Raptors make it six consecutive wins after defeating Knicks…
Anthony Davis produced another stellar performance as his 38 points fired the New Orleans Pelicans to a win over playoff rivals the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Kevin Durant sat out for the hosts with an ankle sprain which ultimately allowed Davis to steal the show as he ended the game 16-of-22 from the floor while he also grabbed 12 rebounds.
However, the 21-year-old insisted that he isn’t even thinking about following in Durant’s footsteps by being crowned MVP this year, but he is certainly honoured by being mentioned in the conversation.
Nevertheless, the most important part of the win for the Pelicans was that it moved them to 14-13 for the season to hold on to eighth place in the Western Conference as the Thunder slipped to 13-15.
Russell Westbrook scored 29 points for OKC while Reggie Jackson added 19 and Steven Adams had 12 points and 10 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to avoid a disappointing defeat.
The Phoenix Suns also took advantage of the Thunder’s loss by defeating the Washington Wizards in an impressive performance on the road.
The Wizards saw their six-game winning streak ended as Eric Bledsoe led the charge with 17 points, nine rebounds and three assists while Markieff Morris and Goran Dragic also played key roles for the Suns (15-14).
Elsewhere in the West, the Sacramento Kings ended a five-game losing streak with a win over the Los Angeles Lakers as DeMarcus Cousins returns to fitness and form.
The Kings center scored 29 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in a solid display, while Nick Young’s 26 points were ultimately in vain as the Lakers drop to 8-19.
Over in the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Raptors continue to lead the way after their win over the New York Knicks at the Air Canada Centre.
Kyle Lowry led his team with 22 points, four rebounds and nine assists while Lou Williams also added 22 points off the bench as the Raptors made it six straight wins, although all their wins have come against Eastern Conference teams with losing records.
Toronto leads the East at 22-6, but they will undoubtedly face tougher tests in their upcoming stretch which starts in Chicago against the Bulls on Monday.
Although they have brushed aside their recent opponents with relative ease, coach Dwane Casey will be keen to recover DeMar DeRozan sooner rather than later.
DeRozan’s return date is unknown after he suffered a torn tendon in his left groin, but Toronto have gone 9-3 in his absence and will hope to continue to find a way to win without him.
NBA Results
New York Knicks 108-118 Toronto Raptors
Memphis Grizzlies 91-105 Cleveland Cavaliers
Los Angeles Lakers 101-108 Sacramento Kings
Detroit Pistons 105-110 Brooklyn Nets
Boston Celtics 84-100 Miami Heat
Philadelphia 76ers 96-88 Orlando Magic
Phoenix Suns 104-92 Washington Wizards
Indiana Pacers 100-96 Minnesota Timberwolves
New Orleans Pelicans 101-99 Oklahoma City Thunder
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