12.01.2024
Dallas Mavericks 128 - 124 New York Knicks
Kyrie Irving scored a season-high 44 points and Tim Hardaway Jr. added 32 as the Luka Doncic-less Dallas Mavericks defeated the New York Knicks 128-124. The Mavericks led by 19 in the fourth quarter before the Knicks made a late push, but Dallas held on for the win. Julius Randle led the Knicks with 32 points, while Jalen Brunson scored 30 in his return to Dallas. The Knicks, who had won five straight, lost for the first time since acquiring OG Anunoby. Dallas hit 17 3-pointers compared to New York's 14. Doncic sat out with an ankle injury, and the Mavericks were also missing two other starters.
Cleveland Cavaliers 111 - 102 Brooklyn Nets
Donovan Mitchell scored a season-high 45 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Brooklyn Nets 111-102 in Paris, marking the NBA's third regular-season game in the city. Mitchell also contributed 12 rebounds, six assists, and four steals, becoming only the second Cavalier alongside LeBron James to achieve at least 45 points, 10 boards, five assists, and three steals in a game. The victory extended the Cavaliers' winning streak to four games, improving their record to 9-3 since December 16. The Nets struggled throughout the game, with players such as Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen making significant contributions for Cleveland. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver hinted at a potential return to France next season, highlighting the country's growing importance as a basketball market. With Mitchell's impressive performance, the Cavaliers now look ahead to hosting Chicago while the Nets prepare to face Miami in their next matchups.
Los Angeles Lakers 109 - 127 Phoenix Suns
In a high-scoring game, Bradley Beal led the Phoenix Suns to a dominant 127-109 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers with a season-high 37 points, including eight 3-pointers, while Devin Booker added 31 points. Despite efforts from the Lakers, with seven players scoring in double figures, turnovers and strong play from the Suns' Big 3 of Beal, Booker, and Kevin Durant proved too much to overcome. LeBron James had 10 points on 3-of-11 shooting, and Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves scored 13 points apiece for the Lakers, who fell back below .500 at 19-20. The Suns broke a five-game losing streak against the Lakers and will now face Portland next, while the Lakers travel to Utah for their next game.
Milwaukee Bucks 135 - 102 Boston Celtics
The Milwaukee Bucks, led by Bobby Portis and Giannis Antetokounmpo, went on a 25-0 spurt in the first half to dominate the tired Boston Celtics 135-102, marking just their second win in six games. The Bucks led by as many as 43 points and had a 75-38 halftime lead, their fourth-biggest in franchise history. Milwaukee shot 56.5% overall, while Portis scored 28 points and Antetokounmpo added 24 points and 12 rebounds. The Celtics rested all their starters in the second half, allowing Payton Pritchard to score 21 points. Milwaukee will face the Golden State Warriors next, while Boston will host the Houston Rockets.
Oklahoma City Thunder 139 - 77 Portland Trail Blazers
The Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the Portland Trail Blazers with a 139-77 victory, tying the fifth-largest margin of victory in NBA history. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 31 points, while Josh Giddey recorded a triple-double. The Thunder shot 57% from the field and had a franchise-record 41 assists on 53 made field goals. The Trail Blazers struggled, shooting just 27.7% from the field, with Anfernee Simons scoring 14 points and Scoot Henderson shooting 4-for-21. Portland coach Chauncey Billups admitted the team generated good looks in the first half but couldn't make shots, leading to their second-worst loss in franchise history. Oklahoma City now ties for the best record in the Western Conference at 26-11.