25.11.2023
Houston Rockets 105 - 86 Denver Nuggets
Jalen Green scored 25 points and Alperen Sengun added 21 points and 14 rebounds as the Houston Rockets defeated the Denver Nuggets 105-86 in the NBA's In-Season Tournament. Nikola Jokic had a season-high 38 points for the Nuggets, but the team struggled with shooting and Houston's defense focused on shutting down the supporting cast. The Rockets improved to 8-1 at home with the win, but are still winless on the road. Denver, the defending champions, have now lost five of their last seven games.
Memphis Grizzlies 89 - 110 Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker's 40 points led the Suns to a 110-89 victory over the Grizzlies, extending Phoenix's winning streak to six games. The Suns played without Kevin Durant, but Eric Gordon stepped up with 20 points. Memphis, still winless at home, struggled without Ja Morant and multiple key players due to injuries. The Suns now await results from other teams to see if they qualify for the tournament wild-card spot. Goodwin's strong performance off the bench helped secure the win for Phoenix, who faces the Knicks next while the Grizzlies take on the Timberwolves.
LA Clippers 106 - 116 New Orleans Pelicans
In a thrilling matchup, Zion Williamson led the New Orleans Pelicans to a 116-106 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers with a season-high 32 points, while Brandon Ingram added 30. Despite a strong performance from Paul George with 34 points, the Clippers couldn't overcome the Pelicans. New Orleans improved to 3-1 in West Group B play in the NBA In-Season Tournament, extending their winning streak to three games. The Pelicans showcased their potential as they look to compete in the tournament, with Williamson and Ingram proving to be a dynamic duo.
New York Knicks 100 - 98 Miami Heat
In a thrilling comeback, the New York Knicks rallied from a 21-point deficit to beat the Miami Heat 100-98 in the NBA's In-Season Tournament. Jalen Brunson led the way with 24 points, while Immanuel Quickley added 20 off the bench. The Heat's offense sputtered in the final quarter, shooting just 3 for 18 from the field. The win keeps the Knicks alive in the tournament, tying them with the Heat at 2-1 in Group B. The Heat will face the Brooklyn Nets next, while the Knicks will take on the Phoenix Suns in their next game.
Milwaukee Bucks 131 - 128 Washington Wizards
Brook Lopez scored a career-high 39 points, including a crucial 3-pointer late in the game, to help the Milwaukee Bucks edge out the Washington Wizards 131-128 in an In-Season Tournament matchup. Khris Middleton left the game early with a left Achilles tendon issue, but Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard stepped up with 31 points each to secure the win. The Bucks improved to 3-0 in group play, with this being the first time in franchise history that three players scored at least 30 points in the same game. The Wizards, led by Jordan Poole's 26 points, have now lost eight straight games. The Bucks will next face the Portland Trail Blazers while the Wizards will host the Atlanta Hawks.
Orlando Magic 113 - 96 Boston Celtics
The Orlando Magic secured their sixth straight win with a dominant 113-96 victory over the Boston Celtics, with Moritz Wagner leading the charge with 27 points. The win puts the Magic in contention to advance to the knockout rounds of the NBA's In-Season Tournament. Paolo Banchero added 23 points and seven rebounds for Orlando, while Jayson Tatum led Boston with 26 points. The Celtics struggled from beyond the arc and on the boards, and despite missing key players like Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, Tatum emphasized the need to find ways to win. Orlando's bench also made a significant impact, contributing 57 points to secure the decisive victory.
Minnesota Timberwolves 111 - 124 Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings remained unbeaten in the NBA in-season tournament by defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-111, with De'Aaron Fox leading the way with 36 points and 12 assists. The Kings improved to 3-0 in Group C in the Western Conference, while the Timberwolves suffered their first home loss of the season. The Kings dominated in points in the paint, second chances, and off the bench, shooting a season-best 48.6% from 3-point range. Anthony Edwards scored 35 points for the Timberwolves, who are now 2-1 in the tournament. Sacramento can win their group by beating Golden State in their final group game.
Toronto Raptors 121 - 108 Chicago Bulls
The Toronto Raptors secured a 121-108 victory over the Chicago Bulls, with O.G. Anunoby leading the way with 26 points. The win eliminated the Bulls from the NBA's In-Season Tournament, dropping them to 0-3 in the tournament. Zach LaVine scored 36 points for Chicago, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Raptors' balanced attack. DeMar DeRozan was frustrated after the game, expressing his disappointment in his team's performance. Toronto improved to 1-2 in the tournament and will face the Cleveland Cavaliers next, while the Bulls will take on the Brooklyn Nets.
Indiana Pacers 136 - 113 Detroit Pistons
Tyrese Haliburton scored 26 points and Myles Turner added 23 as the Indiana Pacers defeated the Detroit Pistons 136-113, securing a quarterfinal home game in the NBA In-Season Tournament. The Pacers are now 4-0 in East Group A play and will host their next tournament opponent in early December. The Pistons, who have lost 13 consecutive games, were led by Cade Cunningham with 31 points. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle tied for second on the franchise win list with his 250th victory. Buddy Hield continued his hot streak with 18 points, scoring 73 in the last three games. The Pacers, with the NBA's top offense, outscored the Pistons 39-17 in the final quarter to seal the win.
Golden State Warriors 118 - 112 San Antonio Spurs
Stephen Curry put on a show, scoring 35 points and hitting seven 3-pointers, while Gary Payton II made a highlight-reel block on 7-foot-3 Victor Wembanyama as the Warriors held off the Spurs 118-112. Despite a late push from San Antonio, Curry sealed the win with free throws in an In-Season Tournament game. Wembanyama finished with 22 points, but the Spurs suffered their 11th straight loss. The Warriors, looking to advance in the tournament, hope to welcome back Draymond Green on Tuesday for a crucial game against the Kings. The win also saw the unveiling of the Jim Barnett Media Center honoring the former player and broadcaster.