LeBron's Lakers snap skid, Jazz upstage Clippers
December 29, 2019 06:26 MYT
LeBron James led the way as the Los Angeles Lakers ended a four-game losing streak with a 128-120 win over the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA.
James posted a double-double to snap the Lakers' season-long winless run away to the Trail Blazers on Saturday.
In doubt with a groin problem, James took to the court and scored 21 points and tallied 16 assists for the Lakers in Portland.
Kyle Kuzma put up 24 points and Lakers team-mate Anthony Davis added 20 points.
the BEST of @KingJames' 16 assists in the @Lakers road win vs. Portland! #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/e0EyVfD9Du
— NBA (@NBA) December 29, 2019
Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard had a game-high 31 points as Portland lost their third consecutive game.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers lost 120-107 at home to the Utah Jazz.
Paul George had 20 points and 10 rebounds and Kawhi Leonard recorded 19 points, but the Clippers went down to the visiting Jazz – who were led by Donovan Mitchell's 30 points.
Doncic delivers another triple-double
It was the Luka Doncic show as the Dallas Mavericks star had 31 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds in just 30 minutes. His ninth triple-double of the season led the Mavericks past the Golden State Warriors 141-121. Warriors guard D'Angelo Russell finished with 35 points and nine three-pointers.
James Harden starred with 44 points and 10 rebounds as the Houston Rockets defeated the Brooklyn Nets 108-98.
Joel Embiid posted 35 points and 11 rebounds but the Philadelphia 76ers suffered a heartbreaking 117-116 overtime loss to the Miami Heat.
Defending champions the Toronto Raptors topped the Boston Celtics 113-97 thanks to Kyle Lowry's 30 points. Serge Ibaka contributed 20 points and 10 rebounds.
DeMar DeRozan (29 points) and LaMarcus Aldridge (25 points, 12 rebounds) combined to help the San Antonio Spurs beat the Detroit Pistons 136-109.
Fultz falters
Former number one pick Markelle Fultz has shown glimpses of his talent this season. However, Fultz was just one of 10 from the floor in 30 minutes of action. He finished with just four points as the Orlando Magic went down 111-100 to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Happy Holidays
Jrue, Justin and Aaron Holiday made history in the New Orleans Pelicans' 120-98 victory against the Indiana Pacers. It was the first time in the NBA three brothers shared the court at the same time.
The moment the first time in @NBAHistory three brothers shared the court at the same time... @Jrue_Holiday11 x @JustHolla7 x @The_4th_Holiday! pic.twitter.com/76ZTL510Uk
— NBA (@NBA) December 29, 2019
Saturday's results
Denver Nuggets 119-110 Memphis Grizzlies
Mavs at Lakers
Doncic and the Mavericks will travel to Los Angeles on Sunday to face James and the Lakers in a Western Conference showdown.