Kings 109, Raptors 101

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento’s three-headed monster proved to be just enough to overcome a Toronto Raptors squad that has thrived since acquiring four of the Kings’ former players. Center DeMarcus Cousins scored 25 points while pulling down 10 boards, forward Rudy Gay had 24 points and 10 boards and guard Isaiah Thomas finished with 23 […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Nowitzki, Mavericks take down Grizzlies

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Since center Marc Gasol returned from a knee injury, the Memphis Grizzlies were making their move, winning 16 of 22 since Dec. 21, 11 of 12 in one recent stretch. A team that went to the Western Conference finals last season, a team full of players who over and over would say, […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Howard powers Rockets past Suns

HOUSTON — Having spent the majority of this season discussing the need to make free-agent center Dwight Howard a focal point of their offense, the Houston Rockets have finally put that plan into action. Howard delivered a clinic in post scoring and paced a dominating interior performance by the Rockets in their 122-108 victory over […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Shorthanded Spurs make Pop proud

WASHINGTON — Gregg Popovich’s coaching career includes four NBA championships and five finals appearances. With that resume, the San Antonio Spurs’ coach knows what a tough victory looks like. Rallying, surviving and eventually downing the Washington Wizards in double overtime without any of the team’s stars counts high on his list. Forward Tim Duncan had […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Thunder tops Wolves, hits 40 wins

OKLAHOMA CITY — Being a starting point guard in the NBA has been a learning process for Reggie Jackson. With guard Russell Westbrook still out of service, Jackson is still learning to be the consistent director the Oklahoma City Thunder need. Facing the shorthanded Minnesota Timberwolves, Jackson played like a veteran as he helped spur […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Blazers hold off Knicks

NEW YORK — Even on an off night, Portland Trail Blazers forward LaMarcus Aldridge found a way to make a major contribution. Aldridge’s key basket in the last minute sealed the Blazers’ 94-90 win over the New York Knicks 94-90 Wednesday at Madison Square Garden. Forward Nicolas Batum led four players in double figures for […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Pelicans come back in fourth to top Hawks

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Pelicans came away thrilled by their latest result afterblowing a 14-point fourth-quarter lead in a 102-95 loss to San Antonio on Monday night. The Pelicans rebounded to overcome a fourth-quarter deficit for only the fifth time in 26 games this season to overtake the Atlanta Hawks 105-100 Wednesday night […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Rondo rounding into form as Celtics top 76ers

PHILADELPHIA — It was just a matter of time. When guard Rajon Rondo returned eight games ago from a torn right anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, the Boston Celtics understood they would reap the benefits in the long run. The Celtics lost their first six games with Rondo back in the lineup but […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021
Pelicans 105, Hawks 100

NEW ORLEANS — Forward Anthony Davis scored a game-high 27 points, including 10 in the final 3:35, and reserve guard Anthony Morrow added nine fourth-quarter points to lift the New Orleans Pelicans to a 105-100 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night at the New Orleans Arena. In winning for only the fifth time […]

Jeff Hawkins  •  15 Oct 2021