Suns run winning streak to 10 games
Devin Booker scored 24 points, Deandre Ayton had 19 points and 13 rebounds and the Phoenix Suns ran their winning streak to 10 games, beating the Dallas Mavericks 105-98 on Wednesday in Phoenix.
Chris Paul drove to the basket and was about to fall out of bounds before finding Ayton for the dunk and a 100-96 lead with 1:27 left. Paul had seven assists in the fourth quarter and finished with 14.
Booker hit a long 3 with the shot-clock expiring with 50 seconds left to seal it. The Suns scored 37 points during a stellar fourth quarter.
NETS 109, CAVALIERS 99 >> James Harden scored 27 points, LaMarcus Aldridge had 24 and Kevin Durant 23 to help host Brooklyn beat short-handed Cleveland. Patty Mills added 21 points to give the Nets four 20-point scorers for the first time this season. Brooklyn improved to 11-5 with its eighth victory in 10 games. Ricky Rubio led Cleveland with 25 points. Cleveland played without center Jarrett Allen (illness), guard Collin Sexton (torn left meniscus), and forwards Evan Mobley (sprained right elbow), Lauri Markkanen (conditioning) and Lamar Stevens (sprained ankle).
HORNETS 97, WIZARDS 87 >> Terry Rozier scored 19 points, Miles Bridges added 17 and host Charlotte beat Washington for its fourth straight victory. Kelly Oubre Jr. had 14 points for Charlotte, which ended Washington’s fivegame win streak after it stopped Golden State’s run at seven Sunday. LaMelo Ball added 11 points and a career-high 14 assists.
HEAT 113, PELICANS 98 >>
Jimmy Butler had a tripledouble in his return from a sprained right ankle, finishing with 31 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in host Miami’s 113-98 victory. Butler missed the previous three games. Tyler Herro scored 17 of his 19 points in the second half for the Heat. Herro also hit three 3-pointers, including a mid-court pass intended for Butler that landed inside the rim.
HAWKS 110, CELTICS 99 >>
John Collins scored 20 points, Cam Reddish and Kevin Huerter had 19 apiece, and host Atlanta won its third straight game. The Hawks overcame a 34-point performance by Jayson Tatum.