06.02.2024
Brooklyn Nets 98 - 109 Golden State Warriors
Stephen Curry scored 29 points and Jonathan Kuminga added 28 to lead the Warriors to a 109-98 win over the Nets. Despite a slow start and shooting just 4 for 22 from behind the arc, all the makes coming from Curry, the Warriors outscored the Nets 66-49 in the second half. Kuminga added 10 rebounds and Draymond Green contributed eight points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Cam Thomas led the Nets with 18 points, but shot just 4 for 21. The Nets struggled offensively, shooting 38% and were outrebounded 60-38 by the Warriors. Nic Claxton added 15 points and a career-high seven blocked shots before being ejected in the fourth quarter. Ben Simmons sat out for the Nets, who will face Dallas next, while the Warriors will visit Philadelphia.
Atlanta Hawks 144 - 149 LA Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Atlanta Hawks 149-144 with Kawhi Leonard scoring 36 points, including 11 in the fourth quarter. James Harden added 30 points and 10 assists for the Clippers, who finished their road trip 6-1. Despite the Hawks getting 25 points from Trae Young and 27 from De'Andre Hunter off the bench, the Clippers shot 60% from 3-point range and only turned the ball over seven times. The win marked the Clippers' second-most points scored in a game this season, and they will now head home to face the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Hawks will travel to play the Boston Celtics next.
Philadelphia 76ers 102 - 118 Dallas Mavericks
In a game where Joel Embiid was out due to injury, Kyrie Irving and Luka Doncic led the Mavericks to a 118-102 victory over the 76ers. Irving returned from a six-game absence to score 23 points and dish out eight assists, while Doncic added 19 points. The win served as a warmup for Irving's return to Brooklyn, where he had a controversial tenure with the Nets. The Sixers struggled without Embiid, dropping to 4-11 without him this season. Dallas dominated the fourth quarter, scoring on 10 straight possessions to secure the victory. Irving reflected on his upcoming return to Brooklyn, expressing excitement to play in Barclays Center. The Mavericks finished 17 of 43 from 3-point range, with Josh Green scoring 20 points in the win.
New Orleans Pelicans 138 - 100 Toronto Raptors
Brandon Ingram's career-high eight 3-pointers and 41 points led the New Orleans Pelicans to a dominant 138-100 victory over the struggling Toronto Raptors. The Pelicans made 19 3-pointers as a team, with CJ McCollum adding 20 points. Raptors rookie Gradey Dick had a season-high 22 points in the loss. The win marked the Pelicans' third straight victory as the Raptors suffered their eighth loss in nine games. Up next, the Raptors visit Charlotte while the Pelicans take on the Clippers in the first game of a four-game road trip.
Cleveland Cavaliers 136 - 110 Sacramento Kings
Donovan Mitchell scored 29 points, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a resounding 136-110 victory over the Sacramento Kings. The win marked Cleveland's sixth straight victory and 14th in 15 games, during which they have been without key starters Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. The Cavaliers hit a season-high 23 3-pointers and improved to 19-4 since mid-December. Domantas Sabonis recorded his 15th triple-double of the season for the Kings, but it was not enough to overcome Cleveland's hot shooting. The Cavaliers' success has propelled them to the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference. Mitchell also announced his intention to participate in the All-Star 3-Point contest this month.
Charlotte Hornets 118 - 124 Los Angeles Lakers
In a game where Anthony Davis recorded his third career triple-double, the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Charlotte Hornets 124-118 for their third consecutive win. Davis contributed 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists, while D'Angelo Russell scored 28 points and LeBron James added 26 points. Lakers shot 64% in the first half, building a lead behind Russell and James. Despite a strong performance from Hornets' Miles Bridges, who scored a career-high 41 points, the Lakers managed to hold on for the win. The Lakers will face the Nuggets next, while the Hornets will host the Raptors. It remains to be seen how the Lakers' roster will change post the NBA trade deadline.