KEVIN Durant scored a season-high 42 points and James Harden added a 32-point triple-double in his debut for the Brooklyn Nets, who recorded a 122-115 victory over the Orlando Magic on Saturday night (Sunday in Manila) in New York.
Durant shot 16 of 26 and set a franchise record by scoring at least 25 points for the ninth straight game as the Nets won their third straight. Harden shot 8 of 18 from the field and grabbed 12 rebounds. He added four steals and made 13 of 15 free throws in 40 minutes.
Joe Harris added 17 points for the Nets, who shot 53.8 percent and hit 16 3-pointers in their sixth straight game without Kyrie Irving (personal reasons, health and safety protocols).
Nikola Vucevic scored a season-high 34 points for Orlando, which dropped its fifth straight despite playing its most competitive game of the skid. Terrence Ross added 23 and rookie Cole Anthony contributed 16 as Orlando shot 46.3 percent while playing without Evan Fournier (back spasms) for the eighth straight game.
In other games, it was the Spurs 103, Rockers 91; Pistons 120, Heat 100; Raptors 116, Hornets 113; Grizzlies 106, Sixers 104; Blazers 112, Hawks 106.
San Antonio Spurs 103 – Houston Rockets 91
DeMar DeRozan scored 24 points to lead San Antonio in a home victory over Houston.
Dejounte Murray notched a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Jakob Poeltl also added a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double for the Spurs in the victory.
The Rockets were led by Christian Wood and Mason Jones, who both scored 24 points. Wood added 18 rebounds, while Jones’ scoring output was a career high.
Detroit Pistons 120 – Miami Heat 100
Jerami Grant scored 29 points to help Detroit earn its first road victory of the season at Miami.
Blake Griffin chipped in with 15 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, while Derrick Rose added 23 points off the bench for the Pistons in the victory.
Bam Adebayo led all scorers with 28 points for the Heat in the loss, their third straight.
