Celtics clinch playoff berth; Curry hurts ankle in victory

MINNEAPOLIS — Kyrie Irving returned from a one-game absence to help Boston fend off Minnesota, finishing with 23 points, seven rebounds and eight assists to pace the Celtics in a 117-109 victory over the Timberwolves on Thursday night, clinching a playoff berth.

Al Horford added 20 points, eight rebounds, six assists and tough defense on Karl-Anthony Towns for the Celtics, who stayed two games behind Toronto in the Eastern Conference race with their sixth win in seven games. Boston has three more losses than the Raptors.

WARRIORS 110 SPURS 107

Kevin Durant had 37 points and 11 rebounds as host Golden State topped San Antonio despite Stephen Curry tweaking his right ankle and leaving the game in the first quarter.

THUNDER 115, SUNS 87

Russell Westbrook had 27 points, eight rebounds and nine assists to help Oklahoma City rout visiting Phoenix.

Paul George added 21 points, Corey Brewer had 17, Steven Adams 16, and Carmelo Anthony 11. Brewer replaced Josh Huestis in the starting lineup and responded with a 6-for-11 performance from the floor.

HEAT 108, 76ERS 99

Hassan Whiteside scored 26 points, Dwyane Wade added 16, and Miami moved a step closer to the playoffs by beating visiting Philadelphia.

NETS 125, HORNETS 111

Allen Crabbe made his first six 3-point attempts and finished with 29 points and eight rebounds, helping visiting Brooklyn beat Charlotte to snap a four-game skid.