11.01.2024
LA Clippers 126 - 120 Toronto Raptors
In a thrilling game, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George each scored 29 points as the Los Angeles Clippers rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat the Toronto Raptors 126-120. Leonard, who had just signed a contract extension, emphasized the need for better execution going forward despite the win. Immanuel Quickley led the Raptors with 25 points, but it was not enough as the Clippers improved to an NBA-best 16-3 since December 1st. The game featured strong performances from James Harden and Ivica Zubac, with the Clippers now looking ahead to their next matchup against Memphis.
Indiana Pacers 112 - 104 Washington Wizards
The Indiana Pacers overcame the absence of Tyrese Haliburton to beat the Washington Wizards 112-104, with Myles Turner leading the way with 18 points and 13 rebounds. Despite Haliburton being sidelined with a hamstring injury, the Pacers relied on a team effort with contributions from Bruce Brown, Bennedict Mathurin, and T.J. McConnell, who had 14 points and eight assists off the bench. The Pacers dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Wizards 35-25 and ultimately securing the win. Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 28 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome Indiana's strong performance. The Pacers have won eight of their last nine games, while the Wizards have now lost six in a row.
Atlanta Hawks 139 - 132 Philadelphia 76ers
Jalen Johnson led the Atlanta Hawks to a hard-fought 139-132 overtime victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring 25 points and hitting crucial free throws and a 3-pointer down the stretch. Tyrese Maxey had a stellar game for the 76ers with 35 points, but fouled out in overtime. The Hawks improved to 6-9 at home and snapped a two-game losing streak, while the 76ers were without Joel Embiid and suffered their third straight loss. Atlanta's Onyeka Okongwu stepped up with 19 points and 11 rebounds in place of Clint Capela, as both teams were missing their starting centers. Philadelphia will take on the Kings next, while the Hawks will face the Indiana Pacers in their next game.
Boston Celtics 127 - 120 Minnesota Timberwolves
The Celtics held off the Timberwolves in a thrilling overtime victory, with Jayson Tatum scoring a career-high 45 points to lead Boston to a 127-120 win and improve their home record to 18-0. Jaylen Brown added 35 points and 11 rebounds for the Celtics, while Anthony Edwards had 29 points for Minnesota. The Timberwolves, who lead the Western Conference, last won in Boston in 2005 and flew in from Orlando the same day due to weather. The Celtics have now won 25 consecutive regular-season home games and have a strong bond with their fans, looking forward to their next matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Miami Heat 120 - 128 Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder used two big runs to beat the Miami Heat 128-120, improving their record to 25-11 - their best 36-game start since 2015-16. Jalen Williams recorded a career-best 19 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds, while Chet Holmgren added 23 points. The Thunder had a 13-0 run in the third quarter and a 17-0 run extending into the fourth to secure the win. Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 25 points and Miami used their 20th different starting lineup of the season. The Thunder cooled off in the second half but still finished shooting 59%.
Charlotte Hornets 98 - 123 Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings, led by Keegan Murray and Domantas Sabonis, defeated the Charlotte Hornets 123-98 in a dominant performance. Murray scored 25 points, Sabonis had a double-double with 24 points and 10 rebounds, and former Hornet Malik Monk added 20 points. The Kings went on a 30-10 run in the second quarter and an 11-0 run in the third to secure the victory. Charlotte, missing key players due to injury, struggled to keep up. Sacramento's defense and bench players, including Monk, were key to the win. The Kings improved to 23-14 while the Hornets fell to 8-27. Sacramento will face Philadelphia next, while Charlotte will play San Antonio.
Detroit Pistons 108 - 130 San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama made history by recording his first triple-double in the NBA, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 130-108 victory over the Detroit Pistons. The 7-foot-3 French rookie phenom achieved 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in just 21 minutes, making him the youngest player in NBA history to have a triple-double without a turnover. Wembanyama's stellar performance came against the team that was hoping to draft him, as the Spurs snapped a five-game losing streak and improved to 6-30. Detroit, with a 3-35 record, struggled throughout the game, with Jalen Duren leading them with 21 points and 12 rebounds. The Pistons were without Cade Cunningham, who is recovering from a knee strain. Wembanyama's historic night and the Spurs' dominant performance showcased their potential for the future, with a visit from the Charlotte Hornets up next for San Antonio and a matchup against the Houston Rockets for Detroit.
Chicago Bulls 124 - 119 Houston Rockets
Coby White scored 30 points as the Chicago Bulls beat the Houston Rockets 124-119 in overtime, with Zach LaVine making a crucial 3-pointer late in the game. Despite being held scoreless in the first half, Alperen Sengun had 25 points for the Rockets, who rallied from a 16-point deficit to force overtime. The Bulls shot well from beyond the arc, with White hitting six 3-pointers as they secured their third consecutive win. LaVine finished with an impressive all-around game of 25 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. The Rockets dropped to 0-2 on their road trip, while the Bulls will host the Warriors next.
Utah Jazz 124 - 111 Denver Nuggets
Jordan Clarkson led the Utah Jazz to a 124-111 victory over the Denver Nuggets with 27 points and nine assists, helping the team secure their ninth win in 11 games. Lauri Markkanen added 26 points and 12 rebounds, Collin Sexton scored 22, and John Collins had 15 points for the Jazz, who shot 55% from the field. Nikola Jokic scored 27 points for the Nuggets, who struggled to match the Jazz’s energy. The win marked Utah's sixth straight at home and extended Denver's losing streak in Salt Lake City to six games.
Golden State Warriors 105 - 141 New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans dominated the Golden State Warriors, winning 141-105 with Jonas Valanciunas scoring 21 points and Zion Williamson adding 19 after being questionable due to injury. The Warriors, facing their second blowout loss at home in a row, were booed by frustrated fans with Stephen Curry shooting poorly and the team lacking confidence, according to coach Steve Kerr. This was one of the worst losses during Kerr's tenure and the Warriors surrendered a season-high in points to the Pelicans. The 36-point defeat tied for the sixth-largest home defeat in franchise history, and the team is eagerly awaiting the return of Draymond Green to boost their spirits and energy. The Pelicans, coached by former Warriors assistant Willie Green, have now won six of their last seven games and will face the Denver Nuggets next, while the Warriors begin a four-game road trip in Chicago.