03.01.2024
Philadelphia 76ers 110 - 97 Chicago Bulls
Joel Embiid made his return from a sprained ankle in dominant fashion, recording his seventh career triple-double with 31 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists as the Philadelphia 76ers routed the Chicago Bulls 110-97. The Sixers raced to a 43-18 lead after the first quarter, building on their recent trend of comfortable wins including a 44-point victory over LeBron James and the Lakers. Embiid's presence on the court was felt immediately, with the Bulls missing injured guard Zach LaVine. The 76ers extended their lead to 31 points by halftime, with Embiid sitting out the fourth quarter for rest. The return of Embiid propelled the 76ers to another decisive win, showcasing their dominance at home and solidifying their spot as a top team in the league.
Golden State Warriors 121 - 115 Orlando Magic
Stephen Curry scored 36 points and led the Golden State Warriors to a 121-115 victory over the Orlando Magic, snapping a three-game losing streak. Curry scored or assisted on 13 straight Warriors points in the fourth quarter. Jonathan Kuminga added 19 points and Klay Thompson scored 15. Paola Banchero had 27 points and 12 rebounds for the Magic. Curry hit clutch shots down the stretch to secure the win, while Orlando's Franz Wagner added 25 points. The Warriors played without Draymond Green, who is suspended. Gary Payton II injured his hamstring and did not return. The Magic will face Sacramento next, while the Warriors will take on Denver.
Oklahoma City Thunder 127 - 123 Boston Celtics
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 36 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the league-leading Boston Celtics 127-123 for their fifth straight win. This victory adds to the Thunder's impressive recent streak, which includes wins over top teams like the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite the Celtics making a late rally, the Thunder held on for the victory with key contributions from Josh Giddey and Chet Holmgren. Kristaps Porzingis scored 34 points for the Celtics, but it wasn't enough to overcome Gilgeous-Alexander's standout performance. The Thunder will look to continue their winning streak against the Atlanta Hawks next, while the Celtics will host the Utah Jazz.
Sacramento Kings 104 - 111 Charlotte Hornets
Terry Rozier returned from illness to score 34 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter, leading the Charlotte Hornets to a 111-104 victory over the Sacramento Kings. The win snapped an 11-game losing streak for the Hornets, who finished the game on a 10-0 run. De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 30 points, but Sacramento struggled with turnovers, committing a season-high 21. The Hornets shot 51.2% from the field compared to the Kings' 43.5%. Domantas Sabonis recorded his 15th straight double-double for Sacramento. Miles Bridges added 27 points for Charlotte as they look to continue their positive momentum in their next game against the Chicago Bulls.
New Orleans Pelicans 112 - 85 Brooklyn Nets
The New Orleans Pelicans dominated the Brooklyn Nets with a wire-to-wire, lopsided victory, winning 112-85. CJ McCollum led the Pelicans with 16 points, while Herb Jones added 14 points in the win. The Pelicans opened the game on a 9-0 run, never trailed, and led by as many as 32 points. The Nets shot a season-worst 35.7% and scored their fewest points of the season. Cam Thomas, a former LSU standout, missed all 11 of his shots for the Nets. The Pelicans had a balanced scoring attack with 12 players getting on the scoresheet. The victory marked the Pelicans' third straight win and eighth in 11 games, while the Nets suffered their fourth straight loss. Brooklyn will face Houston next, while New Orleans takes on Minnesota in their next game.
Memphis Grizzlies 106 - 98 San Antonio Spurs
Ja Morant had an impressive performance with 26 points and a highlight reel dunk over Victor Wembanyama as the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the San Antonio Spurs 106-98. Wembanyama led the Spurs with 20 points and four blocks, while Keldon Johnson added 19 points. Memphis snapped a three-game losing streak with the win, holding the Spurs to 42% shooting and forcing 16 turnovers. Despite both teams struggling offensively, the Grizzlies surged ahead in the second half thanks to strong defense and efficient scoring. The matchup showcased young talent on both teams, with Wembanyama leading the Spurs and Morant making a significant impact for the Grizzlies.