Brown, Celtics rout Spurs, but Hayward breaks hand
SAN ANTONIO — Jaylen Brown scored 30 points and the Boston Celtics routed the San Antonio Spurs 135-115 on Saturday in a victory that was tempered by the loss of Gordon Hayward, who broke his left hand late in the first half.
Kemba Walker add 26 points as Boston (7-1) won its seventh straight and set season highs for total points, first-quarter scoring (39 points) and firsthalf scoring (72).
There was a somberness to the victory, though, as Hayward suffered his second significant injury since signing with the Celtics three seasons ago.
The Boston forward broke his left hand after colliding with San Antonio’s LaMarcus Aldridge with just over a minute remaining in the first half. Hayward was sent for an X-ray that confirmed the diagnosis. He did not return to the game. The Celtics said Hayward will miss at least a month and he could undergo surgery, according to coach Brad Stevens.
“Going to get with the doctors tomorrow and decide if he needs to do surgery or not,” Stevens said. “Sounds like should he decide that the surgery option (is best, it) might actually be a better timeline. So, we’ll see what that all plays out to be.”
DeMar DeRozan had 22 points for the Spurs (5-4), who trailed by as many as 22.
Boston has not lost since dropping its season opener to Philadelphia 107-93 on Oct. 23. The Celtics have outscored their opponents 115-101 since that opening loss and continued that dominance against the Spurs.
Boston sped up its pace and went on a 19-3 run after giving up the game’s first seven points. Every Celtics starter scored during the run, including seven straight points from Brown to ignite the rally.
The Bulls were a woeful 4-for-32 shooting from 3-point range.
MAVERICKS 138 GRIZZLIES 122
Luka Doncic fell just short of a triple-double with 24 points, 14 rebounds and eight assists to lead visiting Dallas past Memphis Grizzlies.
Doncic recorded his stats in three quarters as Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle sat the secondyear guard while Dallas maintained a double-digit lead in the final period.
THUNDER 114 WARRIORS 108
Danilo Gallinari scored 19 points, Dennis Schroder added 18, and host Oklahoma City beat short-handed Golden State.
Chris Paul had 16 points and nine assists, Steven Adams scored 13 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 12 to help the Thunder beat the Warriors for the second time this season.
PELICANS 115, HORNETS 110
Brandon Ingram had 25 points and nine rebounds, and New Orleans overcame 26 turnovers to beat host Charlotte and snap a three-game losing streak. JJ Redick had 22 points on five 3-pointers for the Pelicans.