Spurs see off Pelicans, Wizards stun Clippers
The San Antonio Spurs eased past the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA, while the Los Angeles Clippers were stunned by the Washington Wizards.
LaMarcus Aldridge posted 22 points as the Spurs extended their winning streak to four games with a 113-100 victory over the Pelicans on Sunday.
Bradley Beal helped the streaking Wizards rally to a 117-110 win against the Clippers.
The Toronto Raptors showed no mercy against the Orlando Magic, recording a comprehensive 109-79 triumph.
SPURS HONOUR DUNCAN
The Spurs wasted no time paying tribute to one of the most decorated players in team history Sunday after a win against the Pelicans.
Tim Duncan – a 15-time All-Star and five-time NBA champion – just stepped away from the game last season, but the Spurs retired his number 21 jersey in front of a host of thankful fans just months later. Long-time team-mate Tony Parker paid tribute to his friend by speaking a few words. “To me, he’s superstar plus plus. He’s by himself,” Parker said. “He’s in his own place. He wanted to win. But off the court he cares.”
BEAL INSPIRES WIZARDS COMEBACK
The Wizards star came up big for Washington, scoring 41 points.
And the Wizards used a 22-8 run late in the final quarter to make it three wins in a row.
John Wall had 18 points and 11 assists, while Blake Griffin posted 26 points for the Clippers.
RAPTORS CRUSH MAGIC
The Magic were no match for the visiting Raptors, who were led by DeMar DeRozan’s 31 points.
Jonas Valanciunas registered 16 points and 13 rebounds for a double-double as the Raptors scored 100 points in a 14th consecutive game.
DUNCAN, THANK YOU
Manu Ginobili thanks Tim Duncan for his four rings and making him a better player! #ThankYouTDpic.twitter.com/Anu6hWgnSd
— NBA (@NBA) December 19, 2016
T. Ross takes flight for the @Raptors! #WeTheNorth pic.twitter.com/iGxkdVNSul
— NBA (@NBA) December 19, 2016
EMBIID LIFTS SIXERS
76ers centre Joel Embiid scored a career-high 33 points on 12-of-17 shooting with 10 rebounds and three blocks in a 108-107 win against the Brooklyn Nets. Philadelphia have been limiting his minutes this season, but the former lottery pick’s emergence has forced Nerlens Noel out of the rotation.
The Boston Celtics defeated the Miami Heat 105-95, the Sacramento Kings were beaten 99-79 by the Dallas Mavericks and the Utah Jazz trumped the Memphis Grizzlies 82-73.
THUNDER IN ACTION
Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder host the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. The Chicago Bulls are also scheduled to play the Detroit Pistons.
