The Golden State Warriors improved their record to 62-13 for the season as Harrison Barnes sealed a last-gasp win over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night.
Barnes received the inbounds pass and got himself to the basket to get the lay-up off and with a friendly bounce it dropped to give the Warriors the lead with 0.4 seconds remaining.
It was another thrilling night for the Western Conference leaders who had 28 points, eight rebounds and five assists from point guard and MVP favourite Stephen Curry to lead the way, while Klay Thompson added 16.
As for the Suns, all five starters ended the game in double scoring figures with Eric Bledsoe taking the lead with 18 points and 11 assists.
However, it wasn’t enough for the visitors to conquer the Oracle Arena, as they slipped to being four-and-a-half games adrift of the Oklahoma City Thunder for the eighth and final playoff spot.
Elsewhere, the Cleveland Cavaliers sealed a comprehensive win over the Miami Heat, although the visitors will arguably be more relieved that Dwyane Wade’s knee injury is nothing serious.
Wade bruised his knee in the first half but didn’t suffer any real damage as LeBron James and Kyrie Irving each scored 23 points to give the Cavs the win.
The three-time NBA champion will receive further treatment on Friday, but initial tests didn’t reveal any ligament or structural damage and so he will need to rest it before returning to the court.
Meanwhile, James Harden put up 24 points as the Houston Rockets rallied to defeat the Dallas Mavericks as they moved to 52-24 for the season and a half-game ahead of the Memphis Grizzlies for the No.2 seed in the West.
Dirk Nowitzki led Dallas with 21 points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Mavs from falling to a loss which leaves them likely to finish in seventh spot.
NBA Results
Miami Heat 88-114 Cleveland Cavaliers
Houston Rockets 108-101 Dallas Mavericks
Phoenix Suns 106-107 Golden State Warriors
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