NBA
The Philadelphia 76ers surrendered a 21-point lead in the second half before losing 99-94 to the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday.
The 76ers were up by 16 heading into the fourth quarter, but committed 11 turnovers in the final period and were outscored 42-21.
Photo: Reuters
“It was one of those games where we kept playing and kept battling,” the Grizzlies’ Zach Randolph said. “We knew we had to find energy somewhere, and the bench really came through for us. They kept us in the game and gave us the chance that we needed.”
Randolph capped an 11-0 Memphis run with a layup and a foul with 1:45 left to give the Grizzlies their first lead since the second quarter.
He keyed the comeback in the fourth quarter, scoring nine points and hitting on all seven free throw attempts, including six in the final nine seconds to secure the win.
“It was the turnovers. I think in one stretch our big guys had seven turnovers in the fourth quarter early,” 76ers coach Doug Collins said. “The ball was just going through their hands, trying to pass balls where there was nobody there. We were not even getting shots to the basket.”
Randolph finished with 22 points and 12 rebounds, Rudy Gay scored 16 points.
“We had complete control of the game,” Collins said. “They went with their second unit, went to a zone, and we just went dead.”
Jodie Meeks and Jrue Holiday led the 76ers with 16 points each, and combined for nine three pointers on 12 attempts. Elton Brand scored 15 points.
BULLS 99, MAGIC 90
In Chicago, Derrick Rose scored 22 points despite two painful stomach ulcers, leading the Chicago Bulls to a win over the Orlando Magic.
Luol Deng added 26 for the Bulls, who took the lead with a big third quarter and then held off a late push by Orlando.
Dwight Howard had a season-high 40 points for the the Magic, who cut it to 93-90 before Deng scored and Rose hit four free throws the rest of the way, sealing the win.
HAWKS 111, KNICKS 102
In Atlanta, Georgia, the hosts resisted New York’s late comeback.
Joe Johnson scored 34 points for Atlanta, who had forward Marvin Williams back for his first start since Dec. 29, giving the Hawks their original starting five for the first time in almost a month, but he may soon face an NBA suspension.
In the final minute, Williams pushed New York’s Shawne Williams in the back, starting a brief altercation, and appeared to throw a punch.
Amare Stoudemire led the Knicks with 27 points, including a basket to cut Atlanta’s lead to 102-97 with 4:05 remaining.
HEAT 88, PISTONS 87
In Miami, Eddie House hit two deciding free throws with 6.5 seconds left, completing a Miami comeback against Detroit.
LeBron James led all scorers with 39 points, finishing with nine assists and eight rebounds for the Heat, who played without Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade and trailed by 10 late in the third quarter.
THUNDER 124, WIZARDS 117, OT
In Oklahoma City, Washington came close to finally winning their first road game of the season, but they were denied in overtime by Oklahoma City.
Kevin Durant scored 10 of his 40 points in the second overtime, converting a three-point play, hit a tiebreaking threepointer from the right wing and then adding a jumper from the top of the key as the Thunder finally took the lead for good.
In other NBA action, it was:
‧ Jazz 108, Timberwolves 100
‧ Nuggets 117, Cavaliers 103
‧ Pacers 124, Nets 92
‧ Bucks 116, Raptors 110, OT
‧ Bobcats 121, Warriors 113, OT
‧ Kings 100, Lakers 95
‧ Suns 88, Celtics 71
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