NBA: Celtics earn ninth straight win, Warriors cool Heat

Boston, November 7: The Boston Celtics stayed hot as they extended their winning streak with a 110-107 victory against the Atlanta Hawks, while the Golden State Warriors downed the Miami Heat.

Kyrie Irving scored 35 points as the Celtics made it nine consecutive wins in the NBA on Monday (November 6).

Boston (9-2) are on their longest winning streak in seven years and they own the best record in the league.

Irving also hit a clutch three-pointer with 1:37 remaining to give Boston a 104-103 lead, one they would not relinquish as Atlanta dropped to a 2-9 win-loss record.

Celtics big man Al Horford enjoyed his return to Atlanta, finishing an assist shy of a triple-double. He tallied 15 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in the win.

Reigning champions the Warriors accounted for the Heat 97-80 on home court.

Kevin Durant put up 21 points, Draymond Green added 18, while Stephen Curry contributed 16.

DURANT SHINES AS WARRIORS WIN

Durant registered a plus-23 in the Warriors' win over the Heat. Despite knocking down just one three-pointer, Durant scored a team-high 21 points to go along with eight rebounds, six assists and three blocks.

SUNS STRUGGLE AGAIN

Monday's game was supposed to be a high-scoring affair but poor shooting, fouls and turnovers were the theme in the Brooklyn Nets' 98-92 road win. Number four overall pick Josh Jackson scored just four points on one-of-six shooting for the Phoenix Suns.

Also making just one field goal were Marquese Chriss, Tyson Chandler, Alex Len and Troy Daniels. Dragan Bender was held scoreless for the 4-7 Suns.

BOOKER CELEBRATES MILESTONE

Suns guard Devin Booker did become the fourth-youngest player to reach 3,000 career points behind only James, Carmelo Anthony and Durant.

MONDAY'S RESULTS

Boston Celtics 110-107 Atlanta Hawks

Brooklyn Nets 98-92 Phoenix Suns

Golden State Warriors 97-80 Miami Heat

BUCKS AT CAVALIERS

Despite stellar play from each team's star, these Eastern Conference playoff contenders are off to a slow start this season. Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is the odds-on favourite to win his first MVP and is backing it up with 31 points, 9.9 rebounds and five assists per game.

LeBron James is up to 28.8 points, 9.1 assists and 7.2 assists per game after his 57-point outburst on Friday (November 3), but the Cleveland Cavaliers have the worst defence in the league. Expect a shootout on Tuesday (November 7).

Source: OPTA