23.11.2023
Minnesota Timberwolves 112 - 99 Philadelphia 76ers
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Joel Embiid-less Philadelphia 76ers 112-99, with Anthony Edwards scoring 31 points and Karl-Anthony Towns adding 23 points and 11 rebounds. The Sixers struggled without Embiid, who missed the game due to hip soreness, and also were without Kelly Oubre Jr. due to injury. Minnesota's defense held strong, with Rudy Gobert contributing 13 points and 11 rebounds, and the Wolves won their third straight game. Philadelphia had 15 turnovers and shot 39.1% from the field, while Minnesota capitalized on fast-break points and controlled the game. This victory marked Minnesota's 10th win in their last 11 games.
Boston Celtics 119 - 116 Milwaukee Bucks
In an exciting matchup between the top two Eastern Conference teams, the Boston Celtics defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 119-116, with Jayson Tatum leading the way with 23 points and 11 rebounds despite battling illness. Jaylen Brown added 26 points, and Kristaps Porzingis chipped in 21 points for the Celtics, who now have the best record in the NBA at 12-3. The Bucks, who had a five-game winning streak halted, were led by Brook Lopez with 28 points and Damian Lillard with 27 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo was limited to 21 points after scoring at least 40 in his last two games. This early season showdown featured both teams making big offseason additions, with the Celtics acquiring Porzingis and the Bucks adding Lillard. The Celtics shot a sizzling 58.1% from the field, including 12 of 23 from 3-point range, to secure the victory and maintain their spot at the top of the standings.
Cleveland Cavaliers 96 - 129 Miami Heat
In a dominant performance, Kyle Lowry led the Miami Heat to a 129-96 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, making seven 3-pointers and scoring a season-high 28 points. Miami took advantage of Cleveland playing on the second night of a back-to-back to build a 19-point lead in the first half. The Heat had eight players in double figures, including rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. with 22 points, while the Cavs had their four-game winning streak snapped. Both teams were missing their star players, with Bam Adebayo out for Miami and Donovan Mitchell sidelined for Cleveland. The Heat move on to face the New York Knicks next, while the Cavaliers will host the Los Angeles Lakers.
New Orleans Pelicans 117 - 112 Sacramento Kings
In a thrilling game, the New Orleans Pelicans were led by Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram to a 117-112 victory over the Sacramento Kings. Despite losing a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter, Williamson and Ingram made key plays down the stretch to secure the win. The Pelicans have now won four of their last five games after a five-game losing streak. Sacramento was led by De'Aaron Fox with 26 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Pelicans' strong inside game. New Orleans will face the Los Angeles Clippers next, while the Kings will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA In-Season Tournament.
Charlotte Hornets 117 - 114 Washington Wizards
LaMelo Ball led the Charlotte Hornets to a 117-114 victory over the Washington Wizards after rallying from a 19-point deficit. Ball finished with 34 points, 13 assists, and eight rebounds, while Miles Bridges added a season-high 33 points. The Hornets have now won two straight games after coming back from large deficits. Ball has been on fire, scoring at least 30 points in seven of his last nine games and is being hailed as a superstar by his teammates. The Wizards, who were led by Kyle Kuzma's 28 points, suffered their seventh straight loss. Ball's exceptional play, along with Bridges' game-winning shot, ensured the Hornets' victory in a thrilling game.
Los Angeles Lakers 101 - 104 Dallas Mavericks
Despite blowing a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter, the Dallas Mavericks managed to rally back thanks to Kyrie Irving's go-ahead 3-pointer in the final seconds to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 104-101. LeBron James scored 26 points and nearly tied the game, but ultimately missed a crucial 3-pointer at the buzzer. Luka Doncic added 30 points for the Mavericks, who missed 16 of their 19 shots in the fourth quarter. The Lakers outscored Dallas 30-13 in the fourth, but couldn't secure the win. Austin Reaves scored 17 points for the Lakers, who lost at home for only the second time this season.
Oklahoma City Thunder 116 - 102 Chicago Bulls
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points and dished out 12 assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Chicago Bulls 116-102 for their sixth consecutive victory. This win puts the Thunder at 11-4 for the season, their longest winning streak since 2018-19. Gilgeous-Alexander, who now ranks third on the Oklahoma City scoring list, received "MVP" chants from the crowd and was instrumental in leading his team to victory. The Bulls, playing without Zach LaVine, could not overcome the Thunder's strong performance. Isaiah Joe added 20 points for Oklahoma City while DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 25 points. Next, the Bulls will face Toronto, and the Thunder will host Philadelphia.
