NBA roundup: Lakers top Nuggets on Luka Doncic's last-second OT winner
Sun Mar 15 2:18am ET
Field Level Media
Luka Doncic hit a baseline jumper with 0.5 seconds left as the host Los Angeles Lakers rallied to beat the Denver Nuggets 127-125 in overtime on Saturday night.
Doncic finished with 30 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds for his eighth triple-double of the season. With its fifth straight win, Los Angeles clinched the season series against Denver.
Austin Reaves had 32 points, including a bucket in the final seconds of the fourth to send it to overtime. Marcus Smart added 21 points and LeBron James scored 17 for the Lakers. Smart's fifth 3-pointer of the night gave Los Angeles a 125-123 lead with 31 seconds left in overtime. Nikola Jokic tied it with 15.1 seconds left, but Doncic's 17-foot fadeaway won it for the hosts.
Jokic had 24 points, 16 rebounds and 14 assists for his 27th triple-double of the season and fifth in his last six games Braun had 12 apiece for the Nuggets.
Spurs 115, Hornets 102
Victor Wembanyama racked up 32 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and four blocked shots in his return from a one-game absence due to a sore calf to lead host San Antonio to a victory over Charlotte as two of the hottest teams in the NBA clashed.
De'Aaron Fox added 17 points for the Spurs, with Stephon Castle adding 15 points with 10 assists. Keldon Johnson scored 13 points and Luke Kornet contributed 10 for San Antonio, which is 17-2 since the start of February,
Miles Bridges led Charlotte with 22 points while Kon Knueppel scored 20, Coby White had 18 off the bench and LaMelo Ball added 17 for the Hornets, who had a two-game winning streak snapped but are 8-3 since Feb. 22.
Magic 121, Heat 117
Paolo Banchero posted 27 points, eight rebounds and seven assists as visiting Orlando defeated Miami for the fifth straight time.
Orlando led by as many as 22 but needed two Wendell Carter Jr. free throws with 11 seconds left to help put Miami away. Banchero added two free throws with 7.8 seconds left. Desmond Bane added 21 points for the Magic, who have won seven straight. Carter scored 15, Jalen Suggs added 14 and Jamal Cain chipped in 12 as the Magic swept the season series 5-0.
Miami, which had its seven-game win streak snapped, was led by Bam Adebayo, who had 20 points, seven rebounds, four steals and two blocks. Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 22 points, seven assists and three steals. Fellow reserve Norman Powell had 20 points and Pelle Larsson scored 13 of his 15 points in the fourth quarter.
Celtics 111, Wizards 100
Neemias Queta scored a game-high 24 points and had 10 rebounds to help Boston end a two-game losing streak and defeat visiting Washington.
The Celtics received 20 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists from Jayson Tatum, and a 16-point performance from Jaylen Brown. Derrick White scored 15 and Luka Garza added 15 off the bench. Boston outrebounded Washington 55-38. The Celtics grabbed 19 offensive rebounds.
The loss stretched Washington's losing streak to 11. The Wizards have lost nine in a row on the road. Tristan Vukcevic made 6 of 7 3-point attempts and led the Wizards with 22 points. Fellow reserve Jamir Watkins added 15 points and Trae Young scored 11 and had six assists.
Hawks 122, Bucks 99
CJ McCollum scored 30 points and made seven 3-pointers to help red-hot Atlanta extend its winning streak to nine games with a victory over visiting Milwaukee.
Jalen Johnson added 23 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds for his 12th triple-double of the season as Atlanta won nine in a row for the first time since a 19-game stretch in the 2014-15 season.
Ryan Rollins had 22 points and eight assists for the Bucks, who dropped their eighth game in nine tries. Kevin Porter Jr. contributed 18 points, seven assists and seven rebounds.
76ers 104, Nets 97
Quentin Grimes scored 28 points, as Philadelphia notched a home victory over Brooklyn.
Adem Bona chipped in with nine points, 10 rebounds and three blocks for Philadelphia, which continued to play without Tyrese Maxey (finger), Joel Embiid (oblique), and Paul George (suspension), among others. VJ Edgecombe contributed 16 points and seven assists for the Sixers, who had dropped five of their previous seven games. Justin Edwards added 19 points.
Brooklyn lost for the 13th time in 15 games despite erasing a 28-point, second-half deficit. Danny Wolf scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds to pace the Nets, who took the court without several key players, including top scorer Michael Porter Jr. (ankle).
