The San Antonio Spurs beat the Toronto Raptors to extend their winning run and close in on NBA Western Conference leaders Oklahoma City Thunder.
Devin Vassell scored 21 points and De’Aaron Fox 20 as the visitors triumphed 110-107 at Scotiabank Arena to claim a 10th successive win for the first time since the 2015-16 season.
Victor Wembanyama scored only 12 points for the Spurs but made a crucial block – his fifth of the game – with 44 seconds remaining.
The Spurs improved to 42-16, while the Thunder are 45-15 after losing 124-116 at Eastern Conference leaders Detroit Pistons.
Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren scored 29 points apiece for the Pistons, while the NBA’s Most Valuable Player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed a ninth straight game for the Thunder because of injury.
The Pistons improved to 43-14, going ahead of the Thunder for the league’s best record and extending their lead the top of the Eastern Conference above the Boston Celtics, who lost 103-84 at the Denver Nuggets.
Nikola Jokic scored 30 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for the Nuggets.
The Milwaukee Bucks overcame the continued absence of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo with a calf injury to win 118-116 at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Cavs were without new signing James Harden after he suffered a broken thumb in Tuesday’s win over the New York Knicks.
The Houston Rockets beat the Sacramento Kings 128-97 – their biggest victory of the season – while the Golden State Warriors won 133-112 at the Memphis Grizzlies.
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