NBA roundup: Clippers dominate Bucks, Timberwolves shine

James Harden delivered a standout performance, scoring 17 of his 40 points in the third quarter, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a commanding win over the Milwaukee Bucks in Inglewood, California. Norman Powell added 33 points, while Kawhi Leonard contributed 18 points in 24 minutes, marking his season high in games played.

The Clippers' decisive 14-0 fourth-quarter run turned a 100-98 deficit into a 112-100 lead, with Harden closing the run with six points. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 36 points and 13 rebounds, while Damian Lillard tallied his fifth career triple-double (29 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists). Despite their efforts, the Bucks' five-game winning streak came to an end.

Pacers Triumph Over Spurs in Paris
Tyrese Haliburton dominated with 28 points, sparking a crucial third-quarter surge to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 136-98 win over the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Paris Games finale. Pascal Siakam added 23 points and 11 rebounds for the Pacers, who split the series after a 140-110 loss in the opener.

Victor Wembanyama, a Paris native, impressed for the Spurs with 20 points and 12 rebounds, but San Antonio dropped its fourth game in five outings.

Timberwolves Cruise Past Nuggets
Anthony Edwards starred with 34 points and nine assists as the Minnesota Timberwolves overwhelmed the Denver Nuggets in a 133-104 victory. Seven Timberwolves scored in double figures, including Julius Randle (21 points) and Rudy Gobert, who added a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds.

Denver's Jamal Murray led his team with 25 points, but Nikola Jokic fell short of a sixth consecutive triple-double, contributing 20 points, three rebounds, and 11 assists.

Celtics Down Mavericks
Jayson Tatum and Derrick White led the Boston Celtics with 24 and 23 points, respectively, as they powered past the Dallas Mavericks 122-107. Boston hit 20 three-pointers, with all five starters scoring at least 17 points.

Kyrie Irving tallied 22 points for the Mavericks, who have now lost six of their last eight games.

Knicks Extend Winning Streak Against Kings
OG Anunoby scored 33 points to propel the New York Knicks to a 143-120 win over the Sacramento Kings. Jalen Brunson recorded a double-double with 25 points and 11 assists, while Josh Hart added an impressive 20 points, 18 rebounds, and 11 assists.

The Kings' Malik Monk led all scorers with 31 points, but Sacramento suffered its second consecutive loss.

76ers Overcome Bulls
Tyrese Maxey’s 31 points and nine assists helped the Philadelphia 76ers secure a 109-97 road win against the Chicago Bulls. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 22 points and 12 rebounds as the 76ers earned their second consecutive win after snapping a seven-game skid.

Chicago’s Zach LaVine contributed 25 points and eight rebounds, but the Bulls committed 20 costly turnovers.

Lakers Dominate Warriors Again
Anthony Davis (36 points, 13 rebounds) and LeBron James (25 points, 12 assists) powered the Los Angeles Lakers to a 118-108 win over the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco. Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with 20 points, while Stephen Curry struggled, finishing with 13 points on 2-of-8 shooting in the second half.

Magic Snap Losing Streak Against Pistons
Franz Wagner erupted for 32 points, including 25 in the fourth quarter, as the Orlando Magic rallied past the Detroit Pistons 121-113. Paolo Banchero also scored 32 points, leading the Magic to their first win in six games.

Suns Outlast Wizards
Kevin Durant’s 29 points guided the Phoenix Suns to a 119-109 victory over the Washington Wizards. Nick Richards shined with a career-high 19 rebounds, while Bradley Beal contributed 20 points against his former team.

Kyle Kuzma led the Wizards with 30 points and 11 rebounds, but Washington extended its losing streak to 13 games.

Grizzlies Stay Hot Against Jazz
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 28 points, and Ja Morant added 11 points and seven assists as the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Utah Jazz 125-103 for their sixth straight win. Collin Sexton led Utah with 20 points, but the Jazz dropped their fifth consecutive game.

Raptors Secure Back-to-Back Road Wins
Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Chris Boucher combined for 70 points, leading the Toronto Raptors to a 117-94 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Trae Young struggled with turnovers, recording a season-high 11 as Atlanta fell to 11-10 at home.

Rockets Edge Cavaliers
Amen Thompson recorded his second career triple-double (23 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists) as the Houston Rockets defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 135-131. Despite a 39-point effort from Darius Garland, Cleveland couldn’t overcome Houston’s balanced offensive attack.

Heat Beat Nets to Reach .500
Tyler Herro scored 25 points to help the Miami Heat hold off a late Brooklyn Nets rally for a 106-97 victory. Keon Johnson and D’Angelo Russell scored 22 points each for the Nets, who were without Cameron Johnson for the ninth time in 12 games.

Hornets Hammer Pelicans
LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges returned from injuries to lead the Charlotte Hornets to a commanding 123-92 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Zion Williamson scored 28 points for New Orleans, but the Pelicans’ road struggles continued, falling to 4-18 away from home.

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