Raptors close in on Cavs, Pelicans stun Clippers
The Toronto Raptors moved to within a game of top spot in the NBA’s Eastern Conference after edging the Orlando Magic 105-100.
DeMar DeRozan posted 25 points as the in-form Raptors (48-21) extended their winning streak to four games on Sunday, putting pressure on the Cleveland Cavaliers (49-20) in the race for first place.
Luis Scola added 20 points for the Raptors, who used just eight players in Toronto, with Jonas Valanciunas, Cory Joseph, Lucas Nogueira, James Johnson and Bruno Caboclo not picked by coach Dwane Casey.
“I really don’t look at it like we’re chasing Cleveland,” DeRozan said. “At the end of the day, we’re going to have home-court advantage regardless.
“Our biggest focus is just getting everything we need to get together, especially defensive-wise as a team.”
Victor Oladipo and Evan Fournier had 21 points apiece for the Magic.
The Los Angeles Clippers suffered a shock 109-105 loss at the New Orleans Pelicans.
Despite 24 points each from Chris Paul and J.J. Redick, the Clippers crashed to back-to-back defeats.
The Pelicans were missing All-Star Anthony Davis but still won thanks to Jrue Holiday’s 22 points and Omer Asik’s double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds.
Dirk Nowitzki (40 points) and Deron Williams (31, 16 assists) combined for 71 points as the Dallas Mavericks prevailed 132-120 against the Portland Trail Blazers in overtime.
The Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 120-105, the Utah Jazz made it five wins in six games via a 94-85 victory at the Milwaukee Bucks, while the Sacramento Kings trumped the New York Knicks 88-80.
