Green has 33 points, VanVleet’s late steal helps Rockets hold on for 119-115 win over Lakers
HOUSTON (AP) — Jalen Green had 33 points and Fred VanVleet grabbed a key steal late to allow the Houston Rockets to hold on for a 119-115 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday night. Amen Thompson added 23 points and a career-high 16 rebounds in his return after a two-game suspension to help Houston eke out the victory after leading by as many as 22. A basket by LeBron James got the Lakers within 117-115 with eight seconds to go. Alperen Sengun missed 1 of 2 free throws after that to give Los Angeles a chance to tie it. But VanVleet stole the inbounds pass intended for James.
Andrew Wiggins scores 24 points as undermanned Warriors missing Stephen Curry beat Memphis 121-113
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Andrew Wiggins scored 24 points, Dennis Schroder added 17, and the undermanned Golden State Warriors held off the Memphis Grizzlies 121-113 in the latest testy matchup between the rivals. Lindy Waters III scored 16 with four 3-pointers off the bench on a night the Warriors missed Stephen Curry along with fellow guards Brandin Podziemski and Gary Payton II. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 23 points and Desmond Bane had 22 points and 10 assists as Memphis wrapped up a five-game road trip.
Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga to be sidelined more than 3 weeks with ankle injury
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Jonathan Kuminga will be sidelined at least three weeks for the Golden State Warriors because of a sprained right ankle he injured Saturday night against Memphis. An MRI exam confirmed the diagnosis and the team says he will be re-evaluated in three weeks. Kuminga jumped to try for a blocked shot when he landed awkwardly on what appeared to be two Grizzlies’ players feet. A day later, he wasn’t sure exactly how it happened, determined to begin the rehab process and stay positive by watching film and spending time with his teammates.