08.02.2024
LA Clippers 106 - 117 New Orleans Pelicans
In a thrilling showdown, CJ McCollum scored 13 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, and Zion Williamson added 21 points and 10 assists to lead the New Orleans Pelicans to a 117-106 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, slowing the Clippers' recent surge. Brandon Ingram contributed with 15 points and eight rebounds as the Pelicans secured their fourth consecutive win, matching their longest winning streak of the season. Despite a valiant effort from James Harden and Norman Powell, the weary Clippers, playing their eighth game in 13 days, couldn't keep up with the Pelicans' disciplined play. The Pelicans' dominance was highlighted by their wire-to-wire win, showcasing their ability to lock in and execute their game plan. The Pelicans' next challenge will be against the Lakers, while the Clippers will face Detroit in their next game.
Philadelphia 76ers 104 - 127 Golden State Warriors
Andrew Wiggins recorded a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds, leading the Golden State Warriors to a 127-104 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite Stephen Curry only scoring nine points, Klay Thompson added 18 points in the win. The Warriors, still out of the playoff standings, are looking to make a late-season run. The 76ers, without Joel Embiid, struggled and have lost seven of their last eight games. With the trade deadline approaching, both teams are looking to make moves to improve their rosters.
Charlotte Hornets 117 - 123 Toronto Raptors
Despite a career-high 45 points from Miles Bridges, the Raptors overcame the Hornets 123-117, handing Charlotte their ninth straight loss as RJ Barrett scored 23 points and Jakob Poeltl made crucial plays down the stretch. Barnes and Quickley also contributed 18 points each for Toronto, who finished their road trip with a 2-4 record. This game marked Bridges becoming only the fourth player in Hornets history to have back-to-back 40-point games, amidst trade rumors surrounding him ahead of the deadline. Poeltl's late-game heroics sealed the win for the Raptors, who now look ahead to hosting the Rockets on Friday, while the Hornets visit the Bucks.
Miami Heat 116 - 104 San Antonio Spurs
The Miami Heat topped the San Antonio Spurs 116-104 with Jimmy Butler recording his first triple-double in over two years with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. Tyler Herro also contributed 24 points to the victory. The game remained close for the first three quarters with neither team leading by more than eight points, but the Heat pulled away in the fourth quarter with a 14-4 run. The win marked the beginning of a challenging road trip for the Spurs, who will play nine consecutive road games. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Tre Jones and Devin Vassell each scored 19 points. The Heat will host the Boston Celtics next, while the Spurs will visit Orlando.
Boston Celtics 125 - 117 Atlanta Hawks
Kristaps Porzingis scored 31 points and Derrick White added 21, including 12 in the fourth quarter, to lead the Boston Celtics to a 125-117 win over the Atlanta Hawks. Jayson Tatum had 20 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists as the Celtics improved to 24-3 at home and won their seventh straight over the Hawks. Al Horford added 14 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Despite a strong effort from Atlanta's Saddiq Bey (25 points) and Trae Young (20 points, 10 assists), the Hawks could not overcome Boston's shooting efficiency, as the Celtics shot 52.7% from the floor. Boston's 17 3-pointers ultimately proved too much for Atlanta as they extended their lead in the fourth quarter. White's sharpshooting in the final period sealed the victory for Boston, who were without Jrue Holiday. Sacramento now sets their sights on Philadelphia while Boston will face Washington next.
Washington Wizards 106 - 114 Cleveland Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell scored 40 points, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 114-106 victory over the Washington Wizards for their seventh straight win. Evan Mobley added 22 points as the Cavaliers overcame a close game with nine ties and 17 lead changes. The win moved Cleveland into second place in the Eastern Conference, one game ahead of Milwaukee and New York. Despite a strong performance from Kyle Kuzma, the Wizards couldn't secure a victory, closing a four-game homestand without a win under interim coach Brian Keefe. Mitchell's 40-point effort marked his 18th such game in just 108 games with Cleveland, showcasing his offensive prowess.
Sacramento Kings 120 - 133 Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons guard Jaden Ivey scored a career-high 37 points, with 19 coming in the fourth quarter, to lead his team to a 133-120 victory over the Sacramento Kings. The Pistons were missing their top scorers Cade Cunningham and Bojan Bogdanovic, but got key contributions from Alec Burks, Jalen Duren, and Marcus Sasser. Domantas Sabonis led the Kings with 30 points and 12 rebounds, but it wasn't enough as the Pistons shot 56% from the field and won despite losing the turnover battle. Detroit closed the first half on a 17-5 run and outscored Sacramento 36-21 in the final quarter to secure the win. Kevin Huerter of the Kings was ejected late in the game. Detroit made a pair of trades before the NBA trade deadline, acquiring Simone Fontecchio and trading Monte Morris. The Pistons will face Portland next, while the Kings will host Denver.