Toronto 111, Indiana 100
DeMar DeRozan understands the importance of entering the postseason with momentum. The Raptors guard led the way Friday night with a game-high 40 points as Toronto defeated the Indiana Pacers 111-100 at Air Canada Centre.
Charlotte 122, Denver 114
Kemba Walker refused to come out of the game and, in essence, he refused to lose.
Cleveland 122, Philadelphia 105
Things are not better for the Cleveland Cavaliers just because they beat the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night.
Boston 117, Orlando 116
On paper, there was every reason to believe the Boston Celtics would easily handle the Orlando Magic on Friday night.
Milwaukee 108, Detroit 105
Khris Middleton will get the credit for knocking down a game-winning 3-pointer in the waning moments of the Milwaukee Bucks' 108-105 overtime victory over the Detroit Pistons Friday night at the Bradley Center, but it almost certainly would not have been possible without a hustle play from rookie big man Thon Maker.
Memphis 99, Dallas 90
In his 10th NBA season, guard Mike Conley recalls his first few years with the Memphis Grizzlies when the postseason was not an expectation.
New Orleans 117, Sacramento 89
DeMarcus Cousins spent the last two days insisting his first rematch against his former team, the Sacramento Kings, wasn't about him.
New York 98, Miami 94
Maybe the Miami Heat just aren't destined to reach .500.
San Antonio 100, Oklahoma City 95
It came from the upper rafters, but a faint echo of MVP could be heard as Kawhi Leonard stood at the free throw line. It came in the final seconds of San Antonio's 100-95 victory over Oklahoma City on Friday night at Chesapeake Energy Arena.
Utah 95, Washington 88
Injuries allowed Shelvin Mack to find his way back into the playing rotation for the Utah Jazz. Mack is making a case to stick around on the court if the Jazz roster ever gets fully healthy in time for the playoffs.
Golden State 107, Houston 98
James Harden came within two assists of his 21st triple-double of the season Friday night.