30.01.2024
Houston Rockets 135 - 119 Los Angeles Lakers
The Houston Rockets powered past the Los Angeles Lakers with a final score of 135-119, led by Jalen Green's 34 points and Alperen Sengun's 31 points. The Rockets were up by as many as 30 points in the second half, but the Lakers made a late run to cut the lead to 10 before ultimately falling short. Both Green and Sengun had double-doubles with 12 rebounds and seven assists each, while Cam Whitmore added 20 points off the bench. The Lakers were led by LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and D'Angelo Russell, who each scored 23 points. Jarred Vanderbilt was ejected after two technical fouls, and tensions ran high between the teams throughout the game. James missed key free throws, and the Lakers will look to bounce back against the Atlanta Hawks in their next game, while the Rockets will face the New Orleans Pelicans.
Cleveland Cavaliers 118 - 108 LA Clippers
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 118-108 on Monday night, with Donovan Mitchell scoring 28 points and Jarrett Allen recording 20 points and 17 rebounds. The Cavs welcomed back Evan Mobley from injury, who contributed 10 points and nine rebounds in his return. The Clippers, who had won five straight games, were led by Kawhi Leonard with 30 points. Cleveland is now 10-1 since January 3, despite missing key players like Darius Garland. The Cavs handed the Clippers just their fifth loss in 27 games since December 2, with Allen extending his double-double streak to 15 straight games.
Boston Celtics 118 - 112 New Orleans Pelicans
Jayson Tatum led a fourth-quarter rally as the Boston Celtics snapped a two-game home skid with a 118-112 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. The Celtics improved to 21-2 at TD Garden behind Tatum's 26 points, while Jaylen Brown added 22 points and 11 rebounds. Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 28 points, but turnovers in the fourth quarter cost them the game. Zion Williamson had 26 points in his second game back from injury. The victory reminded Boston of the need to earn wins every night, according to coach Joe Mazzulla. The Celtics will next host the Indiana Pacers, while the Pelicans will face the Houston Rockets.
Memphis Grizzlies 94 - 103 Sacramento Kings
Domantas Sabonis had a career-high 26 rebounds and 20 points, leading the Sacramento Kings to a 103-94 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Sabonis also had five assists, becoming the second player in NBA history to achieve at least 20 points, 25 rebounds, five assists, and a shooting percentage of 90% or better. De'Aaron Fox added 23 points for the Kings, who won their fourth straight game. The Grizzlies were short-handed with 11 players out due to injuries, but still managed to compete until the final minutes. Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 22 points, while Santi Aldama added 16 points. Sacramento outscored Memphis 28-21 in the third quarter and held them scoreless in the final three minutes to secure the win. The Kings continue their road trip with a game against Miami, while the Grizzlies are set to host Cleveland next.
Portland Trail Blazers 130 - 104 Philadelphia 76ers
GRANT HAS 27 AND BLAZERS BEAT THE 76ERS 130-104 as Joel Embiid nurses a sore left knee, leading to his absence from the game. Jerami Grant scored 27 points, Malcolm Brogdon added 24 points and Scoot Henderson had 22 points for the Blazers, who secured their largest margin of victory this season. Kelly Oubre Jr. had 25 points for the 76ers, who lost their third straight game without Embiid. Portland led by as much as 31 points in the final quarter, with Matisse Thybulle's 3-pointer putting them ahead by 20. Embiid missed his 12th game of the season and can only miss five more to remain eligible for league awards, including MVP. The Blazers play the Milwaukee Bucks next while the 76ers face the Golden State Warriors.
Oklahoma City Thunder 101 - 107 Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 107-101 in a highly contested matchup between the top teams in the Western Conference. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 27 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 points and 10 rebounds. On the other side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 37 points for the Thunder. The game featured 24 lead changes and six ties, with the Timberwolves ultimately pulling away in the final minutes. Rookie Chet Holmgren struggled for the Thunder, finishing with just four points. The Timberwolves managed to secure the win despite missing point guard Mike Conley, who sat out due to injury.
San Antonio Spurs 113 - 118 Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards rallied in the final six minutes for a 118-113 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, ending the Spurs' two-game winning streak. Kyle Kuzma had 18 points and 11 rebounds, Daniel Gafford had 16 points and 13 rebounds, and Gafford's dunk with 5.1 seconds remaining sealed the win for Washington. The Wizards overcame a 14-point deficit in the third quarter, going on a 9-0 run to tie the game. Devin Vassell had 24 points and Victor Wembanyama had 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Spurs, but it wasn't enough as the Wizards outscored them 31-20 in the final quarter. This victory marked the Wizards' first consecutive wins of the season and improved their record to 2-1 under interim coach Brian Keefe.
Dallas Mavericks 131 - 129 Orlando Magic
In a thrilling matchup, Luka Doncic and Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Dallas Mavericks past the Orlando Magic with a final score of 131-129. Doncic recorded an impressive 45 points and 15 assists, while Hardaway Jr. added 36 points in a game that saw the Mavericks shoot a season-best 62.3% from the field. The Magic had a strong first half, but Dallas came back with a 31-9 run in the third quarter to secure the win. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 36 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Mavericks. The victory marked the Mavericks' third consecutive win, with their next game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Magic will face the San Antonio Spurs.
Denver Nuggets 113 - 107 Milwaukee Bucks
Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to a 113-107 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, spoiling Doc Rivers' debut as the Bucks coach. Jokic recorded his 14th triple-double of the season with 25 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists, while Jamal Murray added 35 points for the Nuggets. Rivers saw his new team fight back from a nine-point deficit, with Giannis Antetokounmpo scoring 29 points for the Bucks. The win marked Michael Malone's 400th victory as coach of the Nuggets, as they prepare to face the Oklahoma City Thunder next, while the Bucks will play against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Brooklyn Nets 147 - 114 Utah Jazz
In a dominant performance, the Brooklyn Nets routed the Utah Jazz with a final score of 147-114. Ben Simmons made a successful return from injury, just missing a triple-double with 10 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench. Mikal Bridges led the Nets with 33 points, while Cam Thomas added 25 points. The Nets had their highest point total ever scored at home in a regulation game, with 41 assists on 54 field goals and 21 3-pointers made. The Jazz, who were trying to set a record for scoring 120 points in 12 straight games, were outworked and committed 17 turnovers which the Nets turned into 27 points. The Nets will next host the Phoenix Suns, while the Jazz will visit the New York Knicks.
Charlotte Hornets 92 - 113 New York Knicks
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks to their seventh straight win with 32 points, as they beat the Hornets 113-92. The Knicks played without Julius Randle, who is injured, and also missing several other key players. Donte DiVincenzo added 28 points, helping the Knicks pull away in the second half with strong 3-point shooting. Charlotte's Brandon Miller scored 29 points in a losing effort, while Hornets coach Steve Clifford was ejected after arguing a non-call on a play where Miller was hit in the face. The Knicks will face Utah next, while the Hornets take on Chicago.
Miami Heat 105 - 118 Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Miami Heat 118-105, with Eric Gordon scoring 23 points and Devin Booker adding 22. The Suns, who are 8-2 in their last 10 games, swept the Heat for just the second time in the last 17 seasons. Miami has now lost seven in a row and are struggling to find their footing. Jimmy Butler led the Heat with 26 points, while the Suns got a strong contribution from their bench with 48 points. The Heat will look to bounce back as they host Sacramento next, while the Suns will visit Brooklyn.