14.03.2024
Orlando Magic 114 - 106 Brooklyn Nets
Paolo Banchero led the Orlando Magic to a 114-106 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, scoring 21 points and dishing out nine assists. Jalen Suggs also contributed with 14 points, while the Magic showed physicality and energy throughout the game, dominating the Nets on both ends of the floor. Cam Thomas led the Nets with 21 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Magic's strong performance. The Magic shot 51.9% for the game and improved to 20-1 when shooting 50% or better. The Nets will look to bounce back against Indiana, while the Magic will face Toronto in their next game.
New Orleans Pelicans 95 - 116 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 116-95 with Donovan Mitchell returning from injury and contributing 14 points, while Darius Garland had 27 points and 11 assists. The Cavs made a franchise-record 20 3-pointers, with four players hitting at least four each. Zion Williamson scored 33 points for the Pelicans, but their lack of 3-point shooting hurt them. Mitchell's return sparked the Cavs to play with more urgency, leading to a convincing road win. Cleveland's ability to hit 3s has been a key factor in their success this season, with this win being their eighth when hitting 20 or more from deep. The Cavaliers will face the Houston Rockets next, while the Pelicans will host the Los Angeles Clippers.
Memphis Grizzlies 98 - 110 Charlotte Hornets
In a game where rookie Vasa Micic had a career-best 25 points, Miles Bridges scored 27 as the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 110-98. Micic shot an impressive 9 of 10 from the field, including 5 of 6 from beyond the arc, while Bridges contributed with 8 assists. Grant Williams added 18 points, with 15 coming in the fourth quarter, as the Grizzlies struggled with turnovers throughout the game. The Hornets held a double-digit lead for most of the game, eventually securing the victory despite Memphis making late runs. This win boosts the Hornets' road record to 8-26 as they look ahead to hosting Phoenix next, while the Grizzlies aim to bounce back when they face Oklahoma City.
Detroit Pistons 113 - 104 Toronto Raptors
Jalen Duren had a career-high 23 rebounds and 24 points as the Detroit Pistons beat the Toronto Raptors 113-104 for their third win in four games, marking the first time in nearly two years that the Pistons have achieved such a feat. Duren posted his second game this season with at least 20 points, 20 rebounds, and five assists, becoming the first Pistons player to do so before turning 23. Cade Cunningham added 19 points for Detroit, while Immanuel Quickley scored 25 points for Toronto. The Raptors led at halftime but struggled in the second half, allowing the Pistons to take control and secure the victory.
Sacramento Kings 120 - 107 Los Angeles Lakers
SABONIS HAS TRIPLE-DOUBLE AS KINGS SWEEP LAKERS 120-107: Domantas Sabonis recorded his league-leading 23rd triple-double with 17 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists as the Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Lakers for the fourth time this season. Harrison Barnes scored 23 points with seven 3-pointers, De’Aaron Fox added 21, and Keegan Murray chipped in 19 as all five Kings starters scored in double figures. The Kings have now won seven of their last eight games against the Lakers and are tied with Phoenix for sixth place in the Western Conference, while the Lakers sit in ninth place. LeBron James had 18 points and 13 rebounds for the Lakers, who struggled to keep up with the Kings in the second half. Sacramento pulled away in the third quarter and maintained their lead despite a late push from the Lakers. Sacramento looks to continue their momentum against the New York Knicks on Saturday, while the Lakers will host the Golden State Warriors.
Miami Heat 88 - 100 Denver Nuggets
In an NBA Finals rematch, the Denver Nuggets came out on top against the Miami Heat with a final score of 100-88. With this win, the Nuggets moved into first place in the Western Conference standings. Michael Porter Jr. led the way with 25 points, while Aaron Gordon added 16. Denver has been dominant since the All-Star break, going 10-1 and showing their potential to be a force in the playoffs. Bam Adebayo scored 17 points for Miami, but they were unable to keep up with the Nuggets in the fourth quarter, ultimately falling short. Denver now looks ahead to a matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, while Miami will face the Detroit Pistons in their next game.
Portland Trail Blazers 106 - 102 Atlanta Hawks
DeAndre Ayton had a season-high 33 points and 19 rebounds, while Anfernee Simons added 36 points as the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Atlanta Hawks 106-102. Despite trailing by as many as 16 points in the first half, the Blazers closed the gap in the third quarter and held on for the victory. Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 40 points, but it wasn't enough to secure the win. The Hawks were missing key players due to injuries, while the Blazers were without Jerami Grant and other players. Portland wraps up a six-game homestand with a game against the New York Knicks next.
Dallas Mavericks 109 - 99 Golden State Warriors
In a game where Luka Doncic's triple-double streak came to an end at seven games due to a left hamstring injury, Daniel Gafford continued his impressive streak of consecutive made baskets with 33 in a row. Despite struggling from beyond the arc, the Mavericks managed to defeat the Warriors 109-99, with Doncic scoring 21 points before exiting the game. The Warriors were without Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, leading to their fifth loss in six games without Curry. Gafford's season-high seven blocks and all-dunk scoring streak helped the Mavericks secure the win as they now prepare to face the Thunder, while the Warriors will look to bounce back against the Lakers.
Indiana Pacers 129 - 132 Chicago Bulls
DeMar DeRozan's 46 points led the Chicago Bulls to a thrilling 132-129 overtime victory over the Indiana Pacers, with DeRozan hitting the go-ahead 3-pointer in OT. The final minutes of regulation were intense, with Myles Turner hitting clutch 3-pointers for the Pacers, DeRozan forcing overtime with a fadeaway jumper, and Tyrese Haliburton missing a game-tying 3-pointer at the buzzer. DeRozan's heroics in crunch time highlighted a back-and-forth game that saw the Bulls outscore the Pacers in the third quarter and secure a crucial road win. The Bulls will next host the L.A. Clippers, while the Pacers will host Brooklyn.