Eight games were played around the NBA on Tuesday, including some with big-time playoff implications. The three we chose, in particular, tightened the Western Conference playoff race even more. Take a look:
Lakers Shoot Down Rockets After Tense End Game
The Los Angeles Lakers (46-29) overcame quiet games from their stars to pull off a 104-98 victory over the Houston Rockets (49-27) in a battle of two of the West’s top five teams at crypto.com Arena.
Luka Doncic led the way with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists for the Lakers, while LeBron James and Austin Reaves chipped in just 16 and 12, respectively. James did have a big block down the stretch to help the Purple and Gold preserve the win. Dorian Finney-Smith and Gabe Vincent picked up the slack on offense, coming off the bench to score 20 apiece.
Amen Thompson paced the Rockets with 20 points, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, followed by 16 points and 5 rebounds from Dillon Brooks. Alperen Sengun added 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Up next:
Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors on April 4
Rockets vs. Utah Jazz on April 3
Streaking Celtics Top Skidding Grizzlies
The Boston Celtics (56-19) used a 41-point second quarter to grab the lead for good en route to a 117-103 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies (44-31) at FedEx Forum.
Jayson Tatum fired 25 points and Al Horford added 26 off the bench to lead the Celtics to their ninth straight win. Kristaps Porzingis chipped in 19, Jrue Holiday put up 18 points and 7 assists, and Derrick White scored 14.
Ja Morant scored 26 points and had 5 assists for the Grizzlies, who have dropped three straight and six of their last seven. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 20 points and 15 boards, while Santi Aldama had 21 points and 8 boards off the Memphis bench.
Up next:
Celtics vs. Heat on April 2
Grizzlies vs. Warriors on April 2
Clippers Hold Off Magic in Low-Scoring Affair
Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac powered the Los Angeles Clippers (43-32) to a 96-87 triumph over the Orlando Magic (36-40) at Kia Center.
Leonard finished with 21 points and 8 boards, while Zubac had 18 markers and 20 caroms. James Harden was brilliant as well with 20 points, 5 assists, and 7 assists. Norm Powell added 21.
Paolo Banchero had 26 points and 6 rebounds, and Franz Wagner chipped in 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cory Joseph fired 11 and 10, respectively, but the Magic got only two markers from their bench.
Up next:
Clippers vs. New Orleans Pelicans on April 3
Magic vs. San Antonio Spurs on April 2
