Washington: Kristaps Porzingis scored 30 points and De’Anthony Melton added 27 as the Golden State Warriors defeated the Washington Wizards 125-117 on Monday night, ending a five-game losing streak and handing head coach Steve Kerr his 600th career victory.
Kerr also became the fourth-fastest coach in NBA history to reach the milestone, getting there in just 943 games. He is only behind Phil Jackson (805 games), Pat Riley (832) and Gregg Popovich (887), and is the 28th coach overall to achieve the feat.
Short-handed due to injuries to Stephen Curry (knee) and Jimmy Butler (ACL), along with absences of Seth Curry and Al Horford, Golden State leaned on its depth to steady its campaign in the Western Conference play-in race.
The Warriors built a 17-point lead in the second quarter, but Washington fought back to cut the deficit to two before halftime, with Golden State leading 64-57 at the break. After resting Draymond Green, Porzingis and Melton in their previous outing, the trio returned to help the visitors regain control.
Golden State stretched the lead to 15 early in the fourth quarter, and although the Wizards mounted a late push, they could get no closer than five points.
Trae Young led Washington with 21 points as they slumped to a 12th straight loss. Bub Carrington’s ejection in the third quarter further dented their hopes.
A chaotic first-quarter exchange summed up the inconsistency on both sides, as a no-look pass by Pat Spencer was intercepted by Jamir Watkins, who immediately returned possession with an errant blind pass.
The win provides timely relief for Golden State, while Washington’s struggles continue with no immediate turnaround in sight.
Hawks 124, Magic 112
The Atlanta Hawks extended their winning streak to 10 games with a dominant win over the Orlando Magic. Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored a career-high 41 points, while Jalen Johnson recorded his 13th triple-double of the season.
Trail Blazers 114, Nets 95
The Portland Trail Blazers cruised past the Brooklyn Nets, with Deni Avdija and Toumani Camara scoring 18 points each in a one-sided contest.
Celtics 120, Suns 112
Jaylen Brown scored 41 points, including 18 in the fourth quarter, as the Boston Celtics defeated the Phoenix Suns. Devin Booker led Phoenix with 40 points.
Pelicans 129, Mavericks 111
The New Orleans Pelicans beat the injury-hit Dallas Mavericks, powered by Zion Williamson’s 27 points. Naji Marshall led Dallas with 32.
Bulls 132, Grizzlies 107
Josh Giddey recorded a triple-double as the Chicago Bulls routed the Memphis Grizzlies, who suffered their eighth straight loss.
Lakers 100, Rockets 92
Luka Doncic scored 36 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers past the Houston Rockets for their sixth consecutive win.
Spurs 119, Clippers 115
The San Antonio Spurs rallied to beat the Los Angeles Clippers, with Victor Wembanyama contributing 21 points and 13 rebounds in a milestone 50th win of the season.
Source; NBA, Sportsnet, Yahoo Sports
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