01.11.2023
Phoenix Suns 114 - 115 San Antonio Spurs
In a thrilling comeback, the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Phoenix Suns 115-114 with Keldon Johnson's late steal and contested layup giving them their only lead of the game. The Spurs, who were down by 20 points at one point, snapped a nine-game losing streak against the Suns with Johnson scoring 27 points. Rookie Victor Wembanyama had a standout performance with 18 points and 8 rebounds in just his fourth NBA game. Despite missing injured guards Bradley Beal and Devin Booker, the Suns were led by Kevin Durant's 26 points. The two teams will face off again on Thursday in Phoenix.
Cleveland Cavaliers 91 - 109 New York Knicks
In a game where Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson each scored 19 points, the New York Knicks defeated the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers 109-91. The Knicks did not trail in the final three quarters of the game, with Immanuel Quickley adding 18 points off the bench and RJ Barrett contributing 16. Despite Donovan Mitchell's 26 points for the Cavaliers, who were missing key players due to injury, Cleveland fell to 0-3 at home. The teams are set to face off again in a back-to-back matchup at Madison Square Garden.
LA Clippers 118 - 102 Orlando Magic
In a game where James Harden watched from a suite waiting for his trade to the Los Angeles Clippers to be finalized, the Clippers took control in the third quarter to beat the Orlando Magic 118-102. Paul George scored 27 points and Russell Westbrook added 18 as the Clippers outscored the Magic 41-21 in the third period, shooting 17 of 23 from the floor. Harden, along with P.J. Tucker, arrived at the arena before tipoff and met with the team in the locker room. The pending trade left the Clippers with only 11 players in uniform, but they still managed to secure the win. The victory sets them up to face the Los Angeles Lakers as the visiting team.