13.02.2024
Memphis Grizzlies 87 - 96 New Orleans Pelicans
In a game where Herbert Jones scored 17 points and Brandon Ingram added 16, the New Orleans Pelicans held on to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 96-87, sending the Grizzlies to their ninth straight loss. Despite a late rally from Memphis, the Pelicans managed to maintain their lead with strong defensive play. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 22 points, while Yuta Watanabe had 11 points in a fourth-quarter push. The Pelicans outrebounded the Grizzlies 49-37 and secured their second straight win. Dyson Daniels' injury will keep him out for an extended period, but the Pelicans bench stepped up in his absence. The Pelicans will face the Wizards next, while the Grizzlies will take on the Rockets.
LA Clippers 100 - 121 Minnesota Timberwolves
Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 121-100 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, with Towns scoring 24 points and Edwards adding 23. The Timberwolves, who are now 37-16 and remain atop the Western Conference, outscored the Clippers 40-19 in the third quarter to pull away for the win. This was the 10th time this season the Timberwolves came back to win after trailing at halftime, showing their resilience and ability to make adjustments. Paul George became the Clippers' career leader in 3-pointers during the game, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Timberwolves' dominant second half performance.
Milwaukee Bucks 112 - 95 Denver Nuggets
The Milwaukee Bucks dominated the Denver Nuggets in a 112-95 victory, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo's impressive performance of 36 points, 18 rebounds, and five assists. The Bucks showcased their improved defense under new coach Doc Rivers, holding the Nuggets to under 100 points for the first time this season. Despite Nikola Jokic's 29 points for Denver, they were hampered by injuries to key players Jamal Murray and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Milwaukee's Bobby Portis was ejected late in the game, but the Bucks still cruised to their second consecutive blowout win. Antetokounmpo's dominant showing and the Bucks' strong defensive effort were the key factors in their victory.
Charlotte Hornets 111 - 102 Indiana Pacers
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Indiana Pacers 111-102 on Monday night behind a strong performance from Miles Bridges, who had 20 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. The Hornets, who recently added five new players via trade, got a boost from newcomers Grant Williams, Seth Curry, Tre Mann, and Vasilije Micic, with Williams leading the team with 21 points. The Pacers, led by Myles Turner's 22 points, couldn't keep up in the fourth quarter as Charlotte held the highest-scoring team in the NBA to just 22 points in the final 12 minutes. The victory marked the Hornets' second straight win and improved their record to 12-41. The Pacers will look to bounce back when they visit Toronto, while the Hornets will host the Hawks in their next game.
Cleveland Cavaliers 121 - 123 Philadelphia 76ers
Buddy Hield scored 24 points in his third game for the 76ers, helping Philadelphia end the Cavaliers' nine-game winning streak with a 123-121 victory. Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 36 points, but couldn't hit the game-winning shot at the buzzer. Tyrese Maxey added 22 points for the Sixers, who were without Joel Embiid. Hield made crucial 3-pointers down the stretch to secure the win, while Mitchell and the Cavs nearly mounted a comeback. The win snapped the Cavs' longest winning streak since LeBron James was on the team in 2018. Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. also had strong performances for the Sixers.
Atlanta Hawks 126 - 136 Chicago Bulls
Ayo Dosunmu scored a career-high 29 points and DeMar DeRozan added 29 as the Chicago Bulls posted a season-high score to beat the Atlanta Hawks 136-126. Dosunmu's performance, along with Nikola Vucevic's 24 points and 11 rebounds, helped the Bulls secure their second win against the Hawks this season. Chicago shot 55.4% from the floor and 46.4% from 3-point range, slowing Atlanta's momentum as they head into the All-Star break. The Bulls remain two games ahead of the Hawks for the No. 9 seed in the East as they look to continue their success on the road against Cleveland next.
Toronto Raptors 99 - 122 San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama shines with a career-high 10 blocks in a triple-double performance, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 122-99 victory over the Toronto Raptors to snap a seven-game losing streak. Wembanyama's impressive stat line of 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 blocks makes him the first player since Hakeem Olajuwon in 1996 to record at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, 10 blocks, and five assists in a game. Devin Vassell also contributed with 25 points as the Spurs led from wire-to-wire, while the Raptors struggled with Scottie Barnes shooting 3 for 15 and drawing coach Darko Rajakovic's criticism for leaving the bench in the final seconds. The win was a much-needed boost for the Spurs as they look ahead to their next game against Dallas.
Dallas Mavericks 112 - 104 Washington Wizards
Luka Doncic recorded his 10th triple-double of the season, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 112-104 victory over the Washington Wizards. Despite missing five minutes of action after receiving stitches on his chin, Doncic finished with 26 points, 15 assists, and 11 rebounds. The Mavericks outscored the Wizards 34-16 in the fourth quarter, shooting 52.2% in the period. Daniel Gafford, traded to Dallas from Washington, had a strong performance with 16 points, 17 rebounds, and five blocks. Deni Avdija scored 25 points for the Wizards, who have lost seven straight games. Dallas has now won five games in a row and will face the San Antonio Spurs next, while the Wizards will play the New Orleans Pelicans.
Utah Jazz 107 - 129 Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors beat the Utah Jazz 129-107 without coach Steve Kerr, who was in Serbia for a funeral. Klay Thompson scored 26 points, Stephen Curry made five 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, and the Warriors extended their winning streak to five games, moving them above .500. Curry finished with 25 points and 10 assists, while Jonathan Kuminga recorded his 31st consecutive game in double figures. The Jazz struggled with a new starting lineup after recent trades. The Warriors will next face the Los Angeles Clippers at home, while the Jazz will host the Los Angeles Lakers.
Houston Rockets 105 - 103 New York Knicks
Aaron Holiday's two free throws after a controversial foul call by Jalen Brunson gave the Houston Rockets a 105-103 victory over the New York Knicks. The Rockets snapped a four-game skid with Dillon Brooks scoring 23 points, Jabari Smith Jr. adding 20, and Alperen Sengun contributing 18. Holiday's late-game heroics helped secure the win, while Brunson and Donte DiVincenzo led the Knicks in scoring. The controversial foul call led to differing reactions from both teams' coaches, with Houston coach Ime Udoka praising his team's resilience and Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau expressing frustration at the tough loss.