07.11.2023
Denver Nuggets 134 - 116 New Orleans Pelicans
Nikola Jokic's 108th triple-double led the Denver Nuggets to a 134-116 comeback victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Jokic finished the game with 35 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists, moving into fourth place on the all-time triple-doubles list. Rookie Julian Strawther scored a career-high 21 points off the bench, filling in for the injured Jamal Murray. The Pelicans were led by Jordan Hawkins with a career-best 31 points, but it wasn't enough to hold off the Nuggets. Denver outscored New Orleans 46-19 spanning the second and third quarters to secure the win. The Pelicans will face the Minnesota Timberwolves next, while the Nuggets will host the Golden State Warriors in their next game.
Miami Heat 108 - 107 Los Angeles Lakers
In a thrilling matchup, Bam Adebayo recorded a historic triple-double with 22 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Jimmy Butler added 28 points as the Miami Heat narrowly defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 108-107. Despite a late offensive drought, the Heat held off LeBron James and the Lakers, who were without Anthony Davis for the final 14 minutes. Kyle Lowry's crucial charge against James and a missed game-winning jumper by Cam Reddish sealed the victory for Miami. The Lakers fell to 0-4 on the road, and the Heat will next face the Memphis Grizzlies while the Lakers take on the Houston Rockets.
Indiana Pacers 152 - 111 San Antonio Spurs
The Indiana Pacers dominated the San Antonio Spurs 152-111, led by Tyrese Haliburton's 23 points and coach Rick Carlisle's 900th career victory. The win also tied a team record for most points in a game, with six Pacers reaching double figures. The Spurs, led by rookie Victor Wembanyama's 13 points and 10 rebounds, struggled to keep up. The Pacers also set a franchise record for most first-half points and hit 20 3-pointers in the game. Both teams look ahead to their next matchups, with the Spurs hosting Minnesota and the Pacers taking on Utah.
Orlando Magic 102 - 117 Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic returned after bumping his head to score 29 points in leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 117-102 win over the Orlando Magic. Doncic, along with Kyrie Irving and Tim Hardaway Jr., helped the Mavericks rally from a 15-point deficit for the second night in a row, securing their first back-to-back sweep of the season. The Magic, led by Paolo Banchero with 22 points, struggled in the second half shooting just 34% and making only one 3-pointer after the break. Doncic and Irving combined for 23 of the Mavericks' 31 points in the fourth quarter, sealing their sixth win in seven games. The Magic will face Atlanta in Mexico City next, while the Mavericks take on Toronto at home.
New York Knicks 111 - 97 LA Clippers
The New York Knicks defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 111-97, with Julius Randle scoring 27 points and RJ Barrett adding 26 in his return from injury. James Harden made his debut with the Clippers, scoring 17 points and six assists. The Knicks snapped their two-game losing streak and recorded their first home victory of the season, with Mitchell Robinson contributing 13 points and 14 rebounds. Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 18 points, but they were unable to overcome the Knicks' strong performance. Los Angeles will face Brooklyn next, while New York will host San Antonio.
Chicago Bulls 130 - 113 Utah Jazz
Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan led the Chicago Bulls to a dominant 130-113 victory over the Utah Jazz, snapping a three-game losing streak. The Bulls scored a season-high in points with eight players reaching double figures in scoring, including Andre Drummond who reached 10,000 career rebounds. Despite a strong performance from Lauri Markkanen, who scored 29 points for Utah, the Jazz committed 22 turnovers leading to 30 points off turnovers for Chicago. The Bulls had 9 steals in the first half and shot 51.6% from the field, with the win showcasing a strong team effort and bounce-back game for Chicago.
Philadelphia 76ers 146 - 128 Washington Wizards
Joel Embiid scored a season-high 48 points, with 29 of them coming in the third quarter, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 146-128 victory over the Washington Wizards for their fifth consecutive win. Embiid was nearly perfect from the field and the free-throw line, helping the Sixers extend their lead. Tyrese Maxey added 22 points and a career-high 11 assists without a turnover. Tobias Harris contributed 18 points as well. Kyle Kuzma scored 28 points for the Wizards, who have now lost four straight. Philadelphia's efficient offense, alongside their aggressive defense, proved too much for Washington as they shot 56.0% from the field and 88.9% from the free-throw line. The win puts the 76ers at an unbeaten 5-1 record for the season.
Brooklyn Nets 125 - 129 Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo dominated with 36 points and 12 rebounds as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Brooklyn Nets 129-125. Cam Thomas scored 45 points for the Nets in a close game, but the Bucks were able to secure their first road victory of the season. Despite being down by 10 in the second half, Milwaukee mounted a comeback and Antetokounmpo's performance in the final minutes sealed the win. The Nets, now 3-4 overall and 0-3 at home, will look to bounce back against the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, while the Bucks will host the Detroit Pistons.
Houston Rockets 122 - 97 Sacramento Kings
Alperen Sengun had an impressive performance with 17 points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds as the Houston Rockets defeated the Sacramento Kings 122-97. This marks the Rockets' third straight win, bringing them to a .500 record for the first time in over two years. Jalen Green scored 23 points and Houston shot 48.4% from 3-point range. The Kings were without De'Aaron Fox, and Keon Ellis led them with 15 points off the bench. The Rockets outrebounded Sacramento 39-34 and controlled the game from start to finish. Sacramento is now 0-3 without Fox and looks to bounce back against Portland, while Houston will face the Los Angeles Lakers in their next game.
Detroit Pistons 109 - 120 Golden State Warriors
Steph Curry scored 34 points and led the Golden State Warriors to a 120-109 victory over the Detroit Pistons with a dominant performance on the offensive glass. The Warriors had 17 offensive rebounds compared to Detroit's seven and capitalized with a 26-10 advantage in second-chance points. Klay Thompson and Chris Paul added 17 points each for Golden State, while the Pistons were missing six players due to illness and injury. Two-way player Stanley Umude had a career-high 15 points for Detroit. Despite a strong showing from the Pistons, Curry and Paul's late-game heroics secured the win for the Warriors. The victory sets up the Warriors for a matchup against Denver, while the Pistons will face Milwaukee in their next game.
Minnesota Timberwolves 114 - 109 Boston Celtics
In an exciting overtime battle, the Minnesota Timberwolves handed the Boston Celtics their first loss of the season with a 114-109 victory. Anthony Edwards led the way with 38 points, including eight in overtime, while Jaden McDaniels added 20 points and Rudy Gobert contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds. Despite foul trouble for Karl-Anthony Towns, the Timberwolves managed to secure their fourth home win in a row. Jayson Tatum scored 32 points for the Celtics, whose 6-0 start was their best in over a decade. Boston's offensive struggles were highlighted by shooting a season-low 39.1% and committing a season-high 18 turnovers. Edwards proved to be a clutch performer, hitting key shots down the stretch and showcasing his ability to thrive in pressure situations.
Oklahoma City Thunder 126 - 117 Atlanta Hawks
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to a 126-117 victory over the Hawks with 30 points, bouncing back from a knee injury. Jalen Williams scored 21 points, Lu Dort added 19, and Chet Holmgren had a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Dejounte Murray scored 29 points for the Hawks, and Trae Young had 22 points and 11 assists. Dort's defense on Young was crucial, as he blocked a key 3-pointer in the final minutes. Oklahoma City's strong offensive performance, highlighted by Isaiah Joe's three quick 3-pointers, secured the win. The Thunder will face Cleveland next, while the Hawks will play Orlando.