04.01.2024
Los Angeles Lakers 96 - 110 Miami Heat
In a game where Tyler Herro scored 21 points and Duncan Robinson contributed 13, the Miami Heat pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 110-96. The Heat had all eight players who saw action score in double figures, while the Lakers struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 4 of 30 on 3-pointers. Anthony Davis had a strong performance with 29 points and 18 rebounds for Los Angeles, but it wasn't enough to overcome Miami's late surge. With the win, the Heat snapped a two-game losing streak and improved their record as they head to face Phoenix next, while the Lakers continue to struggle with their third straight loss and face Memphis in their next game.
Utah Jazz 154 - 148 Detroit Pistons
In a high-scoring matchup, Jordan Clarkson scored 36 points, including a crucial 3-pointer in overtime, and Lauri Markkanen added 31 as the Utah Jazz outlasted the Detroit Pistons 154-148. The Jazz tied their franchise record for points scored in a game, while the Pistons set a franchise high for points in a loss. Both teams set season highs in points, and Cade Cunningham had a strong performance with 31 points and 12 assists for the Pistons. The victory extended the Pistons' road losing streak to 30 out of their last 31 games, while the Jazz have won nine of their last 12 games.
Houston Rockets 112 - 101 Brooklyn Nets
Alperen Sengun scored 30 points and Fred VanVleet added 21 points and 10 assists as the Houston Rockets defeated the Brooklyn Nets 112-101, handing the Nets their fifth straight loss. Sengun has scored over 20 points in seven consecutive games and led the Rockets to victory with his impressive performance. The Nets have now lost 10 of their last 12 games, dropping them to a 15-20 record for the season. Despite missing key players due to injury, the Rockets were able to secure the win and improve to 17-15 on the season.
Phoenix Suns 122 - 131 LA Clippers
Paul George scored 33 points and Kawhi Leonard added 30 as the Los Angeles Clippers extended their winning streak to four games by beating the Phoenix Suns 131-122. The Clippers shot 55% from the field and 53% from 3-point range, while James Harden contributed 22 points and 11 assists. Despite the Suns making a run in the fourth quarter, the Clippers maintained control to secure the victory. Devin Booker led the Suns with 35 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Clippers' offensive firepower. Los Angeles never trailed in the game, dominating from the start and improving to an 18-5 record on the season.
Cleveland Cavaliers 140 - 101 Washington Wizards
Max Strus scored 24 points and made his first six 3-pointers as the Cleveland Cavaliers routed the Washington Wizards 140-101, their highest-scoring game and most-lopsided victory of the season. Donovan Mitchell added 22 points in 24 minutes, Jarrett Allen had 17 points, 19 rebounds, and seven assists, and the Cavaliers had a 62-36 rebounding edge. The Wizards, with the third-worst record in the NBA, allowed Cleveland to shoot 53.5% and make 20 3-pointers, while only Kyle Kuzma scored in double figures. Cleveland's aggressive 3-point shooting, despite missing key players due to injury, led to a dominant performance in which they found their offensive rhythm and perimeter shooting touch.
Dallas Mavericks 126 - 97 Portland Trail Blazers
Luka Doncic scored a season-high 41 points and Kyrie Irving added 29 as the Dallas Mavericks blew out the Portland Trail Blazers 126-97. Doncic and Irving combined for 30 points in the first half before sitting out the fourth quarter, leading the Mavericks to a dominant victory. The win marks the start of a seven-game homestand for Dallas, while Portland falls to 0-2 on their longest road trip of the season. Despite losing two frontcourt players to ankle injuries, the Mavericks shot 62% in the first half and capitalized on turnovers to secure the big win.
New York Knicks 116 - 100 Chicago Bulls
Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks to a 116-100 victory over the Chicago Bulls, with Randle scoring 35 points and Brunson recording 31 points and 13 assists. Isaiah Hartenstein had an impressive performance with a career-high 20 rebounds, 10 points, and five blocks. DeMar DeRozan and Colby White combined for 54 points for the Bulls, who continue to play without key players Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine. The Knicks made key plays down the stretch to secure the win, with a late 11-point run in the final minutes. The Bulls will host Charlotte next, while the Knicks will face Philadelphia in their next game.
Atlanta Hawks 141 - 138 Oklahoma City Thunder
Jalen Johnson scored a career-high 28 points as the Atlanta Hawks held on to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 141-138, snapping the Thunder's five-game winning streak. The Hawks opened the game with 11 straight points and never trailed, with Trae Young adding 24 points and 11 assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 33 points and 13 rebounds for Oklahoma City. Despite playing back-to-back nights, the Thunder fell short in their comeback attempt. The victory was significant for the Hawks, who hope to build off the win as they face the Indiana Pacers next.
Minnesota Timberwolves 106 - 117 New Orleans Pelicans
Zion Williamson scored 27 points as the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the West-leading Minnesota Timberwolves 117-106, extending their winning streak to four games. CJ McCollum added 24 points and Brandon Ingram had 19 as the Pelicans shot 55.6% from the field. Anthony Edwards scored 35 points for the Timberwolves, who dropped consecutive games for the first time this season. Pelicans coach Willie Green received a technical foul after a drive by Williamson, but it didn't affect the outcome of the game. Next, the Pelicans will host the Los Angeles Clippers while the Timberwolves will face the Houston Rockets.
Memphis Grizzlies 111 - 116 Toronto Raptors
In a close game, Immanuel Quickley scored 26 points and Pascal Siakam added 24 as the Toronto Raptors held on to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 116-111. Quickley, who recently joined the Raptors in a trade, impressed coach Darko Rajakovic with his shooting and overall play. Ja Morant led the Grizzlies with 28 points, but Memphis fell short despite a late rally. Toronto's lead dwindled in the fourth quarter, but they managed to secure the win, marking their second straight victory. The Raptors will face the Sacramento Kings next, while the Grizzlies will take on the Los Angeles Lakers in their next game.
Indiana Pacers 142 - 130 Milwaukee Bucks
In an intense matchup, the Pacers pulled away from the Bucks with a 47-point third quarter to secure a 142-130 victory, marking their fifth straight win. Tyrese Haliburton's impressive performance with 31 points and 12 assists highlighted Indiana's dominance, while Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. The series has been emotional and contentious, with both teams showing frustration and competitiveness in the closely contested games. Despite the Bucks' efforts, the Pacers' third-quarter surge ultimately sealed the victory, leaving Milwaukee looking to bounce back in their next game against San Antonio.
Sacramento Kings 138 - 135 Orlando Magic
The Sacramento Kings outlasted the short-handed Orlando Magic in a thrilling double-overtime game, winning 138-135 behind a triple-double from Domantas Sabonis with 22 points, 23 rebounds, and 12 assists. Malik Monk scored 37 points off the bench for the Kings, while Paolo Banchero had a career-high 43 points for the Magic. Orlando set a franchise record with 25 3-pointers, but ultimately fell short. The game featured multiple lead changes, with the Kings coming out on top in the end. Sacramento has now won five in a row over Orlando, who have lost four of their last five games.