NBA news and highlights: Harden erupts, Booker scorches Knicks and Curry reaches 15K

NBA.com India Staff

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NBA news and highlights: Harden erupts, Booker scorches Knicks and Curry reaches 15K image

There were eight games of NBA action on Tuesday with some of the top talent and teams on display.

If you missed any of it, don't sweat it because we had you covered with all the best highlights, fantasy performers and storylines from around the Association!

Top storylines

Harden headlines another Rockets W

After leading the Rockets to a perfect 3-0 last week en route to a Western Conference Player of the Week nod, James Harden kept things rolling for Houston.

He dropped 47 points to go with six boards, five assists and five steals, knocking down big shots left and right in the Rockets' 102-97 win over the Jazz.

With the game tied at 94 with just under two minutes remaining, Harden took over. He scored the final eight points of the game for Houston burying a huge three, drawing a foul on a 3-point attempt resulting in two made free throws and finally, a back-breaking 3-pointer to turn a two-point lead into a five-point lead with 13 seconds on the clock.


He scored 13 of his 47 in the fourth quarter to make it a season-best four consecutive wins for Houston. Over the four game win streak, Harden is averaging 39.5 points, 7.5 assists and 7.3 rebounds per game while shooting 51.1 percent from the field, 37.5 percent from three and 89.1 percent from the charity stripe.

Houston is now 15-14, their first time over .500 since they were 9-8.

Booker torches Knicks for third-straight win

The Phoenix Suns no longer have the league's worst record thanks to a huge scoring outburst from Devin Booker.

He had 38 points on 11-for-23 shooting from the field with seven rebounds, two assists and two steals in the Suns' 128-110 win over the New York Knicks. 14 of Booker's 38 points came by way of the free throw line.

Phoenix was trailing by seven at the half despite 23 points from the Suns' franchise player, but used a 41-point third quarter to really swing the momentum of the game. They held the Knicks to just 17 points in the third, taking a 17-point lead going into the game's final frame. Booker went for 11 points in the fourth quarter to close out the game and assure the Suns would leave Madison Square Garden with their third consecutive win.

He had some help from T.J Warren, who stuffed the stat sheet with 26 points, five rebounds, three steals, two blocks and an assist. Jamal Crawford dished out a career-high 14 assists in this game as well, an impressive feat for the 38-year old, 19-year veteran. Other notable stat lines were DeAndre Ayton posting a double-double in his first career game at MSG and Emmanuel Mudiay continued his hot streak for the Knicks with 32 points, six rebounds and six assists.

This was Booker's second game back after missing six games with a hamstring injury. He looks to be over said hamstring injury, as he posted 28 points in his first game back with Phoenix. His 38 points tied a season-high, which he scored against the Boston Celtics back in early November.

Lillard erupts to carry Blazers to victory

Down by two points at the half, Damian Lillard came out of the locker room with blazing hands and took the Clippers to town.

His third quarter eruption saw him drop 22 points, compared to the Clippers' 28, as the Blazers turned the deficit into a 12 point advantage in the term.


A late flurry from the Clippers brought the contest to life with Danilo Gallinari burying a three to bring the margin within one.

But the Blazers and Lillard weren't going to give up the lead and a brilliant decision from Lillard to foul Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with the margin at three paid off.

Gilgeous-Alexander missed the first free throw and with less than 15 seconds remaining on the clock that sealed the result.

Two late free throws for Lillard locked up the 131-127 win and takes the Blazers to 17-13 on the season and ties them with the Clippers in fifth spot.

Best fantasy performers

Giannis Antetokounmpo - 32 points (15-21 FG), 12 rebounds, five assists, two blocks

Devin Booker - 38 points (11-23 FG), seven rebounds, two assists, two steals

DeMar DeRozan - 20 points (9-16 FG), seven assists, six rebounds

Blake Griffin - 19 points (4-13 FG), 11 assists, 10 rebounds, one steal

James Harden - 47 points (14-31 FG, 4 3PM, 15-16 FT), six rebounds, five assists, five steals

Donovan Mitchell - 23 points (8-22 FG), eight rebounds, five assists, three steals

Emmanuel Mudiay - 32 points (12-21 FG), six rebounds, six assists

Russell Westbrook - 13 points (5-13 FG), 16 rebounds, 11 assists, five steals

Tobias Harris - 39 points (15-22 FG), 11 rebounds

Damian Lillard - 39 points (10-16 FG), six assists

Can't-miss highlights

Andre Drummond with the dime to Reggie Bullock


Oh man...


Blake on the break!


Josh Okogie can FLY.


Josh Okogie is on FIRE tonight.


Joe Ingles with a slick pass to Donovan Mitchell back-door.


Reigning MVP all over the reigning DPOY!


Evan Turner got 'em on this dish.


Box scores

Bucks at Pistons | Suns at Knicks

Jazz at Rockets | Kings at Timberwolves | Bulls at Thunder

76ers at Spurs | Grizzlies at Warriors | Trail Blazers at Clippers

NBA.com India Staff