Around the League: Monday's top highlights, performers and storylines

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#Harden #LaVine #Murray

Tuesday's schedule featured nine games with the league's best teams and talent on display.

If you missed any of the NBA action, don't sweat it because we've got you covered with all of the can't-miss highlights, top performers and biggest storylines!

Top Storylines

Rockets edge Pacers on the road

Jame Harden kept his cool at the line to ice the game with a pair of free throws as Houston beat the Indiana Pacers 98-94 in a tight one on the road.

Harden was involved the whole way down the stretch, giving the Rockets a three-point lead after scores were tied at 90-90, with 34.8 seconds left.


Vicotr Oladipo responded with a triple of his own, but with a shot to tie the game late, PJ Tucker swarmed Oladipo on the perimeter to end the ball game.

It was their third-straight road win and encouragingly the Rockets' defence appears to have recovered, holding their opponent to under 100 points for the second-straight game.

James Harden led the way with 28 points and six assists, while Chris Paul dished out 13 assists, adding nine points and five rebounds. Clint Capela chipped in an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double.

For the Pacers, Victor Oladipo led them in scoring with 28 points and six rebounds. Domatas Sabonis came off the bench with an energetic 17-point, eight rebound, five assist performance.

Bulls escape in 2-OT thriller against Knicks

Zach LaVine put up a career-high 41 points to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 116-115 win over the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

LaVine knocked down the game-winning free throw, capping off a strong finish to the game, where he took over down the stretch, scoring 23 points in the fourth qaurter/overtime periods.


Murray fills it up against Boston

The Denver Nuggets continue their strong start to the season, moving to 9-1, thanks to a 115-107 win over the Boston Celtics.

Jamal Murray was the star of the show, piling on a career-high 48 points on 19-of-30 shooting, adding five rebounds and four assists. 


Murray had 19 of his points in the fourth quarter to lead the Nuggets to their fifth consecutive home win (5-0).

OKC win fifth-straight, Westbrook injured

The Oklahoma City Thunder won their fifth-straight game, taking care of the New Orleans Pelicans 122-116.

Point guard Russell Westbrook will be closely monitored after he left the game midway through the third quarter with a left ankle sprain, after landing on Anthony Davis' foot.

Westbrook had 17 points in 25 minutes of play, leaving the Thunder with 100-86 lead over the Pelicans after the third quarter, where they out-scored New Orleans 38-23 in the period.

Paul George led the Thunder with 23 points, eight assists and six rebounds, while Dennis Schroder came off the bench with a season-high 22 points, 16 coming in the second half.

Best performers

Zach LaVine: 41 points (13-of-25 FG, 4 3PT) four rebounds four assists, three steals and two blocks.

Jamal Murray: 48 points (19-of-30 FG), five rebounds and four assists.

Kyrie Irving 31 points (13-of-17 FG), five rebounds, five assists and three steals.

Andre Drummond: 25 points (11-of-19 FG), 24 REBOUNDS and three assists.

Blake Griffin: 24 points (8-of-21 FG), 15 rebounds and seven assists.

Josh Richardson: 27 points (11-of-21 FG), eight rebounds, four assists and two blocks.

James Harden: 28 points, (7-15 FG, 5 3PT), four rebounds and six assists.

Paul George: 23 points (6-of-17 FG, 4 3PT), eight assists and six rebounds.

Victor Oladipo: 28 points, (11-of-21 FG), six rebounds and two assists.

Klay Thompson: 27 points (11-of-21 FG, 3 3 PT).

Karl-Anthony Towns: 20 points (8-of-13 FG), 12 rebounds and four blocks.

Can't-miss highlights

With scores tied at 100-100, Evan Fournier shut it down.


It was that kind of night for Murray!


Exum finds Gobert for the HAMMER.


That James Harden jab step is something else!


D-Wade writes himself into the history books with this bucket.


Zach LaVine making it look easy out there.


Mo Bamba stretches out to slam it home.


Kyrie shows off the handle.


What do you call this one from Mario Hezonja?

Box scores

Heat at Pistons  | Rockets at Pacers  | Cavaliers at Magic

Bulls at Knicks | Pelicans at Thunder | Celtics at Nuggets

Raptors at Jazz | Grizzlies at Warriors | Timberwolves at Clippers

Author(s)
Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor for The Sporting News.