Lillard holds off the Jazz for Portland win…
The Golden State Warriors used a 23-0 run in the first half to secure a comfortable home win over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday night as they improved to 38-8 for the season.
Stephen Curry had 23 points, nine assists and five rebounds in the win as the Warriors swept the regular season series with their neighbours for the second straight year.
Marreese Speights added 17 points and eight rebounds before fouling out, but the damage had already been done even though the game got physical and feisty at times.
Golden State coach Steve Kerr revealed that he loved how the team is able to share the scoring, and even though Klay Thompson was held to just 14 points, his teammates stepped up around him to ensure that they collected the win.
DeMarcus Cousins had 26 points and 11 rebounds while Rudy Gay added 20 for the Kings, but they were unable to build on the momentum of their win over Indiana on Saturday.
Elsewhere, Damian Lillard scored 25 and dished out six assists as the Portland Trail Blazers held off the Utah Jazz to secure a win with Robin Lopez returning from injury.
Lopez had missed the last 23 games with a fractured right hand, and his teammates were delighted to see him back on the court as they ended a three-game losing streak as well as losing five of their last six going into Tuesday.
Over in the East, the Boston Celtics collected a win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden despite 21 points from Carmelo Anthony.
Jared Sullinger led the stat line with 22 points, nine rebounds and six assists as the Celtics snapped a three game losing streak with Avery Bradley adding 26 points.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers picked up a shock win as they defeated the Denver Nuggets at home for just their 11th win of the season, while the Detroit Pistons were led by DJ Augustin (25 points, 13 assists) to overcome the Miami Heat and Chris Bosh who scored 34 points.
NBA Results
Denver Nuggets 98-105 Philadelphia 76ers
Miami Heat 91-108 Detroit Pistons
Boston Celtics 108-97 New York Knicks
Utah Jazz 102-103 Portland Trail Blazers
Golden State Warriors 121-96 Sacramento Kings
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