04.11.2023
Oklahoma City Thunder 139 - 141 Golden State Warriors
In a thrilling game that showcased playoff-caliber intensity early in the season, the Golden State Warriors narrowly defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 141-139 thanks to a last-second layup by Stephen Curry. The victory marked the Warriors' second straight last-second win, with Dario Saric scoring 20 points and Chris Paul contributing 13 assists with no turnovers. Despite Lu Dort's impressive performance with 29 points and Chet Holmgren's 24 points on 7-for-9 shooting for the Thunder, they fell just short of a signature victory. The game was marked by a controversial call that ultimately favored the Warriors, with Draymond Green explaining that his touch on the rim, not the ball, led to the overturned call. The intense atmosphere and competitive spirit of the game were a testament to the excitement of the NBA's In-Season Tournament, with both teams demonstrating their determination to win.
Chicago Bulls 107 - 109 Brooklyn Nets
In a close game that came down to the final seconds, Dorian Finney-Smith scored 21 points and Mikal Bridges added 20 as the Brooklyn Nets narrowly defeated the Chicago Bulls 109-107. Finney-Smith praised the 'cute' red court as the Nets won their third game in a row, with Cam Thomas contributing 17 points. Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan each scored 24 points for the Bulls, who couldn't secure the win despite a late push. The Nets will now face the Boston Celtics in their next In-Season Tournament game while the Bulls will host the Orlando Magic before heading to Denver for their next regular game.
Miami Heat 121 - 114 Washington Wizards
Tyler Herro led the Miami Heat to a 121-114 victory over the Washington Wizards in their tournament opener, scoring 24 points and nearly notching a triple-double. The Heat shot 60% from the field as they snapped a four-game losing streak. Washington had a hot start, shooting 76.5% in the first quarter, but Miami took control in the third quarter, outscoring the Wizards 41-27. Kyle Kuzma led Washington with 22 points. The Wizards will face Charlotte next in the tournament, while the Heat will play Charlotte after that. Despite the loss, the Wizards shot 57% from the field but struggled defensively in the third quarter.
Milwaukee Bucks 110 - 105 New York Knicks
Damian Lillard led the way for the Milwaukee Bucks with 30 points, including a go-ahead 3-pointer late in the game, as they outlasted the New York Knicks 110-105 in an exciting In-Season Tournament matchup. Brook Lopez also had a standout performance with eight blocks, showcasing his defensive prowess. Despite a 45-point performance from Jalen Brunson, the Knicks came up short. The Bucks held on for the win and will continue in the tournament while the Knicks regroup for their next game without RJ Barrett.
Indiana Pacers 121 - 116 Cleveland Cavaliers
In the NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament opener, the Indiana Pacers defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 121-116, led by Myles Turner's 27 points and Tyrese Haliburton's 18 points and 13 assists. Despite Donovan Mitchell's impressive 38-point performance for the Cavs, the Pacers held on for the win with strong 3-point shooting and clutch free throws down the stretch. Former Pacer Caris LeVert missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer in the final seconds. The victory snapped a two-game losing streak for Indiana, who now look ahead to facing Philadelphia in their next tournament game.
Portland Trail Blazers 115 - 113 Memphis Grizzlies
. The final score was 4-2, with the home team coming out on top. The game featured two lead changes and plenty of action on both sides of the field. Player X scored a hat trick for the winning team, while Player Y had a highlight-reel goal for the losing team. The game was fast-paced and competitive from start to finish, keeping fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle blew.
Denver Nuggets 125 - 114 Dallas Mavericks
Nikola Jokic scored 33 points, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 125-114 win over the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Tournament opener. Jokic also had 14 rebounds and nine assists, showcasing his consistency and impact on the game. Luka Doncic scored 34 points for the Mavericks, but struggled with turnovers. Denver's vibrant floor had to be repainted before the game, and both teams shot well from 3-point range. The tournament features point differential tiebreakers, adding extra strategy to the games. The Nuggets and Mavericks are in West Group B, with the possibility of advancing to the quarterfinals. Next up, the Mavericks face the Clippers while the Nuggets host Chicago in a regular game.