22.11.2023
Los Angeles Lakers 131 - 99 Utah Jazz
In a dominant performance, the Los Angeles Lakers completed an unbeaten run through group play in the NBA In-Season Tournament with a 131-99 victory over the Utah Jazz. LeBron James scored his 39,000th career point, becoming the first player in NBA history to reach that milestone. Anthony Davis had 26 points and 16 rebounds, leading the Lakers to their sixth win in seven games overall. The Jazz struggled, shooting just 33% in the first half and falling to 2-2 in tournament play. The Lakers will now host a quarterfinal game as they aim to continue their success in the tournament.
Atlanta Hawks 152 - 157 Indiana Pacers
In a high-scoring NBA game, Tyrese Haliburton led the Indiana Pacers to a 157-152 victory over the Atlanta Hawks with 37 points and 16 assists, securing a spot in the NBA In-Season Tournament quarterfinals. Buddy Hield hit a crucial tiebreaking 3-pointer in the final minute, while Trae Young led the Hawks with 38 points. The Pacers set an NBA season high for points and shot an impressive 60.6% from the floor. This win marks the Pacers' first opportunity to advance to the playoffs since the 2019-20 season.
Orlando Magic 126 - 107 Toronto Raptors
Paolo Banchero's 25 points, Jalen Suggs' energy, and Cole Anthony's 15 points and 10 assists led the Orlando Magic to their fourth straight win, beating the Toronto Raptors 126-107 in an NBA In-Season Tournament game. Despite Dennis Schroder's 24 points for the Raptors, the Magic's defensive effort, highlighted by 12 steals and eight blocked shots, set the tone for the game. Suggs' all-around play and contagious energy was a key factor in the victory, as the Magic dominated both ends of the floor. The Raptors, now 0-2 in the tournament, will face Indiana next, while the Magic will take on Denver.
Philadelphia 76ers 119 - 122 Cleveland Cavaliers
Despite playing shorthanded, the Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off a thrilling 122-119 overtime victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, led by Darius Garland's 32 points and Jarrett Allen's 26. The Cavaliers dominated the paint and the glass, outrebounding the Sixers 61-53 and holding a 68-52 edge in points in the paint. Cleveland's win extended their winning streak to four games and kept them alive for the Eastern Conference's wild-card berth in the NBA In-Season Tournament. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey combined for 62 points in a losing effort for the 76ers, who have now lost three straight at home. Allen hit a clutch hook shot in overtime to seal the victory for the Cavaliers, with Philadelphia unable to convert on their final possessions. Kelly Oubre Jr. continued his rehab work for the 76ers after breaking a rib, with no set timetable for his return. The Cavaliers will face Miami next, while the 76ers will begin a two-game road trip against Minnesota.
Phoenix Suns 120 - 107 Portland Trail Blazers
In a game where Kevin Durant scored 31 points and moved into 11th place all time in NBA career points, the Phoenix Suns defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 120-107 in an In-Season Tournament game. Durant achieved this milestone in his 1,000th NBA game, leading the Suns to their fourth consecutive win. Deandre Ayton, former Suns player now with the Trail Blazers, was booed heavily in his return to Phoenix as his team lost their eighth straight game. Devin Booker added 28 points for the Suns, while Jerami Grant led Portland with 26 points. The Suns play their final group game against Memphis next.