Simmons makes winning Clippers debut, Mavs’ Exum stars

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Simmons makes winning Clippers debut, Mavs’ Exum stars

The much-criticised Ben Simmons has made a successful debut for the Los Angeles Clippers in an overtime victory against Utah.

In his first outing since being waived by Brooklyn, the NBA’s 2016 No.1 draft pick had 12 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals in a 120-116 road win on Thursday night (Friday AEDT).

The 28-year-old, hampered by back injuries during stints with Philadelphia and the Nets, played 27 minutes and converted four of five field-goal attempts, plus all four free throws.

Norman Powell scored a season-high 41 points and James Harden added 32 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists and three steals as the Clippers (31-23) clawed back from a 20-point deficit to beat the Jazz for the second time in three games.

Nine of Utah’s 11 first-quarter field goals were three-pointers, and LA did not take the lead until the fourth *******, going up 103-100 when Powell tipped in a lay-up and Harden hit a step-back triple to cap an 11-1 run. Isaiah Collier made two free throws with 45 seconds left in regulation to force overtime.

Simmons’ *********** teammate Patty Mills didn’t see any game time in Salt Lake City.

In Dallas, another Aussie in Dante Exum scored a season-high 27 points, one short of his career high, as the Mavericks beat Miami 118-113.

It was the first time the 29-year-old has led the Mavs in scoring in 62 regular-season games. Exum banked 11 of his 13 shots, including both from three-point range and all three from the charity stripe, and also registered three boards and four assists in 24 minutes on court.

Max Christie added 19 points, Spencer Dinwiddie had 17 and Kessler Edwards finished with season highs of 15 points and nine rebounds as undermanned Dallas (30-26) won for the fourth time in five games.

Kyrie Irving (shoulder) and Klay Thompson (foot) were two of eight players listed on the Mavericks’ injury report.

Tyler Herro scored 40 points for the Heat (25-28), who have lost four consecutive games.

Naz Reid had 27 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists for Minnesota in a 116-101 victory over Oklahoma City that stopped their seven-game winning streak.

Anthony Edwards scored 23 points and Jaden McDaniels added 21 to propel the Timberwolves (31-25) into the All-Star break with an inspired performance against the West-leading Thunder (44-10).

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 24 points, nine assists and eight rebounds to lead OKC.

Gilgeous-Alexander, the NBA ‘s leading scorer at 32.6 points per game entering the night, had his streak of 25-point games end at 22.

Elsewhere, Stephen Curry scored 27 points as Golden State withstood a late surge to win 105-98 in Houston.

CJ McCollum scored 37 of his 43 points after halftime – including 11 points in overtime – as New Orleans snapped a 10-game losing streak with a 140-133 victory over Sacramento.

With AP.

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