15.11.2023
Golden State Warriors 101 - 104 Minnesota Timberwolves
Karl-Anthony Towns led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 104-101 victory over the Golden State Warriors in a tense tournament game that saw three early ejections, including Draymond Green. The Wolves have now won seven straight games, their longest win streak since 2004. Towns scored 33 points and hit a clutch 3-pointer late in the game, while rookie Brandin Podziemski scored a career-high 23 points for the Warriors. Stephen Curry sat out with knee soreness, and the Warriors have now lost four in a row.
Denver Nuggets 111 - 108 LA Clippers
In a thrilling game, Nikola Jokic's stellar performance with 32 points, 16 rebounds, and nine assists led the Denver Nuggets to a 111-108 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, who remain winless since acquiring James Harden last month. Harden scored 21 points and Paul George had 35 in the loss. The Nuggets were without Jamal Murray, but Aaron Gordon and Reggie Jackson stepped up to secure the win. Despite a late comeback attempt by the Clippers, Jokic's clutch free throws sealed the victory for Denver. Harden acknowledged the challenges of adjusting to his new team, while George criticized the officiating. The loss dropped the Clippers to 0-2 in the tournament, while the Nuggets improved to 2-0.
Philadelphia 76ers 126 - 132 Indiana Pacers
Tyrese Haliburton led the way with 33 points and 15 assists, while Obi Toppin added 27 points as the Indiana Pacers snapped the Philadelphia 76ers' eight-game win streak with a 132-126 victory. The Pacers improved to 2-0 in pool play, taking the upper hand in the in-season tournament's East Conference Group A standings. Joel Embiid scored 39 points for the Sixers, who slipped to 1-1 in the tournament. The Pacers' bench outscored Philadelphia's 33-6, and Haliburton was sharp from beyond the arc, going 6 for 8 from 3-point distance in the first half. Jalen Smith left the game with a head injury and was transported to a hospital for evaluation.
Utah Jazz 115 - 99 Portland Trail Blazers
Jordan Clarkson led the Utah Jazz to a 115-99 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, scoring 30 points in an NBA In-Season Tournament game. The Jazz's strong defense, forcing 11 steals and capitalizing on turnovers, fueled their second straight tournament win as Portland suffered their fourth consecutive loss. Lauri Markkanen added 21 points and nine rebounds for Utah, while Jerami Grant led Portland with 26 points. The victory marked the first time the Jazz held an opponent under 100 points under coach Will Hardy, ending a streak of 92 games. Utah will next host the Phoenix Suns, while Portland will face the Cleveland Cavaliers.
New Orleans Pelicans 131 - 110 Dallas Mavericks
In a dominating performance, the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Dallas Mavericks 131-110 in an NBA In-Season Tournament game, snapping a five-game losing streak. Rookie Jordan Hawkins and Brandon Ingram each scored 25 points, with Zion Williamson adding 19 points highlighted by two alley-oop dunks. Luka Doncic struggled for the Mavericks, scoring just 16 points and committing eight turnovers. The Pelicans shot 52.1% from the field, while the Mavericks had 20 turnovers leading to 31 points for New Orleans. The Pelicans are now 1-1 in the tournament, while the Mavericks dropped to 1-2.
Detroit Pistons 120 - 126 Atlanta Hawks
Dejounte Murray led the way for the Atlanta Hawks with 32 points and nine assists in a 126-120 victory over the Detroit Pistons, who extended their losing streak to nine games. Saddiq Bey had 17 of his 19 points in the second half against his former team, while Marvin Bagley III had 22 points and 10 rebounds for Detroit. Trae Young missed the game after the birth of his second child, but the Hawks were able to secure the win. The Pistons struggled with turnovers and missed opportunities, as they continue to search for their first win of the season. Murray and Bogdan Bogdanovic combined for 64 points for the Hawks, who will face the New York Knicks next, while the Pistons will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in their next tournament group stage game.
Charlotte Hornets 105 - 111 Miami Heat
Jimmy Butler scored a season-high 32 points as the Miami Heat beat the short-handed Charlotte Hornets 111-105 to remain unbeaten in NBA In-Season Tournament play. P.J. Washington had 32 points for the Hornets, but it wasn't enough to overcome Miami's strong performance. The Heat finished off a 4-0 road trip and will face the Brooklyn Nets next, while the Hornets will host the Milwaukee Bucks in their next tournament game. Despite missing key players due to injuries, the Hornets struggled to keep up with the Heat, who now have their sights set on winning the tournament's prize money of $500,000.
Oklahoma City Thunder 123 - 87 San Antonio Spurs
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 28 points and career-high 7 steals led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a dominating 123-87 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. The Thunder set a team record with 19 steals and scored 23 points off 25 Spurs turnovers. The game featured top rookies Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren, with Wembanyama struggling with 8 points on 4-for-15 shooting. The win marked Oklahoma City's first In-Season Tournament victory in three tries and improved their record to 7-4. Kenrich Williams returned from back spasms to contribute 9 points for the Thunder, while the Spurs suffered their sixth straight loss.
Brooklyn Nets 124 - 104 Orlando Magic
The Brooklyn Nets pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 124-104 victory over the Orlando Magic in the NBA In-Season Tournament, with Spencer Dinwiddie leading the way with 29 points, nine assists, and five rebounds. The Nets had six players in double figures, while Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson contributed 21 and 20 points, respectively. Orlando's Franz Wagner had 21 points, eight rebounds, and five assists in the losing effort. Brooklyn recorded a season-high 13 steals and turned 16 turnovers into 27 points in the win. Day’Ron Sharpe provided valuable minutes off the bench with 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Nets.
Los Angeles Lakers 134 - 107 Memphis Grizzlies
D'Angelo Russell led the Los Angeles Lakers to a dominant 134-107 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA In-Season Tournament with 24 points. Anthony Davis had a strong performance with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and six blocked shots, while the Lakers tied a franchise record with 22 3-pointers. LeBron James added 16 points and nine rebounds in just 23 minutes of play as the Lakers improved to 5-0 at home and 2-0 in tournament play. The Grizzlies lost two players to injury during the game, with Marcus Smart leaving in the first quarter and Luke Kennard missing the second half. The Lakers' strong shooting night and defensive effort, led by Davis, resulted in their most comfortable victory of the season.