Kawhi Leonard scores 32 points, Clippers edge Timberwolves, 89-88
MINNEAPOLIS >> Kawhi Leonard had 32 points and the Los Angeles Clippers beat Minnesota in a physical and defensive game between two of the top four teams in the Western Conference.
Norman Powell matched a season-high with 24 points, and Paul George added 15 points, but shot just 5 of 16 from the field and was 3 of 11 from 3-point range.
The Clippers played without Russell Westbrook after he fractured his left hand in a home victory over Washington on Friday night. Ivica Zubac returned after missing two games with an illness.
Anthony Edwards scored 27 points for Minnesota. The Timberwolves lost back-to-back games for just the third time this season.
KNICKS 107, CAVALIERS 98 >>
Josh Hart had a tripledouble, Donte DiVincenzo scored 28 points and New York regrouped to beat Cleveland after losing All-Star guard Jalen Brunson in the first minute with a left knee injury.
Hart finished with 13 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists in helping the Knicks cope for one night without Brunson, their latest starter to get hurt.
Brunson was hurt on New York’s first possession. Coming off a screen on the left side, Brunson rose for a jump shot near the foul line when he appeared to feel pain on lift off. He shot an air ball and landed before stumbling and dropping to the floor near the 3-point line in obvious discomfort.
Sam Merrill and Jarrett Allen scored 18 apiece for the Cavs, who played without leading scorer Donovan Mitchell (sore knee) and top sub Caris LeVert (elbow). 76ERS 120, MAVERICKS 116>> Tobias Harris scored 28 points, Tyrese Maxey added 24 and Philadelphia beat Dallas Mavericks 120-116 on Sunday.
Kelly Oubre Jr. had 19 of his 21 points after the four-minute mark of the third quarter to help the 76ers win consecutive games for the second time in the 14 straight games Joel Embiid has missed. There is no timetable for the reigning MVP’s return after surgery on his left knee.
Luka Doncic had 38 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for Dallas his third consecutive triple-double. He also had seven of 17 turnovers for the sloppy Mavericks.
SPURS 117, PACERS 105>>
Victor Wembanyama had 31 points and 12 rebounds to lead San Antonio Spurs past Indiana.
Wembanyama added six blocks, six assists and a steal while going 3 for 4 on 3-pointers. Malaki Branham had 18 points, and Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson each had 17.
T.J. McConnell had 26 points for Indiana. The Pacers have lost three of four.
MAGIC 113, PISTONS 91 >>
Paolo Banchero scored 29 points for a second straight game and Orlando beat Detroit for a four-game season sweep.
At 35-26, the Magic surpassed last season’s victory total with 21 games left. Orlando has won 11 of 14 games.
Evan Fournier led Detroit with 17 points. The Pistons are 9-51.
RAPTORS 111, HORNETS 106 >>
Immanuel Quickley scored 22 points and matched his season high with 11 assists, RJ Barrett had 23 points and Toronto beat Charlotte,
Gary Trent Jr. added 17 points and Ochai Agbaji had 13 points and a career-high nine rebounds as the Raptors overcame the absence of All-Star Scottie Barnes after he broke his left middle finger Friday night.
Brandon Miller had 26 points and 10 rebounds for Charlotte.