Pistons End 10-Game Skid, NBA Roundup

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Published on March 18 2015 6:26 am
Last Updated on March 18 2015 6:26 am
Written by Millie Lange

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. -- Stan Van Gundy doesn't know why Reggie Jackson broke out of his slump in such a big way Tuesday night. Nor does he care. Jackson had 23 points and a career-high 20 assists as the Detroit Pistons ended a 10-game skid with a 105-95 comeback victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.

"I have no idea what was different tonight," the coach said. "All I know is that he was finding open guys when we needed that and he was getting to the rim when we needed that. It was a phenomenal game."

The Pistons trailed by 15 points at halftime, but Jackson dominated Beno Udrih, who was starting at point guard in place of injured Mike Conley (ankle). Jackson had 11 points and 13 assists in the second half to pick up Detroit's second 20-point, 20-assist game of the season.


Knicks 104, Spurs 100

The poor passing and sloppy shooting in overtime hurt, though the effort was more disappointing than the execution to Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. Spurs have trouble with ... the Knicks?

"We didn't respect the game," he said. "We didn't respect our opponent. It was a pathetic performance, and I hope every player is embarrassed. Not because we're supposed to win the game, quote unquote, but it's about how you play the game."

The NBA's worst team played it better than its defending champions, and the New York Knicks surprised San Antonio 104-100 on Tuesday night. Alexey Shved scored 21 points and made the key defensive play in overtime for the Knicks, who became the first team in NBA history to enter a game this late in a season with a winning percentage below .200 and beat the defending champs, according to information provided by Elias to the Knicks.


Rockets 107, Magic 94

James Harden wasn't at his best on Tuesday night. The Houston Rockets still got a win over the Orlando Magic thanks to contributions from across the lineup. Donatas Motiejunas scored 23 points and the Rockets used a big run late in the fourth quarter to break open a close game and get the 107-94 victory. Harden, who is second in the NBA in scoring, went 4 for 14, but made eight free throws to finish with 17 points on a night when six Rockets finished in double figures.


Jazz 85, Bucks 84

Anthony Davis figures the Milwaukee Bucks have given him a better feel for how tough the playoffs will be -- if he can succeed in leading the Pelicans to the postseason for the first time in his young career. Running into big bodies and long arms everywhere he turned, Davis missed 12 of 18 shots, but still managed to score 20 points and grab 12 rebounds, and New Orleans held off the Bucks, 85-84 on Tuesday night.


Clippers 99, Hornets 92

A game that appeared to be a laugher in the third quarter for the Los Angeles Clippers suddenly turned serious down the stretch. J.J. Redick scored 23 points, Chris Paul had 20 points and eight assists, and the Clippers escaped Staples Center with a 99-92 victory on Tuesday night. The Clippers took their biggest lead, 63-41, on a 3-pointer by Paul with 10:04 left in the third quarter. Charlotte's Gerald Henderson got a technical foul from referee Pat Fraher after getting called for an offensive foul with 5:42 left in the period and the Hornets down by 17, but they went on a 12-2 run over the final 3 minutes to get to 77-74.


Tuesday, March 17 Scoreboard

Detroit 105, Memphis 95

New York 104, San Antonio 100 (OT)

Houston 107, Orlando 94

New Orleans 85, Milwaukee 84

LA Clippers 99, Charlotte 92


Wednesday, March 18 Schedule (All Times Central)

Brooklyn at Cleveland, 6 p.m.

Detroit at Philadelphia, 6 p.m.

Portland at Miami, 6:30 p.m.

Minnesota at Toronto, 6:30 p.m.

San Antonio at Milwaukee, 7 p.m.

LA Clippers at Sacramento, 9 p.m.

Atlanta at Golden State, 9:30 p.m.

Washington at Utah, 9:30 p.m.