01.01.2024
Washington Wizards 126 - 130 Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young had a phenomenal game with 40 points and 13 assists, leading the Atlanta Hawks to a 130-126 victory over the Washington Wizards. Dejounte Murray added 32 points, Jalen Johnson had a career-high 24 points and 13 rebounds, and Clint Capela and Saddiq Bey both had double-doubles. Kyle Kuzma scored 38 points for the Wizards, who set franchise records with 53 three-point attempts. Despite poor free-throw shooting late in the game, the Hawks outrebounded the Wizards and secured the win. Young and Murray's dynamic performance helped Atlanta snap a four-game slide, while Washington continues to struggle with inconsistency.
Memphis Grizzlies 92 - 123 Sacramento Kings
Malik Monk and Domantas Sabonis led the Sacramento Kings to a 123-92 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, with Monk scoring 27 points and Sabonis recording a triple-double with 13 points, 21 rebounds, and 12 assists. The Kings dominated on both ends of the court, shooting 50% from the field and 52% from beyond the arc while outrebounding the Grizzlies 59-34. Memphis struggled offensively, shooting just 37% from the field and 30% from three-point range. The Kings' defense held the Grizzlies to just 32 points in the paint and limited Ja Morant and Desmond Bane to a combined 10-for-26 shooting. Sacramento's impressive performance was hailed by coach Mike Brown as the best defensive showing since he joined the team. The Grizzlies will look to regroup as they continue their homestand against the San Antonio Spurs, while the Kings will face the Charlotte Hornets in their next game.
San Antonio Spurs 101 - 134 Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics extended their winning streak to six games with a dominant 134-101 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Jayson Tatum led the way with 25 points, while Jaylen Brown added 24. Kristaps Porzingis returned from injury to contribute 14 points and nine rebounds. The Spurs struggled without key players Zach Collins and Keldon Johnson, with Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell carrying the offensive load. Boston's defense shut down San Antonio, limiting them to one offensive rebound in the first half and holding a significant rebounding advantage. The Celtics showcased their depth with six players scoring in double figures, while the Spurs suffered their seventh loss in eight games. Boston closed out December with a 12-2 record, setting the stage for a matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder next.
Oklahoma City Thunder 124 - 108 Brooklyn Nets
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 24 points and led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 124-108 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, extending their winning streak to four games. Rookie Chet Holmgren added 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Josh Giddey had 20 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Despite Mikal Bridges scoring 22 points for the Nets, they were unable to overcome the Thunder's strong shooting performance, as they shot 54.2% from the field compared to the Nets' 38%. The win improved Oklahoma City's record to 22-9, putting them in second place in the Western Conference.
New Orleans Pelicans 129 - 109 Los Angeles Lakers
The New Orleans Pelicans redeemed themselves with a 129-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram each scoring 26 points. The Pelicans, now 7-3 since a tough loss to the Lakers last month, played with energy and 50% 3-point shooting, with guard Jose Alvarado standing out with four steals and two blocks. LeBron James scored 34 points and Anthony Davis added 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who lost their seventh game in nine outings. The Pelicans' "Big Three" of Williamson, Ingram, and CJ McCollum each scored 20+ points for the fourth time, improving to 4-0 in such games.
Phoenix Suns 112 - 107 Orlando Magic
Durant scored 31 points and Beal added a season-high 25 as the Suns beat the Magic 112-107 on Sunday night. Beal threw down a powerful dunk in the third quarter, showing signs of promise in his first season with Phoenix. The Suns' star trio of Durant, Beal, and Booker played together for only the fourth time this season. Orlando rallied in the fourth quarter to briefly take the lead, but Phoenix used a 17-6 run to regain control. Banchero led the Magic with 28 points, while Wagner added 27. The Suns welcomed back Okogie and won their third straight game, with their ball movement noticeably improved with Beal back in the lineup.