Kings 118, Clippers 109
DeMar DeRozan scored 27 points and Precious Achiuwa added 25 with 13 rebounds as Sacramento turned a brief stop on the road into a victory over host Los Angeles in Inglewood, Calif.
Maxime Raynaud scored 23 points and Russell Westbrook added 12 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists against his former team as the Kings won for the third time in their past four games to continue emerging from their 2-20 downturn. The Kings were playing on the road for the only time in a stretch of 10 games and are now 3-3 during the run.
Kawhi Leonard scored 31 points for the Clippers to tie the franchise record with his 45th consecutive game of at least 20 points. Leonard went to the locker room in the first half with a cut over his left eye and departed for good with 9:27 remaining in the game when he rolled his left ankle.
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- 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey (finger tendon) out at least 3 weeks
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- NBA cancels Hawks' controversial strip club promotion
- NBA roundup: Suns halt Hornets' 10-game road winning streak
- 76ers All-Star G Tyrese Maxey (finger) to miss at least 2 games
- Bucks star PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) sitting out vs. Magic
- Lakers star LeBron James (elbow, foot) ruled out vs. Knicks
- NBA roundup: Down 23, Nets stun Pistons to halt 10-game skid
- Mavericks F Khris Middleton fined $25K for mouthpiece incident
- Celtics C Nikola Vucevic (finger) sidelined 3-4 weeks
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Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (knee) will sit out Sunday's game against the Knicks as part of injury management on the first night of a back-to-back. With Golden State missing multiple rotation pieces, Pat Spencer, Will Richard, and Gary Payton II could all see enough minutes to draw fantasy interest. Payton finished with 12 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 19 minutes last game, while Spencer added seven points and three assists in 19 minutes. Opportunities should be there, but all three profile as risky fantasy streamers due to uncertain roles.
Golden State Warriors forward/center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) will not play Sunday against the Knicks as the team continues to manage his recent health issues, with a possible return targeted for Monday. His absence, along with injuries to Draymond Green (back) and Al Horford (calf), leaves Golden State thin in the frontcourt. Gui Santos could continue seeing heavy minutes after producing 17 points, three rebounds, eight assists, and one steal in 35 minutes last game, and with how he's trending lately, he looks like a solid fantasy option for the stretch run. Quinten Post (ankle) may also see more run if available, though he remains a risky deep league option given the uncertain rotation.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Pacers after suiting up Saturday against the Hawks, where he posted 18 points, seven assists, seven rebounds, two steals, and one block in 30 minutes. The Bucks appear to be managing his workload, with his next chance to play coming Tuesday against the Cavaliers. Ryan Rollins should continue handling a larger role after delivering 22 points, eight assists, three rebounds, and four three-pointers in 31 minutes last game. Rollins has been playing well enough to remain a strong fantasy option entering the final stretch of the season.
Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (knee) will miss his fifth straight game Sunday against the Mavericks as he continues to deal with right knee soreness. His absence keeps Thomas Bryant in the backup center role, though he remains more of a fringe fantasy streamer despite posting 11 points, four rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in 22 minutes last game. Evan Mobley should continue handling heavier frontcourt minutes and rebounding duties, boosting his fantasy ceiling, while Donovan Mitchell and James Harden (thumb) may also see slightly more usage with Cleveland leaning more on perimeter scoring.
Utah Jazz center Kyle Filipowski (rest) will not play Sunday against the Kings in what appears to be a scheduled maintenance day. The second-year big had been a regular part of the rotation and rarely inactive this season. His absence could open minutes for Oscar Tshiebwe, who produced eight points, five rebounds, one assist, and one steal in 20 minutes last game, while veteran Kevin Love may also factor into the frontcourt mix. Both remain risky deep-league streamers due to uncertain roles. Cody Williams and Brice Sensabaugh could also see slight usage increases.
Los Angeles Clippers guard/forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) did not return to Saturday's game against the Kings after suffering a left ankle injury in the fourth quarter. He finished with 31 points, six rebounds, and two steals in 26 minutes before exiting. Leonard has been on a strong run lately, averaging 32.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 1.8 steals over his last five games, making any absence significant for fantasy managers. If he misses time, Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin could take on larger scoring roles, while Kris Dunn may see more backcourt minutes.
Utah Jazz guard/forward Ace Bailey (concussion) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Kings after entering the league's concussion protocol following a head injury Friday. With Utah not playing again until Wednesday, the rookie will have added recovery time. Elijah Harkless could see more opportunity after recording 10 points, two three-pointers, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals in 30 minutes last game, while Andersson Garcia added six points, three rebounds, and two steals in 29 minutes. Harkless and Garcia remain fringe streaming options due to uncertain roles, while Brice Sensabaugh and Isaiah Collier are better bets to absorb additional usage in Bailey's absence.
