06.03.2024
Cleveland Cavaliers 105 - 104 Boston Celtics
In a stunning comeback, Dean Wade scored 20 points in the fourth quarter, including five 3-pointers, to lead the Cavaliers to a 105-104 victory over the Celtics, ending Boston's 11-game winning streak. Without stars Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley, Wade stepped up and sealed the win with a putback dunk in the final seconds. The Cavs overcame a 22-point deficit, the biggest fourth-quarter comeback in franchise history, as Jayson Tatum's last-second shot was ruled not a foul. Travis Kelce hyped up the crowd and offered Wade a backup tight end position, showcasing the thrilling atmosphere of the game. The resilient Cavs made eight of 11 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, while Kristaps Porzingis led the Celtics with 24 points in the loss. Mitchell will miss the next two games with a knee injury, adding to Cleveland's challenges moving forward.
Toronto Raptors 98 - 139 New Orleans Pelicans
Trey Murphy III scored a season-high 34 points as the New Orleans Pelicans routed the short-handed Toronto Raptors 139-98, handing the Raptors their worst home defeat in franchise history. The Pelicans made a franchise-record 24 of 49 shots from 3-point range, with Murphy making 10 of 14 attempts. Jonas Valanciunas had a double-double against his former team, while Zion Williamson narrowly missed a triple-double in his professional debut in Toronto. The Raptors played without All-Star Scottie Barnes and center Jakob Poeltl, who both underwent surgery for injuries. New Orleans set a dominant performance wire-to-wire, leading by as much as 43 points and setting the tone for the game early with a 12-2 run in the first quarter. The Pelicans have now won three of their last four games and will face the Philadelphia 76ers next.
Houston Rockets 114 - 101 San Antonio Spurs
In a game where Alperen Sengun set a career-high with 45 points, 16 rebounds, and five steals, the Houston Rockets defeated the San Antonio Spurs 114-101. Sengun outplayed rookie French phenom Victor Wembanyama, who had 10 points, 11 rebounds, and seven blocks. Sengun became the youngest player to record at least 45 points, 15 rebounds, and five steals in a game since steals started being tracked in 1973-74. Jalen Green added 23 points with 10 assists for Houston, while Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 22 points. The rivalry heated up with physical play, a flagrant foul, and a shoving match. The Rockets will host the Los Angeles Clippers next, while the Spurs will travel to Sacramento.
Brooklyn Nets 112 - 107 Philadelphia 76ers
In a 112-107 victory over the short-handed 76ers, Dennis Schroder and Dorian Finney-Smith each scored 20 points to lead the Nets to the win. The Nets bounced back from a previous loss and took advantage of a Philadelphia team missing key players, including Tyrese Maxey due to a concussion. Kelly Oubre Jr. scored a season-high 30 points for the 76ers, who remain without Joel Embiid. The Nets responded well to early adversity and are focused on making a playoff push as they prepare to play most of their upcoming games on the road.
Dallas Mavericks 120 - 137 Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers' balanced performance was too much for Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks as they secured a 137-120 win. Despite Doncic's impressive fourth consecutive 30-point triple-double, the Pacers had nine players score in double figures, including five reserves who outscored the Mavericks' bench 69-32. Myles Turner led the way with 20 points, while Tyrese Haliburton had 19 points and 11 assists. The Pacers shot 46.2% from beyond the arc, compared to the Mavericks' 33.3%, as they built a comfortable lead in the third quarter and held on for the win. The Pacers are now one game behind Miami for eighth place in the Eastern Conference, while the Mavericks have lost five of their last six games.
Miami Heat 118 - 110 Detroit Pistons
In a close game, the Miami Heat held off the Detroit Pistons 118-110 for their 11th win in 14 games, thanks to Jimmy Butler's dominant performance with 26 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter. Bam Adebayo and Duncan Robinson each scored 18 points for the Heat, who moved into sixth place in the Eastern Conference standings. The final key play came from Butler hitting a 3-pointer in the last 22 seconds to secure the victory. Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 23 points as they fell back into a tie for the NBA's worst record. Miami was without Tyler Herro and Kevin Love, but agreed to terms with veteran guard Patty Mills. Next for the Pistons is hosting Brooklyn, while the Heat will visit Dallas.
New York Knicks 100 - 116 Atlanta Hawks
Jalen Johnson led the Atlanta Hawks to a 116-100 victory over the New York Knicks with 26 points, while De’Andre Hunter contributed 22 points off the bench and Dejounte Murray added 21. The Hawks led by as much as 22 points but the Knicks fought back to tie the game in the third quarter before Atlanta pulled away with a 21-9 run. The Knicks attempted a season-high 52 3-pointers but only made 16. The Hawks now face Cleveland next, while the Knicks will host Orlando.
Charlotte Hornets 89 - 101 Orlando Magic
Paolo Banchero led the Orlando Magic to a 101-89 win over the Charlotte Hornets with 22 points, while Cole Anthony added 14 points. The Magic have now won nine of their last 11 games, reaching a 10-game winning and losing difference for the first time since 2012. Vasa Micic scored a career-high 21 points for the Hornets, but it wasn't enough as they lost their fifth straight game. The Magic's bench outscored the Hornets 46-23, showing their depth. Orlando's strong defense and offense helped them build a lead in the third quarter, with Anthony sealing the win with a late scoring run. Miles Bridges was held to just seven points for the Hornets, who will look to bounce back against Washington on Friday.
Denver Nuggets 107 - 117 Phoenix Suns
In a thrilling overtime victory, Kevin Durant led the Phoenix Suns to a 117-107 win over the Denver Nuggets after blowing a 22-point lead. Durant scored 35 points, including a game-tying 3-pointer in the final seconds of regulation. Grayson Allen added 28 points with eight 3-pointers while the Nuggets were led by Jamal Murray's 28 points and Nikola Jokic's 25 points, 16 rebounds, and five assists. The Suns, missing several key players, snapped a two-game slide with the win as they try to secure a playoff spot.