08.03.2024
Denver Nuggets 115 - 109 Boston Celtics
Nikola Jokic's triple-double performance helped the Denver Nuggets secure a 115-109 win over the Boston Celtics, sweeping their season series. Jokic finished with 32 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, showcasing his incredible basketball IQ and craftiness on the court. Aaron Gordon added 16 points with seven dunks, and Jamal Murray chipped in 19 points and eight assists. Jaylen Brown had a season-high 41 points for the Celtics, but Boston struggled at the free-throw line, missing nine shots. The Nuggets' bench outscored Boston's reserves 28-10, with Peyton Watson contributing 11 points. The game was a tantalizing preview of two prime contenders potentially facing off in the NBA Finals, with both coaches viewing it as a measuring stick for the home stretch of the season.
Golden State Warriors 122 - 125 Chicago Bulls
DeMar DeRozan's clutch plays in the final minute propelled the Chicago Bulls to a 125-122 victory over the Golden State Warriors, who lost Stephen Curry to another ankle injury. DeRozan finished with 33 points, including a key jumper and a three-point play in the final moments. Curry scored 15 points before exiting the game, while Klay Thompson led the Warriors with 25 points. Nikola Vucevic added 33 points and 11 rebounds for the Bulls, who snapped an eight-game losing streak at the Warriors' home court. The win marked Chicago's first victory in the Bay Area since 2015. Jonathan Kuminga scored 19 points for Golden State, and Draymond Green recorded a triple-double with 11 points, 12 assists, and 10 rebounds. The Warriors play the San Antonio Spurs next, while the Bulls face the Los Angeles Clippers.
Detroit Pistons 118 - 112 Brooklyn Nets
In a thrilling game, the Detroit Pistons secured their first home win since January with a 118-112 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Jaden Ivey scored 34 points while Cade Cunningham added 32 points and 11 assists to lead the Pistons to the win. Cunningham and Ivey combined for 26 points in the fourth quarter, with Cunningham making key plays down the stretch. Dennis Schroder had a season-high 31 points for the Nets, but their struggles with rebounding and second-chance points ultimately cost them the game. The Pistons now look to build on this win as they host the Dallas Mavericks next, while the Nets will face the Charlotte Hornets.
Indiana Pacers 111 - 113 Minnesota Timberwolves
In a thrilling matchup, the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Indiana Pacers 113-111 thanks to a 44-point performance from Anthony Edwards, who also came up with a game-saving block at the buzzer. The Timberwolves, playing without Karl-Anthony Towns, moved into the top spot in the Western Conference. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 24 points, but it was not enough to secure the win. Despite injuries plaguing both teams, it was a back-and-forth game that came down to the final seconds, with Edwards delivering a spectacular performance to lead Minnesota to victory.
Sacramento Kings 131 - 129 San Antonio Spurs
Domantas Sabonis led the Sacramento Kings to a 131-129 victory over the San Antonio Spurs with a go-ahead dunk in the final seconds, finishing with 31 points, 17 rebounds, and 9 assists for his 45th straight double-double. De’Aaron Fox added 33 points before fouling out, while Devin Vassell led the Spurs with 30 points. The Spurs were without Victor Wembanyama and Cedi Osman due to injuries, falling to 0-7 without Wembanyama this season. Sacramento finished the game on a 7-0 run, dominating inside with a 76-52 advantage in the paint. The Spurs made all 21 of their free throws, while the Kings went 17 of 18.
Dallas Mavericks 114 - 108 Miami Heat
Luka Doncic made history by recording his fifth consecutive 30-point triple-double, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 114-108 victory over the Miami Heat. Doncic's remarkable performance included 35 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, matching Russell Westbrook's five straight 30-point triple-doubles in 2017. Kyrie Irving added 23 points for the Mavericks, who snapped a three-game losing streak. Miami, despite strong performances from Terry Rozier and Duncan Robinson, couldn't overcome Dallas' late 3-pointers. The Heat will face Oklahoma City next, while the Mavericks will play Detroit.
Phoenix Suns 120 - 113 Toronto Raptors
In a showdown between the Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors, Kevin Durant led the Suns to a 120-113 victory with 35 points, while Grayson Allen added 26 points to set a franchise record with seven 3-pointers in the first quarter. Despite missing injured All-Star Devin Booker, the Suns never trailed in the game and held off a late Raptors rally to secure the win. Immanuel Quickley had a career-high 18 assists for Toronto, but it wasn't enough as the Suns continue to push for a playoff spot in the competitive Western Conference. The Suns will face the Celtics next, while the Raptors will take on the Trail Blazers.