15.03.2024
Houston Rockets 135 - 119 Washington Wizards
Jalen Green scored a season-high 37 points as the Houston Rockets defeated the Washington Wizards 135-119, extending their winning streak to four games. With all of Houston's starters scoring in double figures, the team outrebounded Washington 46-32 despite the absence of injured Alperen Sengun. Fred VanVleet added 27 points for the Rockets, while Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 25 points off the bench. Despite a late push from Washington, the Rockets maintained a comfortable lead throughout the game. Houston will next host Cleveland, while the Wizards will visit Chicago. The game showcased Houston's strong defense and efficient offense, with Green shining as a standout player in Sengun's absence.
Portland Trail Blazers 93 - 105 New York Knicks
Jalen Brunson scored 45 points as the New York Knicks rolled past the Portland Trail Blazers, 105-93. Brunson had his sixth game with 40 or more points this season, leading the Knicks to their fourth win in their last six games. Deandre Ayton had 31 points and 14 rebounds for the Blazers, who played the second of a back-to-back. Anfernee Simons was sidelined with a knee injury, while Jerami Grant missed his second straight game. The Knicks outscored the Blazers 29-16 in the second quarter to take a commanding lead, with the significant crowd of Knicks fans at the Moda Center chanting "MVP!" for Brunson. The Knicks will next visit the Sacramento Kings, while the Trail Blazers will play the New Orleans Pelicans.
Chicago Bulls 111 - 126 LA Clippers
Paul George had a stellar performance, scoring 28 points and making 6 three-pointers, while Kawhi Leonard added 27 points as the Los Angeles Clippers beat the Chicago Bulls 126-111. Despite a late comeback attempt by the Bulls, the Clippers regrouped and secured the win. George also had seven assists and just one turnover, with both teams missing key players. DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 21 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Clippers' strong performance. The Clippers are now fourth in the Western Conference, while the Bulls have lost three of their last four games. Los Angeles will next face New Orleans, while Chicago will host Washington.
Boston Celtics 127 - 112 Phoenix Suns
The Boston Celtics overwhelmed the Phoenix Suns for the second time in a week with a 127-112 victory, behind a combined 63 points from Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Boston became the first team to clinch a spot in the postseason, improving to an NBA-best 52-14 record. Brown showcased his improved playmaking skills, contributing to the team's success. The Celtics hit a season-high 25 3-pointers in the game, showcasing their offensive prowess. Despite missing Kristaps Porzingis, Boston was able to contain Devin Booker and outplay the Suns once again. Durant and Booker led Phoenix in scoring, but Tatum's defensive effort limited Durant to just five points in the final three quarters. Boston's impressive performance solidifies their position as the top team in the league as they look ahead to their next matchup against the Wizards.
Oklahoma City Thunder 126 - 119 Dallas Mavericks
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 126-119 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, who were without their star player Luka Doncic due to a sore left hamstring. Jalen Williams contributed 27 points in his return from injury, and Josh Giddey added 18 points for the Thunder. Kyrie Irving had 36 points and 12 assists for the Mavericks, while Daniel Gafford fell just short of Wilt Chamberlain's consecutive made field goals record. The Thunder shot 52.3% from the field and moved into a tie for the best record in the Western Conference with the Denver Nuggets.
Milwaukee Bucks 114 - 105 Philadelphia 76ers
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 32 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 114-105 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. The Bucks, who were missing key players due to injury, overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to secure the win. Tyrese Maxey poured in 30 points for the 76ers, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Bucks' late surge. The win was crucial for the Bucks, who had recently struggled on a West Coast road trip. Brook Lopez added 19 points and Damian Lillard contributed 17 points and 9 assists in the victory.