NBA Recap: Ja Morant returns in Grizzlies win as Lakers, Bucks, 76ers all win
Grizzlies, 76ers book playoff spots following wins
Ja Morant marked his return to NBA action for the Memphis Grizzlies after his eight-game suspension for bringing the league to disrepute. The star guard came off the bench and scored 17 points as the Grizzlies defeated the Houston Rockets 130-125. Jaren Jackson Jr also contributed 37 points and ten rebounds for the Grizzlies, with Jalen Green scoring 32 points for the Rockets. The Memphis Grizzlies became the second side after the Denver Nuggets to seal their playoff spot.
Los Angeles Lakers improved their chances of reaching the Playoffs with a 122-111 win over the Phoenix Suns. Anthony Davis led the scoring with 27 points and Austin Reaves scored 26 points and 11 assists. Devin Booker scored 33 points for the Suns.
Milwaukee Bucks continued with their dominance in the NBA as they picked up a 130-94 win over the San Antonio Spurs. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the scoring with 31 points and 14 rebounds, and Khris Middleton scored 19 points and ten assists. Devin Vassell scored 16 points for the Spurs.
Philadelphia 76ers qualified for the Playoffs following their 116-91 win over the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. De’Anthony Melton scored 25 points and Tyrese Maxey scored 21 points for the Sixers. Coby White finished with 19 points for the Bulls.
Golden State Warriors claimed a 127-125 win over the Dallas Mavericks to improve to 38-36 this season in the NBA. Jonathan Kuminga led the scoring for the Warriors with 22 points and Steph Curry had 20 points and 13 assists in the game. Luka Doncic finished with 30 points and 17 assists for the Mavericks.
Denver Nuggets eased to a 118-104 win over the Washington Wizards in their NBA encounter. Nikola Jokic scored 31 points and 12 rebounds, and Michael Porter Jr scored 21 points for the playoff-bound Nuggets. Kristaps Porzingis scored 25 points for the Wizards.
Indiana Pacers defeated the Toronto Raptors 118-114 in their clash on Wednesday. Andrew Nembhard scored 25 points and ten assists, and Myles Turner scored 16 points. Pascal Siakam scored 31 points and ten rebounds in the game.
Miami Heat secured a 127-120 win over the New York Knicks in the NBA on Wednesday. Jimmy Butler led the scoring for the Heat with 35 points and Nigerian star Gane Vincent scored 19 points. RJ Barrett scored 26 points for the Knicks.
Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Utah Jazz 127-115 to put their playoff bid in danger. Damian Lillard led the scoring with 30 points and 12 assists, and teenage star Shaedon Sharpe scored 24 points. Lauri Markkanen scored 40 points and 12 rebounds.
Minnesota Timberwolves secured a narrow 125-124 win over the Atlanta Hawks in their NBA clash. Naz Reid led the scoring with 26 points and Jaden McDaniels scored 25 points for Minnesota. Trae Young scored 29 points for the Atlanta Hawks in the game.