NBA Daily Rundown: Lakers lose third straight game, Raptors win in Lowry return and Thunder’s shock loss to Wizards

KAT and the Timberwolves pounce on slumping Lakers

The hot-starting Minnesota Timberwolves makes light work of the visiting Los Angeles Lakers, 108-86. Karl Anthony-Towns imposed his presence down low for a dominant performance of 28 points, 18 rebounds and 4 blocks. Guard/forward Andrew Wiggins also contributed 28 markers as the Wolves used a stellar first period that saw the home team go up 22-3 on the scoreboard.

Again without superstar LeBron James and key players Kyle Kuzma and Rajon Rondo, the Lakers had another forgettable performance. Lance Stephenson topscored for the team with 14 points, Brandon Ingram had 13, while point guard Lonzo Ball went scoreless on the floor.

Lowry makes triumphant return as Raptors stop streaking Pacers

Without superstar Kawhi Leonard, the Toronto Raptors rely on All-Star veteran point guard Kyle Lowry to topple the Indiana Pacers, 121-105. As the Raptors remain adamant on its precaution of not playing Leonard in the second game of a back-to-back schedule, the team used a balanced offense and the steady presence of Lowry, who has missed 10 of the previous 11 games.

Lowry had an all-around production of 12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals for the Raptors, while Norman Powell had his best game of the season with 23 points. Toronto, the second-leading team in the East, also managed to put the Pacers’ six-game winning streak to an end. Small forward Bojan Bogdanovic led the losing team with 21 points and 9 rebounds.

Kemba scores 18 in the last five minutes as the Hornets escape in Phoenix

After just a quiet night of 11 points in the first three quarters, Kemba Walker would score 18 more in the waning minutes, leading the Charlotte Hornets to a 119-113 win over the Phoenix Suns. Walker finished the game with 29 points and 7 rebounds while veteran point guard Tony Parker chipped in 20 points and 6 assists.

Josh Jackson had his first 20-point outing for the Suns this season, finishing with 22 markers on top of 6 rebounds and 4 assists. With the win, the Hornets go up to 19-20 and now has a full game advantage over the Detroit Pistons for the East’s 8th spot.

Beal stars in Wizards’ drubbing of the Thunder

Bradley Beal shines in Oklahoma as the Washington Wizards doused the Thunder’s three-game winning streak, 116-98. Beal, who is without his injured backcourt partner John Wall for the rest of the season, carried the Wizards with an all-around game of 25 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds. Combo forward Otto Porter Jr was also a key factor, contributing 20 points, 5 assists and 6 rebounds to the team’s winning cause.
Russell Westbrook had another massive triple-double of 22 points, 15 rebounds and 13 assists for the Thunder, but had 8 turnovers. Paul George, who has been heating up as of late, only had a modest game with 20 points.

Other games around the league

Brooklyn Nets defeat the Chicago Bulls, 117-100
Orlando Magic loses to the Los Angeles Clippers, 96-106
Miami Heat falls to the Atlanta Hawks, 82-106