By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The streaking Orlando Magic overpowered the Charlotte Hornets, 127-89. Their fifth straight 2018-19 win coincided with their first positive result following thirteen consecutive losses to the Hornets. Nikola Vucevic carried his team to the “W” with his fifth straight double-double, 17 points and 11 boards.
The New York Knicks snapped their 18-game losing streak defeating the Atlanta Hawks, 106-91, at the State Farm Arena. Ukrainian big Alex Len was the only European participant of the match and had six points, six rebounds, two blocks, two steals and one assist for the losing side.
Elsewhere, Russell Westbrook posted his eleventh straight triple-double and scored a season-high 44 points. Also, Anthony Davis left the NBA Regular Season match with due to a left shoulder contusion, but the Oklahoma City Thunder lost 131-122 to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Mario Hezonja (left leg), Dennis Schroder (personal), Tony Parker (back), Frank Ntilikina (groin) and Timofey Mozgov (right knee) were sidelined on Thursday.
Results and European action:
| Orlando Magic | Charlotte Hornets | 127-89 | Vucevic 17pts, 11reb, 4ast, 1stl, 1blk, Fournier 12pts, 3reb, 6ast, 2stl – Batum 9pts, 7reb, 2ast, 1stl, 1blk, W. Hernangomez 4pts, 5reb, 1ast |
| Atlanta Hawks | New York Knicks | 91-106 | Len 6pts, 6reb, 1ast, 2stl, 2blk |
| New Orleans Pelicans | Oklahoma City Thunder | 131-122 |
Standings:
Eastern Conference
1. Milwaukee Bucks 43-14
2. Toronto Raptors 43-16
3. Indiana Pacers 38-20
4. Boston Celtics 37-21
5. Philadelphia 76ers 37-21
6. Brooklyn Nets 30-29
7. Charlotte Hornets 27-30
8. Detroit Pistons 26-30
9. Miami Heat 26-30
10. Orlando Magic 27-32
11. Washington Wizards 24-34
12. Atlanta Hawks 19-39
13. Chicago Bulls 14-44
14. Cleveland Cavaliers 12-46
15. New York Knicks 11-47
Western Conference
1. Golden State Warriors 41-16
2. Denver Nuggets 39-18
3. Oklahoma City Thunder 37-20
4. Portland Trail Blazers 34-23
5. Houston Rockets 33-24
6. Utah Jazz 32-25
7. San Antonio Spurs 33-26
8. Los Angeles Clippers 32-27
9. Sacramento Kings 30-27
10. Los Angeles Lakers 28-29
11. Minnesota Timberwolves 27-30
12. Dallas Mavericks 26-31
13. New Orleans Pelicans 26-33
14. Memphis Grizzlies 23-36
15. Phoenix Suns 11-48