simmytbone
02-23-2016, 03:29 AM
Hey guys,
Here are tonight's results of the NBA
The Warriors get win #50 def. the Hawks in Atlanta, Heat def. Pacers in OT, Raptors def. Knicks in an Atlantic Division Showdown, Celtics lose to the Timberwolves in Minnesota and the Pistons def. the Cavs in Cleveland in a Central Division Match-Up as LeBron James struggles
Plus, the Clippers def. the Suns in a Pacific Showdown
Here are the stories:
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20160222_GS@ATL
Curry leads Warriors to 50th win, 102-92 over Hawks
By PAUL NEWBERRY
AP Sports Writer
Feb. 22, 2016
ATLANTA (AP) The Golden State Warriors reached 50 wins faster than any team in NBA history.
Sounds nice.
Doesn't mean more than that to this group.
With their eyes on more than regular-season records, the Warriors improved to 50-5 as Stephen Curry scored 36 points and Golden State bounced back after squandering a 23-point lead to beat the Atlanta Hawks 102-92 on Monday night.
The Warriors eclipsed the mark set by the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, who needed one more game to win their 50th. Of course, that's the team Golden State is chasing, moving another step closer to the record 72-10 mark put up by Michael Jordan & Co. at the height of their six-titles-in-eight-years dynasty.
''Fifty wins is great,'' Curry said, ''but we've got to keep plugging away and staying hungry, because nobody wants to talk about that in June.''
Curry and the defending NBA champions appeared headed for a rout against the struggling Hawks, pushing out to a 70-47 lead approaching the midway point of the third quarter. Atlanta closed the period on a 28-6 run and grabbed the lead briefly early in the fourth, igniting the sellout crowd.
But the Warriors would not be denied, bouncing back to hand the Hawks their fourth straight home loss.
''I liked our response,'' coach Steve Kerr said. ''They were on fire in their home building. Everything was going against us, and we maintained our poise and pulled away down the stretch. It was a really good win.''
Klay Thompson added 27 points for the Warriors. Both he and Curry knocked down five shots from 3-point range. Draymond Green didn't do much offensively, scoring only six points, but he had 14 rebounds and nine assists.
Al Horford led the Hawks with 23 points.
''The third quarter is something we can hopefully build off of,'' said Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer, whose team had the top record in the Eastern Conference a year ago but has slipped all the way to sixth this season.
Curry put on a clinic in the first half, thoroughly dominating Hawks point guard Jeff Teague.
Perhaps the best sequence came when Curry swished a towering 3-pointer from the corner, the ball seeming to disappear into the rafters of Philips Arena at the height of its arc. Then, after posing briefly in front of the Golden State bench, he hustled back to the other end to draw an offensive foul on Teague, who looked befuddled by what he was seeing.
At the end of the half, with the clock running down and Teague right in his face, Curry somehow found just enough space to knock down another amazing jumper from the corner, though this one with his foot on the stripe.
Someone on the Golden State bench threw a white towel high in the air - partly to celebrate, partly in disbelief.
The Hawks could've thrown in the towel early in the third.
Instead, Atlanta finally showed some fight against the league's best team, making five 3-pointers and nearly 60 percent of its shots in the period.
The Warriors regained control in the fourth, helped by Curry's 3 that left him wiggling his shoulders in front of the Atlanta bench.
''He senses when he needs to take over,'' Kerr said.
SHARING THE BALL
Golden State had 30 assists in a game for the 29th time this season, a franchise record.
The previous mark was set last season on the way to the championship.
In addition to Green's team-high assists, Curry doled out eight, Andrew Bogut had four and Thompson chipped in with three.
''It's a special group,'' Curry said.
TIP-INS
Warriors: Improved to 45-0 when leading after the third quarter. It looked as though the Hawks would have the lead heading to the fourth, but a video review showed Thabo Sefolosha's jumper left his hand a split-second after the clock expired, leaving Golden State ahead 76-75. ... Bogut played 29 minutes with a strained right Achilles, grabbing 11 rebounds. ... Newly signed Anderson Varejao watched the game from the Warriors bench but didn't play. He was signed after being cut last week by Portland.
Hawks: Have lost four straight home games for the first time since March 21 to April 1, 2007, according to STATS. ... Tim Hardaway Jr. had some effective spurts off the bench, scoring 12 points. ... Atlanta made 10 of 34 from 3-point range and is 19 of 75 from beyond the arc in its last two games.
UP NEXT
Warriors: Travel to Miami to face the Heat on Wednesday.
Hawks: Host the Chicago Bulls on Friday.
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20160222_IND@MIA
Dragic scores 24, Heat rally and beat Pacers 101-93 in OT
By TIM REYNOLDS
AP Basketball Writer
Feb. 22, 2016
MIAMI (AP) Chris Bosh remained away from the team. Luol Deng had to put his own dislocated finger back into place. Dwyane Wade missed his first 10 shots. Beno Udrih departed in the first half with a right foot injury.
And the Indiana Pacers led 11-0 to open the game.
Somehow, not even all that could deter the Miami Heat.
Goran Dragic scored 24 points, Hassan Whiteside finished with 19 points and 18 rebounds, and the Heat won their third consecutive game since the All-Star break, rallying from 14 points down to beat the Pacers 101-93 in overtime Monday night.
''What's going to break us?'' Wade said. ''That's the character of this team. We're tough.''
Wade added 16 points and Justise Winslow scored 15 for Miami, which won despite shooting only 38 percent. The Heat grabbed 66 rebounds for the second consecutive game after reaching that mark only three times in their first 28 seasons.
Deng had 13 points and 16 rebounds for Miami.
''It was rough at the beginning,'' coach Erik Spoelstra said. ''But our guys just stayed the course.''
Paul George had 31 points and 11 rebounds for the Pacers, and Myles Turner scored 16. But Indiana's starting backcourt of Monta Ellis and George Hill missed 22 of 24 shots.
Ellis was 2 for 17, the worst game in the NBA this season for anyone taking 15 or more shots. The Pacers missed their first six attempts of the extra session, and Miami took control.
In both of Indiana's trips to Miami this season, the Pacers have blown a double-digit lead and lost in overtime.
