31.12.2023
Minnesota Timberwolves 108 - 106 Los Angeles Lakers
Anthony Edwards scored 31 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves held on to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 108-106 on LeBron James' 39th birthday. Despite James questioning a replay ruling on his final shot, the Timberwolves secured their 14th home win of the season. Anthony Davis had 33 points, 17 rebounds, and eight assists for the Lakers, who have lost seven of their last 10 games. Minnesota overcame 19 turnovers and received a spark off the bench from Naz Reid to secure the victory. Los Angeles will play New Orleans next, while the Timberwolves will face New York on New Year's Day.
Utah Jazz 117 - 109 Miami Heat
Keyonte George had a big fourth quarter for the Utah Jazz, scoring 12 of his 21 points to help secure a 117-109 victory over the Miami Heat, ending the Heat's four-game winning streak. Collin Sexton led the Jazz with 22 points, while Bam Adebayo had 28 points and 16 rebounds for Miami. Jimmy Butler returned for the Heat but left in the third quarter due to a foot injury. The Jazz capitalized on Miami turnovers and improved to 14-19, while Miami dropped to 19-13. George had his best 3-point shooting game with five made 3s, and the Jazz had a balanced offensive effort with Keyonte George and Kelly Olynyk both contributing double-digit points. Utah relied on Sexton early and George late to secure the hard-fought victory.
Chicago Bulls 105 - 92 Philadelphia 76ers
The Chicago Bulls took advantage of NBA MVP Joel Embiid's absence due to a sprained ankle to beat the Philadelphia 76ers 105-92, with DeMar DeRozan scoring 24 points and Coby White adding 20. Andre Drummond contributed with 15 points and 23 rebounds, helping the Bulls outrebound Philadelphia 53-36. The victory marked Chicago's fifth win in seven games and their second consecutive win over the 76ers. Despite missing key players like Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine, the Bulls showed resilience and continued to improve after a slow start to the season. With Embiid potentially returning for their next meeting, the Bulls will look to build on their recent success.
Golden State Warriors 122 - 132 Dallas Mavericks
In a thrilling game, Luka Doncic returned to the lineup to lead the Dallas Mavericks to a 132-122 victory over the Golden State Warriors, scoring 39 points, 10 assists, and 8 rebounds. Dante Exum also contributed with 19 points, while Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 25 points and Chris Paul reached 22,000 career points. Despite the Warriors' efforts, the Mavericks were able to maintain their lead, shooting 55.7% from the field. The win improved Dallas' record to 19-14, while Golden State fell to 15-17. This game highlighted Doncic's star power and the competitive nature between the two teams.
Indiana Pacers 140 - 126 New York Knicks
Haliburton tied a franchise record with 23 assists and had 22 points, achieving consecutive 20-20 games in those categories, as the Indiana Pacers beat the New York Knicks 140-126. Haliburton joined Magic Johnson and John Stockton as the only players in NBA history with back-to-back 20-point, 20-assist games. The Pacers shot 60% from the field and made 23 3-pointers in the win, improving their record to 17-14. Despite a career-high 38 points from Donte DiVincenzo, the undermanned Knicks fell to their third straight loss after a trade with Toronto. The Knicks will host the Minnesota Timberwolves next, while the Pacers visit the Milwaukee Bucks.
Detroit Pistons 129 - 127 Toronto Raptors
The Detroit Pistons ended their record-tying 28-game losing streak with a 129-127 victory over the Toronto Raptors, led by 30 points and 12 assists from Cade Cunningham. The win marked the Pistons' first victory since October 28, and they fell just one game short of the all-time record for major American and Canadian leagues. Pascal Siakam had 35 points for the Raptors, who were playing without key players due to a recent trade. Detroit held on for the win, clinching the game from the free-throw line. The Raptors will host Cleveland next, while the Pistons will play Houston.