BASKETBALL
Ross helps Magic top Raptors in Toronto
The Toronto Raptors slumped to a shock 113-98 loss to the Orlando Magic without Kawhi Leonard in the NBA on Sunday.
Orlando claimed victory in Toronto and benefited from a surprising offensive performance from Terrence Ross. The 28-year-old wing totalled 28 points and nine rebounds off the bench to lead all scorers. Nikola Vucevic chipped in 23 points and 12 rebounds.
Toronto's Kyle Lowry managed 19 points and 10 assists. The Raptors tried some experimental lineups, but could not seem to find a rhythm, even though six of their players registered double-digit scoring totals.
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Toronto's seven-game winning streak came to a halt, but they remain in second place in the Eastern Conference standings. They elected to hold out Leonard against Orlando for rest and "load management".
Meanwhile, the Magic sit in ninth place and trail the Charlotte Hornets by one game for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Jokic gigantic
Nikola Jokic posted 22 points and 16 rebounds in the Denver Nuggets' dominant 123-96 win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
Damyean Dotson led the New York Knicks in scoring with 27 points on eight made three-pointers in their 130-118 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. The win snapped New York's 18-game home losing streak.
Gilgeous-Alexander endures miserable outing
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored one point on 0-of-nine shooting in the Clippers' loss.
DeRozan converts
The Spurs' DeMar DeRozan converted a midrange jumper over Knicks rookie Mitchell Robinson despite a foul.
DeMar uses the pump fake for the and-1!#GoSpursGo 24#NewYorkForever 26: @NBATV pic.twitter.com/bTwHTyqvk3— NBA (@NBA) February 25, 2019
Jokic's flashy passing led to a wide open look from deep for the Nuggets.
Joker starts the @nuggets ball movement in style! #MileHighBasketball 114#ClipperNation 91Watch on @NBATV pic.twitter.com/pQXdrIBBaR— NBA (@NBA) February 25, 2019
Sunday's results
Orlando Magic 113-98 Toronto Raptors
Denver Nuggets 123-96 Los Angeles Clippers
New York Knicks 130-118 San Antonio Spurs
Kings at Timberwolves
Just three games separate Sacramento and Minnesota in the Western Conference playoff race. As the regular season winds down, both team will jockey for position in hopes of making a postseason appearance.
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