An action-packed Friday for the NBA, with key former Wildcats having career nights. Here is that and more from last night.

RECAP

RANDLE AND KNICKS OUTDUELS LUKA DONCIC’S MAVERICKS

Almost notching another triple-double with 44 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, Julius Randle was determined to show out in his hometown, defeating the Mavericks 117-109, while scoring 40 for the second time this season. With 15 of the first 23 points for the Knicks, Randle came out strong in the first quarter, becoming the first Knick player since Carmelo Anthony with multiple 40-point games, while helping them take a lead early on before checking out. Former MVP Derrick Rose helped increase the Knicks winning streak to five scoring 15 off the bench, while R.J. Barrett added 24 points and eight rebounds, with both Randle and Barrett playing over 40 minutes.

Julius Randle tonight:

44 PTS
10 REB
7 AST
6 3PT
16-29 FG

He is the first Knick with a 40/10/5 game since Bernard King in 1985. pic.twitter.com/ZLfx825WX6

— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 17, 2021

As for Dallas, Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis went a combined 4-17 from beyond the arc, while the team could not shoot better than 33 percent from the same range. Porzingis and Doncic led the way in turnovers, both accumulating three, while Kristaps scored 23 points, with Luka right behind him with 22. Randle even got the best of Doncic, hitting him with his own step back mid-range shot. Nerlens Noel also contributed heavily on the defensive side, adding 10 rebounds, while scoring six points and blocking three shots, including this filthy swat at the rim.

RIM WARFARE. what a damn block. this Knicks defense my god. pic.twitter.com/7TO0rpBZp2

— Rob Perez (@WorldWideWob) April 17, 2021

TOWNS GETS THE BEST OF ADEBAYO AND THE HEAT

Going a perfect 4-4 from the 3-point line, Karl-Anthony Towns scored 24 points, while grabbing five rebounds and assists in the Timberwolves’ win over the Miami Heat. After missing the last two games due to personal reasons – it is the one-year anniversary of Jacqueline Towns’ death – Towns mentioned how much this game and the win meant to him. Ricky Rubio and Naz Reid were next in scoring, adding 17 and 16 points, with Reid contributing seven rebounds, all in 22 minutes off the bench.

KAT’s love for the game has helped him through tough times.

Towns helped the Wolves to a win tonight after missing two games following the one-year anniversary of the death of his mother, Jacqueline Towns pic.twitter.com/Fk8d2fcawF

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 17, 2021

For the Heat, Jimmy Butler was the only bright spot as he scored 30 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while going 12-15 from the charity stripe. Bam and Herro seemingly missing throughout the game, with Adebayo scoring only 17 points, along with four rebounds and assists, while Herro scored only 4 points and was -25 in 23 minutes. Veteran Trevor Ariza picked up some slack, scoring 21 points and grabbing seven rebounds to go along with a steal and two blocks on the defensive end.

EMBIID DOMINATES AGAINST CLIPPERS, HOPES TO BECOME MVP FAVORITE

In a scoring clash between Paul George and Joel Embiid, the 76ers got the best of the Los Angeles Clippers 106-103, snapping the Clippers’ seven-game win streak. George, who in addition to the 37, almost had a triple-double with nine rebounds and six assists, while still delivering on the defensive end with two blocks and a steal. However, the seven turnovers and 4-12 from the 3-point line is what was the final straw that caused Embiid to pull away with the victory. Patrick Patterson was second for the Clippers in scoring with 18 off the bench, shooting 5-7 from beyond the arc.

Paul George’s last 5 games:

37 PTS – 9 REB – 6 AST
36 PTS – 7 REB – 8 AST
32 PTS – 3 REB – 9 AST
33 PTS – 7 REB – 3 AST
36 PTS – 3 REB – 5 AST pic.twitter.com/m6Vh167k65

— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) April 17, 2021

For Embiid, who leads the league in free-throw attempts per game, taking full advantage of his trips to the charity stripe, shooting 16-18, while grabbing 14 rebounds. Embiid since his return from a knee bruise has not missed a single beat, averaging 32 points and 10 rebounds. Furkan Korkmaz was second on the team with 18 points, while also adding three steals, while rookie Tyrese Maxey was able to provide nine points and three assists in 16 minutes off the bench. The Sixers look to extend their grip on the #1 spot in the Eastern Conference, as they face Curry and the Warriors on Monday.

Joel Embiid last 4 games:

34.5 PPG
11.0 RPG
51.8 FG%
13.3 FTA
4-0 record

Making his MVP push. pic.twitter.com/vew9DD8SIb

— StatMuse (@statmuse) April 17, 2021

Here are the full stats from last night:

[table id=755 /]

TONIGHT IN THE NBA

4:30 – Jazz at Lakers

8:00 – Pistons at Wizards

8:00 – Cavaliers at Bulls

8:30 – Warriors at Celtics

9:00 – Grizzlies at Bucks

10:00 – Spurs at Suns