14.12.2023
San Antonio Spurs 119 - 122 Los Angeles Lakers
In a game where LeBron James was absent due to injury, Anthony Davis led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 122-119 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, who extended their franchise-record losing streak to 18 games. Despite Davis almost exiting the game due to an ankle injury, he finished with 37 points and 10 rebounds. Victor Wembanyama stood out for the Spurs with 30 points, 13 rebounds, and six blocks, becoming the first rookie to achieve this feat since Tim Duncan in 1998. The Spurs rallied in the fourth quarter, but ultimately fell short against the Lakers.
Phoenix Suns 112 - 116 Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets spoiled the debut of the Phoenix Suns' All-Star trio by beating them 116-112. Mikal Bridges and Cameron Johnson led the way for the Nets, who played a balanced game and made crucial plays down the stretch. Despite strong performances from Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal, the Suns couldn't overcome the Nets' team effort. The game marked the first time the Suns' trio played together and they will look to bounce back in their next game against New York.
Detroit Pistons 111 - 129 Philadelphia 76ers
In a dominant performance, Joel Embiid scored 41 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Philadelphia 76ers handed the Detroit Pistons their 21st straight loss with a final score of 129-111. The Pistons matched the franchise record for the longest losing streak, with Bojan Bogdanovic leading them with 33 points and rookie standout Cade Cunningham adding 21. Tobias Harris contributed 21 points for the 76ers, who outrebounded Detroit 52-35. The Pistons struggled with rebounding and shooting, missing all seven 3-point attempts in the third quarter. Detroit will have a chance for redemption as they face the 76ers again on Friday night in Philadelphia.
Washington Wizards 122 - 142 New Orleans Pelicans
Brandon Ingram's season-high 40 points, along with Trey Murphy III's 27 points and six 3-pointers, led the short-handed New Orleans Pelicans to a dominant 142-122 victory over the Washington Wizards. Despite missing Zion Williamson due to injury, the Pelicans had their best offensive showing of the season, shooting 62.5% from the floor and scoring a season-high 144 points. The Wizards, on the other hand, allowed more than 140 points for the second time in the week and suffered their 20th loss in 23 games. Kyle Kuzma led Washington with 27 points, while rookie Bilal Coulibaly impressed with 16 points, hitting four 3-pointers. New Orleans will face Charlotte next, while the Wizards will host Indiana.
Miami Heat 115 - 104 Charlotte Hornets
Duncan Robinson scored 23 points as the Miami Heat defeated the Charlotte Hornets 115-104 to complete a two-game sweep. Kyle Lowry was perfect shooting, going 5 for 5 from the floor, with all four makes coming from 3-point range. The Heat had a substantial 45-13 advantage in bench scoring and capitalized on turnovers, turning 21 giveaways by Charlotte into 32 points. Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 28 points, but they were missing key players like LaMelo Ball and PJ Washington due to injuries. Miami's victory marked their first successful two-game series sweep this season, with coach Erik Spoelstra emphasizing the importance of achieving this feat.
Toronto Raptors 135 - 128 Atlanta Hawks
Pascal Siakam scored 33 points, Scottie Barnes had 27 points and 10 rebounds, and the Toronto Raptors beat the Atlanta Hawks 135-128 to end a four-game losing streak. Dennis Schroder scored 17 points, surpassing 10,000 for his career, and Jakob Poeltl added 15 points and 13 rebounds for the Raptors. Despite Trae Young's 35 points and 17 assists, Atlanta's losing streak extended to five games. The Raptors made a season-best 18 3-pointers in the win. The teams will meet again Friday night in Toronto.
Utah Jazz 117 - 113 New York Knicks
Collin Sexton scored a season-high 26 points as the Utah Jazz defeated the New York Knicks 117-113. Lauri Markkanen returned to the court and added 23 points to the win. Julius Randle had 32 points and 12 rebounds for the Knicks, but their late comeback fell short. The Knicks have now lost three road games in a row. Talen Horton-Tucker scored 15 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter as the Jazz held on for the win. With the victory, the Jazz ended a skid of three lopsided losses in a row.
Houston Rockets 117 - 104 Memphis Grizzlies
The Houston Rockets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 117-104, extending their home winning streak to 11 games. Tari Eason scored a career-high 25 points off the bench, while Jabari Smith Jr. added 20 points and 10 rebounds. Houston's bench outscored Memphis' bench 58-19, and they outrebounded the Grizzlies 58-39. Jaren Jackson Jr. had a career-high 44 points for Memphis in the loss. The Rockets shot 45% from the field and 12 of 32 from 3-point range. Houston led by as many as 19 points in the second quarter and held off Memphis' comeback attempts, ultimately securing the victory.
Milwaukee Bucks 140 - 126 Indiana Pacers
Giannis Antetokounmpo made history by scoring a franchise-record 64 points to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 140-126 victory over the Indiana Pacers. He became the first player in NBA history to make at least 20 field goals and 20 free throws in a game while shooting at least 70% on each. The game was marred by a post-game confrontation over the game ball, with Pacers coach Rick Carlisle describing it as a "fracas." The Bucks' Bobby Portis was ejected after a brief heated exchange during the game. Damian Lillard added 21 points for the Bucks, while Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner each had 22 points for the Pacers.