Hawks’ coach 8th now in protocols

Another G League referee was called up by the NBA to work a game on Saturday and another head coach entered the league’s health and safety protocols, on a day where the number of players on the list dropped considerably.

Ref Sha’Rae Mitchell was assigned the San AntonioDetroit game. She becomes the fourth G League referee called up in a span of two days — three others worked games on Friday.

But there were signs that the league may be starting a return to normalcy. By Saturday evening, the number of players in the protocols had dropped back below the 100 mark after rising to around 125 earlier in the week.

A significant number of head coaches, however, remain unable to be at games: Atlanta’s Nate McMillan went into the protocols Saturday, the eighth head coach currently on that list and the 11th to deal with a virus-related issue already this season.

Los Angeles Lakers coach Frank Vogel rejoined his team Friday after a six-game absence.

The Hawks took six of what had been their league-high 12 players in protocols off the list Saturday, including Kevin Huerter and Danilo Gallinari. Among the big names coming off the list Saturday: Dallas’ Luka Doncic, who hasn’t played since Dec. 10. Doncic is in line now to return Sunday against Oklahoma City.

The Thunder placed their leading scorer, Shai GilgeousAlexander, on the protocols list Saturday.

Saturday’s games

Bucks 136, Pelicans 113: Giannis Antetokounmpo had 35 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists and host Milwaukee won its sixth straight.

Bulls 120, Wizards 119: DeMar DeRozan hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the second straight night to give visiting Chicago a win over Washington, the Bulls’ seventh in a row.

Pistons 117, Spurs 116: Saddiq Bey hit a 3-pointer with 1.9 seconds left in overtime and finished with 21 points, as host Detroit edged San Antonio.

Clippers 120, Nets 116: Eric Bledsoe scored a season-high 27 points and shorthanded Los Angeles, playing on the second night of a back-to-back, rallied to beat host Brooklyn.

Nuggets 124, Rockets 111: Facundo Campazzo had 22 points, 4 rebounds and 12 assists for visiting Denver.