Julius Randle scored 36 points as the Los Angeles Lakers swept aside the Cleveland Cavaliers 127-113.
The Lakers had not won in their last seven outings against Cleveland, but the side dominated the third quarter, outscoring the visitors by 11.
Big night for Ju. #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/e6lZH6EAvz
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 12, 2018
Randle added 14 rebounds and seven assists, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Isaiah Thomas contributed 20 points each in the win.
LeBron James had 24 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists for the Cavaliers.
The Houston Rockets became the first side in the Western Conference to secure a playoff spot with a 105-82 win over the Dallas Mavericks.
Playoff spot clinched! ✔️ pic.twitter.com/LWwmR3LOVo
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) March 12, 2018
Chris Paul scored 24 points in the win and had 12 assists while Dwight Powell had 20 for Dallas.
Another team guaranteed post-season action is the Toronto Raptors, who saw off the New York Knicks 132-106.
Takin’ care of business. #WeTheNorth#BenchMob w/ 69p, 27r, 16a pic.twitter.com/3IIBJscR9i
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) March 11, 2018
Seven Raptors players hit more than 10 points, with Kyle Lowry finishing on 16, four rebounds and seven assists.
Elsewhere, the Chicago Bulls beat the Atlanta Hawks 129-122, Kevin Durant hit 39 points but the Golden State Warriors lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves 109-103 and the Utah Jazz overcame the New Orleans Pelicans 116-99.
