DeRozan scores 36, Raptors hand Nets 11th straight loss

DeMar DeRozan’s double-double and Cory Joseph’s career night propelled the Toronto Raptors past the free-falling Nets. DeRozan scores 36, Raptors hand Nets 11th straight loss DeMar DeRozan’s double-double and Cory Joseph’s career night propelled the Toronto Raptors past the free-falling Nets.

Aldridge leads Spurs to 127-99 win over Nuggets

LaMarcus Aldridge scored 28 points, including 11 while sparking a third-quarter spurt, and the San Antonio Spurs beat the Denver Nuggets 127-99 on Thursday night. Kawhi Leonard added 24 points, while Tony Parker had 21 and a season-high nine assists for the Spurs, who improved to 17-3 on the road this season.

Nick Young stars as the Los Angeles Lakers dominate the Memphis Grizzlies

The Lakers stopped a three-game losing streak thanks to 20 points from Nick Young and a double-double from Julius Randle, consisting of 14 rebounds and 11 assists. Kawhi Leonard threw 25 points for the San Antonio Spurs in their 110-82 success over the Toronto Raptors, while DeMarcus Cousins, who scored 31 points, led the Sacramento Kings to a 120-113 victory against the Denver Nuggets.

Power Rankings Week 11: Spurs keep flying under the radar

The Spurs kicked off 2017 with a somewhat unlucky loss to the Atlanta Hawks, but beyond that they have been pretty solid and have returned to the top five in both offensive and defensive ratings. What more can you ask for from a team that is working three newcomers into its first two units after having lost its franchise cornerstone and defensive anchor? Third-best seems about right for the Spurs right now as they continue to build an identity around team offense and solid defense.

An NBA Christmas

I write this bit every year: A quick preview of the games on the big NBA holiday, an invitation to chat with us about basketball, celebrations, food, family or whatever’s on your mind. As you all know who have been reading for any length of time, I’m Jewish, so Christmas isn’t my thing.

An NBA Christmas

I write this bit every year: A quick preview of the games on the big NBA holiday, an invitation to chat with us about basketball, celebrations, food, family or whatever’s on your mind. As you all know who have been reading for any length of time, I’m Jewish, so Christmas isn’t my thing.

NBA Capsules

Russell Westbrook had his 14th triple-double of the season and his third straight 40-point game, finishing with 45 points, 11 assists and 11 rebounds to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 117-112 victory over the Boston Celtics on Friday night. Westbrook missed his first five shots but scored the last seven points of the first half as the Thunder turned a three-point deficit into a four-point lead.

Leonard has 33 and Spurs beat Blazers 110-90

San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge , left, competes for a rebound with Portland Trail Blazers forward Al-Farouq Aminu during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Friday, Dec. 23, 2016. AP Photo/Steve Dykes) San Antonio Spurs forward Kawhi Leonard passes the ball as Portland Trail Blazers forward Maurice Harkless defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Friday, Dec. 23, 2016.

Why not Nerlens?

The Pistons aren’t connected to any major superstar or talent on the trade block right now, but that hasn’t stopped Stan Van Gundy from making blockbuster trades that has helped shape the team to what it is today. SVG has been one of the most aggressive roster creators in the East and since no talent wants to play in Detroit, he trades for them.

Why not Nerlens?

The Pistons aren’t connected to any major superstar or talent on the trade block right now, but that hasn’t stopped Stan Van Gundy from making blockbuster trades that has helped shape the team to what it is today. SVG has been one of the most aggressive roster creators in the East and since no talent wants to play in Detroit, he trades for them.

Hayward, Gobert lead Jazz past Grizzlies 82-73

Late in a physical, defensive showdown, the Utah Jazz discovered their 3-point shooting and broke open a close game. Gordon Hayward scored 22 points and Rudy Gobert had 21 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks, helping the Jazz beat the Memphis Grizzlies 82-73 on Sunday night.