''It's the same story every time we're here,'' said George, who has played in Miami 18 times - and left a winner only twice. ''We control the game for so long and then it's always late in the game where it gets away from us. It's always been the story and really our history here.''
Indiana led by 14 early, Miami finished the half on an 11-0 spurt to get to 44-41 at the break, then wound up leading by as many as six late in the third quarter before a frenzied finish to regulation.
Wade made two free throws with 4.5 seconds left to put Miami up one, but was called for a foul on a pass by Ellis with 0.8 seconds remaining. (''Good call,'' Wade acknowledged.)
Ellis missed the first, made the second and off they went to overtime tied at 88.
''Gutsy effort,'' Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. ''We just fell short.''
Miami outscored the Pacers 13-5 in the extra period.
The Heat were again without Bosh, who is still determining how or when he can return this season after a blood clot - an issue that ended his 2014-15 season, though in a much more severe way - was found in his leg at All-Star weekend, a person with knowledge of the situation has told The Associated Press. The team still hasn't even been able to reveal that is Bosh's issue, and the All-Star forward has not made any public statements about the matter.
He's scheduled to appear at a $225-a-plate private dinner Tuesday to promote the release of a new beer, and the team is hopeful there's something to announce on his short-term future soon.
''We know he's going to do everything possible to get back on the court,'' Wade said.
TIP-INS
Pacers: George made his 300th regular-season start, all with the Pacers. Hill made his 300th career start, the first 55 of those coming with San Antonio before he joined the Pacers. ... Ellis was shaken up with a leg issue in the fourth quarter, but stayed in the game.
Heat: X-rays were negative on Udrih. ... The Heat were without assistant coach Juwan Howard, who was in Chicago following the death of his mother. Miami is also still without assistant Keith Smart, who is recovering from skin cancer surgery and chemotherapy.
WHITESIDE'S FIRSTS
Whiteside's first rebound was the 1,000th of his Heat career, in 95 games. That's the fastest anyone has reached that milestone in Heat history, ahead of Alonzo Mourning (96), Kevin Willis (98) and Shaquille O'Neal (99), and it came one game after Whiteside was the quickest to record 300 blocks in a Miami uniform. ''It matters because it's history. It's Heat history,'' Whiteside said.
UP NEXT
Pacers: Host New York Knicks on Wednesday.
Heat: Host Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20160222_TOR@NY
Lowry's triple-double helps Raptors rout Knicks 122-95
By BRIAN MAHONEY
AP Basketball Writer
Feb. 22, 2016
NEW YORK (AP) Kyle Lowry got his triple-double and DeMar DeRozan set a Raptors record.
Toronto's All-Stars were so clearly the best guards on the floor that the New York Knicks could only settle for having the most popular one.
Lowry had 22 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists for his first triple-double of the season, DeRozan also scored 22 while becoming the winningest player in Raptors history, and Toronto beat New York 122-95 on Monday night.
Lowry said Toronto's win and DeRozan's achievement were more important, but thanked his teammates for letting him know late in the game that he needed one more rebound for a triple-double - helping him get it.
''It's crazy how much these guys really support me and I support them and we just support each other. So I mean, it makes our jobs a lot easier when you have that friendship and that camaraderie,'' Lowry said.
Jonas Valanciunas added 20 points for the Raptors, who won so easily that Knicks interim coach Kurt Rambis changed his mind in the final minutes of the blowout and inserted Jimmer Fredette.
Just signed to a 10-day contract, the former college player of the year made a 3-pointer on his lone shot attempt - about the only thing Knicks fans had to cheer during the team's 12th loss in 14 games.
DeRozan passed Chris Bosh and Morris Peterson with his 233rd win in six-plus years wearing a Raptors uniform.
''It sounds good saying it, honestly,'' DeRozan said. ''I mean, it's an honor for me, man. I've been here, it felt like since the beginning, and just to have that, that's big.''
DeRozan and Lowry outclassed the Knicks' backcourt of Jose Calderon and Arron Afflalo, which combined for 3-of-13 shooting.
Carmelo Anthony had 23 points and 11 rebounds for the Knicks on the fifth anniversary of his trade to New York. Robin Lopez added 21 points and 13 boards.
Toronto outscored New York 60-40 across the middle two quarters and put seven players in double figures.
''When you're not on the same page out there on the court it's hard to communicate with one another,'' Anthony said. ''And for most of the game we weren't communicating with each other.''
New York trailed by just one before the Raptors closed the first half with a 15-2 run to take a 57-43 lead. The Knicks cut that lead to seven early in the third before Toronto broke it open again, building a 20-point bulge later in the period.
''We can't stop the ball, and a big part of our communication disappeared in this ballgame,'' Rambis said.
The only intrigue from there was whether Fredette would play. Rambis had said he had no plans to use the former BYU guard, signed Monday after spending most of the season with the Knicks' NBA Development League affiliate. But Fredette came in to a loud cheer with 1:49 to go and nailed his 3-pointer 14 seconds later to a bigger roar from the fans who hadn't already left.
TIP-INS
Raptors: Toronto is 9-1 against Atlantic Division foes. ... Toronto plays nine of its next 10 games at home.
Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis scored 17 points. ... The Knicks fell to 0-9 when allowing opponents to shoot 50 percent from the field.
JIMMER'S CHANCE
Rambis not only said before the game he had no plans to use Fredette on Monday, but made it sound as though the No. 10 pick in the 2011 draft would have a hard time getting much playing time at all.
''I'm not going to displace somebody that's been here all year and has been working hard in practice, and we kind of know what the individuals on our team bring, their strengths and weaknesses,'' Rambis said. ''So if there's something that he could bring that's a little bit better then he'll get an opportunity. If not, it's really hard to just throw somebody in like that, but we'll see.''
UP NEXT
Raptors: Host Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
Knicks: Visit Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20160222_BOS@MIN
Towns, Timberwolves outlast Celtics 124-122
By JON KRAWCZYNSKI
AP Basketball Writer
Feb. 22, 2016
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Karl-Anthony Towns has put together one of the best rookie seasons for a big man in the last 20 years, and he showed off his entire repertoire in the first half Monday night against the Boston Celtics.
The hook shots, the up-and-under, the 3-pointer, it was all on display in another dazzling performance. And it almost wasn't enough.
