13.12.2023
Dallas Mavericks 127 - 125 Los Angeles Lakers
DONCIC, HARDAWAY LEAD MAVERICKS TO 127-125 VICTORY OVER LAKERS IN LA'S FIRST GAME SINCE NBA CUP WIN: Luka Doncic recorded 33 points and 17 assists, while Tim Hardaway Jr. scored a season-high 32 points for Dallas. Anthony Davis had 37 points and LeBron James added 33 for the Lakers as they erased a 15-point deficit but ultimately fell short. Dante Exum scored a season-high 26 points, including crucial 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, to help the Mavericks secure their fourth straight win. Doncic played over 40 minutes for the third consecutive game and despite feeling tired, led Dallas to victory with key plays down the stretch.
Chicago Bulls 106 - 114 Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets beat the Chicago Bulls 114-106 with Reggie Jackson scoring 25 points after Nikola Jokic was ejected in the second quarter. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was held out in the second half, and Jamal Murray didn't play at all, but Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon stepped up to contribute to the win. Coby White led the Bulls with 27 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the short-handed Nuggets. Denver's win marked their second straight victory and they will next face Brooklyn in a three-game homestand.
Phoenix Suns 119 - 116 Golden State Warriors
Devin Booker scored 32 points as the Phoenix Suns narrowly defeated the Golden State Warriors 119-116 on Tuesday night, holding on in the final seconds despite nearly blowing a nine-point lead. The game took a turn in the third quarter when Draymond Green was ejected for hitting Jusuf Nurkic in the face, marking the 18th ejection of Green's career. Bradley Beal added 16 points in his return from injury, while Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 24 points. The Suns remain undefeated against the Warriors this season, improving to 3-0.
LA Clippers 119 - 99 Sacramento Kings
Kawhi Leonard continued his scoring binge with 31 points in just three quarters, leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a dominating 119-99 victory over the Sacramento Kings for their fifth straight win, the NBA's longest active streak. Leonard, who tore his ACL in the 2021 playoffs, has scored 106 points in his last three games. Paul George sat out the second half with a sore groin, while James Harden contributed 15 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. The Clippers shot 59% from the floor and made all 10 of their free throws in the first half, building a 70-48 halftime lead. Sacramento's two-game winning streak was snapped as the Kings were overwhelmed by the Clippers' defense. Kawhi's leadership and the team's defensive effort have been key to their recent success.
Boston Celtics 120 - 113 Cleveland Cavaliers
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown led the Boston Celtics to a 120-113 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, remaining undefeated at home. Tatum had 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Brown also scored 25 points. Kristaps Porzingis added 21 points and 10 rebounds for Boston. Cleveland started strong with an 18-4 run, but Boston was able to pull away in the fourth quarter, holding the Cavaliers scoreless for over two minutes. Donovan Mitchell scored 29 points for Cleveland, but it wasn't enough to overcome Boston's strong performance. Boston and Cleveland will face off again on Thursday.