Chandler leads Nuggets past Cavs
Wilson Chandler scored 18 points in his return from a pulled groin and provided stellar defense on LeBron James in the Denver Nuggets’ 126113 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night.
The host Nuggets bounced back from consecutive close losses to Houston to increase their lead to 1 ⁄ 2gamesoveridle Portland in the race for the final playoff spot in the West — and a potential first-round playoff date with the Warriors.
Kyrie Irving led the Cavs with 33 points, but James had just 18.
Thunder 122, 76ers 97: Russell Westbrook recorded his 35th triple-double of the season as host Oklahoma City cruised. He became the first player to be perfect from both the floor and the free-throw line in a triple-double, according to ESPN. It was also the first time Westbrook has been perfect from the field in his career, though he didn’t attempt a three-pointer and his six fieldgoal attempts tied a career low in games in which he has played more than 20 minutes. He scored 18 points, with 11 rebounds and 14 assists, in 27 minutes and needs six tripledoubles in the final 11 games to tie Oscar Robertson’s singleseason record.
Celtics 109, Pacers 100: Isaiah Thomas scored 25 points and Avery Bradley had 18 with eight rebounds as host Boston won its fifth in six games. Paul George led the Pacers with 37 points.
Bucks 116, Kings 98: Giannis Antetokounmpo had 32 points, 13 rebounds and six assists for Milwaukee, moving the visiting Bucks into a tie with Indiana for the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race. The Bucks have won 10 of 12 games.
Jazz 108, Knicks 101: Rudy Gobert scored a career-high 35 points and grabbed 13 rebounds as host Utah snapped a threegame losing streak. The 7-foot-1 Frenchman scored off pickand-rolls, offensive-rebound put-backs and even went fullcourt for a dunk after a steal, finishing 13-for-14 from the floor.
Bulls 117, Pistons 95: Nikola Mirotic scored a season-high 28 points for host Chicago, which was missing Robin Lopez, who was suspended for fighting in a game Tuesday. The Bulls honored late general manager Jerry Krause, who died Tuesday, with a moment of silence before the game.
Wizards 104, Hawks 100: Bradley Beal scored 28 points and John Wall added all 22 of his in the second half for host Washington. Atlanta lost its fifth straight.
Hornets 109, Magic 102: Kemba Walker scored 22 points for visiting Charlotte.
Briefly: NBA rebounding leader Hassan Whiteside is listed as probable for Miami’s game against Toronto on Thursday, despite a laceration on his right hand that needed 13 stitches to repair . ... The 76ers say center Joel Embiid, out since Jan. 27, will undergo surgery on a torn meniscus in his left knee.