12.03.2024
San Antonio Spurs 102 - 112 Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors rebounded to upend the San Antonio Spurs 112-102 with Jonathan Kuminga scoring 21 points and Klay Thompson adding 20, despite Victor Wembanyama's strong return for the Spurs with 27 points and 14 rebounds. The Warriors limited the Spurs to one point in the final 2:43 of the game, with Trayce Jackson-Davis adding a highlight-reel dunk over Wembanyama. Golden State's strong defensive effort in the second half, including a 19-0 run, helped secure the win, as the Warriors improved their road record to 9-1 in their last 10 games. Chris Paul finished with 19 points for the Spurs, who will host Houston next, while the Warriors head to Dallas next.
Denver Nuggets 125 - 119 Toronto Raptors
Nikola Jokic recorded his 21st triple-double of the season with 35 points, 17 rebounds, and 12 assists as the Denver Nuggets rallied from a 21-point deficit to defeat the depleted Toronto Raptors 125-119. Jamal Murray added 26 points and 12 assists, including 12 points in the fourth quarter. Jontay Porter scored a career-high 14 points in his NBA debut, playing alongside his brother Michael Porter Jr. for the first time. The Raptors, missing several key players due to injury, squandered a 22-point lead and struggled in the fourth quarter, ultimately falling to the Nuggets.
Portland Trail Blazers 99 - 121 Boston Celtics
Despite missing two key starters, Jaylen Brown scored 27 points and Jayson Tatum added 26 as the Boston Celtics defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 121-99, reaching 50 wins for the third straight season. Deandre Ayton had 22 points and 15 rebounds for the Blazers, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Celtics' strong performance. Boston had just three turnovers in the game, with Sam Hauser contributing six 3-pointers and 22 points. The Celtics have already clinched a playoff spot with 18 games remaining in the regular season. Boston will visit the Utah Jazz next, while Portland will host the Atlanta Hawks.
Cleveland Cavaliers 111 - 117 Phoenix Suns
In a thrilling comeback victory, Kevin Durant scored 37 points to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 117-111 win over the injury-depleted Cleveland Cavaliers. Devin Booker returned from an ankle sprain to add 27 points and key plays down the stretch. The Suns came back from a 19-point deficit to secure the win, moving them one game ahead of Sacramento for sixth place in the Western Conference. Darius Garland led the Cavaliers with 30 points, but their rally fell short despite missing several key players. Mitchell was ineligible for All-NBA consideration due to missing his 18th game of the season.
Chicago Bulls 92 - 127 Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks dominated the Chicago Bulls with a final score of 127-92, led by Luka Doncic who had 27 points, 14 assists, and 12 rebounds, narrowly missing a 30-point triple-double for the first time in six games. Former Bulls center Daniel Gafford made all nine field goals, extending his consecutive made shots streak to 28, just seven shy of an NBA record. The Mavericks outscored Chicago by 28 in the first quarter and set season lows for points allowed in a first quarter and opening half, while handing the Bulls their most lopsided loss of the season.
Detroit Pistons 114 - 97 Charlotte Hornets
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Charlotte Hornets 114-97 with Cade Cunningham leading the way with 22 points and 8 assists, helping the Pistons take the 3-game season series against the Hornets. Cunningham reached 1,200 points and 400 assists in his 54th game, quicker than any player in franchise history. Jalen Duren added 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Pistons, while Brandon Miller had 19 points and 7 assists for the Hornets. Miles Bridges scored 24 points for Charlotte, but they couldn't keep up with the Pistons. Detroit had all five starters scoring in double digits and held the Hornets to just 99 points and forced 12 turnovers.