02.11.2023
Oklahoma City Thunder 106 - 110 New Orleans Pelicans
CJ McCollum led the New Orleans Pelicans to a 110-106 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, scoring 29 points and grabbing 11 rebounds as the Pelicans overcame a 22-point deficit. The Pelicans relied on offensive rebounding to make up for their poor 3-point shooting, with Zion Williamson adding 20 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 20 points for the Thunder, who struggled from beyond the arc, making just 7 of 34 attempts. Despite missing Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans bounced back from a previous loss and improved to 3-1.
Atlanta Hawks 130 - 121 Washington Wizards
Dejounte Murray led the Atlanta Hawks to a 130-121 victory over the Washington Wizards, scoring 24 points and shooting 10-15 from the field. The Hawks had six other players in double figures, including Trae Young with 23 points and 10 assists. Despite a late rally by the Wizards, the Hawks held on for their third straight win. Atlanta had a dominant 14-2 run in the third quarter and showcased impressive teamwork with all five starters in double figures. The Wizards were led by Kyle Kuzma with 25 points. The Hawks are now 3-2 on the season and will face the New Orleans Pelicans next, while the Wizards will travel to Miami to take on the Heat.
Toronto Raptors 130 - 111 Milwaukee Bucks
Dennis Schroder led the way for the Toronto Raptors with 24 points and 11 assists as they defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 130-111. Scottie Barnes added 21 points and 12 rebounds, while Pascal Siakam scored 26 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 16 points for the Bucks. Toronto outscored Milwaukee in fast-break and points in the paint, setting a season-high for points and finishing with 35 assists. The Raptors snapped a three-game losing streak with the win.
New York Knicks 89 - 95 Cleveland Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell scored 30 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers snapped a three-game skid by beating the New York Knicks 95-89. Caris LeVert added 19 points and Eric Mobley contributed 14 for Cleveland, who were missing key starters due to injuries. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 24 points, but Julius Randle struggled with just six points on 3-for-15 shooting. The Cavaliers took the lead in the third quarter and never let go, with Mitchell hitting key shots down the stretch to secure the win. The Knicks shot poorly from the field and 3-point range, never getting closer than five points in the fourth quarter. Cavaliers' coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised Mitchell for his ability to make big shots in crucial moments, leading the team to victory.
Los Angeles Lakers 130 - 125 LA Clippers
In a thrilling overtime matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers held off the Clippers 130-125 to break an 11-game losing streak in the LA rivalry. LeBron James led the charge with 35 points and 11 rebounds, while Austin Reaves scored seven crucial points in overtime. Despite D'Angelo Russell and Anthony Davis also putting up big numbers, it was the Lakers' resilient effort with only eight players due to injuries that secured the victory. The Clippers were led by Kawhi Leonard's 38 points and Paul George's 35 points, but ultimately fell short. With James Harden watching from the bench in street clothes, the Clippers will look to bounce back against New York, while the Lakers will face Orlando next.
Golden State Warriors 102 - 101 Sacramento Kings
The Golden State Warriors narrowly defeated the Sacramento Kings 102-101 with Klay Thompson hitting a game-winning shot. Stephen Curry scored 21 points and hit four 3-pointers, while Dario Saric contributed 15 points and played tough defense against Domantas Sabonis. The Kings were without De’Aaron Fox and the game was part of a hectic road trip for the Warriors. Kerr lamented the tough schedule, but the Warriors found a way to win before heading to Oklahoma City.
Utah Jazz 133 - 109 Memphis Grizzlies
The Utah Jazz dominated the winless Memphis Grizzlies with a final score of 133-109, led by Collin Sexton's 23 points and Lauri Markkanen's 19 points and 11 rebounds. The Jazz shot a season-best 22 of 43 from 3-point range and recorded 35 assists on 47 made baskets. Memphis struggled with their offense, trailing the entire game and opening the season with five consecutive losses for the first time since 2002. Ja Morant missed the game due to suspension as the Grizzlies look to turn things around in their upcoming match against Portland.
