Steph, Warriors Hold Off Harden, Rockets
Not even a monster performance from MVP candidate, James Harden, could help the Houston Rockets take down the Golden State Warriors. The defending Western Conference Champs got 32 points from Steph Curry in a 113-106 win on Tuesday night. Klay Thompson added 25 points, as the Warriors built a 17-point lead after one quarter, and never looked back. Harden recorded his 20th triple-double with 24 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds in the Rockets' 10th home loss of the year. Golden State improved to 29-10 away from home, and became the sixth team to win at least 60 games in three straight seasons. The Warriors not only snapped the Rockets' four-game win streak, but extended a win streak of their own to eight games. They will be tested on the road again tonight, as they visit the San Antonio Spurs, whom they lead by 2.5 games for the top seed in the West.
Wizards Clinch Division Crown With Win
After a slow start to their season, the Washington Wizards have been lifted by John Wall's dominant play as of late. Wall went off again in L.A., recording 34 points and 14 assists, helping his Wizards rally past the Los Angeles Lakers, 119-108. The win gives them the Southeast Division Title, snapping a 38-year drought from a division crown, which was the longest in NBA history. Wall shot 14-of-25 from the floor, as Washington recorded their fourth straight win, despite Bradley Beal being held to 16 points. The franchise's last division title came in 1978-79, when they were known as the Bullets. Since then, they have made the playoffs 14 times, but never advanced past the second round. The Wizards pulled away in the fourth by outscoring the Lakers, 37-13, in the final 12 minutes.
Oilers Snap Playoff Drought With Win Over Kings
On to the ice, where another team snapped a drought of their own, as the Edmonton Oilers clinched their first playoff spot in 11 years with a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Cam Talbot made 34 saves, while Conor McDavid and Eric Gryba scored in the win. Edmonton has now won seven of their past eight games, and are now heading to their first postseason since 2005-06. With the Oilers' victory, the San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks also clinched playoff spots, both of whom are battling Edmonton in the Pacific standings. The goal for McDavid was his 27th, and league-leading 89th point, extending his point streak to eight games. Jarome Iginla scored the lone goal for the Kings, who have lost four of their past five, and are watching their playoff chances slip away.
Not even a monster performance from MVP candidate, James Harden, could help the Houston Rockets take down the Golden State Warriors. The defending Western Conference Champs got 32 points from Steph Curry in a 113-106 win on Tuesday night. Klay Thompson added 25 points, as the Warriors built a 17-point lead after one quarter, and never looked back. Harden recorded his 20th triple-double with 24 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds in the Rockets' 10th home loss of the year. Golden State improved to 29-10 away from home, and became the sixth team to win at least 60 games in three straight seasons. The Warriors not only snapped the Rockets' four-game win streak, but extended a win streak of their own to eight games. They will be tested on the road again tonight, as they visit the San Antonio Spurs, whom they lead by 2.5 games for the top seed in the West.
Wizards Clinch Division Crown With Win
After a slow start to their season, the Washington Wizards have been lifted by John Wall's dominant play as of late. Wall went off again in L.A., recording 34 points and 14 assists, helping his Wizards rally past the Los Angeles Lakers, 119-108. The win gives them the Southeast Division Title, snapping a 38-year drought from a division crown, which was the longest in NBA history. Wall shot 14-of-25 from the floor, as Washington recorded their fourth straight win, despite Bradley Beal being held to 16 points. The franchise's last division title came in 1978-79, when they were known as the Bullets. Since then, they have made the playoffs 14 times, but never advanced past the second round. The Wizards pulled away in the fourth by outscoring the Lakers, 37-13, in the final 12 minutes.
Oilers Snap Playoff Drought With Win Over Kings
On to the ice, where another team snapped a drought of their own, as the Edmonton Oilers clinched their first playoff spot in 11 years with a 2-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings. Cam Talbot made 34 saves, while Conor McDavid and Eric Gryba scored in the win. Edmonton has now won seven of their past eight games, and are now heading to their first postseason since 2005-06. With the Oilers' victory, the San Jose Sharks and Anaheim Ducks also clinched playoff spots, both of whom are battling Edmonton in the Pacific standings. The goal for McDavid was his 27th, and league-leading 89th point, extending his point streak to eight games. Jarome Iginla scored the lone goal for the Kings, who have lost four of their past five, and are watching their playoff chances slip away.
