NBA Round Up: Durant helps Warriors to 14th consecutive win, Clippers stun Spurs & Lillard scores 59
Kevin Durant made a successful return from a knee injury in the NBA, while Damian Lillard was red-hot on Saturday.
In his first appearance since February 28, Durant recorded 16 points and 10 rebounds as the Golden State Warriors eased past the New Orleans Pelicans 123-101 for a 14th straight win.
Lillard was in scintillating form for the Portland Trail Blazers, breaking a franchise record in a 101-86 win over the Utah Jazz.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers overcame the San Antonio Spurs.
KD IS BACK
The Warriors are on fire and Durant’s return can surely only help.
He played 31 minutes in Golden State’s latest win, contributing six assists to go with his double-double.
With Stephen Curry sitting out, Klay Thompson scored a team-high 20 points for the Warriors.
LILLARD ON FIRE
Lillard scored a franchise-high 59 points for the Trail Blazers.
He went 18 of 34 from the field and nine of 14 from three-point range in a staggering performance.
Maurice Harkless was Portland’s next highest scorer with 12 points.
CLIPPERS BEAT SPURS
The Clippers were too good for the Spurs 98-87.
Kawhi Leonard starred for the Spurs with 28 points, but the Clippers got double-digits from six players – including DeAndre Jordan, who had 17 points and 17 rebounds.
THE LILLARD SHOW, KD ANNOUNCES RETURN
Points No.51, tying Damian Lillard’s career-high! pic.twitter.com/tGvBHKUCdV
— NBA (@NBA) April 9, 2017
No.35 is back. #DubNation pic.twitter.com/BT18YHI0f3
— NBA (@NBA) April 9, 2017
CELTICS END SKID, BUCKS CLINCH
The Boston Celtics snapped their two-game losing streak with a 121-114 win over the Charlotte Hornets.
The Milwaukee Bucks clinched a playoff spot by beating the Philadelphia 76ers 90-82, while the Brooklyn Nets upset the Chicago Bulls 107-106.
The Indiana Pacers cruised past the Orlando Magic 127-112 and the Miami Heat beat the Washington Wizards 106-103.
CAVS VISIT ATLANTA
The Cleveland Cavaliers (51-28) are sure to be tested by the Atlanta Hawks (41-38) at Philips Arena on Sunday, as they continue their bid to clinch the top seed in the Eastern Conference.