Resurgent Hawks sail by Hornets
Dwight Howard had 19 points and 12 rebounds as the surging Hawks won their fourth straight game, routing the listless Charlotte Hornets, 103-76, last night in Atlanta to wrap up the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Hawks will face the Washington Wizards in the opening round of the playoffs.
A week ago, Atlanta’s playoff hopes were in jeopardy after a dismal stretch that included two losses to Brooklyn, the worst team in the NBA. Then, in a sudden turnaround that epitomized the team’s maddening inconsistency this season, the Hawks knocked off the East-leading Celtics and recorded two straight stunning victories over the defending NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers, including Sunday’s comeback from a 26-point deficit.
This one was never in doubt. Charlotte played its regular-season finale already eliminated from the playoffs and without its best player, Kemba Walker.
It showed. Atlanta raced out to a 63-44 lead by halftime, shooting 71 percent (24 of 34) over the first two quarters.
All 13 players scored for the Hawks, who were able to rest their starters in the second half.
Thunder 100, Timberwolves 98 — In Minneapolis, Victor Oladipo scored 20 points and hit a jumper with 6.3 seconds to play to lift Russell Westbrook-less Oklahoma City past Minnesota.
With Westbrook resting for the first time this season, Oladipo also had nine rebounds and six assists, and the Thunder outrebounded Minnesota 54-35. Starters Taj Gibson and Andre Roberson also sat out as the Thunder prepare for a first-round series against Houston.
Karl-Anthony Towns had 26 points and 12 rebounds, while Andrew Wiggins overcame a 1-for-11 start to finish with 18 points for the Minnesota.
Nuggets 109, Mavericks 91 — Gary Harris scored 20 points and Denver beat host Dallas, which honored retiring Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo as a ceremonial player.
Romo had the crowd on its feet in the final minute hoping to play, but he wasn’t on the roster or under contract.
Lakers 108, Pelicans 96 — Metta World Peace scored a team-leading 18 points during what might have been his final home game for host Los Angeles, which extended its lateseason winning streak to five games by beating New Orleans.
World Peace made his 840th career NBA start and hit four 3-pointers while scoring all of his points in the second half, thrilling his younger teammates and setting off chants of his name from the Staples Center crowd.
Kings 129, Suns 104 — Buddy Hield scored a careerhigh 30 points and Ty Lawson had his first career tripledouble, getting 22 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds as host Sacramento beat Phoenix.
Elsewhere in the NBA — LeBron James will sit out Cleveland’s regular-season finale tonight in Toronto, resting a strained right calf in preparation for the playoffs. James did not play in Monday’s loss at Miami. The Cavaliers prioritized health and rest over getting the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics are one game ahead.
Also, a source said the Cavaliers will sign free agent swingman Dahntay Jones for the postseason. Jones helped the Cavs win a title last year, was released in October and hasn’t played this season.