Kings' G Russell Westbrook recorded a triple-double, finishing with 12 points, 10 assists and 12 rebounds in a 118-109 win over the Clippers on Saturday, Mar. 14.
Lakers' G Luka Doncic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 30 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds in a 127-125 win over the Nuggets on Saturday, Mar. 14.
Denver Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 24 points, 14 assists and 16 rebounds in a 125-127 loss to the Lakers on Saturday, Mar. 14.
Atlanta Hawks' F Jalen Johnson recorded a triple-double, finishing with 23 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds in a 122-99 win over the Bucks on Saturday, Mar. 14.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) is questionable for Saturday's game against the Hawks after recently returning from a four-game absence due to the same issue. If he sits, Ryan Rollins could continue seeing an elevated role after posting 16 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds in 33 minutes off the bench last game, making him a strong fantasy option and a viable hold as the fantasy season winds down. AJ Green and Cam Thomas could also see more time, though both remain risky options due to inconsistent roles.
Sacramento Kings guard Devin Carter (calf) will miss Saturday's game against the Clippers, marking his second straight absence due to the injury. With Russell Westbrook back in the lineup, Killian Hayes is expected to handle backup point guard duties, though his fantasy appeal remains limited to low-end assists and occasional steals in a reserve role. Carter being out could help Malik Monk (ankle) hold steady minutes if he's able to suit up. With most fantasy playoffs underway and the season winding down, Carter is becoming a tougher hold outside of deeper formats.
Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (quadriceps) is off the injury report and expected to return Saturday against the Clippers after missing one game. The veteran is likely to reclaim starting point guard duties, which should send Killian Hayes back to a reserve role after he filled in during Westbrook's absence. Westbrook remains a strong fantasy option when active, averaging 17.6 points, 8.6 assists, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.4 steals over five March appearances in nearly 30 minutes per game. His return should slightly reduce DeMar DeRozan's secondary ballhandling while lowering Hayes' short-term streaming appeal.
Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Saturday's game against the 76ers and appears likely to miss a second straight contest. His absence should continue to open minutes for Danny Wolf, who started last game and posted eight points, eight rebounds, and two assists in 28 minutes, making him a safer deep-league streamer with Brooklyn thin up front. Josh Minott broke out for 24 points with four triples, three steals, and three blocks in 24 minutes, but his inconsistent role still makes him a risky fantasy play. Noah Clowney could also see a slight usage bump.
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (knee) is probable for Saturday's game against the Wizards after missing one game with a right knee contusion. The veteran is expected to resume his starting role, likely sending Payton Pritchard back to the bench after filling in the last game. White has been a reliable fantasy contributor when available, averaging 21.4 points, 2.4 three-pointers, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists over his last five outings in 34 minutes per game. His return should help settle Boston's guard rotation, with Payton Pritchard going back to his usual bench scoring role while Jaylen Brown takes on a bit less playmaking.
Brooklyn Nets center Nicolas Claxton (rest) will sit out Saturday's matchup against the 76ers for routine maintenance, with the expectation he returns Monday against Portland. Danny Wolf is positioned to handle most of the center minutes after starting the previous game, where he posted eight points, eight rebounds, two assists, and one three-pointer in 28 minutes. With Day'Ron Sharpe (thumb) already ruled out for the season, Wolf could remain a deep-league streaming option for rebounds and modest all-around production. Noah Clowney and Josh Minott may also see slight workload increases in Brooklyn's thin frontcourt rotation.
Utah Jazz guard/forward Ace Bailey (concussion) did not return in Friday's loss to the Trail Blazers after experiencing symptoms following an early exit. The rookie logged just seven minutes, finishing with eight points on perfect shooting, plus one rebound, one assist, one steal, and one block. If Bailey misses time, Utah may lean more on EJ Harkless and Andersson Garcia, though both remain risky deep-league streamers after modest production in expanded runs. Cody Williams and Kyle Filipowski could also see slight usage bumps as the Jazz continue prioritizing youth development amid multiple rotation injuries.
Bulls' G Josh Giddey recorded a triple-double, finishing with 20 points, 10 assists and 11 rebounds in a 108-119 loss to the Clippers on Friday, Mar. 13.
Timberwolves' G Anthony Edwards scored 42 points on 13-of-22 shooting in a 127-117 win over Golden State on Friday, Mar. 13.
