Overview
- Kevin Durant scored 24 as Houston stormed back Tuesday in Phoenix, outscoring the Suns in the fourth for a 119-105 win that dents Phoenix’s bid to skip the play-in.
- Stephen Curry returned Sunday after 27 games out and dropped 29 in 26 minutes, but Houston edged Golden State 117-116 when Alperen Sengun hit the winner with 11.1 seconds left.
- Victor Wembanyama sustained a left rib contusion Monday against Philadelphia, is listed as doubtful for Wednesday, and needs at least 20 minutes in one more game to meet the NBA’s 65-game awards rule.
- The Timberwolves secured the West’s final automatic playoff berth Tuesday by beating the Pacers 124-104, removing one pathway for rivals chasing a top-six spot.
- The injury-hit Lakers were routed 123-87 by the Thunder on Tuesday, and with Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves out for the rest of the regular season, their seeding is now at greater risk.