NBA game roundup: Rockets upend Grizzlies in OT

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The new-look Houston Rockets defeated Memphis 117-111 in overtime on Friday night at FedExForum to take the Southwest Division lead from the Grizzlies as guard James Harden scored 32 points and just missed a triple-double. Houston (21-7) also got 21 points and eight rebounds from forward Josh Smith after signing him to […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Mavs break losing streak, top Lakers

DALLAS — Dirk Nowitzki reached another milestone and the Dallas Mavericks avoided their first three-game losing streak of the season by outlasting the Los Angeles Lakers 102-98 Friday night at American Airlines Center. The Mavericks (21-10) not only took advantage of the Lakers playing on the second night of the back-to-back, but the visitors were […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Blazers dominate 76ers with 3-pointer as primary weapon

PORTLAND — Without three key frontcourt players — LaMarcus Aldridge, Robin Lopez and Chris Kaman — the Portland Trail Blazers backed up behind the 3-point line and fired away without a second thought Friday. The Blazers matched a franchise record with 43 attempts from beyond the arc and made a season-high 18, outscoring Philadelphia by […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Morris brothers lead Suns past Kings

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — When the Phoenix Suns are at their best, it’s difficult to decipher one standout from the rest. That applied even more so Saturday, when two players nearly impossible to tell apart helped the Suns run their winning streak to five straight games. Identical twin brothers Marcus Morris and Markieff Morris combined for […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Faried breaks out of funk, leads Nuggets to win

DENVER — Kenneth Faried was struggling and a little confused with his role two weeks ago. A heart-to-heart with coach Brian Shaw has turned things around. The Minnesota Timberwolves discovered as much Friday night. Faried had a career-high 25 rebounds to go with a season-high 26 points, and the Denver Nuggets rallied to beat the […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Wizards, Wall control Knicks

NEW YORK — Having point guard John Wall help re-establish their quick pace was an area of high importance for the Washington Wizards. Keeping their composure down the stretch also proved equally significant. Wall totaled 24 points and 11 assists but also engaged in a shoving match with New York Knicks forward Quincy Acy with […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Westbrook scores 34 as Thunder topple Spurs

SAN ANTONIO — Sometimes when the Oklahoma City Thunder lose, point guard Russell Westbrook gets ripped for shooting too much, for not passing the ball to Kevin Durant, for playing too recklessly. Durant didn’t play Thursday, and Westbrook’s approach worked well for the Thunder. Moving from end to end with the acceleration of a Porsche, […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Back in Miami, James still won’t thank Heat fans

MIAMI — Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James still loves his former Heat teammates, but he declined the opportunity to thank the Miami fans who cheered for him during four consecutive runs to the NBA Finals. Those were among the highlights from a six-minute interview James granted the media just before his first game back against […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Wade, Heat wreck James’ Miami homecoming

MIAMI — LeBron James said he felt butterflies before facing his former team Thursday night. After the game, all he felt was disappointment. Guard Dwyane Wade scored 31 points, and forward Luol Deng added 25 points, eight rebounds and eight assists as the Miami Heat spoiled James’ homecoming, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 101-91 at AmericanAirlines […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021