11.11.2023
Washington Wizards 117 - 124 Charlotte Hornets
In their NBA In-Season Tournament debut, the Charlotte Hornets, led by Gordon Hayward's 27 points and LaMelo Ball's 25 points, overcame their 3-point shooting struggles to defeat the Washington Wizards 124-117. Mark Williams added 21 points and a career-high 24 rebounds, including a franchise-record 15 offensive rebounds. Charlotte outscored Washington 36-20 in the fourth quarter to secure the win, with Ball hitting key 3-pointers down the stretch. The Hornets dominated the glass with a plus-31 rebounding margin, helping them split the home-and-home series. The Wizards, led by Kyle Kuzma's 17 points, fell to 0-2 in Group B play. Next, the Hornets visit New York, while the Wizards visit Brooklyn.
San Antonio Spurs 110 - 117 Minnesota Timberwolves
In a thrilling game, the Minnesota Timberwolves held off the San Antonio Spurs 117-110 in their In-Season Tournament opener, marking their fifth straight win. Karl-Anthony Towns had 29 points and 12 rebounds, while rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama impressed with 29 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocked shots for the Spurs. Devin Vassell added a career-high 29 points for San Antonio as they fought back in the fourth quarter, but Edwards and Towns sealed the victory. The Timberwolves outscored the Spurs in the second and third quarters, building an 18-point lead, and will now face Golden State while the Spurs host Miami in their next games.
Memphis Grizzlies 121 - 127 Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz held off the Memphis Grizzlies 127-121 in the NBA In-Season Tournament, with Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson each scoring 26 points. The Grizzlies, without star Ja Morant due to suspension, were led by Desmond Bane with 37 points. The game was highlighted by Jaren Jackson Jr.'s ejection and the Grizzlies' late rally to tie the game in the fourth quarter. Despite Memphis's efforts, Utah maintained their composure down the stretch to secure the win, improving their road record to 2-5. The Jazz are now 3-0 against the Grizzlies this season.
Detroit Pistons 106 - 114 Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid led the Philadelphia 76ers to their seventh straight win with 33 points and 16 rebounds, as they beat the Detroit Pistons 114-106. Tyrese Maxey added 29 points and 10 assists for the 76ers, while former Piston Tobias Harris contributed 24 points. The Pistons, missing key players due to injury, were led by Killian Hayes with 23 points and Cade Cunningham with 21. Detroit led early but Philadelphia dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Pistons 35-21. Embiid's 19 free-throw attempts were a key factor in the game. This win puts the 76ers in a strong position as they head to face the Indiana Pacers, while the Pistons will look to bounce back against the Chicago Bulls.
Phoenix Suns 119 - 122 Los Angeles Lakers
In a thrilling matchup, LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 122-119 victory over the Phoenix Suns, snapping a three-game losing streak. Despite briefly limping with a lower leg injury in the first quarter, James scored 32 points and showcased his timeless skill. Kevin Durant led the Suns with 38 points, but it wasn't enough as the Lakers rallied back with a 14-0 run in the fourth quarter. The win marked a turning point for the Lakers early in the season, with James and D'Angelo Russell leading the charge for the team. The victory sets the stage for an exciting matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers for the Lakers, while the Suns will face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in their next game.
Dallas Mavericks 144 - 126 LA Clippers
In a dominant performance, Luka Doncic scored 44 points as the Dallas Mavericks cruised to a 144-126 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in an NBA In-Season Tournament game. Doncic was nearly unstoppable, shooting 17 of 21 from the field and hitting 6 of 9 from beyond the arc, while Kyrie Irving added 27 points. The Clippers, who have now lost four straight games, saw Kawhi Leonard lead them with 26 points, and James Harden contributed 14 points in his second game with the team. The Mavericks took control with a 47-18 second period run and reached their highest point total of the season. Harden emphasized the need for more time to adjust to his new team, while Clippers coach Tyronn Lue highlighted the importance of playing a big man alongside him. The Mavericks will face the New Orleans Pelicans next in a regular game on Sunday before another tournament matchup on Tuesday.
Sacramento Kings 105 - 98 Oklahoma City Thunder
The Sacramento Kings beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 105-98 in an In-Season Tournament game, with Domantas Sabonis recording his 15th triple-double with the Kings, moving into second place on the franchise list. Kevin Huerter scored 28 points and grabbed nine rebounds, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points. The Kings outrebounded the Thunder and closed the game strong with timely 3-pointers. Huerter's strong shooting performance helped secure the win, as the Kings look to build on their momentum in the tournament.
Houston Rockets 104 - 101 New Orleans Pelicans
The Houston Rockets won their fifth straight game, beating the New Orleans Pelicans 104-101 in their NBA In-Season Tournament debut. Jalen Green scored 25 points and Alperen Sengun added 24 for the Rockets, while Fred VanVleet hit crucial 3-pointers late in the game. The Pelicans led entering the fourth quarter, but Houston rallied to take the lead and secure the win. Brandon Ingram led New Orleans with 31 points, while Zion Williamson had 24 points. The game featured 14 lead changes and physical play, including an ejection for Rockets forward Jae’Sean Tate. The Rockets will host the Denver Nuggets next, while the Pelicans will host the Dallas Mavericks.
Boston Celtics 121 - 107 Brooklyn Nets
Jaylen Brown scored 28 points and the Celtics hit 19 3-pointers to beat the Nets 121-107 in NBA tournament play. Jayson Tatum added 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Boston's bench contributed 37 points. Lonnie Walker IV led the Nets with 20 points, but it wasn't enough as Brooklyn dropped to 1-1 in East Group C play. The Celtics led by as many as 17 in the first half and opened the fourth quarter with an 18-6 run to secure the win. The win snapped a two-game skid for Boston, who will host the Raptors next, while the Nets will host the Wizards.