Josh Giddey has contributed 17 factors, eight rebounds and eight assists as Oklahoma City snapped their three-game dropping streak with a 114-98 victory over Utah in Salt Lake City
The consequence eradicated the short-handed Jazz (36-44) from post-season rivalry and pushed the Thunder (39-42) a step nearer to clinching a spot within the play-in match heading into the ultimate weekend of the common season.
Eight OKC gamers registered no less than 9 factors in Thursday night time’s win, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander top-scoring with 22.
A win towards Memphis on Sunday afternoon will hand Giddey and his Thunder teammates a spot within the play-in.
Kris Dunn completed with a game-high equalling 22 factors for the Jazz, whereas Kelly Olynyk totaled 16 factors, 14 rebounds and eight assists.
Utah, enjoying with out 4 starters, practically overcame an early 16-point deficit however couldn’t overtake the Thunder within the third quarter after coming inside a degree on 5 completely different events.
After keeping off the Jazz’s comeback makes an attempt, the Thunder stretched their result in 84-76 going into the ultimate interval.
Oklahoma City gained regardless of solely capturing 40.2 per cent from the sphere.
The massive distinction got here past the arc, the place the Thunder hit 15 of 45 threes in comparison with a tough 5-for-31 3-point-shooting night time for Utah.
The Miami Heat thrashed Philadelphia 129-101 to proceed their push for a playoff spot within the East.
Jimmy Butler and Tyler Herro every racked up 24 factors because the Heat pulled away late within the first quarter and by no means regarded again.
The Western Conference-topping Nuggets fell 119-115 by the hands of Phoenix.
Kevin Durant prime scored for the Suns with 29 factors, whereas Chris Paul added an additional 25.
In Austin, San Antonio gained the primary ever NBA match within the Texan capital by beating short-handed Portland 129-127.
The victory ensured San Antonio (21-59) is not going to end with the franchise’s worst-ever document – the Spurs completed 20-62 in 1997.
Keita Bates-Diop had 25 factors, whereas Julian Champagnie and Keldon Johnson added 24 every for the Spurs.
With little to play for, Cleveland beat Orlando 118-94 in a sport during which each groups rested their starters.
The Cavaliers, who’ve already clinched the fourth seed within the Eastern Conference playoffs, rested Donovan Mitchell following his 43-point haul on Tuesday that made him the one NBA participant this season to attain 40 or extra factors in 4 straight video games.
Magic had been mathematically eradicated after dropping to Cleveland on Tuesday.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
