01.03.2024
Denver Nuggets 103 - 97 Miami Heat
The Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat 103-97 with Michael Porter Jr. scoring 30 points to lead the team in scoring after Jamal Murray left the game due to a sprained ankle. The Nuggets never trailed in the game, but Miami made a late fourth-quarter rally to cut the lead to 99-97. Nikola Jokic added 18 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, while Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 22 points. The game had a playoff vibe as it was the first meeting between the two teams since the NBA Finals last June, which the Nuggets won. Despite missing key players due to injuries, the Heat showed resilience and will have a chance for revenge when they face the Nuggets again on March 13.
Phoenix Suns 110 - 105 Houston Rockets
Devin Booker scored 35 points and Kevin Durant added 24 as the Suns beat the Rockets 110-105, with Jusuf Nurkic making a significant impact with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and crucial blocks down the stretch. Booker scored 20 points in the first quarter and Phoenix led by as much as 18 before holding off a late Rockets' rally. Houston's Jalen Green led all scorers with 34 points, but the Rockets struggled shooting just 33.3% from the field and 24.4% from beyond the arc. Phoenix has now won seven of their last 10 games and nine in a row at home to stay in the playoff race, while Houston has lost eight of their last 10 games.
San Antonio Spurs 132 - 118 Oklahoma City Thunder
Wembanyama and the Spurs defeated the Thunder 132-118 to snap a five-game losing streak, with Wembanyama showcasing his skills with 28 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 blocks, and 5 three-pointers. This marked the first time in NBA history a player accomplished such a stat line. Despite Oklahoma City's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 31 points, the Spurs emerged victorious, with Wembanyama leading the way. The win was significant for San Antonio, who had previously struggled on their road trip, and Wembanyama's enthusiasm for playing in front of fans was evident as he shouted into a live house microphone post-game.
Charlotte Hornets 99 - 111 Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to a 111-99 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, scoring 24 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. The Bucks swept the season series, outscoring the Hornets by an average of 29.2 points in four games. Malik Beasley added 19 points with five 3-pointers and Bobby Portis had a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. The Bucks shot 55% in the first half and moved the ball well, emphasizing extra passes under coach Doc Rivers. Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 21 points, but the Bucks controlled the game early and never let up. With this win, the Bucks look to continue their success against the Chicago Bulls next, while the Hornets will face the Philadelphia 76ers.
New York Knicks 99 - 110 Golden State Warriors
Stephen Curry led the Golden State Warriors to a 110-99 victory over the New York Knicks with 31 points and 11 rebounds, bouncing back from a scoreless first half in his previous game to secure a double-double by halftime. The Warriors had a dominant 14-0 start, with Curry finishing with eight 3-pointers and Jonathan Kuminga adding 25 points. Jalen Brunson scored 27 points for the Knicks, who lost starting forwards Julius Randle and OG Anunoby and are uncertain about their return. The Warriors extended their road winning streak to seven games and will face the Toronto Raptors next, while the Knicks will play the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Brooklyn Nets 124 - 97 Atlanta Hawks
Cam Johnson led the Brooklyn Nets to a dominant 124-97 victory over the Atlanta Hawks with a season-high 29 points, including seven 3-pointers. The win marks interim coach Kevin Ollie’s first home victory since taking over and improves the Nets to 23-36 in their fight for the last play-in spot in the Eastern Conference. Dennis Schroder added 23 points and Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 28 points, as Atlanta, playing without star Trae Young, fell to 26-33. Brooklyn's strong performance was highlighted by nine turnovers and 30 assists, setting the tone for a potentially season-changing win.
Orlando Magic 115 - 107 Utah Jazz
The Orlando Magic defeated the Utah Jazz 115-107 with Jalen Suggs and Paolo Banchero leading the way, combining for 44 points. Suggs hit three crucial 3-pointers in the final minutes, while Banchero, back from illness, scored 29 points and grabbed nine rebounds. The Magic won for the 10th time in 13 games, while the Jazz suffered their seventh loss in eight games. Utah's hot shooting from beyond the arc wasn't enough, as they were outrebounded and lacked defensive presence without Walker Kessler. Orlando's strong fourth quarter performance sealed the victory, and they will face the Detroit Pistons next while the Jazz will play the Miami Heat.
Los Angeles Lakers 134 - 131 Washington Wizards
The Lakers pulled off a gritty 134-131 overtime victory over the struggling Washington Wizards, extending their losing streak to 13 games. Anthony Davis put up 40 points and 15 rebounds, while LeBron James added 31 points, coming up big in overtime with a crucial block and 3-pointer. James is now just nine points away from reaching the historic 40,000-point milestone. Despite a valiant effort from the Wizards, led by Jordan Poole's season-high 34 points, they fell short in the final minutes of overtime. The Lakers, now ninth in the Western Conference, continue to push for a playoff spot as they head into a matchup against defending champion Denver next.