Memphis star Ja Morant was ejected simply earlier than halftime as an undermanned Oklahoma City Thunder squad ended Memphis’ profitable NBA run at seven with a 115-109.
Morant was ejected with 43 seconds left within the half when he was referred to as for his second technical foul after apparently making remarks to courtside Memphis followers that had been derogatory in regards to the officiating.
Morant scored simply six factors on 3-of-10 capturing. The All-Star guard picked up his first technical 11 seconds earlier after committing a foul to cease play and complain a couple of no-call on a drive to the basket.
The Thunder, taking part in with out Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Australia’s Josh Giddey, ended a five-game shedding streak.
Lu Dort scored 24 factors and Isiah Joe had a season-high 23 factors, hitting 5 3-pointers.
Dillon Brooks led Memphis with 32 factors.
Playing with a group of reserves, rookies and two-way gamers getting their most intensive motion of the season, the Thunder maintained a double-digit lead till the ultimate two minutes.
Memphis made a late run, closing to 5 within the remaining minute on Brooks’ 3-pointer.
As properly as Giddey and Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder had been with out Darius Bazley and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl.
Devin Booker scored a season-high 58 factors, utilizing among the finest scoring efforts of his profession to just about single-handedly push the Phoenix Suns previous the New Orleans Pelicans 118-114.
It’s the second time this season Booker has topped 50 factors – he scored 51 in opposition to the Bulls on November 30 in simply three quarters.
This effort was much more spectacular as a result of it introduced the Suns again from a 24-point deficit within the second half. The three-time All-Star made 21 of 35 pictures, together with 6 of 12 3-pointers
He added 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
In the primary NBA recreation in Mexico City since 2019, Jimmy Butler scored 26 factors, Bam Adebayo had 22 factors and 13 rebounds because the Miami Heat prolonged their profitable streak to 4.
Kawhi Leonard scored a season-high 31 factors to make sure the Los Angeles Clippers rallied within the fourth quarter to beat Washington 102-93, extending the Wizards’ skid to a season-worst 9 video games.
There had been additionally wins for Milwaukee and Portland.
