09.02.2024
Los Angeles Lakers 106 - 114 Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 114-106, with Jamal Murray scoring 29 points and Michael Porter Jr. adding 27. Despite blowing a 15-point lead in the second half, the Nuggets held off the Lakers in the final minutes, sealing the victory with a 10-2 run. The Lakers, who unveiled a statue of Kobe Bryant earlier in the day, were led by Anthony Davis with 32 points and LeBron James with 25. The Lakers, who declined to make any moves at the trade deadline, were short on guards due to injuries. Denver's win marked their third straight victory and eighth in 10 games, showcasing their championship-winning core's potential for the future.
Memphis Grizzlies 110 - 118 Chicago Bulls
DeMar DeRozan and Andre Drummond led the Chicago Bulls to a 118-110 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, with DeRozan scoring 30 points and Drummond adding 21 points and 13 rebounds. The Bulls utilized Drummond and Nikola Vucevic on the floor together, dominating the paint and out-rebounding the Grizzlies. Memphis was led by Jaren Jackson Jr. and GG Jackson, who combined for 55 points. The Bulls rallied in the fourth quarter to secure the win, marking their second straight victory. The Grizzlies, who have struggled with injuries and rotations all season, lost their seventh straight game.
New York Knicks 108 - 122 Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic led the Mavericks to a 122-108 victory over the short-handed Knicks, scoring 39 points, dishing out 11 assists, and grabbing eight rebounds. The Knicks, who were missing multiple key players due to injuries and trades, had only seven players available in the second half. Donte DiVincenzo had a career-high 36 points for New York, but it wasn't enough to overcome the dominant performance by Doncic and the Mavericks. The Knicks have lost two of their last three games after a nine-game winning streak. The Mavericks, who acquired P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford in trades earlier in the day, finished their road trip 3-0 and will look to continue their success against Oklahoma City next, while the Knicks will host Indiana.
Portland Trail Blazers 122 - 128 Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons won consecutive games for the first time since October, beating the Portland Trail Blazers 128-122 in overtime. Jalen Duren had an impressive 27 points and 21 rebounds, while Jerami Grant scored a career-high 49 points for the Trail Blazers. Detroit overcame a 23-point deficit and had several players short-handed due to trades and injuries. This victory marked an important milestone for the Pistons, who have struggled this season. The Pistons will face the Los Angeles Clippers next, while the Trail Blazers will host the New Orleans Pelicans.
Phoenix Suns 129 - 115 Utah Jazz
In a high-scoring affair, Kevin Durant led the Phoenix Suns to a 129-115 victory over the Utah Jazz with 31 points, while Bradley Beal added 30 points. The Suns, playing without Devin Booker, swept the regular-season series from the Jazz and shot nearly 60% from the field. Rookie Grayson Allen dished out a career-high 14 assists in the win. Phoenix moved the ball well with 37 assists and 30 fast-break points, while Utah was led by Lauri Markkanen's 22 points. The Suns extended their winning streak to three games and will face the Golden State Warriors next, while the Jazz will host the Warriors on Monday.
Brooklyn Nets 95 - 118 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers dominated the short-handed Brooklyn Nets with a 118-95 victory on Thursday night, marking their eighth straight win and 16th in 17 games. Donovan Mitchell led the way with 27 points, while Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen each recorded double-doubles. Cleveland shot 53% from the field and outrebounded the Nets 45-33. The game was marred by a scuffle between Ben Simmons and Jarrett Allen, with both players receiving technical fouls. The Nets made several trades at the deadline, including sending Spencer Dinwiddie to Toronto. Brooklyn has now lost three straight games. Mikal Bridges led the Nets with 26 points. The Cavaliers will face the Raptors next, while the Nets will take on the Spurs.
Orlando Magic 127 - 111 San Antonio Spurs
FRANZ WAGNER LEADS MAGIC PAST SPURS, WHO GET 30-POINT SECOND HALF FROM DEVIN VASSELL with a final score of 127-111. Wagner scored 34 points while Vassell had a 30-point second half for the Spurs. Vassell's scoring outburst in the third quarter helped San Antonio cut a 23-point deficit to 10, but the Magic pulled away with an 8-0 run led by Jonathan Isaac in the fourth. Rookie Victor Wembanyama struggled for the Spurs with 15 points, one rebound, three blocks, and five turnovers. Orlando shot 59.8% overall and had a 39-27 rebounding advantage, while Wagner had seven rebounds and seven assists in the win.
Milwaukee Bucks 105 - 129 Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves dominated the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks 129-105, with Anthony Edwards leading the way with 26 points and nine assists. The Timberwolves shot 21 of 41 from 3-point range, spoiling the home debut of new Bucks coach Doc Rivers. The Bucks were missing key players like Damian Lillard and Khris Middleton, while the Timberwolves also had a short bench due to trade deadline moves. A.J. Green scored a career-high 27 points for the Bucks, but it wasn't enough to overcome Minnesota's strong performance. The Timberwolves now face the Los Angeles Clippers while the Bucks host the Charlotte Hornets next.
Indiana Pacers 109 - 131 Golden State Warriors
In a dominant performance, Stephen Curry scored 29 of his 42 points in the first half, hitting 11 3-pointers to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 131-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers. The Warriors have now won three straight games, with Curry posting his fifth 40-point game of the season. The Pacers struggled to contain Curry's hot shooting, with coach Rick Carlisle admitting they were outplayed by the Warriors' intensity. This win marks a resurgence for the Warriors, who are aiming to secure a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference.