15.12.2023
Miami Heat 116 - 124 Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls started the game with a historic 33-8 run, leading to a 25-point advantage in the first quarter, the largest since the Michael Jordan era, and went on to beat the Miami Heat 124-116. Coby White scored 26 points, Ayo Dosunmu added 24 off the bench, and Nikola Vucevic had a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds. The Bulls had four players scoring at least 23 points, a feat last achieved in 1969. Despite Miami's comeback attempts, the Bulls held on for the win, with Jimmy Butler scoring 20 points for the Heat. Alex Caruso returned to the Bulls lineup but left the game early due to injury. They will face each other again on Saturday in Miami.
Dallas Mavericks 101 - 119 Minnesota Timberwolves
Despite a slow start and being down by 15 points, the Minnesota Timberwolves rallied behind Naz Reid's 27 points and Karl-Anthony Towns' double-double performance to beat Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks 119-101. Reid hit a career-high seven 3-pointers, tying a franchise record, while Towns dominated the boards with 17 rebounds. Doncic led the Mavericks with 39 points, but it wasn't enough as the Wolves held Dallas to their lowest scoring game of the season. With the win, Minnesota now boasts the best record in the NBA alongside Boston at 18-5.
Sacramento Kings 128 - 123 Oklahoma City Thunder
De’Aaron Fox scored 41 points as the Sacramento Kings defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 128-123, despite Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's impressive 43-point performance. The game showcased a matchup between two of the NBA's best young point guards, with Fox making five 3-pointers and leading the Kings to victory with an eight-game winning streak over the Thunder. Undrafted free agent Keon Ellis had a breakout game with a career-high 17 points, helping Sacramento secure the win. The Thunder, who had won four of their last five games, cut the deficit to two in the final minutes but ultimately fell short. Fox's stellar performance, along with contributions from Domantas Sabonis and Malik Monk, proved crucial in the Kings' triumph.
LA Clippers 121 - 113 Golden State Warriors
James Harden scored his 25,000th career point and led the streaking Los Angeles Clippers to a 121-113 victory over the slumping Golden State Warriors. Harden put up a season-high 28 points, 15 assists, and seven rebounds, while Kawhi Leonard added 27 points and eight rebounds. The Clippers overcame Paul George's absence to secure their sixth straight win, with Norman Powell contributing 21 points. Klay Thompson scored a season-high 30 points for the Warriors, who have lost 12 of their last 16 games. The game also marked Draymond Green's suspension and the Warriors' support for his journey to make necessary changes. The final score reflects the Clippers' dominance and the Warriors' struggles on the road.
Denver Nuggets 124 - 101 Brooklyn Nets
Nikola Jokic secured his 10th triple-double of the season, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 124-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Jokic finished with 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists, becoming the first player with at least 10 triple-doubles in seven straight seasons. The Nuggets also welcomed back Jamal Murray, who scored 16 points, while Peyton Watson added 18 for the defending champions. Denver's defense held the Nets to just 26.7% shooting from beyond the arc. The Nuggets improved to 10-1 at home and cruised to their third consecutive win.
Portland Trail Blazers 114 - 122 Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz, led by Collin Sexton and Simone Fonteccio, defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 122-114 despite missing key players. Fonteccio shot 7 of 8 from the field, including 5 for 5 from 3-point range, while Sexton scored 27 points. Rookie Scoot Henderson had a career-high 23 points and 10 assists for the Blazers. The Jazz shot 53.3% from the field compared to Portland's 41.7%. Blazers coach Chauncey Billups criticized his team's defense, as they lost their fifth straight game. The Jazz will face the Kings next, while the Trail Blazers will play the Mavericks.
Boston Celtics 116 - 107 Cleveland Cavaliers
Led by Jayson Tatum's 27 points, the Boston Celtics improved to 12-0 at home with a 116-107 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tatum added 11 rebounds in the win, while all five Celtics starters scored in double figures. Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell had 31 points in the losing effort, but the Cavaliers have now lost three straight games. Boston shot 56.1% in the first half and controlled the game throughout, despite a late surge from Cleveland in the third quarter. The Celtics will look to continue their home success as they host the Orlando Magic next.