18.01.2024
Boston Celtics 117 - 98 San Antonio Spurs
Jayson Tatum scored 24 points and Jaylen Brown returned to lead the Celtics past the Spurs, 117-98. French rookie Victor Wembanyama scored 27 points for San Antonio, but it wasn't enough to overcome Boston's balanced attack. The Celtics remain undefeated at home this season and have won three straight games. Wembanyama, the No. 1 overall pick, will sit out Friday's game against Charlotte but is excited to face off against former French teammate Bilal Coulibaly on Saturday night. The Spurs have now lost three straight games as they continue to struggle in the Western Conference.
Atlanta Hawks 106 - 104 Orlando Magic
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 106-104 after Dejounte Murray hit a buzzer-beating 17-footer, finishing with 26 points. The game was tight throughout, with Paolo Banchero tying it up with a 3-pointer before Murray's game-winning shot. Trae Young struggled shooting but teammates stepped up, including Onyeka Okongwu with 15 points. The Hawks overcame 23 turnovers and a sloppy night with the ball to secure the victory. The Magic's Banchero led with 26 points, while Wendell Carter Jr. and Jalen Suggs contributed 18 and 16 points respectively. The Hawks will face Miami next, while the Magic will host Philadelphia.
Los Angeles Lakers 127 - 110 Dallas Mavericks
The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 127-110, with Anthony Davis showcasing his passing skills with nine assists, just one shy of a triple-double, to complement his 28 points and 12 rebounds. Despite Luka Doncic's triple-double performance with 33 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, the Mavericks struggled from beyond the arc, going 11 of 40 on 3-pointers. D'Angelo Russell led the Lakers with 29 points and benefited from Davis' passing, as Los Angeles shot 53.8% from the field and had a 32-7 advantage in fast-break points. The Lakers are now 21-21 on the season, while the Mavericks dropped to 5-4 in January.
New Orleans Pelicans 132 - 112 Charlotte Hornets
In a dominant 132-112 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, the New Orleans Pelicans set a franchise record for 3-pointers with 25, highlighted by Brandon Ingram's triple-double performance of 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. CJ McCollum added 22 points, Jordan Hawkins made six 3s for 21 points, and Trey Murphy III hit five 3s for 18 points. The Pelicans' impressive shooting and ball movement led to 32 assists on 44 field goals, while Zion Williamson contributed 13 points and nine assists. LaMelo Ball had 29 points for the struggling Hornets, who have lost six straight. The Pelicans will host the Phoenix Suns next, while the Hornets will host the San Antonio Spurs.
Toronto Raptors 121 - 97 Miami Heat
The Toronto Raptors dominated the Miami Heat with a 121-97 win, led by Gary Trent Jr.'s season-high 28 points and RJ Barrett's 26 points. The Heat trailed by 35 points at halftime, their largest halftime deficit in team history. Trent made a season-high eight 3-pointers, while the Raptors set a season-high with 20 3-pointers in the game. The win was dedicated to Serbian coach Dejan Milojević, who passed away. Pascal Siakam was traded to the Indiana Pacers, receiving three future first-round draft picks and two players in return. The Heat will face Atlanta next, while the Raptors will host Chicago.
Portland Trail Blazers 105 - 103 Brooklyn Nets
Anfernee Simons hit a game-winning floater with 0.2 seconds left as the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Brooklyn Nets 105-103. Simons, who was questionable with an illness, finished with 20 points while Jerami Grant led the Blazers with 30 points. Mikal Bridges scored 21 points for the Nets before leaving briefly due to a collision. Despite the Nets leading by 11 late in the third quarter, the Blazers closed the gap and ultimately secured the win. This victory snapped a four-game losing streak for Portland. Blazers center Deandre Ayton was set to make his return but couldn't get to the arena due to icy conditions. The win was the second and final meeting between the teams this season, with Portland winning both games. The Nets will visit the Los Angeles Lakers next, while the Trail Blazers will host the Indiana Pacers.
New York Knicks 109 - 94 Houston Rockets
The New York Knicks bounced back with a 109-94 victory over the Houston Rockets, fueled by Julius Randle's 31 points and Jalen Brunson's 30 points in his return from injury. The Knicks improved to 24-17 at the halfway point of their season on coach Tom Thibodeau's birthday. Fred VanVleet led the Rockets with 24 points and 12 assists, but Houston lost their eighth straight game to New York. The Knicks are 7-2 since acquiring OG Anunoby in a trade and look to continue their success as they host Washington next.
Detroit Pistons 117 - 124 Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 27 points and eight assists as they defeated the Pistons 124-117. Jaden Ivey matched his career high with 32 points for the Pistons, who were missing Cade Cunningham. Karl-Anthony Towns also scored 27 points for Minnesota, which has won three straight. The Pistons are now 2-35 after winning two of their first three games, including a 28-game losing streak. Minnesota hit key 3-pointers in the second half to secure the win, with Edwards and Towns contributing crucial shots down the stretch. Both teams shot over 50% from the floor in a game that lacked defensive intensity. The Timberwolves will host the Grizzlies next, while the Pistons will face the Bucks in their upcoming games.
Cleveland Cavaliers 135 - 95 Milwaukee Bucks
Donovan Mitchell led the way with 31 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers dominated the Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Milwaukee Bucks 135-95, extending their winning streak to six games. Cavs center Jarrett Allen had his 10th straight double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Georges Niang added a career-high 33 points. The Bucks struggled without their star player, with Damian Lillard leading the team with 17 points on 7 of 20 shooting. Cleveland took advantage early, opening a 22-2 lead and never looking back, holding Milwaukee to a season-low score for the game. The Cavs, who have been without two starters due to injuries, have surprised many by playing better and moving up in the Eastern Conference standings.