Towns had 28 points, 13 rebounds and four assists, and the Minnesota Timberwolves hung on to beat the Celtics 124-122 when Marcus Smart's 3-pointer at the buzzer went off the back iron.
''I'm upset,'' said Towns, whose Wolves led by 16 in the first quarter, 14 with 4 minutes to go and 10 with 90 seconds left before nearly giving the game away. ''It's hard to smile after a game like this. It should've never got to that point. We've just got to be better.''
Gorgui Dieng had 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Ricky Rubio gave the Wolves 15 points, eight assists, eight rebounds and some terrific defense on All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas.
Jae Crowder had 27 points and nine rebounds for the Celtics, who lost on the second night of a back-to-back for the first time in six games. Boston's normally stingy defense gave up 51.8 percent shooting to the Wolves. The Celtics were also outrebounded 51-38.
Despite their sluggishness, the Celtics found some defense late, took advantage of three missed free throws in the final 30 seconds and had a clean look to win it.
''The guys fought again,'' coach Brad Stevens said. ''They found a way back in it somehow. I don't know how they do it, but it seems like we always have a chance.''
Zach LaVine had 16 points and shot 4 of 5 on 3-pointers, and Andrew Wiggins scored 17 for the Wolves.
The Timberwolves were terrible in a home loss to the Knicks on Saturday night, trailing by 24 early in the fourth quarter as former coach Kurt Rambis cruised to his first win with New York. Minnesota came out with much more energy playing against a team on the second night of a tough back-to-back after playing in Denver on Sunday.
During one incredible stretch in the first quarter, Towns scored nine straight for the Wolves, including a baby hook on the baseline and a dazzling up-and-under move that left Tyler Zeller grasping at air and injured Wolves star Kevin Garnett jumping out of his seat on the bench and letting out a howl.
''Towns had his way with us the whole night,'' Stevens said. ''Obviously their other guys did, too, but certainly he stood out.''
The Wolves led by 16 in the first quarter and 11 in the second, but the Celtics closed the first three quarters with bursts to stay within striking distance.
Rubio was disruptive all night on the defensive end, stifling Boston's pick-and-roll and limiting the number of clean looks for Thomas, who started the game 0 for 7 and finished with 18 points on 8-for-20 shooting.
That kind of dogged effort is usually the Celtics' specialty. They came in third in the NBA in defensive efficiency, but couldn't quite finish off the comeback.
Boston pulled within one with 5.3 seconds to play, but Smart's look from the right wing was off target, allowing the Wolves to escape.
''It's great to have a `W,' but for me personally I'm just not happy with the way we played at the end,'' Towns said. ''That's us, especially me. We've got to do a better job.''
CELTICS FOULING
The Timberwolves have been one of the best teams in the league at getting to the foul line this season, and they took advantage of a foul-prone Celtics defense. Minnesota shot 40 free throws and made 30 of them.
''It's frustrating,'' Stevens said. ''It's something we talk about very consistently. And it's becoming frustrating.''
TIP-INS
Celtics: Smart had 17 points and seven assists. ... Jared Sullinger had 12 points and seven rebounds.
Timberwolves: F Nemanja Bjelica had an MRI on the right foot injury that occurred over the All-Star break. It revealed a strain and he will miss at least the next three games on the upcoming road trip. ... Rookie PG Tyus Jones had his best game as a pro with nine points on 4-for-7 shooting in 16 minutes.
UP NEXT
Celtics: Host Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.
Timberwolves: Visit Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20160222_DET@CLE
Jackson's 23 points pace Pistons to 96-88 win over Cavaliers
By TOM WITHERS
AP Sports Writer
Feb. 22, 2016
CLEVELAND (AP) The Pistons canceled a trade and then stopped LeBron James and the Cavaliers.
Reggie Jackson scored 23 points, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 19 and Detroit withstood Cleveland's late comeback for a 96-88 win Monday night to snap a five-game losing streak.
One day after allowing New Orleans center Anthony Davis to score 59 points with 20 rebounds, the Pistons beat the Eastern Conference's top team for the second time this season and earned their first win since Feb. 4.
''It had been a long time since we got a win - coming up on three weeks - so we definitely needed it,'' coach Stan Van Gundy said. ''You've seen it all year: We're capable of beating anybody and we're capable of losing to anybody. The guys felt good about themselves tonight, and I think everyone played well defensively the whole game.''
Andre Drummond added 15 rebounds for the Pistons, who let an 18-point lead in the fourth quarter dwindle to six before putting away the Cavs and ending their five-game winning streak.
Kyrie Irving scored 30 and Kevin Love 24 for Cleveland, which had an off night after looking so impressive in a win at Oklahoma City on Sunday. James scored just 12 points - 13 below his average - and went 5 of 18 from the floor, missing all four 3-point tries and committing six turnovers.
''I probably should have had about 12 of them,'' said James, who acknowledged lacking energy on the back end of a back-to-back.
Following the game, Irving revealed he played only 9 minutes Sunday against the Thunder after being bitten by bed bugs in his Oklahoma City hotel.
''I was freaked out,'' he said.
Tobias Harris, acquired from Orlando in a trade last week, scored 14 in his first start for the Pistons, who before the game rescinded their three-team trade last week with Houston and Philadelphia because not all the players involved were cleared medically.
Then, the Pistons went out and rejected the Cavs.
''It feels great to get the win,'' Harris said. ''The best thing was the effort, the energy level we showed against one of the very best teams. We didn't get discouraged when they made some tough shots. We just kept telling each other, `Let's keep our pace, let's keep running.' We just kept playing our pace.''
Detroit opened the fourth quarter with a 13-2 run to take an 18-point lead on Caldwell-Pope's short jumper with 6:31 remaining.
After going through the motions most of the night, the Cavs finally awakened and reeled off 10 straight points to get to 88-82. But Jackson responded by dropping a floater in the lane, and Caldwell-Pope made the game's biggest play, stripping a driving James and then taking the ball the length of the floor for a layup, a bucket that brought Pistons radio commentator Rick Mahorn - one of Detroit's original Bad Boys - out of his seat.
Jackson credited the Pistons with digging deep to get the win.
