19.01.2024
Minnesota Timberwolves 118 - 103 Memphis Grizzlies
The West-leading Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the injury-ravaged Memphis Grizzlies 118-103, with Anthony Edwards scoring 26 of his 28 points in the second half. Rudy Gobert had a double-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and six blocks, while Naz Reid contributed 20 points. The Wolves outscored the Grizzlies 37-17 in the fourth quarter, maintaining their impressive 30-11 record at the midpoint of the season. Despite missing key players like Ja Morant, the Grizzlies put up a fight, with Jaren Jackson Jr. scoring 36 points. The Wolves are on pace for a franchise-record 60 wins and will face the Oklahoma City Thunder next, while the Grizzlies face the Chicago Bulls.
Sacramento Kings 121 - 126 Indiana Pacers
Bennedict Mathurin scored 25 points to lead the short-handed Indiana Pacers to a 126-121 victory over the Sacramento Kings. The Pacers were missing key players such as Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton, but Mathurin stepped up alongside T.J. McConnell who had 20 points and 10 assists. Despite a late surge by the Kings, the Pacers held on for their 10th win in 13 games. Kevin Huerter had a career-high 31 points for Sacramento, but their struggles at the free-throw line ultimately cost them the game. Domontas Sabonis recorded his third straight triple-double in the losing effort. The Pacers will face Portland next, while the Kings will host Atlanta.
New York Knicks 113 - 109 Washington Wizards
In a thrilling game, Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks to a 113-109 victory over the Washington Wizards with an impressive performance, scoring 41 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and dishing out eight assists. Brunson dominated the fourth quarter, scoring 18 of the Knicks' 21 points during a crucial stretch to secure the win. Julius Randle added 21 points for the Knicks, while Donte DiVincenzo and OG Anunoby contributed 19 points each. Marvin Bagley III had a double-double with 20 points and 11 rebounds in his first start for the Wizards. The Knicks extended their winning streak to 8-2 since Anunoby joined the lineup on January 1. Jalen Brunson's spectacular performance propelled the Knicks to victory, showcasing his ability to make opponents frustrated and come through in clutch moments.
Toronto Raptors 110 - 116 Chicago Bulls
Nikola Vucevic and DeMar DeRozan each scored 24 points to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 116-110 victory over the Toronto Raptors. The Bulls snapped a four-game losing streak in Toronto and dominated in the paint, outscoring the Raptors 74-50 in that area. Bulls guard Zach LaVine rolled his right ankle but returned to the game briefly, while Raptors rookie Scottie Barnes scored 31 points in a losing effort. Toronto struggled from 3-point range, shooting just 10 for 38 on the night. Bruce Brown, in his Raptors debut after a trade, contributed 15 points. The Bulls will host Memphis next, while the Raptors will travel to New York for their next game.
Utah Jazz 129 - 134 Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 31-point performance, along with Jalen Williams' big fourth quarter, led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 134-129 victory over the Utah Jazz, snapping Utah's six-game winning streak. Williams scored 27 points, making four 3-pointers, and has been dubbed 'Fourth Quarter Dub.' Collin Sexton also contributed 31 points for the Jazz, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Thunder's strong offensive performance. The Thunder made their first seven shots in the fourth quarter and were able to hold off Utah's comeback attempts, securing the win.