Dallas Mavericks 114 - 105 Chicago Bulls
In a thrilling match-up, the Dallas Mavericks remained undefeated with a 114-105 victory over the Chicago Bulls. Grant Williams and Tim Hardaway Jr. led the way with impressive scoring performances, while Luka Doncic added a double-double despite struggling with his 3-point shooting. The Mavericks were able to pull away late in the game with a 10-2 run, securing their fourth consecutive win of the season. Rookie Dereck Lively II made key contributions on the boards, and the team's strong 3-point shooting proved to be a difference-maker. The Mavericks now join the Boston Celtics as the only unbeaten teams in the NBA, with both looking to continue their success in upcoming games.
Minnesota Timberwolves 110 - 89 Denver Nuggets
The Minnesota Timberwolves handed the Denver Nuggets their first loss of the season with a wire-to-wire 110-89 victory, hitting an impressive 26 of 27 free throws. Anthony Edwards scored 24 points, Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points, and Mike Conley had 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting. The Nuggets, who shot just 6 for 33 from 3-point range and fell below 20% for just the third time in the last four seasons, were led by Nikola Jokic with 25 points and 10 rebounds. The Wolves led by as much as 19 points at halftime, showing maturity by maintaining their lead and securing the win. Jokic struggled shooting and only had three assists, as the Nuggets now look to bounce back against the Dallas Mavericks while the Timberwolves prepare to face the Utah Jazz next.
Miami Heat 105 - 109 Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets rallied in the second half to top the Miami Heat 109-105, adding to Miami's miserable 1-4 start to the season. Armoni Brooks, called up from the G League, scored 17 points off the bench in his first NBA game since April 2022, while Mikal Bridges led the Nets with 21 points. The Nets outscored Miami 55-25 when Brooks was on the floor, erasing a 15-point second-half deficit to secure the win. Tyler Herro scored 30 points for Miami, but it wasn't enough as the Heat dropped their fourth straight game. Lonnie Walker IV added 17 points for the Nets, who improved to 3-3 on the season.
Detroit Pistons 101 - 110 Portland Trail Blazers
In a thrilling comeback victory, Shaedon Sharpe led the Portland Trail Blazers to a 110-101 win over the Detroit Pistons after overcoming an 18-point deficit. Sharpe scored 26 of his 29 points in the second half, stepping up in place of the injured Scoot Henderson. Former Piston Jeremi Grant added 24 points for the Trail Blazers, while Cade Cunningham had 30 points for the Pistons but struggled with turnovers and missed shots. Deandre Ayton had an impressive game with 16 points, 11 rebounds, five steals, and a block in his first game against Pistons coach Monty Williams since leaving the Phoenix Suns. The Trail Blazers shot a remarkable 68.2% in the third quarter, rallying back to secure the win.
Boston Celtics 155 - 104 Indiana Pacers
Jayson Tatum led the Boston Celtics to a dominant 155-104 victory over the Indiana Pacers, scoring 30 points and grabbing 12 rebounds before sitting out the fourth quarter. The Celtics had eight players score in double figures, marking their highest point total since the 1958-59 season. The team shot 76% in the first quarter and had 75 points at halftime for the second straight game. The victory keeps the Celtics unbeaten as they head into Saturday's matchup against Brooklyn.
Houston Rockets 128 - 119 Charlotte Hornets
The Houston Rockets earned their first win of the season with a 128-119 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, led by Jalen Green's 23 points and Fred VanVleet's 22 points and 11 assists. The Rockets led by 18 points in the first half before the Hornets made a comeback, but Houston used a big run in the third quarter to secure the win. All five of Houston's starters scored at least 17 points, with Dillon Brooks adding 20, Alperen Sengun contributing 19 points and seven rebounds, and Jabari Smith Jr. finishing with 17. LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 19 points and five assists, but it wasn't enough as they fell to 1-3 on the season.