Nets get strong debut from Aldridge, hand Hornets loss
Jeff Green outscored Charlotte by himself in Brooklyn’s overpowering first quarter before finishing with 21 points, and the Nets got a strong debut from LaMarcus Aldridge in a 111-89 rout of the Hornets on Thursday night.
Aldridge started at center and had 11 points, nine rebounds and six assists, looking like a good fit for a Nets team that won for the 20th time in its last 23 games. They signed him last month after he reached a buyout agreement with San Antonio.
With All-Stars Kevin Durant and James Harden sitting out with hamstring injuries, the Nets led 32-11 after one quarter behind 12 points from Green. They put six players in double figures in their season-best seventh straight home win.
Landry Shamet scored 17 points in his return from a five-game absence with a sprained right ankle and Kyrie Irving had 15 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.
Gordon Hayward and Devonte Graham each scored 13 points for Charlotte. Terry Rozier had 12.
PISTONS 120, WIZARDS 91 >>
Josh Jackson scored 19 of his season-high 31 points in the first half and Detroit went on to rout Washington.
The Pistons overcame Russell Westbrook’s 18th triple- double of the season. Westbrook finished with 16 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds. He also had nine turnovers, falling one short of his NBA-record sixth quadruple- double. James Harden (three) is the only other player with more than one.
76ERS 114, CAVALIERS 94 >>
Shake Milton scored 27 points, Dwight Howard had 18 points and 15 rebounds, and Philadelphia finished a six- game road trip without injured star center Joel Embiid by beating Cleveland.
The Sixers, who were beaten twice by the Cavs earlier this season, went 4-2 on their trip as they wait for Embiid to get back from a knee injury. They were also able to stay on Brooklyn’s heels for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
Seth Curry made five 3-pointers and scored 19 points, and Milton’s scoring off the bench helped offset an off night for Ben Simmons, who went just 2 of 11 from the floor but had 13 rebounds. Howard made 6 of 7 shots while matching his season-high.
MAGIC 115, PELICANS 110 >> Terrence Ross hit two key jumpers late in overtime, Wendell Carter III scored 21 points and Orlando beat short-handed New Orleans.
The Pelicans played without Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and Lonzo Ball but led 109105 with 1:28 left in overtime after Steven Adams rebounded Nickeil Alex-andermiss and slammed it home.
SPURS 134, HAWKS 129 (2OT) >> Clint Capela had 28 points and 17 rebounds, Trae Young had 28 points and 12 assists, and Atlanta overcame two late meltdowns to beat San Antonio in double overtime.
Young had a driving floater roll off the rim as regulation ended. Even though he was exhausted, Young dug a little deeper to make sure he didn’t let the Hawks down again.
San Antonio veteran DeMar DeRozan had 36 points and nine assists. NUGGETS 101, CLIPPERS 94 >> Jamal Murray scored 23 points and Denver led all the way in beating Los Angeles for its fourth straight victory.
The Nuggets dominated the first three quarters on a night when Nikola Jokic didn’t reach double figures until hitting a 3-pointer with 5:20 left in the game.