NBA: Wall’s wizardry stops Paul
WASHINGTON (AP) – Washington’s John Wall outplayed Los Angeles’ Chris Paul in their first meeting of the season, helping the hosts win 104-96 yesterday, keeping the Wizards in a share of the Southeast Division lead while ending the Clippers’ nine-game winning streak.
The Wizards remained level with Atlanta, which beat Orlando to push their own winning streak to nine games.
Washington’s Wall controlled the game with 10 points and 11 assists while Paul struggled with a season-high six turnovers. Paul made some late baskets to finish with 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists.
Bradley Beal scored a season-high 29 points for the Wizards.
Chicago’s Derrick Rose scored a season-high 31 points to lead the Bulls to a 115-106 win at Portland.
Atlanta beat Orlando 87-81, with their nine-game streak being the longest run by the Hawks since winning 11 on the trot in the 1997-98 season.
New Orleans overcame the loss of Anthony Davis to record a 119-114 victory over Cleveland. Davis left in the first quarter after taking an elbow to chest while jostling for position during a free throw.
LeBron James, back after missing a game with knee soreness, scored 41 points for the Cavaliers, who were 19 points down in the fourth quarter.
Memphis’ Mike Conley scored six of his 19 points in the second overtime, guiding the Grizzlies to a 113-107 win against Charlotte.
Toronto beat Indiana 106-94, inflicting a seventh straight loss on the Pacers.
Los Angeles’ Nick Young scored 29 points, including a go-ahead three-pointer with 7.4 seconds left in overtime, giving the Lakers a 112-110 win at San Antonio.
Miami’s Dwyane Wade scored a season-high 29 points, including three free throws in the final nine seconds, to lead the Heat to a 100-95 victory over Utah.
Detroit ended a 13-game losing streak by beating Phoenix 105-103, with Andre Drummond having 23 points and 14 rebounds for the Pistons.
Oklahoma City won their fifth-straight game, taking a 111-92 win at Minnesota thanks chiefly to Russell Westbrook scoring 20 of his 34 points in the first half.
New York ended a run of ten straight losses with a 101-95 win at Boston, with Carmelo Anthony scoring 22 points for the Knicks.