Spurs win sixth straight, slumping Bulls beaten again
The in-form San Antonio Spurs extended their winning streak to six games thanks to a 106-92 victory over the Indiana Pacers in the NBA on Monday.
MVP candidate Kawhi Leonard continued his strong form by posting 24 points as the Spurs improved a 24-5 win-loss record.
The Spurs, who improved to 16-0 at home, are off to the second-best start in their history.
Tony Parker added 15 points and Boris Diaw contributed 14 of his own in San Antonio.
Rodney Stuck had 16 points to lead the Pacers, while George Hill and Jordan Hill finished with 15 points apiece.
The Chicago Bulls crashed to a third consecutive defeat, beaten 105-102 by the Brooklyn Nets.
Chicago’s woes have been well documented after guard Jimmy Butler criticised rookie coach Fred Hoiberg for being too “laid-back”.
And it did not get any better at home to the Nets, who snapped a five-game losing streak, despite 24 points from Butler.
Brook Lopez’s double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds inspired the Nets on the road, while Thaddeus Young registered 16 points and 13 rebounds.
James Harden helped the resurgent Houston Rockets overcome the Charlotte Hornets 102-95.
Harden had 36 points to lead the Rockets to a third successive victory.
John Wall and Marcin Gortat guided the Washington Wizards to a 113-99 win against the Sacramento Kings.
Wall posted a career-high 19 assists to go with his 12 points, while Gortat scored 27 points and collected 16 rebounds.
Elsewhere, the Atlanta Hawks saw off the Portland Trail Blazers 106-97, the Utah Jazz downed the Phoenix Suns 110-89 and the Orlando Magic trumped the New York Knicks 107-99.
Kevin Durant made a late jumper as the Oklahoma City Thunder prevailed 100-99 at the Los Angeles Clippers, while the Minnesota Timberwolves lost 113-99 to the Boston Celtics.
