02.12.2023
Phoenix Suns 111 - 119 Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 21 points and 16 assists in a hard-fought 119-111 victory over the Suns. Despite Phoenix's late comeback attempt, Jokic and his teammates held on for their fourth straight win. Jusuf Nurkic scored a season-high 31 points for the Suns, but fouled out late in the game. Kevin Durant passed Moses Malone for 10th on the NBA's career scoring list. The Nuggets shot 79.2% in the first quarter and had a total of 38 assists with just nine turnovers. The Suns were missing key players Booker and Beal, while the Nuggets were without Murray and Gordon. Next up, the Nuggets play the Kings, and the Suns face the Grizzlies.
Boston Celtics 125 - 119 Philadelphia 76ers
Despite Jayson Tatum being ejected late in the third quarter for arguing a foul call, the Boston Celtics managed to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 125-119. Tatum scored 21 points before his ejection, while De’Anthony Melton led the Sixers with 21 points before fouling out. The Celtics had multiple players step up, including Derrick White with 21 points and Payton Pritchard with 10 fourth-quarter points. Tatum's ejection changed the mood of the game, but Boston ultimately came out on top with a team effort.
Orlando Magic 130 - 125 Washington Wizards
The Orlando Magic defeated the Washington Wizards 130-125, tying a franchise record with their ninth straight victory led by Franz Wagner's 31 points and Paolo Banchero's 28 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists. The Wizards, who have lost 11 of their last 12 games, were led by Kyle Kuzma's 27 points and Daniel Gafford's 18 points and 11 rebounds. The Magic will look to set a new franchise record for consecutive wins as they face Brooklyn next. The team's chemistry and momentum have been key to their success, with players like Banchero noting that a loss may come eventually but they want to keep the streak alive as long as possible.
New Orleans Pelicans 121 - 106 San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs extended their losing streak to 14 games as they fell to the New Orleans Pelicans 121-106. Pelicans' Jonas Valanciunas had a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Trey Murphy returned from injury with 18 points, including four 3-pointers. The Spurs were without top draft choice Victor Wembanyama, who had been a key player for them. San Antonio's turnover and foul troubles continued, and they will look to end their skid against Minnesota next.
Dallas Mavericks 94 - 108 Memphis Grizzlies
In a game where superstar Luka Doncic was out for personal reasons, Desmond Bane led the depleted Memphis Grizzlies to a 108-94 victory over the Dallas Mavericks with 30 points. The Mavericks struggled without Doncic, shooting a season-worst 37.0%. Jaylen Nowell, signed to a 10-day contract, scored 19 points for Memphis, while Santi Aldama had a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. The Grizzlies won consecutive games for the first time this season, despite missing their suspended star Ja Morant. Dallas coach Jason Kidd acknowledged the team's lack of energy and effort, with Kyrie Irving finishing with only 10 points on 3-of-15 shooting. The Grizzlies face Phoenix next, while the Mavericks host Oklahoma City.
Toronto Raptors 106 - 119 New York Knicks
The New York Knicks secured their third straight win with a 119-106 victory over the Toronto Raptors, led by Jalen Brunson's 22 points and Josh Hart's 17 points. Julius Randle nearly notched a triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists, while the Knicks had a season high of 30 assists. The Raptors, led by Scottie Barnes' 29 points, were unable to extend their three-game home winning streak. The Knicks' bench outscored Toronto 52-25, and Hart scored 15 straight points in the third quarter. The game marked the first meeting between the two teams since the Knicks sued the Raptors in August.