Knicks stun Raptors at MSG with Lowry rested…
The San Antonio Spurs continue to build their confidence as a comprehensive win over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night ensured they won consecutive games to end their rodeo trip.
Kawhi Leonard had 22 points and 10 rebounds as the Spurs dominated from the first quarter and held the Suns to a franchise-worst half as they scored just 24 points through the first two periods.
Danny Green, Boris Diaw and Aron Baynes all added 12 points apiece for the visitors as they made it back-to-back wins to end their gruelling rodeo trip, with the 27-point margin matching Phoenix’s biggest loss of the season so far.
Tim Duncan insisted after the game that the team are getting their confidence back, and they will need it down the stretch of the regular season if they are to claw their way back and move up a few spots in a highly competitive Western Conference.
Over in the East, the Brooklyn Nets shocked the Dallas Mavericks with Deron Williams leading the visitors with 25 points and six rebounds.
Thaddeau Young added 16 points and eight rebounds off the bench as the Mavs suffered a disappointing loss which leaves them in sixth spot in the West.
Coach Rick Carlisle was missing several players through injury, but Dirk Nowitzki’s 20 points weren’t enough to keep the Nets at bay.
Elsewhere, the New York Knicks stunned the Toronto Raptors at Madison Square Garden, with Tim Hardaway Jr scoring 22 points to secure a second straight win after an eight-game losing streak.
The loss was a season-high fifth straight for Toronto, as they opted to rest Kyle Lowry who has been struggling recently.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks were also winners on Saturday night as Paul Millsap’s 22 points were key in seeing off the Miami Heat as coach Mike Budenholzer rested four key players.
Al Horford, Pero Antic, DeMarre Carroll and Jeff Teague were all given the night off, with Dennis Schroder adding 16 points and 10 assists as the Hawks held off Dwyane Wade (22 points) and Hassan Whiteside (14 points, 24 rebounds) for the win.
NBA Results
Detroit Pistons 95-99 Washington Wizards
Atlanta Hawks 93-91 Miami Heat
Toronto Raptors 98-103 New York Knicks
Memphis Grizzlies 101-97 Minnesota Timberwolves
Brooklyn Nets 104-94 Dallas Mavericks
San Antonio Spurs 101-74 Phoenix Suns
Milwaukee Bucks 75-82 Utah Jazz
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