Pelicans down Knicks

A huge 48-point, 17-rebound double-double from Anthony Davis helped the New Orleans Pelicans beat the New York Knicks 123-118. Jrue Holiday had 31 points, five rebounds, four assists and four steals, while DeMarcus Cousins also finished with a double-double with 15 points and 16 rebounds.

Kristaps Porzingis led the Knicks with 25 points, six rebounds and five steals, Tim Hardaway Jr also had 25 with five rebounds, and Jarrett Jack added 22, four rebounds and eight assists.

Heat burn Bucks

The Miami Heat are now on a seven-game hot streak after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 97-79. Goran Dragic had 25 points, Josh Richardson 16 and six rebounds, and Hassan Whiteside ended the game with a 15-point, 10-rebound double-double.

Milwaukee were led by Nigerian-Greek forward Giannis Antetokounmpo with 22 points and six rebounds, Khris Middleton had 16 and six rebounds, while Malcolm Brogdon finished with 15 and five rebounds.

Pacers shade Suns

Great performances from Nigerian-American guard Victor Oladipo and Darren Collison helped the Indiana Pacers beat the Suns 120-97 in Phoenix. Oladipo had 17 points, five rebounds and four steals, Collison 17, and Cory Joseph ended the game with 16 points and six assists.

Josh Jackson led the Suns with 21 points and six rebounds, Devin Booker had 15, five rebounds and seven assists, Isaiah Canaan 13 and Alex Len chipped in a 12-point, 10-rebound double-double.

Timberwolves cool Blazers

A 24-point, five-rebound, four-assist game from Jimmy Butler sealed a 120-103 victory for the Minnesota Timberwolves over the Portland Trail Blazers. Jeff Teague had 22 points and eight assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns finished with a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double.

Portland were led by Damian Lillard with 21 points, six rebounds and eight assists, CJ McCollum had 18, Pat Connaughton also added 18, and Shabazz Napier ended the game with nine.

By Kaunda Chama