02.01.2024
Denver Nuggets 111 - 93 Charlotte Hornets
The Denver Nuggets defeated the short-handed Charlotte Hornets 111-93 on Monday night, with Jamal Murray scoring 25 points and Michael Porter Jr. adding 22. The Hornets were missing several key players, including Terry Rozier, LaMelo Ball, and Gordon Hayward. Aaron Gordon returned for the Nuggets after missing two games due to a dog bite on Christmas Day. Denver outscored Charlotte 40-17 in the third quarter, with a 20-2 run to start the second half, ultimately securing the victory. The Hornets lost their 11th straight game, while the Nuggets continue to show their dominance with their second win over Charlotte in 1 1/2 weeks.
Milwaukee Bucks 113 - 122 Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 122-113, ending the Bucks' 15-game home win streak behind Tyrese Haliburton's near triple-double performance of 26 points, 11 assists, and nine rebounds. The Pacers' bench outscored the Bucks 70-16, with Bennedict Mathurin adding 25 points and 13 rebounds. Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded a triple-double for the Bucks with 30 points, 18 rebounds, and 11 assists, but it wasn't enough to secure the win. Despite struggling from 3-point range (5 of 35), Indiana's reserves helped them pull off the victory, setting up a rematch between the two teams in Indiana on Wednesday.
LA Clippers 121 - 104 Miami Heat
In a game where Kawhi Leonard reached 13,000 career points, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Miami Heat 121-104 for their third straight win. Leonard returned from injury to score 24 points, while Paul George added 23 points and Norman Powell contributed 22 points off the bench. Despite missing key players like Jimmy Butler, the Heat were led by Bam Adebayo's 21 points and 15 rebounds. The Clippers held a slim one-point lead at halftime but pulled away in the third quarter to secure the victory. Leonard's return sparked the team's performance, showcasing his elite skills on both ends of the court.
Houston Rockets 136 - 113 Detroit Pistons
ROCKETS DOMINATE PISTONS 136-113 IN FIRST GAME SINCE 28-GAME SKID ENDS. After breaking their 28-game losing streak, the Detroit Pistons were blown out by the Houston Rockets with Alperen Sengun scoring 26 points and Jalen Green adding 22. The Rockets outscored the Pistons 47-25 in the third quarter, with Sengun scoring 11 points in a crucial run. Pistons coach Monty Williams acknowledged the emotional toll of the win, but the Rockets were able to capitalize and snap a three-game skid. Pistons will face Utah next, while the Rockets will host Brooklyn.
Toronto Raptors 124 - 121 Cleveland Cavaliers
In a thrilling game, the new-look Raptors defeated the Cavaliers 124-121, led by Pascal Siakam's 36 points. RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley, playing in their first game for Toronto after a trade with the Knicks, contributed 19 and 14 points respectively. Despite the Cavaliers coming back from a 19-point deficit, Toronto held on for the win with Scottie Barnes scoring 20 points. Caris LeVert had 31 points for Cleveland, but ultimately missed a crucial 3-pointer in the final minute. The Raptors will now embark on a six-game Western Conference trip, while the Cavaliers will host Washington next.
New York Knicks 112 - 106 Minnesota Timberwolves
Julius Randle dominated with 39 points, while OG Anunoby had an impressive debut with the Knicks, scoring 17 points in a 112-106 victory over the Timberwolves. Anunoby, who was part of the trade that sent RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley to the Raptors, made an immediate impact on the court despite only arriving the day before the game. The Knicks snapped a three-game losing streak with a strong defensive effort, holding off a late comeback attempt by the Wolves led by Anthony Edwards' 35 points. Randle scored 11 crucial points in the fourth quarter to secure the win, showcasing his leadership in the absence of longtime teammates. Next up, the Timberwolves will host New Orleans, while the Knicks will face Chicago in their next game.
Utah Jazz 127 - 90 Dallas Mavericks
Behind Jordan Clarkson's first career triple-double, the Utah Jazz dominated the Dallas Mavericks 127-90. Clarkson had 20 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds, marking the first Jazz triple-double in a regular-season game since 2008. Simone Fontecchio led the Jazz with 24 points, while Lauri Markkanen added 17. The win avenged a 50-point loss to Dallas earlier in the season, and the Jazz have now won eight of their last 11 games. Luke Doncic led the Mavericks with 19 points, 14 assists, and six rebounds, while Kyrie Irving returned to action after missing 12 games with 14 points. Markkanen noted the impressive 87-point swing between the two matchups.
Phoenix Suns 109 - 88 Portland Trail Blazers
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 109-88 for their fourth consecutive win, with Bradley Beal leading the team with 21 points. The Suns had seven players score in double figures, including Jusuf Nurkic with 18 points and Chimezie Metu with 14. Kevin Durant was sidelined with a hamstring injury, but the Suns still dominated the game, holding the Trail Blazers to their lowest point total of the season. Deandre Ayton also missed the game for the Blazers, who have struggled on the road and haven't won away from home since November. Phoenix will host the Los Angeles Clippers next, while Portland will face the Dallas Mavericks.