''We're desperate, man,'' he said. ''We've got to be hungry for every last win after dropping the last five. We've been trying to find a way to battle and be resilient, and I couldn't be more proud of the guys for stepping up with us so short-handed.''
LEBRON'S REST
Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said he considered resting James on the second game of a back-to-back.
''I should have,'' he said.
James has only missed one game this season, and Lue plans to sit his superstar if and when the Cavs lock up the conference title.
TURNOVER CITY
The Cavs were their own worst enemies in the first half, committing 12 turnovers that the Pistons converted into 16 points, enabling Detroit to open a 56-49 halftime lead. Cleveland finished with 18 turnovers.
ROOKIE INJURY
Detroit's Stanley Johnson strained his right shoulder in the second half. Van Gundy said the forward will be re-evaluated on Tuesday. Reggie Bullock will take Johnson's spot in the rotation.
TIP-INS
Pistons: F Anthony Tolliver (right knee) was diagnosed with a Grade 1 sprain and will miss two to four weeks. He was hurt Sunday against New Orleans. . Van Gundy said there are no immediate plans to fill the team's one open roster spot. . Detroit came in holding ninth place in the Eastern Conference, 2 1/2 games behind Chicago for the final playoff spot.
Cavaliers: F Channing Frye scored two points in 9 minutes of his debut for Cleveland. ... G Iman Shumpert missed his second straight game with a sprained left shoulder. It's the same one he injured last season, when he missed six weeks. ... G Mo Williams plans to have his sore left knee examined by renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews in Florida on Tuesday. Williams has been bothered by the knee for two months. He hasn't played since Feb. 10, when he missed all four shots in a win over the Lakers.
UP NEXT
Pistons: Host Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.
Cavaliers: Host Michael Jordan's Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.
and finally....
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20160222_PHO@LAC
Clippers hand Suns worst loss of dismal season, 124-84
By BETH HARRIS
AP Sports Writer
Feb. 23, 2016
LOS ANGELES (AP) J.J. Redick scored 22 points and the Los Angeles Clippers beat Phoenix 124-84 Monday night, handing the Suns their 12th consecutive loss overall and 15th in a row on the road.
DeAndre Jordan added 17 points and 11 rebounds, and Chris Paul had 16 points and 14 assists for the Clippers, who split their previous two games against the West's top two teams, the Warriors and Spurs. Los Angeles had its way with the conference's second-worst team, earning its most lopsided win of the season while improving to 20-6 without injured Blake Griffin.
Archie Goodwin scored 20 points off the bench for the Suns, who trailed the entire game on the way to their worst loss of the season. Alex Len added 14 points and Mirza Teletovic had 13.
The Clippers shot 51 percent in the first half and led by 19 at the end of the first quarter.
The Suns opened the second quarter with a 16-1 run - their lone stretch of success - against the Clippers' reserves to close within four. Los Angeles went 0 for 4 and committed five turnovers in a span of 5:23.
That brought the Clippers' starters back, with Redick scoring 11 points during a 22-9 spurt that extended their lead to 59-42 at the break. Redick's 3-pointer capped the run in which he missed another 3 but scrambled for the offensive rebound and hit a pull-up jumper.
Jordan took over in the third, scoring the Clippers' first 10 points to push their lead to 69-50. Besides making two free throws, the big man took a fast-break, alley-oop pass from Paul for a reverse dunk, scored on a hook shot and then dunked again. The Clippers outscored the Suns 31-19 in the period and built a 90-61 lead going into the fourth.
Redick, Jordan, Paul and the other starters rested the entire fourth quarter. They watched the second unit increase the lead to 43 points - their biggest of the year - helped by six 3s in the period.
Clippers newcomer Jeff Green added 18 points.
TIP-INS
Suns: They haven't won on the road since Dec. 7 at Chicago. ... Their 11 previous losses were by an average of 12 points. ... C Tyson Chandler sat out with a bruised right shoulder. ... Phoenix fell to 2-8 in the second game of a back-to-back set, having lost to the Spurs by seven points on Sunday.
Clippers: They have won five of seven. ... Los Angeles assigned F Branden Dawson to the Erie Bayhawks of the NBA's D-League, his third such stint this season. He appeared in three games with the Clippers, with two points and three rebounds. ... A challenge for the upcoming season of ''Celebrity Apprentice'' was filmed during timeouts.
UP NEXT
Suns: Host Brooklyn Nets on Thursday. The Nets won the first meeting 94-91 on Dec. 1.
Clippers: Host Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. The Clippers have won six in a row at home against the Nuggets.
credit: cbssports.com
also, just so ya know, in the Atlantic Division, the Raptors lead 5½ games ahead of the Celtics and in the Southeast Division, the Heat and Hawks are still fighting neck and neck as the Heat lead 2 games ahead of the Hawks
and in the Conference
Here are the standings:
Eastern Conference:
1) Cleveland Cavaliers (40-15)
2) Toronto Raptors (37-18)
3) Miami Heat (32-24)
4) Boston Celtics (33-25)
5) Indiana Pacers (30-26)
6) Atlanta Hawks (31-27)
7) Charlotte Hornets (29-26)
8) Chicago Bulls (29-26)
9) Detroit Pistons (28-29)
Western Conference:
1) Golden State Warriors (50-5)
2) San Antonio Spurs (47-9)
3) Oklahoma City Thunder (40-16)
4) Los Angeles Clippers (37-19)
5) Memphis Grizzlies (32-23)
6) Dallas Mavericks (30-27)
7) Portland Trailblazers (29-27)
8) Houston Rockets (28-28)
9) Utah Jazz (27-28)
and had the playoffs started today, here's what the games will be:
Eastern Conference:
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Chicago Bulls
(4) Boston Celtics vs. (5) Indiana Pacers
(3) Miami Heat vs. (6) Atlanta Hawks
(2) Toronto Raptors vs. (7) Charlotte Hornets
Western Conference:
(1) Golden State Warriors vs. (8) Houston Rockets
(4) Los Angeles Clippers vs. (5) Memphis Grizzlies
(3) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (6) Dallas Mavericks
(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (7) Portland Trailblazers
Here are tonight's results of the NBA
The Warriors get win #50 def. the Hawks in Atlanta, Heat def. Pacers in OT, Raptors def. Knicks in an Atlantic Division Showdown, Celtics lose to the Timberwolves in Minnesota and the Pistons def. the Cavs in Cleveland in a Central Division Match-Up as LeBron James struggles
Plus, the Clippers def. the Suns in a Pacific Showdown
Here are the stories:
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20160222_GS@ATL
Curry leads Warriors to 50th win, 102-92 over Hawks
By PAUL NEWBERRY
AP Sports Writer
Feb. 22, 2016
ATLANTA (AP) The Golden State Warriors reached 50 wins faster than any team in NBA history.
