04.03.2024
Toronto Raptors 111 - 106 Charlotte Hornets
Immanuel Quickley led the Toronto Raptors to a 111-106 victory over the Charlotte Hornets with 22 points and 11 assists, helping the team overcome the absence of injured All-Star Scottie Barnes. The win marked the Raptors' seventh consecutive home victory over the Hornets, with RJ Barrett contributing 23 points and Gary Trent Jr. adding 17 points. Brandon Miller led Charlotte with 26 points and 10 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to prevent the Hornets from losing their fourth straight game. Despite the effort from both teams, Quickley's clutch free throws and steal in the final seconds sealed the win for Toronto. The Raptors will look to continue their success when they host the New Orleans Pelicans next.
Phoenix Suns 110 - 118 Oklahoma City Thunder
In a thrilling matchup, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 118-110 victory over the Phoenix Suns, propelling them back to the top spot in the Western Conference. Jusuf Nurkic set a new franchise record for the Suns with 31 rebounds, the most in an NBA game in 14 years, but it wasn't enough as the Suns played without star guard Devin Booker due to an ankle injury. Despite blowing a 24-point lead, the Thunder showed resilience in the fourth quarter to secure the win, with all five starters scoring in double figures. The Thunder improved to 42-18 while the Suns will look to bounce back against Denver on Tuesday.
Orlando Magic 113 - 91 Detroit Pistons
Paolo Banchero led the way with 29 points as the Orlando Magic cruised to a 113-91 victory over the Detroit Pistons, completing a four-game season sweep. The Magic shot nearly 60% from the field and dominated the boards, outrebounding Detroit 48-28. Markelle Fultz added a season-high 16 points while shooting a perfect 8 for 8 from the field. The win pushed Orlando to 35-26 on the season, surpassing their victory total from last season with 21 games remaining. Detroit's Evan Fournier led his team with 17 points off the bench. Orlando coach Jamahl Mosley praised his team's effort and ability to execute the game plan, as they continue their strong play with 11 wins in their past 14 games.
Minnesota Timberwolves 88 - 89 LA Clippers
In a physical and defensive battle, Kawhi Leonard scored 32 points to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to an 89-88 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Norman Powell added 24 points while Paul George struggled shooting, going 5 of 16 from the field. The Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards' 27 points, dropped back-to-back games for just the third time this season. The game was close throughout, with Leonard scoring crucial points down the stretch to seal the win for the Clippers. Minnesota couldn't find an open 3-pointer on their final possession and ended up falling short. The Clippers now head to Milwaukee while the Timberwolves will host Portland in their next games.
Boston Celtics 140 - 88 Golden State Warriors
Jaylen Brown scored 29 points, Jayson Tatum added 27 on his birthday, and the Boston Celtics recorded their third-biggest win in franchise history, defeating the Golden State Warriors 140-88. The Celtics set a league record with their third 50-point win of the season and extended their winning streak to 11 games. Stephen Curry struggled, finishing with a season-low four points, while the Celtics shot lights out, including hitting 62.5% of their 3-pointers in the first quarter. The victory was the fourth-worst loss in franchise history for the Warriors, who had won 11 of their previous 13 games. Celtics forward Kristaps Porzingis missed the game with an injury.
Dallas Mavericks 116 - 120 Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers, led by Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey, pulled off a 120-116 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday. Despite Joel Embiid's continued absence, the Sixers secured their sixth win in 14 games without him. Luka Doncic recorded his third consecutive triple-double for the Mavericks, but also had seven turnovers in the sloppy performance. Maxey had a scare in the third quarter but returned to lead the Sixers with 24 points. The Mavericks struggled with shooting inefficiency, allowing the Sixers to maintain their lead and secure the win with clutch free throws down the stretch.
San Antonio Spurs 117 - 105 Indiana Pacers
Victor Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs to a 117-105 victory over the Indiana Pacers with 31 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and six blocked shots, becoming the third rookie in NBA history to achieve such a stat line, following in the footsteps of Hall of Famers David Robinson and Tim Duncan. The Spurs dominated much of the rematch after a blowout loss to the Pacers earlier in the season, with Malaki Branham adding 18 points and Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson each contributing 17 points. T.J. McConnell stood out for the Pacers with 26 points, but Indiana struggled offensively for most of the game. San Antonio has now won two straight games after a rough stretch and will face the Houston Rockets next, while the Pacers will take on the Dallas Mavericks.
Cleveland Cavaliers 98 - 107 New York Knicks
Despite losing All-Star Jalen Brunson early in the game with a bruised knee, the New York Knicks regrouped and went on to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 107-98. Josh Hart recorded a triple-double, Donte DiVincenzo scored 28 points, and Miles McBride stepped up in Brunson's absence with 16 points. The Knicks, who were also missing key players like Julius Randle and Mitchell Robinson, showed their grit and toughness as they continue to fight for a playoff spot. The Cavaliers, without Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert, couldn't keep up despite strong efforts from Sam Merrill and Jarrett Allen. Now the Knicks will look to carry this momentum into their next game against the Atlanta Hawks.