Scoreboard
- Cavaliers 112, Sixers 109
- Wizards 128, Timberwolves 112
- Spurs 117, Pelicans 114
- Knicks 110, Pacers 107
- Jazz 124, Magic 109
- Nuggets 126, Thunder 96
- Nets 115, Mavericks 98
What went down
The Cleveland Cavaliers were stripped to nine active players, but all they really needed was the duo of Collin Sexton and Darius Garland to take down the East top dogs Philadelphia 76ers in overtime, 112-109.
Sexton carved up the Sixers D, flexed, screamed and finessed his way to 28 points, five rebounds, and three assists. His backcourt partner Darius Garland, meanwhile, took over in OT, scoring 11 of his career-high 25 points in the extra period.
The Cavaliers have won now three straight while handing Philly only its third loss at home, despite a 42-13 game from Joel Embiid. The Cavs throw the hashtag #BeTheFight on its official Twitter account, and it’s exactly what they did in a close game against the Sixers.
Big-time baller
Here’s a snapshot of Russell Westbrook’s last six games:
- 16 points, 13 rebounds, 15 assists
- 12 points, 13 rebounds, 12 assists
- 27 points, 11 rebounds, 13 assists
- 32 points, 14 rebounds, 9 assists
- 20 points, 9 rebounds, 10 assists
- 19 points, 14 rebounds, 12 assists
In that span, the Washington Wizards lost only once, and have won seven of their last 10 games. The Wizards are still out of the playoff picture in the East, but things are trending upward.
Watch out for Westbrook.
What he said
“It’s an honor to be named an All-Star. Three years ago I was just hoping to get drafted, I didn’t even know. On Sunday, I can be a second-time All-Star. It’s a dream come true. I always dream about this as a kid, it’s just unbelievable.” — Luka Doncic, on going from NBA dreaming to two-time All-Star
Did you see that?
Jordan Clarkson spin-cycle! 🌪? pic.twitter.com/GsLIFa0JAP
— NBA (@NBA) February 28, 2021
A lot to unpack here: first, the drive. Michael Carter-Williams, quick to his feet and using his body, blocked off Jordan Clarkson’s path to the basket. Clarkson retreated, thinking he was fouled, and did that lowering of the shoulder and hanging of the head to show his dismay.
Then, a pop-up basketball clinic. He gave MCW a between the legs to tell him class is in session. He followed it up with a left-handed in-and-out dribble for a heat check before attacking. He spun to his right with, what we can only imagine had the strength of a magnitude 8 earthquake, because MCW dropped to floor with so much conviction it felt he lost the W in his name.
Clarkson got open—too open—that it seemed to stun him. He did a quick glance to his side, to check if MC was still in the arena before laying it up awkwardly, almost dizzyingly from what had just happened. As he walked up the court, Clarkson stuck his tongue out to mint the moment. He looked back at MC and there’s that. Class dismissed.