Sounds nice.
Doesn't mean more than that to this group.
With their eyes on more than regular-season records, the Warriors improved to 50-5 as Stephen Curry scored 36 points and Golden State bounced back after squandering a 23-point lead to beat the Atlanta Hawks 102-92 on Monday night.
The Warriors eclipsed the mark set by the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, who needed one more game to win their 50th. Of course, that's the team Golden State is chasing, moving another step closer to the record 72-10 mark put up by Michael Jordan & Co. at the height of their six-titles-in-eight-years dynasty.
''Fifty wins is great,'' Curry said, ''but we've got to keep plugging away and staying hungry, because nobody wants to talk about that in June.''
Curry and the defending NBA champions appeared headed for a rout against the struggling Hawks, pushing out to a 70-47 lead approaching the midway point of the third quarter. Atlanta closed the period on a 28-6 run and grabbed the lead briefly early in the fourth, igniting the sellout crowd.
But the Warriors would not be denied, bouncing back to hand the Hawks their fourth straight home loss.
''I liked our response,'' coach Steve Kerr said. ''They were on fire in their home building. Everything was going against us, and we maintained our poise and pulled away down the stretch. It was a really good win.''
Klay Thompson added 27 points for the Warriors. Both he and Curry knocked down five shots from 3-point range. Draymond Green didn't do much offensively, scoring only six points, but he had 14 rebounds and nine assists.
Al Horford led the Hawks with 23 points.
''The third quarter is something we can hopefully build off of,'' said Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer, whose team had the top record in the Eastern Conference a year ago but has slipped all the way to sixth this season.
Curry put on a clinic in the first half, thoroughly dominating Hawks point guard Jeff Teague.
Perhaps the best sequence came when Curry swished a towering 3-pointer from the corner, the ball seeming to disappear into the rafters of Philips Arena at the height of its arc. Then, after posing briefly in front of the Golden State bench, he hustled back to the other end to draw an offensive foul on Teague, who looked befuddled by what he was seeing.
At the end of the half, with the clock running down and Teague right in his face, Curry somehow found just enough space to knock down another amazing jumper from the corner, though this one with his foot on the stripe.
Someone on the Golden State bench threw a white towel high in the air - partly to celebrate, partly in disbelief.
The Hawks could've thrown in the towel early in the third.
Instead, Atlanta finally showed some fight against the league's best team, making five 3-pointers and nearly 60 percent of its shots in the period.
The Warriors regained control in the fourth, helped by Curry's 3 that left him wiggling his shoulders in front of the Atlanta bench.
''He senses when he needs to take over,'' Kerr said.
SHARING THE BALL
Golden State had 30 assists in a game for the 29th time this season, a franchise record.
The previous mark was set last season on the way to the championship.
In addition to Green's team-high assists, Curry doled out eight, Andrew Bogut had four and Thompson chipped in with three.
''It's a special group,'' Curry said.
TIP-INS
Warriors: Improved to 45-0 when leading after the third quarter. It looked as though the Hawks would have the lead heading to the fourth, but a video review showed Thabo Sefolosha's jumper left his hand a split-second after the clock expired, leaving Golden State ahead 76-75. ... Bogut played 29 minutes with a strained right Achilles, grabbing 11 rebounds. ... Newly signed Anderson Varejao watched the game from the Warriors bench but didn't play. He was signed after being cut last week by Portland.
Hawks: Have lost four straight home games for the first time since March 21 to April 1, 2007, according to STATS. ... Tim Hardaway Jr. had some effective spurts off the bench, scoring 12 points. ... Atlanta made 10 of 34 from 3-point range and is 19 of 75 from beyond the arc in its last two games.
UP NEXT
Warriors: Travel to Miami to face the Heat on Wednesday.
Hawks: Host the Chicago Bulls on Friday.
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20160222_IND@MIA
Dragic scores 24, Heat rally and beat Pacers 101-93 in OT
By TIM REYNOLDS
AP Basketball Writer
Feb. 22, 2016
MIAMI (AP) Chris Bosh remained away from the team. Luol Deng had to put his own dislocated finger back into place. Dwyane Wade missed his first 10 shots. Beno Udrih departed in the first half with a right foot injury.
And the Indiana Pacers led 11-0 to open the game.
Somehow, not even all that could deter the Miami Heat.
Goran Dragic scored 24 points, Hassan Whiteside finished with 19 points and 18 rebounds, and the Heat won their third consecutive game since the All-Star break, rallying from 14 points down to beat the Pacers 101-93 in overtime Monday night.
''What's going to break us?'' Wade said. ''That's the character of this team. We're tough.''
Wade added 16 points and Justise Winslow scored 15 for Miami, which won despite shooting only 38 percent. The Heat grabbed 66 rebounds for the second consecutive game after reaching that mark only three times in their first 28 seasons.
Deng had 13 points and 16 rebounds for Miami.
''It was rough at the beginning,'' coach Erik Spoelstra said. ''But our guys just stayed the course.''
Paul George had 31 points and 11 rebounds for the Pacers, and Myles Turner scored 16. But Indiana's starting backcourt of Monta Ellis and George Hill missed 22 of 24 shots.
Ellis was 2 for 17, the worst game in the NBA this season for anyone taking 15 or more shots. The Pacers missed their first six attempts of the extra session, and Miami took control.
In both of Indiana's trips to Miami this season, the Pacers have blown a double-digit lead and lost in overtime.
''It's the same story every time we're here,'' said George, who has played in Miami 18 times - and left a winner only twice. ''We control the game for so long and then it's always late in the game where it gets away from us. It's always been the story and really our history here.''
