20.01.2024
New Orleans Pelicans 109 - 123 Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker put on a scoring clinic, dropping a season-high 52 points in the Phoenix Suns' 123-109 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Booker's 52 points marked his second straight 50-point game against the Pelicans, as he had previously scored 58 points against them. Additionally, the Suns' Kevin Durant added 26 points and Jusuf Nurkic grabbed 15 rebounds in the win. Despite Zion Williamson's 24 points for the Pelicans, they struggled to keep up with Booker's offensive onslaught. The Suns shot 49.5% from the field and led by as much as 30 points in the second half, extending their winning streak to four games.
Charlotte Hornets 124 - 120 San Antonio Spurs
LaMelo Ball led the Charlotte Hornets to a 124-120 victory over the San Antonio Spurs with 16 of his 28 points coming in the fourth quarter, ending their six-game losing streak. The Spurs were missing rookie star Victor Wembanyama, who sat out for the sixth time this season due to a sprained ankle and minutes restriction. Brandon Miller added 24 points for Charlotte as they secured their second win in 19 games, while Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 25 points. Charlotte responded to San Antonio taking their first leads of the game by scoring 10 straight points for a crucial advantage and held on for the win.
Orlando Magic 109 - 124 Philadelphia 76ers
Embiid and Maxey combined for over 60 points as the Philadelphia 76ers set a franchise record in a 124-109 win over the Orlando Magic. Embiid scored 36 points in just 31 minutes, while Maxey added 31 points, five assists, and three steals. The duo broke a 58-year-old record set by Wilt Chamberlain and Hal Greer for most 30-point games in a season. The 76ers won their ninth straight road game with Embiid in the lineup, extending their winning streak to four games. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey are making a formidable duo, with Maxey scoring 20 or more points in 11 straight games.
Portland Trail Blazers 118 - 115 Indiana Pacers
Jerami Grant scored 37 points to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 118-115 victory over the Indiana Pacers, spoiling Pascal Siakam's debut with 21 points for the Pacers. Malcolm Brogdon added 30 points for the Blazers, while Myles Turner had 29 points and 12 rebounds for Indiana. Tyrese Haliburton returned from injury with 21 points and 17 assists for the Pacers. Portland's win came after a two-game losing streak, with Deandre Ayton returning from injury with 12 points. Siakam was acquired by Indiana in a trade earlier in the week and is expected to strengthen the team's offense alongside Haliburton. The Pacers led the league in scoring, while the Blazers were ranked last. Portland now faces the Los Angeles Lakers, while Indiana visits the Phoenix Suns.
Boston Celtics 100 - 102 Denver Nuggets
In a thrilling game, the Denver Nuggets, led by Jamal Murray's 35 points and Nikola Jokic's 34 points, handed the Boston Celtics their first home loss of the season with a final score of 102-100. Jokic also added 12 rebounds and nine assists, while Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 22 points. Despite a late push from Boston, the Nuggets held on for the win, ending the Celtics' streak of 20 consecutive home victories. The game featured 13 lead changes and eight ties, showcasing high-level basketball from two All-Star players. The victory was particularly impressive for Jokic, who played with a heavy heart following the passing of his former coach.
Miami Heat 108 - 109 Atlanta Hawks
Dejounte Murray's game-winning 3-pointer lifted the Atlanta Hawks past the Miami Heat, 109-108, spoiling Udonis Haslem's jersey retirement night. Murray, who hit a similar shot in the previous game, led the Hawks with 22 points, while Tyler Herro and Jimmy Butler each scored 25 for the Heat. The win snapped Miami's 22-game home winning streak against Southeast Division opponents, and marked Quin Snyder's 400th regular-season victory. The game included a longer-than-usual halftime ceremony for Haslem, who made it clear he expected a win on his special night. The Hawks face Cleveland next, while the Heat play Orlando.
Los Angeles Lakers 112 - 130 Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets dominated the second half to route the Los Angeles Lakers 130-112, snapping a four-game losing streak and winning for the fourth time in 18 games. Cam Thomas scored 33 points, including 20 in the first half, while Nic Claxton added 22 points and 14 rebounds. The Nets outscored the Lakers by 24 in the second half and had seven players in double figures. The Lakers, led by Anthony Davis and LeBron James, struggled with turnovers and shooting after halftime. The Nets had 19 3-pointers, with Thomas, Dinwiddie, and Bridges each hitting four. The Lakers dropped below .500 with the loss.