San Antonio Express-News (Sunday)
Harden shines in Nets debut
NEW YORK — James Harden delivered 32 points and a triple-double in his Brooklyn debut, Kevin Durant scored a season-high 42 points in his first game back with his former teammate, and the Nets showed off their potent potential in a 122-115 victory over the Orlando Magic on Saturday night.
Harden had 14 assists and 12 rebounds after being cleared to play earlier in the afternoon after all the players in the blockbuster trade that brought him from Houston had completed their physicals. Harden also had nine turnovers.
Nikola Vucevic had 34 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists for the shorthanded Magic, who lost their fifth straight.
GRIZZLIES 106, 76ERS 104
Ja Morant scored 17 points in his return after
missing eight games because of a left ankle injury, helping host Memphiswin. Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey missed a three at the buzzer.
PISTONS 120, HEAT 100
Jerami Grant scored 24 points, Derrick Rose had
23 off the bench and Detroit — the team with the NBA’s worst record — came into Miami and sent the reigning Eastern Conference champions to a third consecutive loss.
Blake Griffin scored 15 points for Detroit, which outscored Miami 38-19 in the third quarter to turn a four-point halftime deficit into a game fully under Pistons control. It was the biggest margin the Pistons outscored an opponent by in their last 331 quarters, going back to April 9, 2019.
RAPTORS 116 HORNETS 113
Chris Boucher, Kyle Lowry and Fred Van Fleet converted eight straight free throws in the final two minutes, helping Toronto beat Charlotte for its first winning streak. Gordon Heyward scored 25 points for the Hornets.
TRAIL BLAZERS 112 HAWKS 106
Damian Lilliard scored 36 points with seven rebounds and seven assists as host Portland mounted a comeback by outscoring Atlanta 57-40 in the second half.