Indiana led by 14 early, Miami finished the half on an 11-0 spurt to get to 44-41 at the break, then wound up leading by as many as six late in the third quarter before a frenzied finish to regulation.
Wade made two free throws with 4.5 seconds left to put Miami up one, but was called for a foul on a pass by Ellis with 0.8 seconds remaining. (''Good call,'' Wade acknowledged.)
Ellis missed the first, made the second and off they went to overtime tied at 88.
''Gutsy effort,'' Pacers coach Frank Vogel said. ''We just fell short.''
Miami outscored the Pacers 13-5 in the extra period.
The Heat were again without Bosh, who is still determining how or when he can return this season after a blood clot - an issue that ended his 2014-15 season, though in a much more severe way - was found in his leg at All-Star weekend, a person with knowledge of the situation has told The Associated Press. The team still hasn't even been able to reveal that is Bosh's issue, and the All-Star forward has not made any public statements about the matter.
He's scheduled to appear at a $225-a-plate private dinner Tuesday to promote the release of a new beer, and the team is hopeful there's something to announce on his short-term future soon.
''We know he's going to do everything possible to get back on the court,'' Wade said.
TIP-INS
Pacers: George made his 300th regular-season start, all with the Pacers. Hill made his 300th career start, the first 55 of those coming with San Antonio before he joined the Pacers. ... Ellis was shaken up with a leg issue in the fourth quarter, but stayed in the game.
Heat: X-rays were negative on Udrih. ... The Heat were without assistant coach Juwan Howard, who was in Chicago following the death of his mother. Miami is also still without assistant Keith Smart, who is recovering from skin cancer surgery and chemotherapy.
WHITESIDE'S FIRSTS
Whiteside's first rebound was the 1,000th of his Heat career, in 95 games. That's the fastest anyone has reached that milestone in Heat history, ahead of Alonzo Mourning (96), Kevin Willis (98) and Shaquille O'Neal (99), and it came one game after Whiteside was the quickest to record 300 blocks in a Miami uniform. ''It matters because it's history. It's Heat history,'' Whiteside said.
UP NEXT
Pacers: Host New York Knicks on Wednesday.
Heat: Host Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20160222_TOR@NY
Lowry's triple-double helps Raptors rout Knicks 122-95
By BRIAN MAHONEY
AP Basketball Writer
Feb. 22, 2016
NEW YORK (AP) Kyle Lowry got his triple-double and DeMar DeRozan set a Raptors record.
Toronto's All-Stars were so clearly the best guards on the floor that the New York Knicks could only settle for having the most popular one.
Lowry had 22 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists for his first triple-double of the season, DeRozan also scored 22 while becoming the winningest player in Raptors history, and Toronto beat New York 122-95 on Monday night.
Lowry said Toronto's win and DeRozan's achievement were more important, but thanked his teammates for letting him know late in the game that he needed one more rebound for a triple-double - helping him get it.
''It's crazy how much these guys really support me and I support them and we just support each other. So I mean, it makes our jobs a lot easier when you have that friendship and that camaraderie,'' Lowry said.
Jonas Valanciunas added 20 points for the Raptors, who won so easily that Knicks interim coach Kurt Rambis changed his mind in the final minutes of the blowout and inserted Jimmer Fredette.
Just signed to a 10-day contract, the former college player of the year made a 3-pointer on his lone shot attempt - about the only thing Knicks fans had to cheer during the team's 12th loss in 14 games.
DeRozan passed Chris Bosh and Morris Peterson with his 233rd win in six-plus years wearing a Raptors uniform.
''It sounds good saying it, honestly,'' DeRozan said. ''I mean, it's an honor for me, man. I've been here, it felt like since the beginning, and just to have that, that's big.''
DeRozan and Lowry outclassed the Knicks' backcourt of Jose Calderon and Arron Afflalo, which combined for 3-of-13 shooting.
Carmelo Anthony had 23 points and 11 rebounds for the Knicks on the fifth anniversary of his trade to New York. Robin Lopez added 21 points and 13 boards.
Toronto outscored New York 60-40 across the middle two quarters and put seven players in double figures.
''When you're not on the same page out there on the court it's hard to communicate with one another,'' Anthony said. ''And for most of the game we weren't communicating with each other.''
New York trailed by just one before the Raptors closed the first half with a 15-2 run to take a 57-43 lead. The Knicks cut that lead to seven early in the third before Toronto broke it open again, building a 20-point bulge later in the period.
''We can't stop the ball, and a big part of our communication disappeared in this ballgame,'' Rambis said.
The only intrigue from there was whether Fredette would play. Rambis had said he had no plans to use the former BYU guard, signed Monday after spending most of the season with the Knicks' NBA Development League affiliate. But Fredette came in to a loud cheer with 1:49 to go and nailed his 3-pointer 14 seconds later to a bigger roar from the fans who hadn't already left.
TIP-INS
Raptors: Toronto is 9-1 against Atlantic Division foes. ... Toronto plays nine of its next 10 games at home.
Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis scored 17 points. ... The Knicks fell to 0-9 when allowing opponents to shoot 50 percent from the field.
JIMMER'S CHANCE
Rambis not only said before the game he had no plans to use Fredette on Monday, but made it sound as though the No. 10 pick in the 2011 draft would have a hard time getting much playing time at all.
''I'm not going to displace somebody that's been here all year and has been working hard in practice, and we kind of know what the individuals on our team bring, their strengths and weaknesses,'' Rambis said. ''So if there's something that he could bring that's a little bit better then he'll get an opportunity. If not, it's really hard to just throw somebody in like that, but we'll see.''
UP NEXT
Raptors: Host Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.
Knicks: Visit Indiana Pacers on Wednesday.
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20160222_BOS@MIN
Towns, Timberwolves outlast Celtics 124-122
By JON KRAWCZYNSKI
AP Basketball Writer
Feb. 22, 2016
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) Karl-Anthony Towns has put together one of the best rookie seasons for a big man in the last 20 years, and he showed off his entire repertoire in the first half Monday night against the Boston Celtics.
The hook shots, the up-and-under, the 3-pointer, it was all on display in another dazzling performance. And it almost wasn't enough.
