2014 NBA scores: Blazers defeat Grizzlies, Knicks edge Warriors
LaMarcus Aldridge led the Blazers to an impressive win over the Grizzlies, while the Knicks beat the Warriors in Oakland to move just a game behind the Hawks for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
LaMarcus Aldridge had 28 points to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a big 105-98 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies at the Moda Center on Sunday. The win was the Blazers' third straight as they continue to play better since Aldridge returned to the lineup from a groin injury.
The first quarter went back and forth, but then Portland found a groove in the second quarter, going up by 12 points at halftime. The lead was 16 heading into the final frame before Memphis made it close at the very end.
Mo Williams added 17 points off the bench for the Blazers, who shot 52.0 percent from the field.
Zach Randolph added 21 points and seven rebounds for Memphis. The Grizzlies are now a half-game out of the playoffs in the Western Conference.
Despite offensive struggles in the fourth quarter to go along with a cold shooting night in general from Carmelo Anthony, the Knicks held on to beat a shorthanded Warriors squad in Oakland. New York is now just one game behind the Atlanta Hawks for the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks scored just 15 points in the fourth quarter, but the Warriors only scored 18 points themselves. Golden State had several chances to tie the game at the very end, only to see Stephen Curry miss a three and commit a turnover.
J.R. Smith had 21 points, with 19 of those coming in the first half. Anthony had 19 points and nine rebounds, but he shot just 7-of-21 and injured his left hand, although good news was received on that front after the game:
#Knicks say X-rays to Carmelo Anthony's left hand were negative
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) March 31, 2014 Curry had 32 points and made 6-of-12 from three, however, he got little help. The Warriors shot 35.4 percent overall and the bench went just 6-of-21. Both Andrew Bogut and David Lee missed the game with injuries.
Los Angeles Lakers 115, Phoenix Suns 99
Chris Kaman had 28 points, 17 rebounds and six assists in a stunning blowout victory for the Lakers over the Suns. Jodie Meeks had 22 points as Los Angeles shot 53.0 percent and racked up 29 assists.
The Lakers dominated from the start, running out to an 11-point lead after the first quarter. That lead ballooned to 18 at halftime and the game was never close in the second half.
Gerald Green led the Suns with 22 points off the bench. The Morris twins combined for 31 points and 18 rebounds, but it was not nearly enough.
Photo: Photo credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Brooklyn Nets 114, Minnesota Timberwolves 99
Paul Pierce had 22 points on 8-of-11 shooting to lead the Nets to their franchise record-tying 13th straight home game. The game was a turnover-filled affair, with both teams coughing the ball up 20 times apiece, but Brooklyn made up for that by shooting 50.0 percent and making 12 threes. Joe Johnson added 19 points and reached the 17,000-point mark in his career:
The Wolves' fourth-quarter struggles continued, as they were outscored by 12 points in the final frame. Kevin Martin and Corey Brewer had 21 points apiece, but Kevin Love had a quiet night, scoring just 14 points on 5-of-14 shooting.
The Pacers laid another egg on the road, as they failed to reach 80 points for the fourth consecutive game away from Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Indiana shot just 37.2 percent and is now tied in the loss column with the Miami Heat at the top of the East.
Sunday Shootaround
Dion Waiters had 19 points to lead the Cavs, who had six players score in double figures. Anderson Varejao left the game with a strained shoulder and will be re-evaluated on Monday.
Chicago Bulls 107, Boston Celtics 102
D.J. Augustin scored a career-high 33 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, to lead the Bulls to victory. Augustin put Chicago ahead for good with a three after crossing up Rajon Rondo (via @MrTrpleDouble10):
Joakim Noah nearly notched another triple-double, putting up 13 points, 13 assists and eight rebounds.
Rondo had 17 points and 11 assists to lead Boston.
Oklahoma City Thunder 116, Utah Jazz 96
The Thunder overwhelmed the Jazz from the start, grabbing a 17-point lead after one quarter and never looking back. Kevin Durant had 31 points on 13 shots in just 29 minutes to extend his streak of consecutive games with at least 25 points to 38.
The Jazz managed to put up just nine points in the first quarter before finally righting the ship in the second and third quarters. But by then, it was too late. Enes Kanter notched a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds.
Toronto Raptors 98, Orlando Magic 93
The Raptors charged out to a huge lead before holding on late to defeat the Magic. Toronto led by 19 at halftime, but Orlando caught them early in the fourth quarter only to come up just short. DeMar DeRozan had 28 points, while Jonas Valanciunas added 20 points and nine rebounds.
Nikola Vucevic had 22 points and 10 rebounds to lead Orlando. Rookie guard Victor Oladipo had 16 points off the bench.
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