Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – The New York Knicks overwhelmed the Boston Celtics 111-89 on Sunday to snatch second place in the NBA Eastern Conference, and Kawhi Leonard overflowed with 41 points in a victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

First modification: 02/09/2026 - 00:25

Below are the main scenes from the day of the North American basketball league, in which only four games were played:

The Knicks storm TD Garden

With 31 points and eight assists from his figure, Jalen Brunson, the Knicks were far superior to the Celtics at the TD Garden in Boston, to move up to second place in the East.

Both teams now have the same record of 34 wins and 19 losses, far from the conference leaders, the Detroit Pistons, who are 38-13.

Puerto Rican José Alvarado made his debut in the Knicks, fulfilling his dream of defending the New York quintet.

Alvarado, 27, joined the Knicks from the New Orleans Pelicans in midweek.

"We just try to win games," said Alvarado, who contributed 12 points in 25 minutes on the court. "Everyone has welcomed me with open arms."

The Puerto Rican added that "being on a team that is fighting for the championship is something special."

Jaylen Brown scored 26 points for the Celtics, while Baylor Scheierman set a new career high with 13 rebounds.

Heat overwhelm Wizards

The Miami Heat defeated the Washington Wizards 132-101 with a brilliant performance by rookie Kasparas Jakucionis, who scored 22 points, with six assists and three rebounds.

Jakucionis, 19, former Real Madrid, set a new personal best in points.

"I always try to give my best effort," commented the Lithuanian player. "In attack I try to take advantage of opportunities and control what I can."

Bam Adebayo also contributed 22 points for the Heat, while promising youngster Kel'el Ware completed a double-double of 19 points and 14 rebounds.

Barnes leads the Raptors

The Toronto Raptors added their second consecutive victory by beating the Indiana Pacers 122-104 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto.

Scottie Barnes led the way to victory for the Canadians with a monumental double-double of 25 points and 14 rebounds.

Barnes, 24, reaches the 14-rebound mark for the third time this season.

"We have fulfilled what the party needed," he said. "We needed to get some blocks and take advantage in transition."

Toronto improves its record to 32-22 and closes in on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the fight for fourth place in the East.

For their part, the Pacers suffer their fourth consecutive loss and have only won three of their 25 games on the road.

Kawhi Leonard superb

At the close of the day, Kawhi Leonard scored 41 points in the Los Angeles Clippers' 115-96 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves visiting the Target Center in Minneapolis.

Leonard, a two-time NBA champion, took a leading role with 30 shots to reach his third 40-point game this season.

"I was just aggressive," Leonard said. "My teammates trust me and every time I touch the ball I try to help the team."

With this victory, the Clippers rise to ninth position in the Western Conference with a record of 25-27.

The Timberwolves, for their part, are sixth in the West with 32 wins and 22 losses.

© 2026 AFP

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