21.12.2023
Philadelphia 76ers 127 - 113 Minnesota Timberwolves
In a high-scoring game, Joel Embiid scored 51 points and grabbed 12 rebounds as the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-113. The Sixers used a big fourth quarter to secure the win, with Tyrese Maxey adding 35 points. Embiid has been on a hot streak, averaging 38.3 points in the last 12 games and scoring 40 or more in four of his last five contests. The win marked Embiid's seventh career game with at least 50 points and his 12th straight game with 30 or more points and 10-plus rebounds. The Timberwolves, who entered the game with the league's best record, got 27 points from Anthony Edwards, 23 from Karl-Anthony Towns, and 21 from Jaden McDaniels. The victory extends Philadelphia's winning streak to seven out of their last eight games.
Houston Rockets 127 - 134 Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young led the Atlanta Hawks to a 134-127 victory over the Houston Rockets, ending the Rockets' 11-game home winning streak. Young had 30 points and 14 assists, marking his fifth straight game with at least 30 points and 10 assists, a feat only achieved by Russell Westbrook and Michael Jordan in the past. Despite a late charge by Houston, the Hawks held on for the win with key plays from Saddiq Bey and Jabari Smith Jr. of the Rockets had a career-high 34 points. The victory shows growth for the Hawks, who will face the Miami Heat next, while the Rockets look to bounce back against the Dallas Mavericks.
Chicago Bulls 124 - 108 Los Angeles Lakers
DeMar DeRozan led the way for the Chicago Bulls as they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 124-108, with DeRozan finishing with 27 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. The Bulls had eight players score in double figures, including Coby White with 17 points and Ayo Dosunmu with 14 off the bench. LeBron James had 25 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists for the Lakers, who have now lost four of their last five games. Chicago has been playing well despite missing Zach LaVine and Torrey Craig, shooting over 54% from the field and hitting over 14 3-pointers per game in their last 10 contests. The Bulls will look to continue their success as they host the Spurs next, while the Lakers will face the Timberwolves on Thursday night.
Orlando Magic 106 - 115 Miami Heat
Tyler Herro led the Miami Heat to a 115-106 victory over the Orlando Magic with 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. The Heat scored 32 points in a 6 1/2-minute stretch in the second quarter, with Haywood Highsmith contributing four 3-pointers and 15 points off the bench. Miami played without Jimmy Butler and Kevin Love, but still managed to secure the win. Cole Anthony led the Magic with 20 points, while Wendell Carter Jr. returned to the lineup after missing 20 games with a fractured hand. The victory marked the Heat's fourth win in six games, while the Magic suffered their third straight loss.
Toronto Raptors 104 - 113 Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to a 113-104 victory over the Toronto Raptors with 31 points and 15 rebounds, marking his 400th career double-double and NBA-leading 24th of the season. Canadian guard Jamal Murray, playing in his only regular season game north of the border, scored 20 points. Despite a late surge from the Raptors, the Nuggets held on for their fifth win in six games, improving to .500 on the road. Scottie Barnes had a career-high 30 points for Toronto, but it wasn't enough to overcome Jokic's stellar performance. The Nuggets will face the Brooklyn Nets next, while the Raptors will take on the Philadelphia 76ers.
Sacramento Kings 119 - 144 Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics bounced back from a tough loss to the Golden State Warriors with a strong 144-119 victory over the Sacramento Kings, despite missing key players Jayson Tatum and Al Horford. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White each scored 28 points, with Kristaps Porzingis adding 24 points, nine rebounds, and six blocks. The Celtics made 22 of 42 3-pointers, dominating the interior and shooting well from beyond the arc. De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 29 points. The Celtics opened up a 28-point lead in the third quarter and cruised to victory. Boston will face the Los Angeles Clippers next, while the Kings will host the Phoenix Suns.
Indiana Pacers 144 - 113 Charlotte Hornets
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Charlotte Hornets 144-113, snapping a four-game losing streak behind 61% shooting. Buddy Hield scored 25 points, Tyrese Haliburton had 19 points and 13 assists, and the Pacers made 28 of 30 free throws. Charlotte, playing without LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams, dropped their sixth in a row. Terry Rozier had 25 points for the Hornets. Indiana led throughout the game, with Charlotte never leading by more than two points. The Pacers will face Memphis next, while the Hornets will host Denver.
Cleveland Cavaliers 124 - 116 Utah Jazz
In a game where the Cavaliers were missing key players like Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Darius Garland, Sam Merrill stepped up with a career-high 27 points and eight 3-pointers to lead Cleveland to a 124-116 victory over the Utah Jazz. Merrill's sharpshooting in the fourth quarter helped the Cavaliers secure their third straight win on a four-game homestand. Despite a strong performance from Lauri Markkanen and Collin Sexton for the Jazz, Cleveland's bench outscored Utah's reserves 75-32, highlighting the team's depth and resilience. The final score sees the Cavaliers overcoming the odds and making a statement win against the struggling Jazz.
Dallas Mavericks 111 - 120 LA Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers extended their win streak to nine games with a 120-111 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, led by Kawhi Leonard's 30 points. Norman Powell stepped up with 21 points off the bench as Paul George was sidelined by illness. Luka Doncic fell short of his franchise record with 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. The Mavericks made a late rally but couldn't overcome the Clippers' lead. The win marked the Clippers' longest win streak since 2015-16 and continued their strong performance since acquiring James Harden. Despite missing key players, Dallas put up a fight but ultimately came up short.
Brooklyn Nets 102 - 121 New York Knicks
The Knicks beat the Nets 121-102 in Brooklyn for the first time in four years, led by Julius Randle's 26 points and Donte DiVincenzo's 23. The Knicks dominated the game, leading nearly the entire time and extending their winning streak against the Nets since the departure of Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving. The victory marked the end of a six-game losing streak in Brooklyn for the Knicks, who played with more energy and purpose. The Nets struggled without key players Ben Simmons, Dennis Smith Jr., and Lonnie Walker IV, and suffered their fourth straight loss. The Knicks will next host Milwaukee, while the Nets will host Denver.