Spurs, Celtics and Blazers Pick Up Pivotal Victories
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Spurs Reach 50-Win Mark for First Time Since 2017
San Antonio edged the Los Angeles Clippers 119-115, climbing to 50 victories and moving within three games of first-place Oklahoma City in the Western Conference. The Spurs erased an early 14-point deficit by outscoring the Clippers 37-15 in the second quarter and eventually built a 24-point cushion. Los Angeles closed to within four in the final minute behind a late flurry from Darius Garland, but San Antonio converted at the free-throw line to secure the outcome.
Rookie center Victor Wembanyama produced 21 points and 13 rebounds, while fellow rookie Stephon Castle led all Spurs with 23 points, eight assists and seven boards. Devin Vassell added 20 points.
Brown’s Fourth-Quarter Burst Lifts Celtics Over Suns
Jaylen Brown scored 41 points, including 18 in the fourth period, as Boston rallied past Phoenix 120-112. The Celtics trailed late before a decisive 12-1 run. Brown stripped Devin Booker, fed Jayson Tatum for a layup, then hit a series of mid-range jumpers and free throws to put the game away.
Tatum finished with 21 points in his fifth game back from an Achilles strain. Derrick White matched that total, and Payton Pritchard chipped in 19. Booker recorded 40 points for the Suns, who could not withstand Boston’s late surge.
Blazers Cruise Past Nets to Stay in Play-In Hunt
Portland dispatched Brooklyn 114-95, effectively deciding the contest before halftime. The Trail Blazers opened on a 10-0 run, led by 15 after the first quarter and stretched the margin to 31 in the second half.
Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara scored 18 apiece, while rookie guard Scoot Henderson contributed 16 off the bench. Center Donovan Clingan added 14 points and 11 rebounds. The Nets shot just 30 percent from the field and 14 percent from three-point range.
With the win, Portland moved to within a half-game of Golden State for the No. 9 spot in the Western Conference.
Source: Hoops Wire
