Irving leads Celtics towin over Wizards

Kyrie Irving scored 12 of Boston’s last 17 points and finished with 28 to help the Celtics remain in sole possession of the Eastern Conference lead with a 110-104 overtime victory over the Washington Wizards on Thursday night.

Jaylen Brown added five of his 18 points in overtime for Boston. The Celtics have won five of six, and remained a game ahead of Toronto in the race for the East’s top playoff seed after the Raptors win over New York earlier

Thursday. LAKERS 106, THUNDER 81 » Kentavious Caldwell-Pope scored 20 points to help defeat short-handed Oklahoma City. Los Angeles is 12-5 in its last 17 games, including four consecutive wins. Paul George scored 29 points for the Thunder, who played without Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony as each was hampered by a sprained ankle.

MAGIC100, HAWKS98 » Evan Fournier scored 22 points, D. J. Augustin added 16 points and nine assists, and Orlando held on to beat Atlanta.

TRAIL BLAZERS 109, HORNETS103 » Jusuf Nurkic had 24 points and 14 rebounds, and Portland held on in overtime after a winless threegame trip.

SURGERY FOR SETH CURRY » Dallas Mavericks guard Seth Curry has undergone seasonending surgery for a stress fracture in his lower left leg and is expected to resume full activities within three months.

Curry, the younger brother of Stephen Curry, hasn’t played this season because of the injury. The 27-year-old will be an unrestricted free agent this summer.

ALL- STAR REPLACEMENT » Charlotte guard Kemba Walker has been picked to replace the injured Kristaps Porzingis in the All- Star Game. Walker will make his second straight All-Star Game appearance.

Detroit All- Star center Andre Drummond will replace Porzingis, the defending champion, in the Skills Challenge.