No magic for Lakers vs. Spurs
Kawhi Leonard scored 25 points and the San Antonio Spurs routed the Lakers, 119-98, yesterday in Los Angeles’ first home game since Magic Johnson took over the franchise’s basketball operations.
LaMarcus Aldridge had 16 points for the Spurs, who have won four straight and 9-of-11.
Pau Gasol added 15 points against his former team, and the Southwest Division leaders had little trouble with the Lakers, who have lost four straight and 15-of-19.
Five days after owner Jeanie Buss put Johnson in charge of basketball operations, the Lakers’ dismal season still hasn’t changed much, although new Lakers acquisitions Corey Brewer and Tyler Ennis got limited playing time.
Rookie Brandon Ingram scored a season-high 22 points as the Lakers fell to 19-41, ensuring their fourth consecutive non-winning season.
Thunder 118, Pelicans 110 — Russell Westbrook scored 41 points in his 29th triple-double of the season to help host Oklahoma City defeat New Orleans.
Westbrook had 21 points in the fourth quarter. He shot 7-for-19 from the field the first three quarters and was 7-for-10 in the fourth. He also had 11 rebounds and 11 assists in the 66th triple-double of his career.
Enes Kanter had 20 points and nine rebounds, and Steven Adams added 13 points and 10 boards for the Thunder, who won their third straight.
Jazz 102, Wizards 92 — Gordon Hayward scored 30 points, Rudy Gobert added 15 points and 20 rebounds, and visiting Utah dropped Washington for its third straight win.
Before the game, Gobert was fined $25,000 by the NBA for making physical contact with an official during Friday’s game against Milwaukee.
Raptors 112, Trail Blazers 106 — DeMar DeRozan scored 33 points, Serge Ibaka added 18 and host Toronto popped Portland.
The Raptors won their third in a row and wrapped up a second straight season sweep of the Blazers.
Damian Lillard scored 28 points for Portland, while Maurice Harkless added 18.
Bucks 100, Suns 96 — Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 28 points, Tony Snell made a clinching 3-pointer from the corner in the closing seconds and host Milwaukee held off Phoenix.
Michael Beasley added 17 points and Malcolm Brogdon had 15 as the Bucks swept the two-game season series with the Suns. Greg Monroe finished with 14 points and Snell had 13.
Grizzlies 105, Nuggets 98 — Mike Conley scored 31 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, and visiting Memphis topped Denver.
Zach Randolph finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds for Memphis, which snapped a two-game skid. Marc Gasol chipped in 23 points and found his mark from long range by hitting three 3-pointers.
Clippers 124, Hornets 121 — Blake Griffin’s 43 points and 10 rebounds helped host Los Angeles hold off Charlotte in overtime.
DeAndre Jordan added 20 points and 19 rebounds, and Chris Paul had 15 points and 17 assists for the Clippers.