Monday’s HIGHLIGHTS
Kings: General manager Pete D’Alessandro said coach Michael Malone was fired just 24 games into his second season with the Kings because of philosophical differences over the team’s style of play. D’Alessandro called Malone a “great defensive coach” but said he wants the Kings to play a more freewheeling offense, which was successful for the franchise in the early 2000s. Center DeMarcus Cousins, who is sidelined with viral meningitis, said he was surprised when he found out the news late Sunday on Twitter. “Who wasn’t? I think this surprised everybody,” he said. “Usually with situations like this, you kind of know it’s about to happen. This just happened.” Sacramento will play its first game under interim coach Tyrone Corbin on Tuesday night at home against Oklahoma City.
Trail Blazers 108, Spurs 95: Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge each had 23 points as Portland beat San Antonio. Trail Blazers center Robin Lopez broke his right hand in the third quarter and will be out for “a while,” coach Terry Stotts said. The Spurs gave Tim Duncan the night off, Manu Ginobili was out with a lower back bruise, and Tony Parker missed a second straight game with a strained left hamstring.
Bucks 96, Suns 94: Khris Middleton hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to send Milwaukee past Phoenix. Bucks rookie Jabari Parker left early in the third quarter with a left knee sprain and did not return.
Cavaliers 97, Hornets 88: LeBron James had 27 points and 13 assists, Kevin Love scored 22 points, and Cleveland beat Charlotte after taking a 21-0 lead.
Pacers 110, Lakers 91: Rodney Stuckey scored 20 points to lead Indiana past Los Angeles, which trailed 60-27 at halftime.
Celtics 105, 76ers 87: Kelly Olynyk scored 30 points to help Boston drop Philadelphia to 0-13 at home.
Raptors 95, Magic 82: Lou Williams scored 18 points, and Toronto won its 10th straight against Orlando.
Hawks 93, Bulls 86: Al Horford scored 21 points, helping Atlanta defeat Chicago.
Clippers 113, Pistons 91: Blake Griffin scored 18 points, and DeAndre Jordan had 16 points and 15 rebounds as Los Angeles beat Detroit.
— ASSOCIATED PRESS
