”
Jordan praised both players for what they’re doing, noting that both streaks are hard to accomplish.
Jordan said the milestones show “the talent that we have within the league.”
“It shows progression in the league,” Jordan said during an interview at his Hornets facility while discussing the upcoming AllStar weekend . “I am very proud of how both guys have done because they are making a mark for the league and I think it really helps grow the league.”
Harden needed a late scoring spree on Monday night to extend his streak to 30 games, scoring 11 points in the final 100 seconds as the Rockets defeated the Dallas Mavericks 120-104. Harden, who is playing with a strained left shoulder, reached the 30-point mark by swishing a 30-foot pull-up jumper.
Westbrook finished with 21 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists to notch his 10th straight triple-double in the Thunder’s 120-111 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, breaking a tie with Wilt Chamberlain for the most consecutive triple doubles.
Both players will be in Charlotte this weekend for the All-Star game. JOHNSON-SIMMONS: The NBA says Los Angeles Lakers president Magic Johnson did not break any league tampering rules when he spoke about Philadelphia 76ers point guard Ben Simmons earlier this week.
The NBA’s relatively quick-moving investigation was initiated after it was revealed that Simmons wanted to meet with Johnson to talk about the art of being an elite point guard. Johnson complimented Simmons publicly on Sunday.
CELTICS 112, 76ERS
109: In Philadelphia, Gordon Hayward scored 26 points, including a goahead 3-pointer with 1:50 remaining, and Boston beat Philadelphia.
Al Horford had 23 points and Jayson Tatum scored 20 and grabbed 10 rebounds for the Celtics.
HAWKS 117, LAKERS 113: In Atlanta, Trae Young had 22 points and 14 assists and Atlanta beat Los Angeles.
The Hawks snapped a three-game losing streak despite a triple-double from LeBron James, who had 28 points, 16 assists and 11 rebounds. MAGIC 118, PELICANS
88: In New Orleans, Anthony Davis scored three points on 1-of-9 shooting, outplayed badly by big man Nikola Vucevic as Orlando beat listless New Orleans.
Davis played 24 minutes in his third game since his agent told New Orleans the All-Star wanted to be traded to a title-contending team and won’t sign an extension with the Pelicans. WARRIORS 115, JAZZ 108: In Oakland, Calif., Golden State rallied from a seven-point deficit in the final 9:37 to beat Utah. Kevin Durant led the Warriors with 28 points. SPURS 108, GRIZZLIES 107: In Memphis, Tenn., LaMarcus Aldridge scored 22 points, including San Antonio’s final seven, as the Spurs broke a four-game losing streak.