It was a slow night for the NBA on Thursday as it was the last slate of games before the annual All-Star Weekend festivities.
The Orlando Magic pulled out a convincing win over the Charlotte Hornets, who will now look to regroup for a final playoff push following All-Star weekend. More notably, the New York Knicks snapped an 18-game losing streak and got back in the win column against the Atlanta Hawks. It was only the Knicks second win in 2019.
Lastly, the New Orleans Pelicans were able to pull out an impressive win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, despite the fact that Anthony Davis left the contest with an apparent shoulder injury.
NBA schedule for Thursday, Feb. 14
*All times Eastern
Orlando Magic 127, Charlotte Hornets 89 (Box score) New York Knicks 106, Atlanta Hawks 91 (Box score)New Orleans Pelicans 131, Oklahoma City Thunder 122 (Box score)
Pelicans held off the Thunder
Even without Anthony Davis in the rotation for the second half, the Pelicans were able to pull out a tough win over the Thunder and head into All-Star break on a high note
Anthony Davis leaves games vs. Thunder
Anthony Davis played in the first half of the contest against the Thunder, but he didn't play in the second half. as he was ruled out of the game with a left shoulder injury. The Pelicans were able to hold on and win without him, but his status moving forward will be something to monitor moving forward.
Birch rejects Walker at the rim
Kemba Walker will be taking the floor as a starter in the NBA All-Star Game this weekend. However, Khem Birch certainly wasn't giving him a free pass to the basket and blocked Walker's layup attempt with two hands.
Robinson, Bembry trade huge slams
Mitchell Robinson has shown flashes of potential throughout his rookie season and got involved early on against the Hawks with a huge slam dunk off an alley oop. However, DeAndre' Bembry answered with a posterizing slam dunk of his own on Luke Kornet.
Morris signs with Thunder
The Thunder bolstered their depth on Thursday after agreeing to a deal with Markieff Morris. The veteran forward reportedly passing on several other contenders such as the Toronto Raptors and Houston Rockets.
So why did he pick the Thunder? He simply believes they're a better fit.
The Thunder (37-19, third place in the West) represent what Morris believes is his best fit right now, and he’s slated to play significant role in frontcourt. Morris and his agent, Rich Paul, sorted through offers this week and had positive dialogue with teams.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 14, 2019
