05.03.2024
Milwaukee Bucks 113 - 106 LA Clippers
Despite the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, the Bucks rallied to beat the Clippers 113-106 for their sixth straight victory. Damian Lillard scored 41 points, Bobby Portis had a season-high 28 points and 16 rebounds off the bench, and Patrick Beverley sparked the winning rally with key plays down the stretch. The Clippers, playing on the second night of a back-to-back, couldn't hold on to a 13-point lead in the third quarter. The Bucks are now unbeaten since the All-Star break and will begin a four-game trip to California next.
Brooklyn Nets 102 - 106 Memphis Grizzlies
Luke Kennard scored a season-high 25 points to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 106-102 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, ending a five-game losing streak. The Grizzlies dominated the boards, outrebounding the Nets 50-33 and scoring 25 second-chance points. Jake LaRavia added 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Nic Claxton led the Nets with 21 points. The Nets struggled with free throws, shooting just 56.7%, and made a curious decision to intentionally miss a free throw down by three points late in the game. Despite missing key players due to injuries, the Grizzlies were able to secure the win and will face the Philadelphia 76ers next.
Minnesota Timberwolves 119 - 114 Portland Trail Blazers
Rudy Gobert and Michael Conley led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 119-114 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, completing a four-game season sweep. Gobert had a double-double with 25 points and 16 rebounds, while Conley added 19 points and seven assists. The Timberwolves moved into a tie for first place in the Western Conference with the win, improving their record to 43-19. Anfernee Simons had a stellar performance for the Trail Blazers with 34 points and 14 assists, but it wasn't enough to overcome Minnesota's strong performance. Minnesota's dominant play and Gobert's aggressiveness were key factors in the win, as they now prepare for a six-game road trip.
Los Angeles Lakers 116 - 104 Oklahoma City Thunder
D'Angelo Russell led the surging Lakers past the West-leading Thunder with 26 points, while Anthony Davis added 24 points and 12 rebounds in a 116-104 victory on Monday night. LeBron James nearly recorded a triple-double with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, as the Lakers hit six 3-pointers in quick succession to boost their lead. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 20 points for the Thunder, who struggled offensively, shooting a season-low 30.6% in the first half. The Lakers won their third straight game against the Thunder, taking the season series and showing dominance in a game that featured Russell hitting three consecutive 3-pointers with flair.
Utah Jazz 127 - 115 Washington Wizards
Jordan Clarkson scored a season-high 38 points, leading the short-handed Utah Jazz to a 127-115 victory over the Washington Wizards. The Wizards led for most of the game but couldn't make a field goal in the final five minutes, extending their losing streak to 15. Collin Sexton added 29 points and John Collins had an impressive performance with 17 points, 15 rebounds, and six blocks. Clarkson's game-deciding surge included a 12-0 run, earning him the most 30-plus point games as a reserve in team history. The Wizards' Kyle Kuzma surpassed 8,000 career points, while Jordan Poole scored 32 points in the loss. Washington is now just one loss away from setting a franchise record for consecutive losses at 16.
Sacramento Kings 109 - 113 Chicago Bulls
Despite being down by 22 points in the third quarter, the Chicago Bulls rallied behind Coby White's career-high 37 points and DeMar DeRozan's 33 points, including 19 in the fourth quarter, to stun the Sacramento Kings 113-109. Chicago snapped a four-game losing streak against the Kings with an impressive fourth-quarter comeback. White also contributed seven assists and five rebounds, while DeRozan stepped up in the second half after a slow start. Domantas Sabonis had 18 points and 21 rebounds for Sacramento before fouling out late in the game. The Bulls forced 18 turnovers and capitalized on their defensive efforts to secure the victory.