Towns had 28 points, 13 rebounds and four assists, and the Minnesota Timberwolves hung on to beat the Celtics 124-122 when Marcus Smart's 3-pointer at the buzzer went off the back iron.
''I'm upset,'' said Towns, whose Wolves led by 16 in the first quarter, 14 with 4 minutes to go and 10 with 90 seconds left before nearly giving the game away. ''It's hard to smile after a game like this. It should've never got to that point. We've just got to be better.''
Gorgui Dieng had 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Ricky Rubio gave the Wolves 15 points, eight assists, eight rebounds and some terrific defense on All-Star guard Isaiah Thomas.
Jae Crowder had 27 points and nine rebounds for the Celtics, who lost on the second night of a back-to-back for the first time in six games. Boston's normally stingy defense gave up 51.8 percent shooting to the Wolves. The Celtics were also outrebounded 51-38.
Despite their sluggishness, the Celtics found some defense late, took advantage of three missed free throws in the final 30 seconds and had a clean look to win it.
''The guys fought again,'' coach Brad Stevens said. ''They found a way back in it somehow. I don't know how they do it, but it seems like we always have a chance.''
Zach LaVine had 16 points and shot 4 of 5 on 3-pointers, and Andrew Wiggins scored 17 for the Wolves.
The Timberwolves were terrible in a home loss to the Knicks on Saturday night, trailing by 24 early in the fourth quarter as former coach Kurt Rambis cruised to his first win with New York. Minnesota came out with much more energy playing against a team on the second night of a tough back-to-back after playing in Denver on Sunday.
During one incredible stretch in the first quarter, Towns scored nine straight for the Wolves, including a baby hook on the baseline and a dazzling up-and-under move that left Tyler Zeller grasping at air and injured Wolves star Kevin Garnett jumping out of his seat on the bench and letting out a howl.
''Towns had his way with us the whole night,'' Stevens said. ''Obviously their other guys did, too, but certainly he stood out.''
The Wolves led by 16 in the first quarter and 11 in the second, but the Celtics closed the first three quarters with bursts to stay within striking distance.
Rubio was disruptive all night on the defensive end, stifling Boston's pick-and-roll and limiting the number of clean looks for Thomas, who started the game 0 for 7 and finished with 18 points on 8-for-20 shooting.
That kind of dogged effort is usually the Celtics' specialty. They came in third in the NBA in defensive efficiency, but couldn't quite finish off the comeback.
Boston pulled within one with 5.3 seconds to play, but Smart's look from the right wing was off target, allowing the Wolves to escape.
''It's great to have a `W,' but for me personally I'm just not happy with the way we played at the end,'' Towns said. ''That's us, especially me. We've got to do a better job.''
CELTICS FOULING
The Timberwolves have been one of the best teams in the league at getting to the foul line this season, and they took advantage of a foul-prone Celtics defense. Minnesota shot 40 free throws and made 30 of them.
''It's frustrating,'' Stevens said. ''It's something we talk about very consistently. And it's becoming frustrating.''
TIP-INS
Celtics: Smart had 17 points and seven assists. ... Jared Sullinger had 12 points and seven rebounds.
Timberwolves: F Nemanja Bjelica had an MRI on the right foot injury that occurred over the All-Star break. It revealed a strain and he will miss at least the next three games on the upcoming road trip. ... Rookie PG Tyus Jones had his best game as a pro with nine points on 4-for-7 shooting in 16 minutes.
UP NEXT
Celtics: Host Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday.
Timberwolves: Visit Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20160222_DET@CLE
Jackson's 23 points pace Pistons to 96-88 win over Cavaliers
By TOM WITHERS
AP Sports Writer
Feb. 22, 2016
CLEVELAND (AP) The Pistons canceled a trade and then stopped LeBron James and the Cavaliers.
Reggie Jackson scored 23 points, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 19 and Detroit withstood Cleveland's late comeback for a 96-88 win Monday night to snap a five-game losing streak.
One day after allowing New Orleans center Anthony Davis to score 59 points with 20 rebounds, the Pistons beat the Eastern Conference's top team for the second time this season and earned their first win since Feb. 4.
''It had been a long time since we got a win - coming up on three weeks - so we definitely needed it,'' coach Stan Van Gundy said. ''You've seen it all year: We're capable of beating anybody and we're capable of losing to anybody. The guys felt good about themselves tonight, and I think everyone played well defensively the whole game.''
Andre Drummond added 15 rebounds for the Pistons, who let an 18-point lead in the fourth quarter dwindle to six before putting away the Cavs and ending their five-game winning streak.
Kyrie Irving scored 30 and Kevin Love 24 for Cleveland, which had an off night after looking so impressive in a win at Oklahoma City on Sunday. James scored just 12 points - 13 below his average - and went 5 of 18 from the floor, missing all four 3-point tries and committing six turnovers.
''I probably should have had about 12 of them,'' said James, who acknowledged lacking energy on the back end of a back-to-back.
Following the game, Irving revealed he played only 9 minutes Sunday against the Thunder after being bitten by bed bugs in his Oklahoma City hotel.
''I was freaked out,'' he said.
Tobias Harris, acquired from Orlando in a trade last week, scored 14 in his first start for the Pistons, who before the game rescinded their three-team trade last week with Houston and Philadelphia because not all the players involved were cleared medically.
Then, the Pistons went out and rejected the Cavs.
''It feels great to get the win,'' Harris said. ''The best thing was the effort, the energy level we showed against one of the very best teams. We didn't get discouraged when they made some tough shots. We just kept telling each other, `Let's keep our pace, let's keep running.' We just kept playing our pace.''
Detroit opened the fourth quarter with a 13-2 run to take an 18-point lead on Caldwell-Pope's short jumper with 6:31 remaining.
After going through the motions most of the night, the Cavs finally awakened and reeled off 10 straight points to get to 88-82. But Jackson responded by dropping a floater in the lane, and Caldwell-Pope made the game's biggest play, stripping a driving James and then taking the ball the length of the floor for a layup, a bucket that brought Pistons radio commentator Rick Mahorn - one of Detroit's original Bad Boys - out of his seat.
Jackson credited the Pistons with digging deep to get the win.
