NBA Roundup: Durant lifts Thunder past Blazers

PORTLAND, Ore. — Oklahoma City is in the midst of its longest winning streak in six seasons.

Kevin Durant had 33 points and 11 rebounds to help the Thunder beat the Blazers 89-77 on Tuesday night for a season-high sixth straight win.

The six-game winning streak is the Oklahoma City franchise’s longest since the team was in Seattle and they won nine straight in 2004. It was the final game before the All-Star break for the Thunder.

“We’re feeling good going into the break,” Durant said. “The most important thing is that we come back ready to play after the All-Star break. We need to enjoy the break but come back with that mind set ready to fight through these last 30 games.”

Tuesday’s game was the first time these two former Northwest rivals have played in Portland (29-22) this season. The Thunder left Seattle two years ago. There was a smattering of fans around the Rose Garden wearing a Seattle Sonics t-shirt or holding signs saying “Save Our Sonics.”

“This is a great environment, one of the best in basketball,” Oklahoma City coach Scott Brooks said.

Durant, who hit 12 of 25 shots, continues to sizzle. It was the 25th straight game that Durant has scored 25 or more points the longest streak since Allen Iverson did it in 27 consecutive games during the 2000-01 season.

Durant, forward Jeff Green and reserve guard James Harden did the bulk of Oklahoma City’s scoring, as the three combined for 63 points. Green had 17, while Harden scored 13, all during the fourth quarter.

Cavaliers 104, Nets 97

CLEVELAND — LeBron James scored 32 points to lead Cleveland to its 12th straight win.

The win gives Cleveland the longest winning streak in the NBA this season. The Cavaliers (42-11) also have the best record in the league.

Bobcats 94 Wizards 92

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Raymond Felton hit a fadeaway 12-footer with 1.9 seconds left to lift Charlotte past Washington, snapping a three-game losing streak.

After Antawn Jamison missed a scoop shot in the lane, the Bobcats got the rebound and didn’t call a timeout. Charlotte’s play broke down, and Felton drove to the left of the lane and let go a shot over Randy Foye’s outstretched arms that swished through.

76ers 119, Timberwolves 97

PHILADELPHIA — Andre Iguodala scored 24 points, Elton Brand added 21, and Philadelphia’s reserves performed well in a win over Minnesota.

The 76ers were once again missing guard Allen Iverson, who has been out the past four games to tend to his ill daughter. The reserves came through for Philadelphia as Lou Williams (16 points), Thaddeus Young (15), Royal Ivey (9) and Jason Smith (9) helped the team win its fifth straight.

Kings 118, Knicks 114 (OT)

NEW YORK — Tyreke Evans led a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback, Kevin Martin scored nine of his 17 points in overtime, and Sacramento ended a six-game losing streak.

Evans finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds and six assists, scoring 12 points in the final 7 minutes of regulation after the Knicks had built a 15-point lead. Donte Greene added 24 points and rookie Omri Casspi finished with 18, just two after halftime.

Pistons 93, Bucks 81

MILWAUKEE — Tayshaun Prince, Rodney Stuckey and Ben Gordon scored 18 points each to lead Detroit, which had lost six of its previous eight.

Heat 99, Rockets 66

MIAMI — Dwyane Wade had 17 points and seven assists before sitting out the fourth quarter as Miami raced to its largest halftime lead of the season en route to snapping a five-game losing streak.

Bulls 109, Pacers 101

INDIANAPOLIS — Luol Deng had 23 points and 11 rebounds, and Derrick Rose and John Salmons each scored 21 to lead Chicago.

Hawks 108, Grizzlies 94

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Jamal Crawford scored 28 points, including fourth 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, to help Atlanta pull away.

Nuggets 127, Mavericks 91

DENVER — Carmelo Anthony scored 19 points in his return from an ankle injury and the Nuggets had their biggest win of the season, routing Dallas.

Jazz 109, Clippers 99

LOS ANGELES — Carlos Boozer had 34 points and 14 rebounds and the Jazz beat Los Angeles for its ninth straight victory.

Durant to defend H-O-R-S-E title

NEW YORK — Kevin Durant will defend his title in the H-O-R-S-E competition at All-Star weekend.

The Oklahoma City forward will face fellow All-Star Rajon Rondo of Boston and Sacramento rookie Omri Casspi. The field was announced Monday night on TNT, which will televise Saturday’s events.

Durant won the inaugural competition last year in Phoenix, hitting some long jumpers to rally after picking up four early letters and beat Atlanta’s Joe Johnson and Memphis guard O.J. Mayo.

Wizards stranded

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Eventually the Washington Wizards will make it home.

Tuesday night? No such luck.

The Wizards were told before their game against Charlotte that it was unlikely they’d be able to fly into either Washington-area airports after the game that because of the second major snowstorm to hit that area in five days.

The Wizards have been on a weeklong odyssey that begin in New York. It included having a home game postponed and being stranded in Orlando for five days.

Ellis has mild left knee sprain

OAKLAND, Calif. — The Golden State Warriors say star guard Monta Ellis has a sprained left knee and could miss today’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Ellis injured the knee late in the fourth quarter of Monday night’s home loss to Dallas. The team says an MRI on Tuesday determined that the injury is mild.

Hill apologizes for nude photos

SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio Spurs guard George Hill is apologizing for nude pictures of himself that were recently posted online.

In a statement issued by the team Tuesday, Hill said: “A year ago I made a mistake and take full responsibility for my actions. I have matured and learned from this episode.”