Warriors see off the Rockets for third win over Western Conference rivals…
The Chicago Bulls were unable to slow down the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday night as the visitors claimed their 12th straight win to move to 33-8 for the season.
Kyle Korver drained seven 3-pointers while Al Horford put up 22 points and nine rebounds as the Eastern Conference leaders continue to dominate this season.
With their efficient offense and stingy defense, they are on course to coast towards the top seed in the East ahead of the post-season as they overcame one of their direct rivals on the road.
The Hawks have now won 26 of 28 since a 7-6 start to the year and have a system in place which allows various players touches and the opportunities to be effective with Paul Millsap (16 points) and Jeff Teague (17 points and 11 assists) also playing key roles.
For Chicago, their home woes continue despite 23 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds from Derrick Rose while Pau Gasol added 22 points and 15 rebounds. The Bull are now 27-15 for the season and have lost five of their last seven games.
“There were lapses. It seemed like we were down and chasing them the entire game,” Rose said. “I don’t know when we are going to learn, but we have to learn quickly.”
Over in the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets for the third time this season behind 27 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds from Stephen Curry.
Dwight Howard responded with 23 points and 10 rebounds, but Klay Thompson deserved a huge chunk of credit for the defense that he played on James Harden to limit him to just 11 points.
The Los Angeles Clippers were also victorious on Saturday night with Matt Barnes stepping up and posting 26 points and 10 rebounds in a comfortable road win over the Sacramento Kings.
Blake Griffin scored 30 points while Jason Thompson had 23 points and a career-high 22 rebounds for the Kings.
NBA Results
Indiana Pacers 71-80 Charlotte Hornets
Philadelphia 76ers 89-107 Detroit Pistons
Atlanta Hawks 107-99 Chicago Bulls
Golden State Warriors 131-106 Houston Rockets
Washington Wizards 99-90 Brooklyn Nets
Portland Trail Blazers 98-102 Memphis Grizzlies
Minnesota Timberwolves 113-105 Denver Nuggets
Los Angeles Clippers 117-108 Sacramento Kings
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