09.03.2024
Washington Wizards 112 - 100 Charlotte Hornets
The Washington Wizards ended their 16-game losing streak with a 112-100 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, led by Kyle Kuzma's 28 points and Deni Avdija's 18 points. The Wizards outscored the Hornets 44-24 in the final period to secure the win. Despite a 32-point, 12-rebound effort from Miles Bridges, the Hornets now have the longest active losing streak in the NBA at six games. Washington's victory came after a rough shooting night for both teams, with the Wizards making a strong push in the fourth quarter to secure their first win since January.
Cleveland Cavaliers 113 - 104 Minnesota Timberwolves
Darius Garland scored 34 points and Jarrett Allen added 33 as the injury-depleted Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 113-104 in overtime. Allen made a career-high 15 free throws, including 10 in overtime, while Minnesota's Naz Reid scored a career-high 34 points. Cleveland won their eighth straight against a Western Conference team and handed the Timberwolves just their 12th road loss of the season. Rudy Gobert of the Timberwolves received a technical foul late in the game for a gesture towards a referee, admitting it cost his team the game. With the win, Cleveland extended their winning streak against top teams and will face the Brooklyn Nets next, while the Timberwolves will take on the Lakers in their next game.
Portland Trail Blazers 107 - 123 Houston Rockets
In a game where Jalen Green scored 27 points, including two highlight-reel dunks in the third quarter, the Houston Rockets defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 123-107. Fred VanVleet added 18 points and 10 assists for the Rockets, while Dalano Banton had a career-high 30 points for the Trail Blazers. The Rockets pulled away in the second half after a slow start and led by as many as 18 points down the stretch. Rockets coach Ime Udoka challenged his team at halftime, and they responded by holding the Blazers to just 44 points in the second half. The win was a big energy booster for Houston, who improved to 28-35 on the season.
Oklahoma City Thunder 107 - 100 Miami Heat
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 23 of his 37 points in the second half to help the Oklahoma City Thunder rally past the Miami Heat, 107-100, taking the Western Conference lead. The Thunder overcame a 14-point deficit, with Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge and receiving MVP chants from the crowd. Miami rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored 25 points for the Heat, but it wasn't enough to secure a win. The Thunder's win was particularly satisfying as they defeated a top NBA competitor, earning praise from coach Mark Daigneault. Oklahoma City will face Memphis next, while Miami will host Washington.
Los Angeles Lakers 123 - 122 Milwaukee Bucks
In a stunning 123-122 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, the LeBron James-less Los Angeles Lakers were powered by D'Angelo Russell's career-high 44 points, including a go-ahead jumper with 5.9 seconds left. Russell tied his career high with nine 3-pointers and played a key role in the Lakers' rally in the fourth quarter, while Spencer Dinwiddie's clutch block sealed the win. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo's triple-double for the Bucks, they couldn't hold on to the lead. Anthony Davis added 22 points for the Lakers before leaving with a shoulder injury, setting up a thrilling finish to this intense game.
New York Knicks 98 - 74 Orlando Magic
In a statement game, the New York Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson's 26 points, snapped the Orlando Magic's five-game win streak with a dominant 98-74 victory. The Knicks started 8 for 9 from 3-point range and held the Magic to the lowest point total in the NBA this season. Precious Achiuwa had 15 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocked shots for the Knicks, who are battling injuries to multiple starters. This win pushed the Knicks back ahead of Orlando into fourth place in the Eastern Conference. The Magic were missing Jalen Suggs, while Paolo Banchero had 23 points and nine rebounds. The Knicks now look ahead to a matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers in their next game.
Memphis Grizzlies 92 - 99 Atlanta Hawks
Dejounte Murray led the Atlanta Hawks to a 99-92 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies with a career-high tying 41 points, along with seven rebounds and six assists. The game was tied at halftime after the Grizzlies squandered an early lead, but Murray's clutch plays in the fourth quarter secured the win for the Hawks. Both teams were missing key players due to injuries, but Atlanta's strong defense held the Grizzlies under 100 points for the fifth time in seven games. Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 21 points, but they were unable to close the gap late in the game. Despite the Grizzlies' makeshift lineup, they continue to fight and compete in the face of adversity. Murray's stellar performance and leadership propelled the Hawks to their third straight win, with the team set to face the New Orleans Pelicans next, while the Grizzlies will travel to Oklahoma City to take on the Thunder.
Philadelphia 76ers 95 - 103 New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans charged to a 35-point lead against the struggling Philadelphia 76ers, but had to hold on for a 103-95 victory. Zion Williamson had 23 points and 12 rebounds, while Naji Marshall added 19 points for the Pelicans. Despite the Sixers rallying in the fourth quarter, they ultimately fell short without injured stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The 76ers have now lost 15 of their last 21 games and will look to bounce back against the Knicks on Sunday, while the Pelicans will face the Hawks.