UNDATED (AP) — The Memphis Grizzlies are solidly entrenched in third place in the NBA’s Western Conference after winning for the fifth time in six games.
Ja Morant dropped in 22 of his 33 points in the first half before sitting out the fourth quarter of the Grizzlies’ 135-115 laugher against the Magic. The Grizzlies went on a 14-0 run in the first quarter, led 76-56 at the half, and led by as many as 31.
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 21 points for Memphis and Steve Adams added 12 points and 11 rebounds. The Grizzlies shot 51% and held a 68-34 advantage in points in the paint.
The Grizzlies won on the road for the 16th time in 20 games.
Cole Anthony scored 17 of his 22 points in the first half for Orlando, which had its two-game home win streak halted.
Checking out Saturday’s other NBA action:
— Deandre Ayton had 20 points and 16 rebounds in an efficient 24 minutes of the Suns’ 95-80 victory at Washington. Phoenix led by 25 before the midpoint of the second quarter and bounced back from the only loss in its last 13 games. Chris Paul added 14 points and nine assists for the 42-10 Suns, who lead the league by 2 1/2 games over the Warriors.
— LeBron James had a triple-double and the Lakers rallied from a 21-point, second-quarter deficit to defeat the Knicks, 122-115 in overtime. James provided 29 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists in his return after missing five games due to a swollen left knee. Malik Monk scored 29 points and Anthony Davis added 28 with 17 rebounds for the Lakers.
— Bobby Portis Jr. pumped in a season-high 30 points, including six 3-pointers, as the Bucks dealt the Trail Blazers their fifth straight loss, 137-108. Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH’-nihs an-teh-toh-KOON’-poh) hit the 25-point plateau for the 18th straight game, finishing with 29 on a season-high four 3-pointers and grabbing nine boards. Both Portis and Antetokounmpo went to the bench with the Bucks in front 107-75 after three quarters.
— Jimmy Butler furnished 27 points and the Heat handed the Hornets their fourth straight loss, 104-86. , Bam Adebayo (ad-eh-BY’-oh) added 20 points and 12 rebounds for Miami, which held the Hornets to 38% shooting. Tyler Herro (HEE’-roh) had 19 points behind five 3-pointers for the Heat.
— The Kings were 113-103 winners over the Thunder as Harrison Barnes had 24 points and nine rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton added 13 points and a career-high 17 assists to help the Kings to their second win in three games following a seven-game losing streak. Moe Harkless also had a double-double for Sacramento with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
