Stephen Curry’s explosive third quarter powered the Warriors to a win, while Jaylen Brown’s 50-point night helped the Celtics snap the Clippers’ winning streak.
LOS ANGELES: Stephen Curry scored 20 of his 31 points in a dazzling third quarter to propel the Golden State Warriors to a 123-114 NBA victory over the Utah Jazz.
Curry, back after missing a game with a sprained left ankle, exploded after a quiet first half where the Warriors trailed 65-58.
“We played great defense for most of that quarter, which gave us some transition opportunities, too, and I was able to get out and run,” Curry said.
Jimmy Butler and Quinten Post added 15 points each for the Warriors, who rebounded from a home loss the previous night.
Draymond Green returned but was ejected in the second quarter after receiving two quick technical fouls.
In Los Angeles, Boston forward Jaylen Brown scored 50 points as the Celtics halted the Clippers’ six-game winning streak with a 146-115 victory.
Brown connected on 18 of 26 shots and was backed by 29 points from Derrick White in the wire-to-wire win.
“Tonight (was) just one of those special nights where the ball just felt like every shot was going in,” Brown said.
Kawhi Leonard and John Collins led the Clippers with 22 points each.
Portland’s Deni Avdija delivered a triple-double of 29 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists in a 115-110 win over the short-handed San Antonio Spurs.
The Spurs, again without injured star Victor Wembanyama, were led by Luke Kornet’s 23 points.
The Dallas Mavericks snapped a four-game skid with a 110-104 victory over the Houston Rockets, led by Anthony Davis’s 26 points and 12 rebounds.
Kevin Durant scored 34 for the Rockets, who lost Alperen Sengun early to a sprained right ankle.
The Philadelphia 76ers pushed their winning streak to three games with a 130-119 win in New York, fueled by 36 points from Tyrese Maxey.
Jalen Brunson scored 31 points for the Knicks, who slumped to a third straight defeat.
