Nets outlast Knicks…A Thunderous rout…Wizards still winless
UNDATED (AP) — The Nets moved closer to the Knicks this fall, and the two teams couldn’t be any closer in the NBA’s Atlantic Division standings.
The Nets have pulled even with New York for the division lead by downing the Knicks 96-89 in overtime at Brooklyn. Jerry Stackhouse drained the tiebreaking three-pointer with 3:31 remaining as the Nets outscored the Knicks 12-5 in the extra session.
Brook Lopez had 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Nets, who improved to 9-4 with their third straight win. Deron Williams added 16 points and 14 assists as the Nets improved to 7-1 in their new home
It was the first meeting between the two clubs since the Nets left New Jersey. The game originally was supposed to be the season opener for both teams but was postponed due to Superstorm Sandy.
Also in the NBA, Kevin Durant scored 18 points and Oklahoma City opened a 40-point halftime lead in a 114-69 blowout of the Charlotte Bobcats. The Thunder led 64-24 at the break, the fifth-largest halftime lead in the NBA’s shot clock era and the biggest since Golden State built a 88-41 edge on Sacramento in Nov. 1991.
Greivis Vasquez had 25 points and 10 assists as New Orleans ended a seven-game losing streak, beating the Clippers 105-98 in Los Angeles. The Hornets blanketed Blake Griffin, who made only one of nine shots in 35 minutes. Griffin finished with a career-low four points and six rebounds before fouling out with 2:36 left.
The Bulls blew a 27-point lead at home and lost 93-92 to Milwaukee. Ersan Ilyasova scored 14 of his 18 points in the second half and fueled a 31-4 run. He scored 12 points in the fourth quarter when Milwaukee outscored Chicago 30-12.
Memphis was an 84-78 winner against Cleveland behind 19 points apiece from Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. The Grizzlies closed the game on a 13-4 run to improve to a league-best 10-2.
The Washington Wizards were 118-92 losers to San Antonio to become the 12th team in NBA history to open a season 0-12. Boris Diaw scored 16 points, and Tiago Splitter added 15 and 12 rebounds as the Spurs improved to 12-3 with their fourth consecutive win.
Detroit won for the fourth time in 15 games as Brandon Knight scored 16 of his 26 points in the first half of the Pistons’ 108-101 win over Portland. The Trail Blazers wasted 32 points from LaMarcus Aldridge.
Newton lifts Panthers
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The Carolina Panthers are the latest team to embarrass the Eagles in Philadelphia.
Cam Newton threw for two touchdowns and ran for two others as the Panthers handed the Eagles their seventh straight loss, 30-22. Newton was 18-of-26 for 306 yards, and he also ran 14 times for 52 yards. He closed the scoring by running for a two-yard TD with 4:40 remaining.
Philadelphia’s Bryce Brown set a club rookie record with 178 yards rushing, including TD runs of 65 and 5 yards. But he also lost two fumbles and was stopped on fourth-and-one at the Carolina 40 to end a fourth-quarter drive.
Both teams are 3-8.
No word on Niners starting QB
UNDATED (AP) — San Francisco coach Jim Harbaugh says he’ll announce his starting quarterback for Sunday’s game against St. Louis by mid-week so players don’t have to face constant questions about the situation. Colin Kaepernick has looked impressive in leading the 49ers to victories the past two weeks in place of the injured Alex Smith, leading to questions about which of the two is now the starter.
The NFC West-leading Niners are 8-2-1, second best in the conference behind 10-1 Atlanta.
Arizona coach Ken Whisenhunt is sticking with rookie Ryan Lindley at quarterback, at least until Kevin Kolb is healthy enough to play. Lindley threw three interceptions in the loss to the Rams Sunday, and two were returned for touchdowns. It was the Cardinals’ seventh loss in a row. For the first time since he was hurt five games ago, Kolb was able to practice on a limited basis last week.
No suspension for Lions Suh
UNDATED (AP) — The NFL has decided not to suspend Detroit defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh for his actions against Houston quarterback Matt Schaub in a Thanksgiving Day game.
League spokesman Greg Aiello announced the decision Monday on his Twitter account, adding the “incident’ will be reviewed for a potential fine.
Suh’s left cleat connected with Schaub’s groin area after he threw a pass. The defensive tackle was on his chest after being taken down by an offensive lineman and extended his left foot to hit Schaub below the belt.
A person familiar with the decision says the NFL will not be suspending Saints starting defensive tackle Brodrick Bunkley for his kick to the back of offensive lineman Alex Boone’s helmet in the final minutes of San Francisco’s victory over New Orleans on Sunday.
The person spoke to The Associated Press Monday on condition of anonymity because the league has not announced any punishment yet and a fine is still possible later in the week.
Bunkley was penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejected with 1:05 left for kicking Boone after the Saints had blocked a field goal.