Suns cop reality check as KD watches on; Giannis suffers All-Star injury blow: NBA Wrap

The Phoenix Suns’ new celebrity recruit Kevin Durant was courtside to observe as his staff suffered a 116-107 dwelling defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Durant had been formally introduced to followers in Phoenix at a news convention earlier, the place he declared that the franchise was poised to finish its lengthy watch for an NBA championship.

“I think we got all the pieces to be successful,” Durant stated.

Those expectations got a actuality test, nonetheless, by a balanced Clippers offence that noticed Paul George and Terance Mann rating 26 factors apiece.

Watch a mean of 9 LIVE NBA Regular Season video games per week on ESPN on Kayo Sports on ESPN on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

Kawhi Leonard added 16 factors after a gradual begin which noticed him fail to put up a single level within the first half whereas Ivica Zubac and Eric Gordon every completed with 13 factors.

Josh Okogie led Phoenix, scoring 24 factors on an evening the place level guard Chris Paul was restricted to 5 factors by the Clippers’ defence.

The Clippers moved into the fourth spot within the Western Conference with a win that left them with a 33-28 document. The Suns are fifth at 32-28.

BUCKS SWEATING ON GIANNIS INJURY AHEAD OF ALL-STAR BREAK

Giannis Antetokounmpo broke Milwaukee’s profession assists document and the Bucks prolonged their league-best profitable streak to 12 consecutive video games in a 112-100 victory over the Chicago Bulls Friday (all instances AEDT).

Unfortunately the achievements have been overshadowed by a regarding harm to Antetokounmpo which places the two-time MVP in severe doubt for Monday’s NBA All-Star sport.

Bucks celebrity Antetokounmpo left the sport in Chicago within the second quarter shortly after a heavy collision with one of many poles that maintain the basket upright as he chased down a block.

An preliminary harm report from the Bucks stated Antetokounmpo had suffered a sprained proper wrist.

The harm got here within the ultimate day of NBA common season fixtures earlier than the league’s All-Star weekend.

The Greek Freak is because of captain the Eastern Conference line-up in Sunday’s All-Star Game in opposition to the LeBron James-led Western Conference.

A major harm to Antetokounmpo could be one other physique blow to the mid-season NBA showpiece, which is already lacking Golden State celebrity Steph Curry and the Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant.

Antetokounmpo’s harm took the shine off one other polished efficiency by Milwaukee, who’re second within the Eastern Conference behind leaders Boston with a 42-17 document.

With Antetokounmpo making an early exit, it was left to large man Brook Lopez to supply the offensive thrust for the Bucks.

Lopez completed with 33 factors, seven rebounds and two assists whereas Jevon Carter impressed with 22 factors, six rebounds and 6 assists.

The defeat was one other setback for Chicago nonetheless.

The Bulls have now misplaced six straight video games and have fallen outdoors the play-in locations within the Eastern Conference at 26-33.

The Bulls’ offence was blunted by the harm absence of DeMar DeRozan, who additionally missed Wednesday’s sport in opposition to the Indiana Pacers with a thigh harm.

It will not be clear if DeRozan will likely be match to play within the All-Star sport, the place he’s among the many Eastern Conference reserves.

In DeRozan’s absence, Nikola Vucevic led the Chicago scoring with 22 factors and 16 rebounds whereas Zach LaVine completed with 18 factors.

BEAL BALLS OUT AS WIZARDS PULL OFF HUGE COMEBACK

In Friday’s different early sport, the Washington Wizards staged a dramatic late fightback to stun the Minnesota Timberwolves 114-106 on the highway.

The Wizards’ Bradley Beal scored 30-plus factors for the third time in 4 video games, ending with 35 factors, six rebounds and 5 assists.

The Timberwolves led by 20 factors within the first quarter and appeared heading in the right direction for victory after main by 18 factors with simply over two minutes remaining within the third quarter.

But Washington outscored Minnesota 38-19 within the fourth quarter to take the lead for the primary time and shut out victory.

Anthony Edwards was the choose of the Minnesota offence with 34 factors whereas Kyle Anderson added 18 and Rudy Gobert 17.