Monday, March 31, 2008
Spurs 109, Rockets 88
SAN ANTONIO — Tony Parker and Michael Finley scored 22 points apiece and the Spurs cruised past the Rockets. The much-hyped matchup between the Southwest Division rivals turned out to be more of a dud. The Spurs had the lead for nearly the entire game and led by as many as 25 points. Luis Scola scored a season-high 24 points for the Rockets, and Tracy McGrady and Rafer Alston each had 13 points after shooting a combined 9-of-38..
Timberwolves 110, Jazz 103
MINNEAPOLIS — The Utah Jazz have a serious problem as the playoffs approach. Al Jefferson had 22 points and eight rebounds and Rashad McCants scored 13 of his 16 points in the second half of Minnesota’s victory over a Utah team that just can’t seem to win on the road. Corey Brewer tied a career high with 16 points and had seven rebounds for the Timberwolves, who have now beaten the Jazz at home twice this season. Carlos Boozer had 25 points and 10 rebounds for the short-handed Jazz, who are nearly unbeatable at home but just 16-22 on the road this year.
Hawks 114, Knicks 109
ATLANTA — Marvin Williams scored 27 points and Joe Johnson had 23 to help the Hawks win their third straight. The Hawks increased their lead over New Jersey to 2 1/2 games for the eighth and final spot in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Jamal Crawford led the Knicks with 39 points.
Hornets 118, Raptors 111
TORONTO — David West scored 32 points and Chris Paul had 20 points and 16 assists to lead New Orleans. Peja Stojakovic scored 25 and Tyson Chandler had 17 points and 10 rebounds as the Hornets bounced back from a 20-point loss in Boston on Friday night to win for the sixth time in seven games. The Hornets reached 50 wins for the first time since the 1997-98 season. Chris Bosh scored 21 points and Carlos Delfino added 18 for Toronto.
Celtics 88, Heat 62
BOSTON — Kevin Garnett scored twice before Miami made a basket, and the Boston Celtics held the Heat to an NBA-record low 17 field goals. The matchup of the NBA’s best team and its worst was even more lopsided than anticipated. Boston was up 27-4 after 10 minutes and Celtics coach Doc Rivers started subbing for his starters just 7:10 into the game.
Associated Press