CODY ZELLER

Jalen Brunson scored 30 points and keyed the run the New York Knicks needed just in time to get by a Miami Heat team playing without Jimmy Butler, evening the Eastern Conference semifinals at a game apiece with a 111-105 victory.

Kevin Love says has chosen to sign with the Miami Heat for the remainder of the season once he clears waivers.

Stephen Curry scored 22 points and moved within nine 3-pointers of tying Ray Allen’s career record, and the Golden State Warriors held off the injury-depleted Portland Trail Blazers 104-94.

Domantas Sabonis had 14 points, 21 rebounds and nine assists, and the short-handed Indiana Pacers routed the Charlotte Hornets 144-117 in the Eastern Conference’s first play-in game.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 28: Jerami Grant #9 of the Detroit Pistons looks to drive to the basket during the second half against the New York Knicks at Little Caesars Arena on February 28, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)CHARLOTTE, N.C. – P.J Washington had 20 points and nine rebounds, Terry Rozier hit some big shots down the stretch and the Charlotte Hornets beat the Detroit Pistons 105-102 on Thursday night to get back to .500 for the first time since Jan. 13. Rozier and Gordon Hayward each scored 17 points and Cody Zeller chipped in with 15 points and a key rebound for Charlotte (18-18). Committed 14 turnovers leading to 19 Charlotte points.

Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, left, celebrates with forward Draymond Green (23) during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets in San Francisco, Friday, Feb. 26, 2021. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)SAN FRANCISCO – Do-everything Draymond Green vowed to make up for losing his cool and costing Golden State a win at Charlotte last weekend. Terry Rozier made an off-balance jumper from the left corner as time expired for a 102-100 win by the Hornets. The Warriors have won three straight after having consecutive victories seven different times previously without winning a third in a row. It's the first matchup between the opponents this season and Charlotte has won three straight over the Kings.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. Michael Jordan helped build the Chicago Bulls into a winner as a player. Jordan took questions from players and spoke directly about the difference between what it takes to win in the regular season and the playoffs. Hornets center Cody Zeller said that was an important message for a young team to hear. Hornets guard Terry Rozier joked that after watching the Last Dance he probably would have got into a few fistfights with Jordan, too. One thing with being teammates with guys in this league is you have to learn who they are first.