14.01.2024
Dallas Mavericks 108 - 118 New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Dallas Mavericks 118-108 with rookie Jordan Hawkins leading the way with a season-high 34 points. Hawkins hit six 3-pointers and was supported by seven other Pelicans players in double figures. The Mavericks were without star player Luka Doncic for the second consecutive game, and struggled with physicality on both ends of the court. With several key players missing on both teams, the Pelicans were able to capitalize on their opportunities and secure the win. The teams will face each other again in a rematch on Monday.
Oklahoma City Thunder 112 - 100 Orlando Magic
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 112-100 victory over a short-handed Orlando Magic team, scoring 37 points and making all six free throws after getting fouled on made baskets. The win tied the Thunder with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the Western Conference lead. Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren contributed with 16 and 15 points, respectively, while Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 20 points. This game marked the first regular-season matchup between the top two picks of the 2022 draft, with Banchero and Holmgren facing off. The Thunder coach praised his team's ability to manufacture a win despite shooting poorly from the 3-point line. The Magic, missing key players due to injuries, will play the New York Knicks next, while the Thunder will face the Los Angeles Lakers.
Atlanta Hawks 99 - 127 Washington Wizards
Kyle Kuzma scored 29 points as the Washington Wizards dominated the Atlanta Hawks, holding them to a season-low 34% shooting and their worst offensive performance of the season in a 127-99 victory. Deni Avdija had an impressive performance with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists, while Trae Young struggled with 21 points on 6-of-19 shooting. The Hawks' loss snapped a six-game winning streak against the Wizards and ended their streak of 94 consecutive games scoring at least 100 points. The Wizards improved their road record to 4-18 with their largest victory of the season.
Boston Celtics 145 - 113 Houston Rockets
In an explosive offensive performance, the Boston Celtics dominated the Houston Rockets with a final score of 145-113, improving their record to 19-0 at home. Jayson Tatum led the way with 27 points before being ejected for arguing with referees in the fourth quarter. Jaylen Brown added 32 points as the Celtics extended their home winning streak to 26 games. Former Celtics coach Ime Udoka, coaching in Boston for the first time since being fired, saw his Rockets fall to a record of 19-19. The Celtics will look to continue their success on the road against Toronto next.
Utah Jazz 132 - 125 Los Angeles Lakers
The Utah Jazz rallied past the Los Angeles Lakers 132-123, extending their winning streak to five games. Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 29 points, Collin Sexton added 27, and Jordan Clarkson contributed 21. The Lakers, playing without LeBron James, saw Anthony Davis record a triple-double but struggled on both ends of the floor. Utah dominated in transition, scoring 27 fast-break points and 23 points off turnovers. The Jazz went 17 of 19 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter and 36 of 39 overall. Los Angeles will host Oklahoma City next, while Utah will host Indiana.
Milwaukee Bucks 129 - 118 Golden State Warriors
Bucks came out victorious with a big 129-118 win over the Warriors as Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 33 points and Khris Middleton added 24. The Warriors rested Stephen Curry, but Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski stepped up with 28 and 23 points, respectively. Bucks rookie Andre Jackson Jr. posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while Milwaukee outscored the Warriors 46-37 in the fourth quarter to secure the win. Coach Steve Kerr said Green could return from his suspension soon as the Warriors continue their road trip. Bucks look to continue their success as they host Sacramento next, while the Warriors visit Memphis.
Memphis Grizzlies 94 - 106 New York Knicks
In a game marked by injuries for both teams, Julius Randle's 24 points and 11 rebounds led the New York Knicks to a 106-94 victory over the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies. Miles McBride added a career-high 19 points for the Knicks, who outrebounded Memphis 56-35. Despite missing key players like Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr., the Grizzlies were led by GG Jackson's 20 points. The Knicks controlled the game in the second half, outscoring Memphis 30-15 in the third quarter to secure the win. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau earned his 500th career win with the victory, while Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins praised his team's competitive spirit despite the loss. The Knicks will host Orlando next, while the Grizzlies will face Golden State.
San Antonio Spurs 116 - 122 Chicago Bulls
Nikola Vucevic's double-double led the Chicago Bulls to a 122-116 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, who were missing Victor Wembanyama. Tre Jones scored a career-high 30 points for the Spurs, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Bulls' late rally. The game saw Chicago close on an 8-1 run and Vucevic hit a crucial 3-pointer in the final seconds. San Antonio struggled offensively with Devin Vassell having a tough shooting night, while Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 26 points. The win marked the Bulls' fourth victory in five games, while the Spurs saw their two-game winning streak come to an end.