07.02.2024
Miami Heat 121 - 95 Orlando Magic
Jimmy Butler led the Miami Heat with 23 points as they used a balanced attack to run past the Orlando Magic 121-95. Butler went on a personal 8-0 run in just 63 seconds during the fourth quarter to seal the victory. The Heat had seven players in double figures, including Terry Rozier with 18 points and Bam Adebayo with 14 points. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 23 points, extending his streak of scoring at least 20 points in road games to 18. Miami pulled into a tie with Orlando atop the Southeast Division with identical 27-24 records and won the season series 3-1. The Heat led by 20 points in the first half before the Magic closed the gap, but Miami pulled away in the third quarter and never looked back. The Heat host San Antonio next, while the Magic will also face San Antonio in their next game.
Brooklyn Nets 107 - 119 Dallas Mavericks
Kyrie Irving made a triumphant return to Brooklyn, scoring 36 points to lead the Mavericks to a 119-107 victory over the Nets. Irving, who grew up as a Nets fan in the area, put on a show for his family and friends in attendance. Luka Doncic added 35 points, 18 rebounds, and nine assists for the Mavericks, while Mikal Bridges led the short-handed Nets with 28 points. Despite a late run by the Nets to cut the deficit, Irving hit timely 3-pointers to secure the win. The game marked Irving's first return to Brooklyn since being traded, as the Nets showed photos of Irving and other former Nets players on the videoboard. The Mavericks' guard tandem dominated the game, with Dallas now set to face New York on Thursday.
Indiana Pacers 132 - 129 Houston Rockets
In a thrilling matchup, Pascal Siakam scored 29 points, including 17 in a crucial third-quarter rally, to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 132-129 victory over the Houston Rockets. Siakam and T.J. McConnell's offensive firepower, combined with an improved defensive effort in the second half, allowed the Pacers to secure their second straight win. Despite a strong performance from Jalen Green, who had 30 points for the Rockets, Indiana's defense held strong in the third quarter to secure the win. Tyrese Haliburton added 18 points on a minutes restriction as he continues to rehab from injury, helping seal the victory for the Pacers. The Rockets will look to bounce back on the road against Toronto, while the Pacers prepare to host Golden State next.
Chicago Bulls 129 - 123 Minnesota Timberwolves
Coby White led the Bulls to a thrilling 129-123 overtime win against the Timberwolves after Chicago erased a 23-point deficit. White and DeMar DeRozan each scored 33 points, with Andre Drummond adding a double-double with 16 points and 16 rebounds. Anthony Edwards had 38 points and 12 rebounds for Minnesota, but it was not enough as the Bulls rallied in the second half. DeRozan scored the Bulls' first six points in overtime and finished with five assists and four steals. Zach LaVine, who is out for the season, was missed but Chicago managed to secure the win.
New York Knicks 123 - 113 Memphis Grizzlies
The New York Knicks held on to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 123-113, with Jalen Brunson scoring 27 points before leaving with an ankle injury. Donte DiVincenzo added 32 points for the Knicks, who won their 10th game in their last 11. The Grizzlies, who have been plagued by injuries, saw seven players score in double figures but couldn't overcome the deficit. Despite a late surge, New York's strong shooting performance and DiVincenzo's clutch plays secured the win. The Knicks will face the Dallas Mavericks next, while the Grizzlies will host the Chicago Bulls.
Phoenix Suns 114 - 106 Milwaukee Bucks
In a game where Kevin Durant threw down a thunderous dunk over Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Phoenix Suns pushed past the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks 114-106. Devin Booker scored 32 points, Durant added 28 with a big fourth quarter, and the Suns took a 79-73 lead into the final quarter to secure the win. Despite missing star guard Damian Lillard and starting center Brook Lopez, the Bucks were led by Antetokounmpo's 34 points, but ultimately fell to the Suns. Phoenix, now 11-3 since January 11, won despite shooting just 29% from 3-point range and will face Utah next, while the Bucks will host Minnesota.
Utah Jazz 124 - 117 Oklahoma City Thunder
Lauri Markkanen scored 33 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Utah Jazz to a 124-117 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Jazz outscored the Thunder in second-chance points and paint points, with John Collins adding 22 points and Keyonte George putting up 16 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 28 points. Markkanen's performance, along with key plays down the stretch, helped the Jazz rally from a double-digit deficit to secure the win at home. Utah now holds a 20-1 record when leading to start the fourth quarter.