28.02.2024
Washington Wizards 112 - 123 Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors beat the Washington Wizards 123-112 with Klay Thompson scoring 25 points off the bench while Stephen Curry was held scoreless in the first half. Chris Paul made a significant impact in his return after missing seven weeks with a fractured hand, contributing 9 points and 6 assists. The Warriors have won 11 of their last 14 games and are now in ninth place in the Western Conference. Curry ended with 18 points after a slow start, and the team came together for a dominant third quarter performance. Jonathan Kuminga added 21 points, and Tyus Jones had a career-high 17 assists for the Wizards. This win was the Warriors' sixth in the past month with Thompson coming off the bench.
Minnesota Timberwolves 114 - 105 San Antonio Spurs
Anthony Edwards scored 34 points as the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the San Antonio Spurs 114-105 without All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, who missed the game due to personal reasons. Rudy Gobert returned for the Timberwolves and added 13 points and 17 rebounds. Despite a strong start from Victor Wembanyama, the Spurs lost their fifth in a row. Edwards appeared to injure his ankle but came back strong in the second half, leading the Timberwolves to victory. The Spurs committed 23 turnovers leading to 30 points for Minnesota. The Timberwolves will host Memphis next while the Spurs will play against Oklahoma City.
Chicago Bulls 95 - 105 Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham scored 26 points to lead the Detroit Pistons to a 105-95 victory over the Chicago Bulls, ending a six-game losing streak. Simone Fontecchio added 17 points and matched a career high with five 3-pointers, while Jaden Ivey finished with 15 points. The Bulls struggled from beyond the arc, making just 2 of 29 3-pointers. The Pistons' win was a much-needed morale boost following a heated loss the previous night and tied them with the Washington Wizards for the worst record in the NBA. Detroit now faces the Cleveland Cavaliers next, while the Bulls will also take on the Cavaliers in their next game.
Portland Trail Blazers 96 - 106 Miami Heat
The Miami Heat welcomed back key players Jimmy Butler and Terry Rozier, who both made strong returns to the lineup after injuries and suspensions, leading the Heat to a 106-96 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Rozier scored 19 points in his first game back, while Butler had 22 points and nine assists. Anfernee Simons scored 26 points for the Blazers, but they were unable to hold on to their lead as the Heat rallied back in the second half. Deandre Ayton did not play in the second half due to a right hand sprain. The Heat have now won five straight games and will face the Denver Nuggets next, while the Trail Blazers will take on the Memphis Grizzlies.
Atlanta Hawks 124 - 97 Utah Jazz
Atlanta Hawks secured a comfortable 124-97 victory over the Utah Jazz, never trailing in the game and starting with a 12-0 run. Jalen Johnson led the way with 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Dejounte Murray contributed 17 points and 11 assists. The Hawks, without injured stars Trae Young and Onyeka Okongwu, held the Jazz to under 100 points for the first time this season. Former Hawk John Collins, now with Utah, struggled in his return to Atlanta, scoring only five points. The win marks coach Quin Snyder's first game against his former team, and Hawks fans showed their appreciation for Collins with a heartfelt tribute.
Cleveland Cavaliers 121 - 119 Dallas Mavericks
The Cleveland Cavaliers pulled off a miraculous 121-119 win over the Dallas Mavericks with Max Strus sinking a 59-footer at the final horn, capping off his incredible performance of five 3-pointers in the final four minutes. The Mavericks were led by Luka Doncic's 45 points and 14 assists and Kyrie Irving's 30 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome Strus' heroics. Strus' game-winner is the second-longest in the 3-point era, and it was a memorable night for both teams as the Cavaliers improved to 12-3 since January 26th.
Orlando Magic 108 - 81 Brooklyn Nets
In a dominant performance, Franz Wagner led the Orlando Magic to a 108-81 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, scoring 21 points in the absence of All-Star forward Paolo Banchero. Moritz Wagner added 16 points, while the Nets struggled with a 39.2% shooting percentage and 22 turnovers. Mikal Bridges had a season-low four points for Brooklyn, who were missing key players due to injuries. The win marks the Magic's fourth win in five games as they continue their push for a playoff berth.
Boston Celtics 117 - 99 Philadelphia 76ers
Jaylen Brown scored 31 points as the Celtics pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat the 76ers 117-99 for their ninth straight win. Despite struggling from 3-point range and committing turnovers, Boston dominated the rebounding battle and outscored Philadelphia in the second half. Jayson Tatum added 29 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter, while Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 32 points. The Celtics are on a roll while the 76ers have struggled since Joel Embiid's injury. Boston's strong defense and balanced offense were key in securing the victory.
Oklahoma City Thunder 112 - 95 Houston Rockets
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 112-95 victory over the Houston Rockets with 31 points, their sixth straight win. The Thunder dominated the paint, outrebounding the Rockets 55-46 and holding them to 38.9% shooting from the field. Chet Holmgren added 18 points and 13 rebounds for Oklahoma City, while Alperen Sengun had 23 points and 11 rebounds for Houston. The game saw controversial technical fouls and strong performances from both teams, but ultimately the Thunder came out on top for another impressive victory.
Milwaukee Bucks 123 - 85 Charlotte Hornets
The Milwaukee Bucks dominated the Charlotte Hornets with a 123-85 blowout win, marking their third consecutive victory under new coach Doc Rivers. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Bobby Portis led the Bucks in scoring as they held the Hornets to their lowest point total of the season in the first half. The Bucks' defense has improved significantly since the All-Star break, holding opponents to fewer than 100 points in four of their last seven games. Brook Lopez moved into second place on the Bucks' career blocks list in the win. The Hornets acquired new players at the trade deadline but couldn't stop the Bucks' momentum. Milwaukee will face Charlotte again on Thursday.
New York Knicks 92 - 115 New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans pulled away in the second half to beat the injury-depleted New York Knicks 115-92, with Trey Murphy III scoring 26 points, Brandon Ingram adding 24, and Zion Williamson contributing 21. The Knicks were missing multiple starters due to injury, including Jalen Brunson and Isaiah Hartenstein. The Pelicans took control in the third quarter, going on a 10-0 run and maintaining a double-digit lead for the rest of the game. Despite a late push by the Knicks, the Pelicans held on for the victory. New Orleans shot over 50% from the field and behind the arc, while the Knicks struggled with their shooting percentage and three-pointers. Zion Williamson fouled out in his first game at Madison Square Garden without COVID restrictions. The Pelicans will visit Indiana next, while the Knicks will host Golden State.