Thunder finally signed revenge against Spurs

Luka Doncic with 27 points and LeBron James with a 31 point triple-double celebrated this Tuesday, reinvigorating the Los Angeles Lakers on NBA Day and the Oklahoma City Thunder getting revenge on the San Antonio Spurs, who were placed in second place in the West by the Denver Nuggets.

The Lakers ended their three-game losing streak with an offensive recital in the game against the Atlanta Hawks (141-116), in which Deandre Ayton also played. He recorded an impressive double-double of 17 points and 18 rebounds, his best performance since signing with the Purple & Gold.

Doncic had 27 points and 12 assists, and LeBron James had 31 points, nine rebounds, and 10 assists. King James, 41, is averaging over 22 points per game.

The Lakers’ entire starting quintet scored in double figures while awaiting the return of Austin Reeves.

Jake LaRabia contributed 17 points, Marcus Smart 16 points, and Gabe Vincent 10 points for the Lakers, who stopped the Hawks, who arrived in Los Angeles in good form off the bench, with their third straight win.

Nickel-Alexander Walker scored 26 points for the Hawks, and CJ McCollum added 25 points off the bench.

OKC vindicates itself

The Thunder, who have lost their last three meetings this year, vindicated themselves with a 119-98 victory over the Spurs, paced by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

The Canadian scored 15 of his 34 points in a third period that ended 40-24, putting the NBA champions on track for victory.

Oklahoma City has the NBA’s best record at 34-7, outpacing the Spurs (27-13).

The Spurs’ field goal percentage never exceeded 40%. Victor Wembaneyama had 17 points and seven rebounds, and Stephon Castle was the leading scorer with 20 points.

The Nuggets took advantage of the Spurs’ loss to move into second place in the West with a 122-116 victory at the home of the New Orleans Pelicans.

Jamal Murray scored 35 points and six triples, and Peyton Watson contributed 31 points to the Nuggets’ victory while awaiting the return of Serbian Nikola Jokic, who is out with a knee injury.

Durant overshadows Tre Jones’ big night

Kevin Durant had a double-double with 28 points and 10 rebounds, offsetting a great individual night from Tre Jones (34 points, 11-of-12 shooting) as the Houston Rockets cruised to a 118-112 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

Türkiye’s Alpelen Sengun contributed to the victory with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 11 assists.

The Miami Heat also played against the Phoenix Suns at Caseya Center and won 127-121, ending their losing streak at three games.

Bam Adebayo scored 13 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter, giving the Heat a decisive run after blowing a 20-point lead in the third quarter.

For Miami, Norman Powell contributed 27 points and Tyler Herro 23 points. Mexico’s Jaime Jax took advantage of his time off the bench, scoring 16 points and dishing out eight assists.

The Suns’ winning streak ended at three despite great nights from Dillon Brooks (25 points), Grayson Allen (25 points) and Devin Booker (24 points).

Additionally, the Minnesota Timberwolves played the Bucks in Milwaukee and won 139-106 despite losing Anthony Edwards to a foot issue.

Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 29 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 25 points and eight rebounds for the Bucks, but could not avoid defeat, ranking 23rd in 40 games.

Milwaukee is currently excluded from the postseason berth.