05.11.2023
Houston Rockets 107 - 89 Sacramento Kings
Dillon Brooks scored 26 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, to lead the Houston Rockets to a 107-89 victory over the Sacramento Kings. This win marked the Rockets' second consecutive victory after starting the season 0-3. Fred VanVleet and Jabari Smith Jr. each scored 21 points for Houston. The Rockets outrebounded the Kings 53-43, a significant improvement for a team that ranked last in rebounding in the league. The Kings were led by Malik Monk with 18 points, with star De’Aaron Fox out due to injury. The teams will face off again in Houston on Monday night.
Brooklyn Nets 114 - 124 Boston Celtics
Despite a strong effort from Cam Thomas, who scored 27 points off the bench for the Nets, the Celtics outlasted Brooklyn 124-114 behind Jayson Tatum's 32-point, 11-rebound double-double. Tatum became the youngest player in Celtics history to reach 10,000 career points, while Jrue Holiday also recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 assists for Boston. The Celtics, now 5-0 this season, had five players in double figures, including Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis. Brooklyn, playing shorthanded without several key players, dropped to 3-3. Boston will visit Minnesota next, while the Nets host Milwaukee.
Indiana Pacers 124 - 125 Charlotte Hornets
In a thrilling game, the Charlotte Hornets rallied to edge the Indiana Pacers 125-124 with Mark Williams scoring 27 points and Gordon Hayward adding 23. Tyrese Haliburton tied a career high with 43 points for the Pacers, who have lost three of their last four. Terry Rozier scored 22 points before suffering a left groin strain and LaMelo Ball had 11 assists for the Hornets. Haliburton's historic 25-point third quarter was not enough for the Pacers as they fell short in the final seconds. The Hornets snapped a three-game losing streak with the win and will play their next game against Dallas on Sunday.
Philadelphia 76ers 112 - 100 Phoenix Suns
The Philadelphia 76ers secured their fourth straight win with a 112-100 victory over the Phoenix Suns, led by Joel Embiid's 26 points and 11 rebounds and Kelly Oubre Jr.'s 25 points. Oubre, a former Jayhawk like Embiid, stood out with his third 20-point game of the season. Kevin Durant kept the Suns in the game with 31 points, but they faltered in the fourth. Tyrese Maxey added 22 points and 10 assists for the Sixers, while Tobias Harris contributed 18 points and 10 rebounds. With Bradley Beal and Devin Booker out, the Suns struggled down the stretch. Oubre, who signed a one-year deal with the Sixers, played a key role in the win, hitting timely shots and providing energy. The 76ers will face the Wizards next, while the Suns play the Pistons on Sunday.
New Orleans Pelicans 105 - 123 Atlanta Hawks
In a game where Trae Young's 22 points and 12 assists led the Atlanta Hawks past the New Orleans Pelicans 123-105, the Hawks extended their winning streak to four games. Jalen Johnson added 21 points and 11 rebounds, while Dejounte Murray scored 20 for Atlanta. Despite the return of Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram to the Pelicans' lineup, New Orleans couldn't keep pace with the high-scoring Hawks. Williamson had 25 points, Ingram had 16, and rookie Jordan Hawkins scored a career-high 15 points for the Pelicans. The Hawks' defensive effort, led by De'Andre Hunter despite dislocating his finger during the game, stood out in the victory. Atlanta's chemistry and leadership were also highlighted as they continue their winning streak.
Denver Nuggets 123 - 101 Chicago Bulls
Led by Nikola Jokic's near triple-double performance and Michael Porter Jr.'s 27 points, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Chicago Bulls 123-101. Despite losing Jamal Murray to a hamstring injury early in the game, the Nuggets had strong performances from Aaron Gordon and Reggie Jackson off the bench. The Bulls struggled to contain the Nuggets in the fourth quarter, allowing Denver to shoot 70% from the field. The Bulls, on the other hand, shot just 45.3% for the game. DeAndre Jordan made his season debut for the Nuggets, while Collin Gillespie scored his first NBA points. Denver will host the New Orleans Pelicans next, while the Bulls will host the Utah Jazz.
Minnesota Timberwolves 123 - 95 Utah Jazz
The Minnesota Timberwolves dominated the Utah Jazz with a final score of 123-95, led by Karl-Anthony Towns' season-high 25 points, 15 of which came in a dominant third-quarter stretch. Anthony Edwards added 31 points for the Timberwolves, while Rudy Gobert recorded a double-double against his former team. The Jazz struggled with turnovers and poor shooting, shooting just 38.5% from the field. Minnesota's strong defense held Utah to under 100 points, continuing their trend of limiting opponents' scoring. The Timberwolves will next host the Boston Celtics while the Jazz will face the Chicago Bulls on Monday.
Orlando Magic 120 - 101 Los Angeles Lakers
Franz Wagner scored 26 points and Paolo Banchero added 25 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds to lead the Orlando Magic to a dominant 120-101 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Anthony Davis had 28 points, 13 rebounds, and seven blocks for the Lakers, who struggled on the boards and committed 17 turnovers. Rookie Anthony Black also had an impressive game, with 11 points in his first start. The Magic capitalized on the Lakers' depleted lineup to break a seven-game losing streak against them. LeBron James acknowledged the team's need to improve their rebounding and turnovers after the loss.