10.02.2024
Sacramento Kings 135 - 106 Denver Nuggets
In a dominant performance, Domantas Sabonis led the Sacramento Kings to a 135-106 victory over the Denver Nuggets, breaking a tie with Nikola Jokic for the NBA triple-double lead with 16. Sabonis finished the game with 17 points, 17 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Jokic fell just short with 23 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. The Kings forced 21 turnovers and held a 65-42 advantage in bench scoring, rebounding from a previous loss to the Pistons. Malik Monk had 23 points for Sacramento, while De'Aaron Fox contributed 15 points, 10 assists, and five steals. The Nuggets, playing on the second night of a back-to-back, struggled with self-inflicted errors as their turnovers led to 37 points for the Kings. Sacramento coach Mike Brown praised his team's performance and emphasized the importance of focusing on small details. The Nuggets will face the Milwaukee Bucks next, while the Kings will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Los Angeles Lakers 139 - 122 New Orleans Pelicans
The Los Angeles Lakers scored an impressive 87 points in the first half and went on to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 139-122. D'Angelo Russell scored 30 points, Austin Reaves added 27, and LeBron James had 21 points and 14 assists in the victory. The Lakers dominated with a 51-point second quarter, tying a franchise record, while all five starters scored at least 12 points. Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 30 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Lakers' offensive firepower. Los Angeles is still looking to add help on the buyout market, with Spencer Dinwiddie attending the game as a potential target.
Philadelphia 76ers 121 - 127 Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young led the Atlanta Hawks to a 127-121 win over the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers, scoring 37 points and adding 12 assists. The Hawks snapped a two-game skid while the 76ers, missing key players like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, lost their eighth game in the last nine. The Sixers welcomed new acquisitions Buddy Hield and Cam Payne, who both scored 20 points in their Philadelphia debut. Despite Philadelphia's efforts to close the gap in the fourth quarter, Young's clutch plays helped secure the victory for the Hawks. With Embiid's return uncertain, the 76ers will look to bounce back against the Washington Wizards, while the Hawks will face the Houston Rockets next.
Boston Celtics 133 - 129 Washington Wizards
Jayson Tatum scored 35 points to lead the Boston Celtics to a 133-129 victory over the Washington Wizards for their 40th win of the season. The Celtics reached 40 victories faster than any season since 2008-09. Kristaps Porzingis added 34 points and 11 rebounds, while Deni Avdija and Corey Kispert each scored 24 for the Wizards. Boston rallied in the third quarter, outscoring Washington 36-16, and held on for the win despite a late push from the Wizards. The Celtics will face the Miami Heat next, while the Wizards will take on the Philadelphia 76ers.
Toronto Raptors 107 - 104 Houston Rockets
In a close game, Immanuel Quickley scored 25 points to lead the Toronto Raptors to a 107-104 victory over the Houston Rockets, marking their second straight win. RJ Barrett added 21 points and Jakob Poeltl finished with a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds. Scottie Barnes narrowly missed a triple-double, but his playmaking was key in the win. John Wall, who had 20 points in the first three quarters, was suspended for the game's final quarter, and turned the ball over on the last play. The Rockets cut the deficit to one point late in the fourth quarter, but the Raptors held on for the win. Fred VanVleet did not play due to an injury, missing a chance to return to Toronto where he spent the first seven years of his career.
Milwaukee Bucks 120 - 84 Charlotte Hornets
The Milwaukee Bucks trounced the short-handed Charlotte Hornets 120-84, with Doc Rivers earning his 1,099th regular season win to move into eighth place on the NBA's list. Damian Lillard returned from injury with 26 points, while Malik Beasley made seven 3-pointers. Giannis Antetokounmpo had a double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds, and Bobby Portis added 18 points. The Bucks led by as many as 42 points in the second half, while the Hornets shot just 34.2% from the field. Brandon Miller and Nick Richards each scored 16 points for the struggling Hornets, who have now lost 10 consecutive games. Patrick Beverley made his debut for the Bucks and contributed six points and four assists in 12 minutes. The Bucks will host Denver next, while the Hornets will take on Memphis.