26.11.2023
LA Clippers 107 - 88 Dallas Mavericks
Paul George led the Los Angeles Clippers to a 107-88 victory over the Dallas Mavericks with 25 points and nine rebounds, while Terance Mann added 17 points. The Clippers dominated with George scoring consistently, as James Harden and Kawhi Leonard had quiet nights. Luka Doncic scored 30 points for the Mavericks, but they struggled to crack 100 points for the first time this season. The Clippers rebounded from a loss to New Orleans and showed depth with different players stepping up in the win. George, Mann, and Norman Powell were key contributors as the Clippers showcased their ability to win in multiple ways. The win extended the Clippers' record to four victories in their last five games.
Utah Jazz 105 - 100 New Orleans Pelicans
The Utah Jazz used a big fourth quarter rally to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 105-100, with Collin Sexton scoring 10 of his 16 points in the final period. Despite missing top scorers Lauri Markkanen and Jordan Clarkson, the Jazz got contributions from rookie Keyonte George and Kelly Olynyk. The Pelicans, who were without Zion Williamson, couldn't hold off the Jazz's late surge and fell to 1-3 without their star player. Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 26 points, but struggled in the fourth quarter as the Jazz's defense tightened up. The Jazz snapped a four-game losing streak with the win.
Cleveland Cavaliers 115 - 121 Los Angeles Lakers
In a highly-anticipated matchup, Anthony Davis led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 121-115 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers with a season-high 32 points and 13 rebounds. LeBron James added 22 points in his return to Cleveland, where he played for 11 seasons, and recorded six rebounds and six assists. The Lakers shot over 50% from the field and had 34 assists on 47 baskets, showcasing their team chemistry. Donovan Mitchell returned from injury for the Cavaliers, but it wasn't enough to secure the win. Despite a strong effort from Cleveland, the Lakers pulled away in the fourth quarter and sealed the victory. LeBron James also made history by extending his double-digit scoring streak and becoming Cleveland's career leader in various statistical categories. The win is a special moment for James, who was inducted into a museum dedicated to his life earlier in the day in Akron.
Oklahoma City Thunder 123 - 127 Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid nearly recorded a triple-double with 35 points, 11 rebounds, and nine assists, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 127-123 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder, ending their six-game winning streak. The 76ers finished with a significant advantage at the free-throw line, making 37 of 45 attempts compared to the Thunder's 21 of 26. Rookie Chet Holmgren led Oklahoma City with 33 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the 76ers. Embiid briefly fell to the ground with a left ankle injury scare but stayed in the game and sealed the win with clutch free throws. The 76ers' next game is against the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Thunder will face the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Washington Wizards 108 - 136 Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks routed the Washington Wizards 136-108, handing them their ninth consecutive loss. Trae Young led the way for the Hawks with 26 points and 10 assists, while Washington struggled with turnovers, committing 20 leading to 27 points for Atlanta. The Hawks outscored the Wizards by 17 in the third quarter and led by as many as 36 in the fourth, allowing them to substitute liberally and cruise to victory. This game was the start of a five-game road trip for Atlanta, while Washington will look to bounce back against the Detroit Pistons on Monday night.
Brooklyn Nets 112 - 97 Miami Heat
The Brooklyn Nets snapped a three-game losing streak by defeating the Miami Heat 112-97, with Mikal Bridges scoring 24 points and Cam Johnson adding 19 points and 10 rebounds. The Nets had a well-rounded offensive performance with all five starters scoring in double figures. Miami rested key players Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, leading to a strong Nets defensive effort that forced 17 turnovers. Despite a competitive spirit, the short-handed Heat struggled to keep up with Brooklyn's offense, which shot 50% from the field. The win concluded a successful five-game road trip for the Heat, who went 2-3, while the Nets will host the Chicago Bulls next.