''We're desperate, man,'' he said. ''We've got to be hungry for every last win after dropping the last five. We've been trying to find a way to battle and be resilient, and I couldn't be more proud of the guys for stepping up with us so short-handed.''
LEBRON'S REST
Cavs coach Tyronn Lue said he considered resting James on the second game of a back-to-back.
''I should have,'' he said.
James has only missed one game this season, and Lue plans to sit his superstar if and when the Cavs lock up the conference title.
TURNOVER CITY
The Cavs were their own worst enemies in the first half, committing 12 turnovers that the Pistons converted into 16 points, enabling Detroit to open a 56-49 halftime lead. Cleveland finished with 18 turnovers.
ROOKIE INJURY
Detroit's Stanley Johnson strained his right shoulder in the second half. Van Gundy said the forward will be re-evaluated on Tuesday. Reggie Bullock will take Johnson's spot in the rotation.
TIP-INS
Pistons: F Anthony Tolliver (right knee) was diagnosed with a Grade 1 sprain and will miss two to four weeks. He was hurt Sunday against New Orleans. . Van Gundy said there are no immediate plans to fill the team's one open roster spot. . Detroit came in holding ninth place in the Eastern Conference, 2 1/2 games behind Chicago for the final playoff spot.
Cavaliers: F Channing Frye scored two points in 9 minutes of his debut for Cleveland. ... G Iman Shumpert missed his second straight game with a sprained left shoulder. It's the same one he injured last season, when he missed six weeks. ... G Mo Williams plans to have his sore left knee examined by renowned orthopedist Dr. James Andrews in Florida on Tuesday. Williams has been bothered by the knee for two months. He hasn't played since Feb. 10, when he missed all four shots in a win over the Lakers.
UP NEXT
Pistons: Host Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday.
Cavaliers: Host Michael Jordan's Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.
and finally....
http://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20160222_PHO@LAC
Clippers hand Suns worst loss of dismal season, 124-84
By BETH HARRIS
AP Sports Writer
Feb. 23, 2016
LOS ANGELES (AP) J.J. Redick scored 22 points and the Los Angeles Clippers beat Phoenix 124-84 Monday night, handing the Suns their 12th consecutive loss overall and 15th in a row on the road.
DeAndre Jordan added 17 points and 11 rebounds, and Chris Paul had 16 points and 14 assists for the Clippers, who split their previous two games against the West's top two teams, the Warriors and Spurs. Los Angeles had its way with the conference's second-worst team, earning its most lopsided win of the season while improving to 20-6 without injured Blake Griffin.
Archie Goodwin scored 20 points off the bench for the Suns, who trailed the entire game on the way to their worst loss of the season. Alex Len added 14 points and Mirza Teletovic had 13.
The Clippers shot 51 percent in the first half and led by 19 at the end of the first quarter.
The Suns opened the second quarter with a 16-1 run - their lone stretch of success - against the Clippers' reserves to close within four. Los Angeles went 0 for 4 and committed five turnovers in a span of 5:23.
That brought the Clippers' starters back, with Redick scoring 11 points during a 22-9 spurt that extended their lead to 59-42 at the break. Redick's 3-pointer capped the run in which he missed another 3 but scrambled for the offensive rebound and hit a pull-up jumper.
Jordan took over in the third, scoring the Clippers' first 10 points to push their lead to 69-50. Besides making two free throws, the big man took a fast-break, alley-oop pass from Paul for a reverse dunk, scored on a hook shot and then dunked again. The Clippers outscored the Suns 31-19 in the period and built a 90-61 lead going into the fourth.
Redick, Jordan, Paul and the other starters rested the entire fourth quarter. They watched the second unit increase the lead to 43 points - their biggest of the year - helped by six 3s in the period.
Clippers newcomer Jeff Green added 18 points.
TIP-INS
Suns: They haven't won on the road since Dec. 7 at Chicago. ... Their 11 previous losses were by an average of 12 points. ... C Tyson Chandler sat out with a bruised right shoulder. ... Phoenix fell to 2-8 in the second game of a back-to-back set, having lost to the Spurs by seven points on Sunday.
Clippers: They have won five of seven. ... Los Angeles assigned F Branden Dawson to the Erie Bayhawks of the NBA's D-League, his third such stint this season. He appeared in three games with the Clippers, with two points and three rebounds. ... A challenge for the upcoming season of ''Celebrity Apprentice'' was filmed during timeouts.
UP NEXT
Suns: Host Brooklyn Nets on Thursday. The Nets won the first meeting 94-91 on Dec. 1.
Clippers: Host Denver Nuggets on Wednesday. The Clippers have won six in a row at home against the Nuggets.
credit: cbssports.com
also, just so ya know, in the Atlantic Division, the Raptors lead 5½ games ahead of the Celtics and in the Southeast Division, the Heat and Hawks are still fighting neck and neck as the Heat lead 2 games ahead of the Hawks
and in the Conference
Here are the standings:
Eastern Conference:
1) Cleveland Cavaliers (40-15)
2) Toronto Raptors (37-18)
3) Miami Heat (32-24)
4) Boston Celtics (33-25)
5) Indiana Pacers (30-26)
6) Atlanta Hawks (31-27)
7) Charlotte Hornets (29-26)
8) Chicago Bulls (29-26)
9) Detroit Pistons (28-29)
Western Conference:
1) Golden State Warriors (50-5)
2) San Antonio Spurs (47-9)
3) Oklahoma City Thunder (40-16)
4) Los Angeles Clippers (37-19)
5) Memphis Grizzlies (32-23)
6) Dallas Mavericks (30-27)
7) Portland Trailblazers (29-27)
8) Houston Rockets (28-28)
9) Utah Jazz (27-28)
and had the playoffs started today, here's what the games will be:
Eastern Conference:
(1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Chicago Bulls
(4) Boston Celtics vs. (5) Indiana Pacers
(3) Miami Heat vs. (6) Atlanta Hawks
(2) Toronto Raptors vs. (7) Charlotte Hornets
Western Conference:
(1) Golden State Warriors vs. (8) Houston Rockets
(4) Los Angeles Clippers vs. (5) Memphis Grizzlies
(3) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (6) Dallas Mavericks
(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (7) Portland Trailblazers