27.12.2023
LA Clippers 113 - 104 Charlotte Hornets
In a game where the Clippers ended their losing streak without Kawhi Leonard, James Harden led the team with 29 points as they rallied to beat the Hornets 113-104. Paul George added 25 points and Ivica Zubac had a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Russell Westbrook contributed with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists off the bench. The Hornets, who were missing key players due to injuries, lost their eighth game in a row. The Clippers showed resilience with a 19-2 run in the fourth quarter to secure the victory. Los Angeles will face the Memphis Grizzlies next, while the Hornets will take on the Los Angeles Lakers.
San Antonio Spurs 118 - 130 Utah Jazz
Lauri Markkanen led the Utah Jazz to a 130-118 victory over the San Antonio Spurs with 31 points and 12 rebounds. Collin Sexton's impressive 360-degree dunk off a turnover sparked momentum for the Jazz, who have now won three in a row. Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 26 points, but they have now lost five straight games. The Spurs are still searching for consistency, while the Jazz are starting to turn their season around after a slow start.
Chicago Bulls 118 - 113 Atlanta Hawks
DeRozan and Drummond led the Chicago Bulls to a 118-113 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, with DeRozan scoring 25 points and Drummond recording a season-high 24 points and 25 rebounds in his first start of the season. The Bulls managed to hold off Trae Young, who finished with 21 points and 13 assists after tying Oscar Robertson’s record. Despite missing key players like Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic, the Bulls secured their ninth win in 13 games. DeRozan's clutch performance in the fourth quarter helped seal the victory, as the Bulls bounced back from a recent loss to Cleveland. Vucevic's status remains uncertain after he suffered an injury trying to defend a dunk in the previous game.
Houston Rockets 117 - 123 Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Houston Rockets 123-117 with Tyrese Haliburton leading the way with 33 points and 10 assists, including a go-ahead 3-pointer in the final minute. The Pacers snapped a three-game losing streak and secured their first road win since December 7. Alperen Sengun had 30 points and 16 rebounds for the Rockets, while Fred VanVleet added 18 points and nine assists. Indiana outscored Houston from beyond the arc, making 19 3-pointers compared to the Rockets' dominance in the paint with a 74-44 advantage. The game featured 15 lead changes, but the Pacers pulled out the win to improve to .500.
Portland Trail Blazers 130 - 113 Sacramento Kings
Anfernee Simons and Duop Reath led the Portland Trail Blazers to a 130-113 victory over the Sacramento Kings, with Simons scoring 29 points and Reath adding a career-high 25 points off the bench. Malcolm Brogdon, Scoot Henderson, and Jabari Walker also contributed to the win. De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis had strong performances for the Kings, but their lack of defense allowed the Blazers to secure the win. Henderson also had a career-high 11 assists in an impressive performance. The Blazers will face a back-to-back matchup against San Antonio next, while the Kings will visit Atlanta.
Detroit Pistons 112 - 118 Brooklyn Nets
The Detroit Pistons set an NBA single-season record with their 27th straight loss, falling to the Brooklyn Nets 118-112 despite Cade Cunningham's impressive 41-point performance. The Nets were led by Cam Johnson's 24 points, with Mikal Bridges adding 21. The Pistons broke the tie with the 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers and 2013-14 Philadelphia 76ers for most consecutive losses in a single season. Despite Cunningham's efforts, the Pistons struggled with shooting efficiency, and ultimately fell short in the game. The Nets clinched the win with solid execution and composure down the stretch, securing their victory and handing the Pistons another loss in their challenging season.
New Orleans Pelicans 115 - 116 Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant scored 31 points, including an alley-oop dunk in overtime, as the Memphis Grizzlies topped the New Orleans Pelicans 116-115. Morant is averaging 28.8 points since returning from suspension and helped the Grizzlies erase a 15-point deficit, with Desmond Bane also contributing 27 points and a clinching free throw. Memphis won with defense, recording 17 blocked shots and 10 steals. The Pelicans, despite efforts from Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, dropped their second straight game. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Marcus Smart also played key roles for the Grizzlies, who have now won four in a row since Morant's return.
Oklahoma City Thunder 129 - 106 Minnesota Timberwolves
In a dominant performance, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points and led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 129-106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Thunder made 18 shots from 3-point range and forced 24 turnovers that led to 23 points. Lu Dort added 20 points, going 5 of 6 from beyond the arc, while Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams contributed 20 and 21 points, respectively. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 25 points. The win marked the Thunder's sixth victory in eight games, showcasing their strong offense and defensive intensity. The teams combined for 16 3-pointers in the first half, with the Thunder leading 66-60 at halftime.
Washington Wizards 119 - 127 Orlando Magic
In a high-scoring game, Franz Wagner led the Orlando Magic to a 127-119 victory over the Washington Wizards with 28 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds. Rookie Anthony Black added a career-high 23 points, while Paolo Banchero contributed 24 points and eight assists. The Wizards, led by Jordan Poole's 30 points, made a late push but ultimately fell short. The Magic dominated in the paint and forced 21 turnovers, securing their third straight win over Washington in the four-game regular season series. Kyle Kuzma struggled for the Wizards, shooting 6 of 18 from the field with six turnovers. The Magic will host Philadelphia next, while the Wizards will face Toronto.