DEVIN Booker returned from a four-game COVID-protocol absence and had a near triple-double, helping the Phoenix Suns clinch the NBA’s first playoff spot with a 111-90 win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night (Thursday in Manila).
Booker finished with 23 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, while Phoenix also got 21 points from Mikal Bridges and 19 points and 10 rebounds from Deandre Ayton. JaVale McGee added 11 points and a season-high 15 rebounds off the bench.
The game was a matchup between the team with the best record in the Eastern Conference (Miami) and the squad that leads the Western Conference (Phoenix).
Miami, which has won 12 of its past 15 contests, was led by Duncan Robinson (22 points), Tyler Herro (17 points) and Bam Adebayo (17 points). Kyle Lowry added five points and a game-high 10 assists.
In other games, it was the Raptors 119, Spurs 104; Rockets 139, Lakers 130 (OT); Nuggets 106, Kings 100; Clippers 115, Wizards 109; Bucks 124, Hawks 115; Celtics 115, Hornets 10; Knicks 107, Mavs 77; Bulls 114, Pistons 108; Wolves 132, Thunder 102; Magic 108, Pelicans 102; and Jazz 123, Blazers 85.
Raptors 119, Spurs 104
Fred VanVleet poured in 26 points in his return after a five-game absence because of injury and Scottie Barnes added 20 points, 18 of them in the second half, as visiting Toronto rolled to a win over San Antonio. — Field Level Media
