NBA Daily Rundown: Kawhi returns to San Antonio, Harden lifts Rockets in Golden State

Spurs spoils Kawhi Leonard’s return to San Antonio, makes light work of Raptors

In a game highlighted by Kawhi’s first game back in Texas’ most successful basketball team, San Antonio Spurs All-Star shooting guard DeMar DeRozan took center stage as the Spurs handed the Raptors a 125-107 beating. DeRozan got his first career triple-double, stuffing the stat sheet with 21 points, 14 rebounds, 11 assists and 2 steals. It was an impressive total effort for the Spurs as they got double-digit scoring from six players, including everyone in the starting unit.

Leonard, who was booed almost everytime he touched the ball, had an average night with 21 points, 5 assists and 2 steals. Backup point guard Delon Wright had 15 points while combo forward Pascal Siakam had 10 points, 7 assists and 6 rebounds.

It was a night of redemption for DeRozan, who was surprisingly traded by Toronto last summer. The 29-year old superstar is averaging 22.9 points and career-highs of 6.3 assists and 5.9 rebounds this season.

Jamal Murray heats up in the 4th as Nuggets overcome 13-point halftime deficit against the Kings

Following a sub-par performance in a win against the New York Knicks, Jamal Murray provided the necessary spark for the Nuggets as they beat the Sacramento Kings, 117-113. Murray put up 17 points in the fourth quarter, finishing the game with 36 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Nikola Jokic, an early MVP candidate this season, racked up 26 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists.

The Kings, who have been a pleasant surprise this season, got an efficient 29-point production from shooting guard Buddy Hield.

The win puts the Nuggets on a four-game winning streak while leading the West with a 25-11 record. The Kings now sport a 19-19 card after the loss, just two games behind the Los Angeles Lakers for the 8th spot.

James Harden romps up his MVP campaign with a 40-point triple-double and game-winner over the Warriors

In what could easily be the best game of the season so far, James Harden lifts a depleted-Rockets team with a stunning comeback win over the Golden State Warriors, 135-134. Harden hit a tightly-contested three to put Houston on top with a second left in the overtime period. Kevin Durant’s heave from beyond the arc missed the rim badly as a Rockets team without Chris Paul and Eric Gordon hacks out an improbable win in the Bay.

Harden finished the game with another triple-double of 44 points, 15 assists, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks. Clint Capela, who just signed a massive extension in the summer, came up big with 29 points and 21 rebounds. Houston also got timely double-digit productions from Danuel House, Gerald Green and Austin Rivers.
The Warriors appeared to be headed for an easy night as they held a 20-point lead in the first half. Stephen Curry led the team with 35 points and 6 assists while Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant added 26 points apiece.