Seven games were on tap around the NBA on Monday, so we’ve chosen three notables. Find out what happened here:
Lakers Handle Suns to End Slide
Luka Doncic fired 33 points to go along with 11 rebounds and 8 assists to power the Los Angeles Lakers (41-25) to a 107-96 win over the Phoenix Suns (31-37) at crypto.com Arena.
Austin Reaves added 28 points and 6 dimes for the Lakers, who raced out to a 31-15 lead after one and never looked back. Jaxson Hayes had 19 points and 6 boards and was 8-for-10 from the field thanks mainly to Doncic’s and Reaves’ assists.
Kevin Durant led the Suns with 21 points and 9 rebounds, while Devin Booker chipped in 19 points and 11 assists. The two, however, went a combined 12-for-34 from the field. Bradley Beal was worse, finishing with a measly 4 points.
Up next:
Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs on March 18
Suns vs. Toronto Raptors on March 18
Magic Halt Cavs, End Their 16-Game Winning Streak
Paolo Banchero capped a furious Orlando Magic (32-37) rally that saw them pull off a 108-103 stunner against the Cleveland Cavaliers (56-11) at Rocket Arena.
Banchero finished with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists and hit the go-ahead jumper that put the Magic up 104-103 after trailing by double-digits for much of the game. Franz Wagner added 22 points and 8 rebounds, while Wendell Carter Jr. had 16 points and 14 rebounds.
Donovan Mitchell led the Cavs with 23 points but was just 9-for-28 from the field. He also missed three crucial shots in the final two minutes as Cleveland failed to protect its 16-game winning streak. Jarrett Allen had 20 points and 12 boards.
Up next:
Magic vs. Houston Rockets on March 20
Cavs vs. Los Angeles Clippers on March 19
Wolves Devour Jazz
Anthony Edwards dropped 41 points to power the Minnesota Timberwolves (40-29) to a 128-102 rout of the Utah Jazz (15-53) at Target Center.
Jaden McDaniels backed up Edwards with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Donte DiVicenzo and Julius Randle each chipped in 11. Minnesota built its first double-digit lead in the first quarter and added on to it with a 37-point third period en route to its eight-straight victory.
Collin Sexton paced the Jazz with 22 points, with Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler added 16 and 15, respectively. Utah has now lost nine in a row.
Up next:
Wolves vs. Indiana Pacers on March 18
Jazz vs. Chicago Bulls on March 18
