02.03.2024
Boston Celtics 138 - 110 Dallas Mavericks
The Boston Celtics extended their winning streak to 10 games with a 138-110 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, despite Luka Doncic's impressive triple-double performance. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 32 points, including five 3-pointers, while Jaylen Brown added 25 points. Doncic recorded his 12th triple-double of the season with 37 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists. The Celtics knocked down 21 threes and had seven players reach double figures in scoring. Dallas struggled to keep up with Boston's shooting and couldn't close the gap in the second half. Kyrie Irving scored 19 points for the Mavericks but was limited by Boston's defense. The Celtics now hold the NBA's best record at 47-12 and will face the Golden State Warriors next, while the Mavericks will visit the Philadelphia 76ers.
New Orleans Pelicans 129 - 102 Indiana Pacers
The New Orleans Pelicans tied a franchise record with a 48-point first quarter, led by Brandon Ingram's 34 points and Trey Murphy III's 28 points, to defeat the Indiana Pacers 129-102. The Pelicans shot a high 90.9% from the field in the first quarter, the highest field goal percentage by any team in a quarter this season. Herb Jones neutralized Tyrese Haliburton, holding him scoreless for the first time since November 2021. The Pelicans also played suffocating defense, holding the Pacers well below their average scoring output. Ingram, Murphy, and Jones were key factors in the Pelicans' dominant performance, bouncing back from a loss to the Pacers earlier in the week.
Minnesota Timberwolves 120 - 124 Sacramento Kings
Malik Monk scored 39 points to lead the Sacramento Kings to a 124-120 overtime victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Anthony Edwards did not play in the second half due to personal reasons. Monk hit back-to-back 3-pointers in overtime to secure the win, while Domantas Sabonis had a double-double before fouling out. The Kings dominated the offensive glass, leading to second-chance points, and held off the Wolves' late comeback attempt. The Kings will next face the Bulls, while the Timberwolves will host the Clippers.
Philadelphia 76ers 121 - 114 Charlotte Hornets
Tobias Harris broke out of his shooting slump with 31 points and 12 rebounds, with the help of Joel Embiid's guidance, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 121-114 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Tyrese Maxey added 33 points for the 76ers, who are still fighting for a top-four seed in the Eastern Conference without Embiid. Harris, who had been struggling recently, hit five 3-pointers to seal the win. Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 27 points and 11 rebounds, but Charlotte, dealing with injuries and lineup changes, suffered their fifth road loss in six games. Kyle Lowry, who recently joined the Sixers, contributed 15 points and 10 assists in the win.
LA Clippers 140 - 115 Washington Wizards
CLIPPERS USE HARDEN'S 21-POINT QUARTER IN WIN OVER WIZARDS BUT LOSE WESTBROOK TO BROKEN HAND as they beat the Washington Wizards by a score of 140-115. James Harden scored 28 points, with 21 coming in the second quarter, while Kawhi Leonard added 27 and Paul George scored 22 in his return from injury. However, the Clippers lost guard Russell Westbrook to a fractured left hand in the first half. Kyle Kuzma had 32 points for the Wizards, but it wasn't enough as they lost their 14th straight game. Despite their recent struggles, Wizards interim coach Brian Keefe sees growth in the team's performance. The Clippers now move on to face the Minnesota Timberwolves next, while the Wizards will take on the Utah Jazz.
Chicago Bulls 97 - 113 Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo put on a show with 46 points and 16 rebounds as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Chicago Bulls 113-97. Antetokounmpo became the winningest Milwaukee player with his 489th victory, while teammate Damian Lillard added 16 points and Patrick Beverley contributed 14. The Bucks' defense held the Bulls under 100 points for the fourth consecutive game, showing promising signs for the team's playoff aspirations. Chicago's DeMar DeRozan reached 23,000 career points, but Nikola Vucevic was ejected early in the fourth quarter after a hard foul on A.J. Green. The Bucks now look ahead to hosting the Los Angeles Clippers, while the Bulls will face the Sacramento Kings.
Memphis Grizzlies 92 - 122 Portland Trail Blazers
The Portland Trail Blazers ended a nine-game losing streak by defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 122-92, with Dalano Banton and Jabari Walker each scoring 19 points. Portland led the entire game and snapped the skid in dominant fashion. Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins expressed frustration with his team's performance, while Jake LaRavia led the Grizzlies with a career-high 21 points. It was a much-needed win for the Trail Blazers, who shot 79% in the third quarter and never relinquished their lead, outscoring the Grizzlies 71-47 in the final two frames.
Detroit Pistons 100 - 110 Cleveland Cavaliers
In a game where the short-handed Cleveland Cavaliers were missing Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert, Darius Garland's 29 points and Evan Mobley's 22 points and 17 rebounds led them to a 110-100 victory over the Detroit Pistons. Garland hit eight 3-pointers and the Cavaliers led by as much as 26 points before the Pistons made a late comeback attempt. Cade Cunningham had 21 points and 10 assists for Detroit, but they ultimately fell short. With the win, the Cavaliers improved to 39-20, while the Pistons dropped to 9-50.
Toronto Raptors 105 - 120 Golden State Warriors
CURRY LEADS WARRIORS PAST RAPTORS 120-105, securing their eighth consecutive road win. Toronto's Scottie Barnes broke his finger and will be out indefinitely, ending his streak of five double-doubles. Despite a rough travel night, Golden State took control in the third quarter with Curry scoring 25 points, Kuminga adding 24, and Moody contributing with 17. Thompson returned to the starting lineup, replacing Podziemski. The Raptors' Barrett scored 23 points, while Olynyk had 16 points and 10 rebounds in the loss. Curry, who had a special connection to Toronto, showcased his skills with a solid performance. The Warriors will face the Celtics next, while the Raptors will host the Hornets.