05.02.2024
Charlotte Hornets 99 - 115 Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers beat the Charlotte Hornets 115-99, overcoming a career-high 35 points from Hornets rookie Brandon Miller. Pascal Siakam had 25 points and nine assists for the Pacers, while Aaron Nesmith added 22 points and Myles Turner had a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds. The Hornets, playing without several key players, lost their seventh straight game. Miller impressed with his performance despite the loss, and the Pacers controlled the game from the start, leading by as much as 24 points in the third quarter. Next, the Pacers will host the Houston Rockets, while the Hornets will host the Los Angeles Lakers on the second night of a back-to-back.
Utah Jazz 123 - 108 Milwaukee Bucks
Lauri Markkanen scored 21 points to lead the Utah Jazz to a 123-108 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, snapping a three-game losing streak. The Jazz outscored the Bucks 40-13 in the fourth quarter, fueled by a 19-3 run to erase a 19-point deficit. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 33 points, but Milwaukee struggled to make shots in the final minutes. Utah's depth proved too much for the tired Bucks, who played without key starters. The Jazz will host Oklahoma City next, while the Bucks will face Phoenix on Tuesday.
Oklahoma City Thunder 135 - 127 Toronto Raptors
The Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a 23-point deficit to beat the Toronto Raptors in double-overtime, with a final score of 135-127. The Thunder tied a team record with 23 3-pointers and were led by Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 24 and 23 points respectively. Lu Dort's six points in the second overtime proved crucial in securing the win, while Aaron Wiggins' layup forced overtime. Despite RJ Barrett's 23 points for the Raptors, the Thunder's impressive comeback sealed the victory.
Boston Celtics 131 - 91 Memphis Grizzlies
Jayson Tatum scored 34 points as the Boston Celtics dominated the short-handed Memphis Grizzlies with a final score of 131-91. With 13 players on the injury report, the Grizzlies could only field eight players, but they put up a fight with Scotty Pippen Jr. leading with 19 points. The Celtics honored former player Marcus Smart, who was traded to Memphis, and the crowd chanted “Thank You, Marcus!” as Smart received an award for his charitable contributions. Despite missing Jaylen Brown due to injury, the Celtics improved to 23-3 at TD Garden with Kristaps Porzingis also contributing 26 points. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla commended his team's response after a disappointing loss to the Lakers, while Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins applauded his team for putting up a good fight against the NBA leaders.
Minnesota Timberwolves 111 - 90 Houston Rockets
In a dominant performance, Anthony Edwards scored 32 points, including 22 in the third quarter, as the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Houston Rockets 111-90. Rudy Gobert added 17 points and 13 rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 14 points and 10 rebounds. The Timberwolves outscored the Rockets in the second half and earned coach Chris Finch the opportunity to lead the Western Conference in the All-Star game. Alperen Sengun had 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Rockets, but their shooting struggles led to a tough loss. The Timberwolves continue their strong play with a five-game road trip starting in Chicago.
Washington Wizards 112 - 140 Phoenix Suns
Bradley Beal scored a season-high 43 points in his return to Washington as the Phoenix Suns rolled past the Wizards 140-112. Beal, who played 11 seasons in Washington before being traded to Phoenix, received a video tribute and standing ovation before the game and then went on to score 26 points in the first half. The Suns shot 61.4% from the field, with Kevin Durant and Jusuf Nurkic adding 18 points apiece. Deni Avdija led the Wizards with 24 points, but they struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 7 of 32. The Suns bounced back from a loss to Atlanta with the road win and will next host Milwaukee, while the Wizards will visit Cleveland.
Detroit Pistons 99 - 111 Orlando Magic
In a game where Franz Wagner dominated the second half, scoring 27 of his career-high-matching 38 points, the Orlando Magic pulled away to beat the Detroit Pistons 111-99 for their third straight win. Wagner, along with Paolo Banchero and Gary Harris, combined for 58 points to lead the Magic to victory. Detroit's Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey each scored 18 points in the losing effort. The game was tied in the fourth quarter before the Magic's local players took over, securing the win. Orlando will face the Miami Heat next, while the Pistons will take on the Sacramento Kings.
Denver Nuggets 112 - 103 Portland Trail Blazers
Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray led the Denver Nuggets to a comeback win over the Portland Trail Blazers, with Jokic scoring 29 points and Murray adding 21 points. The Nuggets trailed by double digits in the first half before rallying for a 112-103 victory, marking their second win over the Blazers in just 48 hours. Christian Braun and Peyton Watson provided key contributions down the stretch, helping Denver improve their home record to 21-4. Despite the loss, the Blazers got strong performances from Deandre Ayton and Anfernee Simons, with Ayton scoring 27 points and Simons adding 26. The Blazers had just one 3-pointer in the second half after hitting 10 before halftime, and they'll look to bounce back against the Detroit Pistons on Thursday. Next up for the Nuggets is a road matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Miami Heat 95 - 103 LA Clippers
Kawhi Leonard scored 25 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Los Angeles Clippers topped the Miami Heat 103-95, marking their 25th win in the last 30 games. James Harden added 21 points and flirted with a triple-double, while Norman Powell scored 16 points and Paul George added 11. The Clippers are on a 5-1 streak on their seven-game road trip and have the best record in the NBA since December. Miami, meanwhile, fell to 2-8 in their last 10 games and struggled offensively, with only Bam Adebayo and Josh Richardson scoring in double digits. The Heat played without Duncan Robinson and Tyler Herro, their top 3-point shooters. The Clippers will face Atlanta next, while the Heat will host Orlando.