San Antonio Spurs 102 - 109 LA Clippers
KAWHI LEONARD LEADS CLIPPERS PAST SPURS AMID BOOS THAT PROMPT POPOVICH TO ADMONISH CROWD
Kawhi Leonard scored 26 points leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 109-102 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, despite facing boos from the home crowd. Spurs' No. 1 overall draft pick, Victor Wembanyama, had a strong performance with 22 points and 14 rebounds. Coach Gregg Popovich admonished the crowd for booing Leonard, but the Clippers held on for their seventh straight win over the Spurs. The game featured a dramatic turnaround and emotional moments, with both teams showing resilience throughout.
Phoenix Suns 123 - 115 Golden State Warriors
The Phoenix Suns secured their fifth consecutive win with a 123-115 victory over the Golden State Warriors, despite nearly blowing a 23-point lead in the second half. Kevin Durant scored 32 points and Devin Booker added 25, shooting a combined 28 for 29 on free throws. The Warriors, who have lost seven of their past eight games, struggled with technical fouls and fouls overall, with coach Steve Kerr noting the team's inability to win while constantly attacking a set defense after free throws. Chris Paul was ejected in his return to Phoenix, where he played the past three seasons, and Klay Thompson led the Warriors with 23 points. Despite playing mostly backups in the final quarter, the Suns were able to close out the game with a win.
Portland Trail Blazers 121 - 105 Utah Jazz
The Portland Trail Blazers snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 121-105 victory over the Utah Jazz, led by Jerami Grant's 30 points. Rookie Jabari Walker scored a career-high 19 points off the bench, while Malcolm Brogdon added 20 points and eight assists. Lauri Markkanen had 24 points for the Jazz, who have lost five straight. Blazers rookie Scoot Henderson returned from injury and contributed three points and seven assists. The Blazers had a season-high 17 3-pointers in the game. Blazers coach Chauncey Billups inspired the team with film sessions showcasing their strengths. The Jazz will face New Orleans next, while the Blazers will visit the Milwaukee Bucks and former star Damian Lillard.
Indiana Pacers 131 - 132 Toronto Raptors
In a nail-biting game, the Toronto Raptors narrowly defeated the Indiana Pacers 132-131, with Pascal Siakam scoring 36 points and Scottie Barnes securing the go-ahead dunk with 27 seconds left. Dennis Schroder added 26 points for the Raptors, while Buddy Hield led the Pacers with 31 points. Despite a back-and-forth battle in the final minutes, the Raptors came out on top, with Haliburton missing a potential game-winning 3-pointer for the Pacers. The game marked the second of back-to-back games for both teams, with Indiana setting a franchise scoring record the night before. The win for the Raptors sets them up to face the Chicago Bulls next, while the Pacers will host the Detroit Pistons.
Orlando Magic 124 - 119 Denver Nuggets
The Orlando Magic secured their fifth straight win with a 124-119 victory over the Denver Nuggets, despite Nikola Jokic's triple-double performance. Franz Wagner scored 24 of his 27 points in the second half, while Paolo Banchero added 23 points. Jokic finished with 30 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists, but it wasn't enough for the Nuggets without injured guard Jamal Murray. The Magic's bench scored 58 points, and Banchero shot 4 of 5 from behind the arc, helping Orlando to a crucial victory. The game was tied at 108-all in the fourth quarter before the Magic pulled ahead with key free throws and jumpers. The win sets Orlando up to host Boston next, while the Nuggets will visit Houston.
Atlanta Hawks 147 - 145 Brooklyn Nets
In a high-scoring thriller, Trae Young scored a season-high 43 points, including 14 in overtime, leading the Atlanta Hawks to a 147-145 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. De'Andre Hunter added 25 points and 11 rebounds for the Hawks, while Mikal Bridges tied a career-high with 45 points for the Nets. The Hawks snapped a three-game losing streak and got back to .500 with the win. Young forced overtime with a clutch free throw and made key plays down the stretch to secure the victory. The Nets, missing key players due to injuries, have now lost three straight games.
Houston Rockets 111 - 91 Memphis Grizzlies
Jalen Green scored a season-high 34 points to help the Houston Rockets snap a three-game skid with a 111-91 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. The victory marked the Rockets' first win over Memphis in the last five meetings between the two teams. Green was praised for his second-half performance, with veterans like Fred VanVleet providing leadership to help the team secure the win. Desmond Bane and Jaren Jackson Jr. both scored 23 points for the Grizzlies, who lost for the third time in four games. The Rockets improved to 7-1 at home this season with the win.