Hornets, Clippers extend winning streaks
The Charlotte Hornets maintained their unbeaten run after downing the Miami Heat 99-81 in the NBA on Wednesday.
Nicolas Batum’s fifth career triple-double saw the Hornets past the Heat and to a third consecutive win.
Batum posted 10 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in Charlotte.
The Frenchman was supported by Kemba Walker and Marvin Williams, who contributed 18 points apiece as the Hornets led by over 30 in the second half.
Tyler Johnson was the pick of the Heat players with 20 points.
The Los Angeles Clippers also extended their winning streak to three matches thanks to a 109-95 victory at the Milwaukee Bucks.
J.J. Redick had a season-high 31 points, and Blake Griffin and Chris Paul registered double-doubles.
Griffin scored 21 points and collected 14 rebounds, while Paul added 18 points and 18 assists.
The Memphis Grizzlies had Matt Barnes to thank as they prevailed 93-92 against the Detroit Pistons.
Barnes hit a desperation half-court shot with 1.1 seconds remaining to sink the Pistons.
“I knew I was ahead of a lot of people, and I wasn’t sure what the time was, but I had space to get a clean look and I shot it,” Barnes said. “It was a crazy, lucky shot to hit and win a game.”
The Atlanta Hawks edged the Dallas Mavericks 98-95, James Harden scored 42 points to lead the Houston Rockets to a 109-103 win against the Washington Wizards and the Boston Celtics trumped the Chicago Bulls 105-100.
DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry starred as the Toronto Raptors snapped the San Antonio Spurs’ four-game winning streak, triumphing 97-94 on home court.
The Minnesota Timberwolves overcame the Los Angeles Lakers 123-122, the Utah Jazz defeated the New York Knicks 106-85, while the Orlando Magic lost 107-104 to the Phoenix Suns.
