The NBA-leading Thunder snapped a losing streak, while Kawhi Leonard erupted for a career-high 55 points in the Clippers’ win over Detroit
THE Oklahoma City Thunder returned to winning ways, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 129-104 to snap a two-game skid.
Chet Holmgren led the reigning champions with 29 points and nine rebounds, while reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 27 points and five assists.
The victory improved the Thunder’s league-best record to 27-5.
“We just did a good job getting back to our style of play and our standards,” said Thunder reserve Andrew Wiggins, who scored 15 points.
“We did a good job just course correcting.”
Wiggins credited good recovery days and disciplined play for the team’s bounce-back performance.
The Los Angeles Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard stole the spotlight with a career-high 55 points in a 112-99 home victory over Eastern Conference leader Detroit.
“It was great,” Leonard said after the game.
“I’ve got to stay in focus and stay in the zen because we’ve got one day off and games for about two weeks.”
Leonard shot 17-of-26 from the floor and added 11 rebounds, five steals, and three blocks.
His 55 points surpassed his previous NBA best of 45, set during his time with the Toronto Raptors.
James Harden contributed 28 points for the Clippers, who extended their winning streak to four games.
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons, who own the NBA’s second-best record at 24-8, with 27 points.
In Toronto, Scottie Barnes delivered a historic triple-double with 23 points, 10 assists, and a career-high 25 rebounds.
His 25 rebounds tied a Raptors franchise record.
Barnes led the Raptors to a 141-127 overtime victory over the visiting Golden State Warriors, snapping the Warriors’ three-game win streak.
Immanuel Quickley scored 27 points and Brandon Ingram added 26 for Toronto.
Stephen Curry scored a game-high 39 points in a losing effort for Golden State.
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings 125-101 behind 34 points from NBA scoring leader Luka Doncic.
LeBron James added 24 points for the Lakers, while DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 22.
The Portland Trail Blazers edged the Boston Celtics 114-108, ending the Celtics’ four-game win streak.
Shaedon Sharpe scored 26 points for Portland, while Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 37 for Boston.
The Washington Wizards beat the visiting Memphis Grizzlies 116-112, led by Alex Sarr’s 20 points.
