24.02.2024
Atlanta Hawks 121 - 123 Toronto Raptors
In a thrilling matchup, Immanuel Quickley's 6 3-pointers and 24 points led the Toronto Raptors to a 123-121 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Scottie Barnes added 20 points and 10 assists for Toronto, while Dejounte Murray scored 24 points for the Hawks. Despite the Hawks' rebound and free throw advantage, the Raptors' three-point shooting and overall shooting percentage ultimately secured the win. Hawks coach Quin Snyder was ejected in the second quarter, and Trae Young struggled with only 11 points on 4-for-13 shooting. The Raptors will face Indiana next, while the Hawks will play Orlando.
Portland Trail Blazers 112 - 127 Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic's 17th triple-double of the season, along with Michael Porter's 34 points, helped the Denver Nuggets defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 127-112. Collin Gillespie made all four of his 3-point attempts off the bench for the Nuggets, finishing with 18 points. Despite Jerami Grant's 25 points for the Trail Blazers, Denver controlled the game with a strong shooting performance, shooting 57.3% from the field. The Nuggets now focus on their playoff push as they prepare to face the Golden State Warriors next, while the Trail Blazers look to bounce back against the Charlotte Hornets.
Minnesota Timberwolves 107 - 112 Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks overtook the Minnesota Timberwolves with a final score of 112-107, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo's 33 points and 13 rebounds. The Timberwolves made a late comeback attempt with Anthony Edwards hitting three 3-pointers, but Damian Lillard sealed the win for the Bucks with a clutch shot. The Bucks outscored the Wolves 36-13 in the third quarter, led by Malik Beasley's 14 points. Karl-Anthony Towns and Rudy Gobert had strong performances for the Wolves, but their sloppy third quarter ultimately cost them the game. Despite missing Khris Middleton, the Bucks improved to 4-7 under new coach Doc Rivers.
Oklahoma City Thunder 147 - 106 Washington Wizards
In a dominant performance, the Oklahoma City Thunder posted their highest point total of the season with a 147-106 win over the Washington Wizards. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 30 points, while rookie Chet Holmgren added 25 points and 10 rebounds. The Thunder shot 59.8% from the field and made 50% of their 3-pointers. The win moved Oklahoma City into a tie atop the Western Conference standings with Minnesota. The Wizards, who have lost 10 straight games, were led by Jordan Poole with 21 points. The Thunder will visit Houston next, while the Wizards will host Cleveland.
Los Angeles Lakers 123 - 118 San Antonio Spurs
In a thrilling match-up, LeBron James led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 123-118 victory over the San Antonio Spurs despite Victor Wembanyama's impressive 5x5 statistical performance. Wembanyama, the youngest player in NBA history to achieve a 5x5, scored 27 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, along with five blocked shots and steals. Anthony Davis added 28 points and 13 rebounds, while James contributed 30 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds. The Lakers clinched their seventh win in nine games, with Wembanyama falling just short of leading the Spurs to a comeback in the last minutes.
Philadelphia 76ers 104 - 97 Cleveland Cavaliers
Tyrese Maxey scored 24 points in the fourth quarter to lead the 76ers to a 104-97 victory over the Cavaliers, handing Cleveland their third loss in four games. Cam Payne added 16 points off the bench, Tobias Harris contributed 15 points and nine rebounds, and Buddy Heild finished with 13 points for Philadelphia. Jarrett Allen had 24 points and Darius Garland added 20 points for the Cavaliers. Cleveland, who shot 42.5% from the field, had their six-game road winning streak halted and were missing All-Star Donovan Mitchell. Maxey's impressive performance helped secure the win for the 76ers, who will next host Milwaukee while the Cavaliers head to Washington.
New Orleans Pelicans 95 - 106 Miami Heat
The Miami Heat topped the New Orleans Pelicans 106-95 in an emotionally charged game that saw Jimmy Butler ejected for his involvement in a fourth-quarter melee. Despite Butler's ejection, the Heat rallied with Bam Adebayo scoring 24 points and Haywood Highsmith igniting a decisive 11-0 run. Despite missing Brandon Ingram and losing CJ McCollum to injury, the Pelicans were led by Zion Williamson's 23 points but struggled with shooting, going 37.5% from the field. Miami shot 44.8% from deep, securing their seventh straight victory over New Orleans. Tyler Herro also left the game with a knee injury. Miami is set to play at Sacramento next, while the Pelicans will host Chicago.
Houston Rockets 114 - 110 Phoenix Suns
In a close match-up, the Houston Rockets held off the Phoenix Suns 114-110, with Fred VanVleet scoring 23 points and Jabari Smith Jr. adding 22 points and 16 rebounds. Kevin Durant led the Suns with 28 points, while Bol Bol had a standout performance with 25 points and 14 rebounds. Durant also moved into ninth place on the NBA scoring list. Despite missing key players, Phoenix made a late surge to take the lead in the fourth quarter, but Houston ultimately sealed the victory with key free throws down the stretch. The Suns will host the Los Angeles Lakers next, while the Rockets will face the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Memphis Grizzlies 95 - 101 LA Clippers
In a closely contested game with 11 lead changes and 8 ties, Kawhi Leonard and Terance Mann led the Los Angeles Clippers to a 101-95 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Leonard scored 24 points, Mann had a season-high 23 points and 12 rebounds, and Paul George added 14 points. Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 29 points. The game was tied in the fourth quarter until the Clippers pulled away with crucial plays, including a dunk by Leonard and a 3-pointer by James Harden. The win kept the Clippers in third place in the Western Conference. Despite the loss, the Grizzlies played tough, led by Ziaire Williams with 10 points and Vince Williams with eight assists. P.J. Tucker returned to the court for the Clippers after being fined earlier in the month. The Clippers will face Sacramento next, while the Grizzlies host Brooklyn in their next game.
Golden State Warriors 97 - 84 Charlotte Hornets
The Golden State Warriors, led by Stephen Curry with 15 points and five assists, beat the Charlotte Hornets 97-84 in a game that ended with a tussle between players. Dell Curry broadcasted the game with both his sons, Stephen and Seth, playing. The Warriors dominated the Hornets on the boards, outrebounding them 53-43, and Klay Thompson came off the bench to score 13 points. Seth Curry, wearing his father's No. 30, scored six points. Stephen Curry moved past Elgin Baylor on the NBA's scoring list with 23,160 points. Hornets' Miles Bridges had 19 points and 11 rebounds in the loss. Warriors coach Steve Kerr agreed to a $35 million, two-year contract extension before the game. Draymond Green criticized the unwritten rule against scoring at the end of games. Golden State extended their winning streak to 10 wins in 12 games.