All-rookie lineup falls short for Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers started five rookies Saturday against reigning NBA champion Denver, only the second time that has happened since starters were first tracked on NBA box scores more than 50 years ago.

And it almost worked out, as the Nuggets won 114-111.

Scoot Henderson (22 points), the No. 3 pick in the draft, was in the lineup along with Duop Reath (24), Kris Murray (11), Toumani Camara (16) and Rayan Rupert (3).

That was the first time an NBA team sent out five rookies to start since the Warriors on April 26, 2012, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. Klay Thompson started that night against San Antonio along with Charles Jenkins, Chris Wright, Jeremy Tyler and Mickell Gladness in their final game of that lockout-shortened season.

Starters were first tracked on NBA box scores in the 1971-72 season. KNICKS 105, NETS 93 >> Donte DiVincenzo scored 31 points, Miles McBride had 26 and New York beat Brooklyn. Jalen Brunson and Isaiah Hartenstein each had 17 points in New York's fifth win in six games.

KINGS 109, MAGIC 107 >> De'Aaron Fox hit tying and go-ahead free throws with 21.2 seconds left and finished with 31 points, and Keon Ellis added another free throw in the final seconds as Sacramento beat Orlando.

SUNS 131, SPURS 106 >> Devin Booker scored 32 points before sitting out the fourth quarter and Phoenix steamrolled San Antonio. Kevin Durant added 25 points for Phoenix, which never trailed and led by as many as 32.

CELTICS 124, BULLS 113 >> Jayson Tatum scored 26 points, Sam Hauser and Al Horford added 23 apiece, and NBA-leading Boston won its ninth straight.

HAWKS 132, HORNETS 91 >> Dejounte Murray made a season-high seven 3-pointers while scoring 28 points and Atlanta beat Charlotte to strengthen its hold on the final spot in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament.