04.02.2024
New York Knicks 105 - 113 Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James scored 24 points as the Los Angeles Lakers ended the New York Knicks' nine-game winning streak with a 113-105 victory. Austin Reaves added 22 points, D'Angelo Russell and Taurean Prince each had 16 points, and Anthony Davis contributed 12 points and 18 rebounds for the Lakers. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 36 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Lakers' strong fourth-quarter performance, including a game-clinching 11-0 run. The Lakers move above .500 with their second straight win, while the Knicks look to bounce back against Memphis on Tuesday.
Chicago Bulls 115 - 123 Sacramento Kings
Domantas Sabonis had a triple-double and De'Aaron Fox scored 41 points as the Sacramento Kings defeated the Chicago Bulls 123-115. Sabonis recorded his 14th triple-double of the season and extended his streak of double-doubles to 31 games. The Bulls were without key players due to injuries, including Zach LaVine who is set to undergo season-ending surgery. Despite a late rally by Chicago, Fox's clutch free throws helped the Kings secure the win. Sacramento improved to 5-1 on their seven-game road trip and has won six of their last seven games.
San Antonio Spurs 101 - 117 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers dominated the San Antonio Spurs with a final score of 117-101, led by Donovan Mitchell's 31 points and Evan Mobley's 28 points and 10 rebounds. Jarrett Allen added 26 points and 16 rebounds in the Cavaliers' fifth straight win. Despite a strong performance from Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama with 19 points and 14 rebounds, San Antonio lost their fourth straight game. The game ended with a heated altercation between Mitchell and Zach Collins, resulting in both players being ejected. Cleveland showcased their size advantage and talent, with the Spurs struggling on the second night of a back-to-back. With the win, the Cavaliers look ahead to hosting the Sacramento Kings while the Spurs prepare for a nine-game road trip starting in Miami.
Dallas Mavericks 117 - 129 Milwaukee Bucks
Doc Rivers notched his first win as the Bucks coach in a thrilling 129-117 victory over the Mavericks, securing his spot as the Eastern Conference All-Star Game coach. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 48 points, while Damian Lillard added 30 points to help Milwaukee overcome a 25-point deficit for the win. Luka Doncic had 40 points and 11 assists for Dallas, but it wasn't enough to hold off the Bucks' comeback. The win marks a significant turnaround for the Bucks under Rivers' leadership, setting the stage for an exciting All-Star Game with Rivers at the helm.
Atlanta Hawks 141 - 134 Golden State Warriors
In a high-scoring battle, Stephen Curry put on a show by scoring a season-high 60 points in the Warriors' 141-134 overtime loss to the Hawks, falling short despite his impressive performance. Trae Young led the Hawks with 35 points, while Curry had 22 points in the fourth quarter and 8 points in overtime. Despite the loss, Curry received praise from his teammates and coach for his incredible performance, with Draymond Green calling him "special" at his age. The game marked the Hawks' fourth straight win during their homestand, while the Warriors continue to struggle with injuries and a frustrating season. Curry and Young, two of the league's best guards, embraced after the game, with Young acknowledging that games are more fun when you win.
Philadelphia 76ers 121 - 136 Brooklyn Nets
Cam Thomas led the Brooklyn Nets to a 136-121 victory over the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers, scoring 40 points in the game. This win snapped a nine-game losing streak for the Nets against the 76ers. Philadelphia was without Joel Embiid, Tobias Harris, Nicolas Batum, DeAnthony Melton, and Robert Covington, contributing to their struggles in the game. The Nets dominated from beyond the arc, going 20 for 51 from 3-point range, and outrebounded Philadelphia 53-44. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 23 points, but it was not enough to overcome the strong performance by Thomas and the Nets.
Next up, the Nets will host Golden State while the 76ers will host Dallas.