Paul George scored 30 points and Tyrese Maxey added 29 as the Philadelphia 76ers ended a seven-game losing streak with a 132-129 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday.
The game had 18 ties and 30 lead changes. All five of Philadelphia’s starters scored in double digits, along with rookie Justin Edwards, who contributed 15 points off the bench. Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 22 points, Eric Gordon added 15 points, and Guerschon Yabusele posted 12 points and 13 rebounds, all helping the Sixers’ win.
Ty Jerome led Cleveland with a career-high 33 points, including 8-for-8 shooting from beyond the arc. Donovan Mitchell scored 37 points for the Cavaliers, while Darius Garland added 26 points and seven assists. Cleveland has now lost two straight games for the second time this season.
Jerome hit back-to-back 3-pointers to give the Cavaliers a 116-110 lead with just over six minutes remaining. However, Philadelphia responded with 13 straight points and went on to lead by as much as eight. The Cavaliers had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer, but Mitchell’s long shot from near midcourt missed.
Grizzlies 139, Pelicans 126
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 29 points and dished out seven assists, while Luke Kennard added a season-high 27 points as the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the New Orleans Pelicans for their fifth consecutive win. The Pelicans’ four-game win streak was ended.
Desmond Bane contributed 20 points, his seventh consecutive game with at least 20 points, along with 14 assists for Memphis, which improved to 18-5 at home.
Dejounte Murray led New Orleans with 26 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy III both scored 22 points for the Pelicans.
Trail Blazers 102, Hornets 97
Anfernee Simons scored 12 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter to help the Portland Trail Blazers overcome a rough start and defeat the short-handed Charlotte Hornets.
Jerami Grant added 22 points, Deni Avdija scored 18 points, reserve Shaedon Sharpe contributed 13 points, and Toumani Camara posted 11 points for Portland.
The Trail Blazers bounced back from poor shooting and a 13-point deficit in the second quarter. Portland finished shooting 40.5 percent overall, including 28.9 percent (11-for-38) from beyond the arc, on their way to their fourth straight victory.
Nick Smith Jr. led the Hornets with 17 points, and Josh Okogie scored 16 points along with 10 rebounds. Mark Williams added 15 points and nine rebounds, Josh Green finished with 14 points, and Vasilije Micic contributed 12 points.
