Anthony Davis returned from a chest injury and scored 31 points, helping the New Orleans Pelicans rally for a 119-111 win over the Utah Jazz.
Davis, who missed most of Friday night’s victory over Cleveland and all of Sunday night’s loss to Golden State, played with a protective vest that did not appear to inhibit him. He had nine rebounds and three blocks, with all three rejections coming in the pivotal final four minutes.
Ryan Anderson hit six three-pointers and finished with 28 points for New Orleans, while Tyreke Evans added 19 points, scoring nine during New Orleans’ 41-point fourth quarter.
Photo: EPA
Enes Kanter scored 29 points for Utah, who have lost three straight and 12 of 13.
THUNDER 104, KINGS 92
In Sacramento, California, Russell Westbrook had 32 points and seven assists and Kevin Durant scored 26 as Oklahoma City beat the reeling Sacramento Kings for their seventh straight win.
The Kings played their first game since Michael Malone was fired as coach and lead assistant Tyrone Corbin was promoted to interim coach. They trailed 9-0 after two-and-a-half minutes and dropped to 2-8 while franchise centerpiece DeMarcus Cousins recovers from viral meningitis.
The Thunder went ahead by 16 in the first quarter, led by just seven at halftime and pulled away again in the closing minutes behind their star duo. Oklahoma City improved to 7-1 since Durant returned from a broken right foot.
Rudy Gay scored 22 points, while reserve Carl Landry added 14 for the Kings.
MAVERICKS 107, KNICKS 87
In New York, Tyson Chandler had three dunks during Dallas’ sizzling start to his return to New York, while Dirk Nowitzki scored 16 points for the Mavericks.
Chandler played a key role in the NBA’s highest-scoring team putting together a nearly unstoppable start that gave them the lead for good. Monta Ellis added 14 points, while Chandler Parsons had 13 after missing a game with a sore lower back.
Carmelo Anthony scored 26 points for the Knicks. Tim Hardaway Jr had 14, but was five for 17 in another poor shooting effort.
Shortly after hearing mostly cheers during introductions, Chandler dunked a lob pass for the game’s opening basket. He threw down another alley-oop that gave Dallas 10 baskets in their first 11 shots.
HEAT 95, NETS 91
In New York, Dwyane Wade scored 28 points, leading Miami to the road win.
The Heat had five players score in double figures, including three reserves. Starting forward Luol Deng had 18 points, while rookie Shabazz Napier scored 11.
The game was delayed for 29 minutes in the first quarter when the installation of a new green roof at Barclays Center led to a water leak.
Mason Plumlee had 21 points and nine rebounds for Brooklyn, while Joe Johnson scored 16 points. Deron Williams added 15 points and 11 assists.
WIZARDS 109, TIMBERWOLVES 95
In Washington, John Wall scored 21 points and equaled a career high with 17 assists, helping Washington to their fifth consecutive win.
Washington scored 14 straight to take a 14-2 lead less than four-and -a-half minutes into the game. Wall had 10 points and six assists in the first quarter.
Rasual Butler had 23 points for the Wizards.
Thaddeus Young, who led a third-quarter charge, had a season-high 29 points for Minnesota, who have lost nine of 10. Shabazz Muhammad scored 21.
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