Post Up: Clutch Career

Wizards 113 (12-14), Kings 99 (11-17)

With a 27-point, 16-board night for Marcin Gortat and a new career-high 19 assists for John Wall, the Washington Wizards took care of business against the Sacramento Kings in D.C. The Wiz earned their second win in a row, which is much needed for the team that’s currently seeded last in their division.

Celtics 113 (15-13), Timberwolves 99 (11-17)

Although he didn’t play in his return to Boston, Kevin Garnett received quite the warm greeting.

The outcome of the game, however, didn’t go his way. His Timberwolves lost by double digits despite a combined 51 points from Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns. Kelly Olynyk led the Celtics with 19 points, and Jae Crowder added in 18 points and 10 boards in the W.

Magic 107 (16-12), Knicks 99 (14-15)

The Knicks’ four-game winning streak came to an end when the Magic rolled into Madison Square Garden on Monday night. Nikola Vucevic scored 26 to lead Orlando. Lance Thomas led the Knicks as he shot a perfect 9-9 from the field for 24 points in the loss. Carmelo Anthony added 23, but the Magic’s late run allowed the visiting team to pull away.

Hawks 106 (18-12), Trail Blazers 97 (11-19)

Dennis Schröder may have lost his tooth, but he and the Hawks didn’t lose the game against the Trail Blazers Monday. Schröder casually put his knocked-out tooth in his sock and continued with the game. He finished with 18 points to lead the Hawks against Portland’s squad, which was without Damian Lillard for the first time in his career.

Nets 105 (8-20), Bulls 102 (15-11)

The Brooklyn Nets, led by Brook Lopez (21 points, 12 boards) and Thaddeus Young (16 points, 13 boards), pulled off a win on the road against the Chicago Bulls. The win was much needed after the Nets lost by 15 to the Timberwolves in their previous game. Chicago tried to rally at the end despite having to send Joakim Noah back to the locker room with an injury, but the Nets managed to hang on for the W.

Rockets 102 (15-14), Hornets 95 (15-12)

James Harden scored 36 points in the Rockets’ win over the Hornets on Monday night. He led all scorers as he poured in basket after basket. He did a little distributing too, successfully setting up his teammates seven times to keep Kemba Walker and the ‘Cats under control.

Spurs 106 (24-5), Pacers 92 (16-11)

Said it before, and will say it again…these Spurs don’t ever go away. San Antonio’s win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday was their sixth dub in a row. Kawhi Leonard led all scorers with 24 points to go along with 6 rebounds and 5 assists. The team from Texas means business, but even still, Pop can find a moment to crack a smile every now and then.

Jazz 110 (12-14), Suns 89 (12-18)

Yo, Alec Burks…we see you. The Utah Jazz led by as many as 24 points when the Phoenix Suns came to Salt Lake City. Gordon Hayward led the home team with 24 points, and Derrick Favors added in 18 points and 9 rebounds in the win.

Thunder 100 (19-9), Clippers 99 (16-13)

In case anyone forgot, Kevin Durant is clutch. He finished with 24 points, 9 boards, 7 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks—one of which stopped the Clippers from potentially winning the game in the final second. Russell Westbrook was the high scorer on the court with 33 points and 7 assists. Though Chris Paul, with his 32 points and 10 assists, and his Clips tried to keep it close, the Thunder took home the W.