2014 NBA scores: Thunder fall to Mavs in OT, Magic stun Blazers
Dallas improved its playoff chances with an overtime win over Oklahoma City, and the Lakers topped the Knicks in a rare blowout win for Los Angeles.
Kevin Durant poured in 43 points, but the Oklahoma City Thunder couldn't overcome the late surge of Dirk Nowitzki and Jose Calderon in overtime as the Dallas Mavericks prevailed, 128-119 on Tuesday night.
Calderon’s biggest play came with 26.8 seconds remaining in regulation as he drilled a three-pointer with a hand in his face to tie the game at 111 and send the game to overtime. In the final five minutes, the Mavs pulled away.
Turnovers were the story of the game and while sloppy at times, the giveaways made for an exhilarating affair featuring 16 lead changes and 10 ties. Dallas committed 20 while OKC had 21.
Los Angeles Lakers 127, New York Knicks 96
With Phil Jackson (and Metta World Peace) watching from a luxury suite at Staples Center, the Lakers easily won the battle of struggling marquee teams thanks to a franchise-record 51 points in the third quarter.
Xavier Henry and Nick Young combined for 42 points on 14-for-21 shooting off the bench, helping Los Angeles to shoot 58 percent from the field and 64 percent (18-for-28) from three-point range.
Carmelo Anthony led New York with 29 points in defeat, the second straight loss for the Knicks.
Cleveland Cavaliers, 102, Toronto Raptors 100
Dion Waiters had a game-high 24 points and added seven assists as the Cavaliers took down the Raptors at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavs were in control for much of the game before a 36-29 third quarter vaulted them back into the contest.
The fourth quarter was an ugly affair as both teams couldn’t crack 20 points, finishing 19-14 in favor of the Raptors in the final 12 minutes.
Kyle Lowry notched a double-double with 22 points and 10 assists on the evening while Terrence Ross and Greivis Vasquez chipped in 16 apiece for the Raps.
The Cavs finished with six players in double figures.
Tobias Harris led all scorers with 25 points off the bench as the Magic upset the Blazers in Central Florida.
Damian Lillard struggled on the evening with 17 points on just 5-of-17 shooting from the field, including 0-for-4 from the three-point line.
The Blazers shot just 37 percent and managed 27 percent from beyond the arc. The Magic shot 44 percent from the field and 35 percent from deep, despite shooting just 68 percent from the free throw line.
Robin Lopez led Portland's scoring effort with 20 points and 13 rebounds to record a double-double.
