NBA Round Up: Giannis game-high not enough, Mavs clinch playoff spot
Giannis Antetokounmpo game-high was not enough as the Houston Rockets edged the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA on Sunday, while the Dallas Mavericks clinched playoff spot.
The Rockets rallied past the Bucks 120-116 on the back of a standout performance from Russell Westbrook at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Westbrook finished with 31 points, eight assists and six rebounds, while James Harden had 24 points.
Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo scored a game-high 36 points, to go with 18 rebounds and eight assists.
The Celtics claimed their first win since the restart by overcoming the Portland Trail Blazers 128-124.
Jayson Tatum bounced back to form, going 11-of-22- from the field for 34 points.
Mavs clinch playoff spot, Morant marvellous
After the Memphis Grizzlies’ loss to the San Antonio Spurs, the Dallas Mavericks reached the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16.
They later fell to a 117-115 defeat to the Phoenix Suns despite 40 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds from star Luka Doncic.
Ja Morant had 25 points on 10-of-18 shooting, plus nine rebounds and nine assists, in the Grizzlies’ 108-106 loss to the Spurs.
Johnson struggles
Tyler Johnson missed all seven of his field-goal attempts in the Brooklyn Nets’ 118-110 win over the Washington Wizards
Markelle magic
Markelle Fultz hit a shot from three-quarter court in the Orlando Magic’s win over the Sacramento Kings.
Sunday’s results
Brooklyn Nets 118-110 Washington Wizards
Boston Celtics 128-124 Portland Trail Blazers
San Antonio Spurs 108-106 Memphis Grizzlies
Orlando Magic 132-116 Sacramento Kings
Houston Rockets 120-116 Milwaukee Bucks
Phoenix Suns 117-115 Dallas Mavericks
Raptors face Heat
Following a win over the Los Angeles Lakers, defending champions the Toronto Raptors (47-18) face another test when they take on Eastern Conference rivals the Miami Heat (42-24) on Monday.
