LOOK AWAY FROM THE WRETCHED WARRIORS
Spurs overcome Harden’s 50 points, win in 2 OTs
As Golden State struggles, the NBA takes two of its games off the national television schedule.
NEW YORK — The Golden State Warriors are no longer must-see TV.
The NBA is taking two upcoming Golden State games off the national TV schedule, with the injury-riddled former dynasty now owning the worst record in the league.
Golden State was scheduled to play on ESPN against Utah on Dec. 13 and against Portland on Dec. 18. The league announced Tuesday that both games would be replaced.
The Warriors are playing without Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson because of injuries, after Kevin Durant left Golden State for Brooklyn in the summer, and are forced to use a number of unfamiliar players.
Golden State was one of the league’s biggest draws during its run to five straight NBA Finals but is currently 4-18.
Tuesday’s games
SPURS 135, ROCKETS 133 (2 OT): In San Antonio, Lonnie Walker IV had a career-high 28 points and San Antonio overcame James Harden’s 50 points by rallying from a late 10-point deficit to beat Houston.
Harden played a season-high 49 minutes coming off a 60-point outing Saturday over three quarters against Atlanta. He was whistled for two charges in the second overtime. The second came against DeRozan with 0.8 seconds remaining.
LAKERS 105, NUGGETS 96: In Denver, LeBron James had 25 points, nine assists and a crucial dunk off a miss late in the fourth quarter to lead Los Angeles past
Denver.
Anthony Davis shook off flu-like symptoms to score 25 points for the Lakers.
HEAT 121, RAPTORS 110 (OT): In Toronto, Jimmy Butler had 22 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists and Miami spoiled Kyle Lowry’s return to Toronto’s lineup.
Pascal Siakam had 15 points and 12 rebounds for Toronto, which missed all nine of its field goal attempts in OT.
MAVERICKS 118, PELICANS 97: In New Orleans, Luka Doncic scored 15 of his 33 points in the third quarter and grabbed 18 rebounds in just 28 minutes to power Dallas past the Pelicans.
The Mavericks have won eight of their last nine. CLIPPERS 117, TRAIL BLAZERS 97: In Los Angeles, Montrezl Harrell scored 26 points, Paul George added 25 and the Clippers pulled away to beat Portland.
Kawhi Leonard added 11 points in helping extend the Clippers’ franchise-best start at home to 13-1. PISTONS 127, CAVALIERS 94: In Cleveland, Blake Griffin scored 24 points, Andre Drummond had 17 points and 14 rebounds, and Detroit routed Cleveland to win consecutive games for the first time this season.
Griffin was 8 of 13 from the field, including 6 of 7 from deep. MAGIC 127, WIZARDS 120: In Washington, D.C., Evan Fournier scored 31 points, D.J. Augustin added 16 of his 24 in the fourth quarter and Orlando beat Washington.