16.03.2024
Utah Jazz 124 - 122 Atlanta Hawks
In a close matchup, the Utah Jazz were able to edge out the Atlanta Hawks 124-122 with Keyonte George scoring 25 points and Collin Sexton adding 21. The Jazz snapped a three-game losing streak with help from George's evolving game and the absence of key players Markkanen and Clarkson. Dejounte Murray led the Hawks with 33 points, but missed a potential game-winning shot in the final minute. The Jazz dominated in the paint and on the fast break, securing the victory despite Atlanta's strong 3-point shooting. With the win, the Jazz look ahead to hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves next.
Charlotte Hornets 96 - 107 Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns used a balanced scoring attack led by Devin Booker's 21 points and 11 assists to hold off a fourth-quarter rally by the Charlotte Hornets and secure a 107-96 victory. The Suns also received contributions from Grayson Allen, Bradley Beal, and Jusuf Nurkic, who had 13 points and 21 rebounds. Vasa Micic led the Hornets with 21 points. Despite the Hornets cutting the lead to 10 in the fourth quarter, the Suns ultimately pulled away for their fourth win in six games. Brandon Miller surpassed 1,000 career points in just his 60th game, and Kevin Durant praised his development. The Suns will face Milwaukee next, while the Hornets will begin a four-game road trip in Philadelphia.
Toronto Raptors 103 - 113 Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic beat the short-handed Toronto Raptors 113-103, led by Franz Wagner's 19 points and Paolo Banchero's 17 points. The Raptors were missing several key players, including Scottie Barnes and Jakob Poeltl. Gary Trent Jr. scored 31 points for Toronto, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Magic. Banchero struggled in the first half but came through with 11 points in the third quarter. The Magic have won seven of their last nine games, while the Raptors have now lost six straight. The teams will face off again in Orlando on Sunday night.
Detroit Pistons 95 - 108 Miami Heat
The Miami Heat ended a four-game losing streak with a 108-95 victory over the Detroit Pistons, led by Bam Adebayo who had 22 points and nine rebounds. The Pistons committed 18 turnovers, leading to 33 points for Miami. Simone Fontecchio scored 24 points for Detroit, while Jalen Duren added 15 points and 17 rebounds. Duncan Robinson hit three 3-pointers in a row to help the Heat pull away in the third quarter, leading to a comfortable victory. Adebayo sat out the fourth quarter as Miami secured the win.
San Antonio Spurs 106 - 117 Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic scored 31 points leading the Denver Nuggets to a 117-106 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in front of a record crowd in Austin, Texas. The reigning NBA Finals MVP added seven rebounds, five assists, and two blocks, while Jamal Murray contributed 15 points and 10 assists. Despite early logistical difficulties, the Nuggets shot 55% from the field, forced 16 turnovers, and led by as many as 21 points. The Spurs, led by Jeremy Sochan's 19 points, saw their three-game losing streak continue. Next, the Nuggets will face Dallas, and the Spurs will host Brooklyn.
New Orleans Pelicans 112 - 104 LA Clippers
In a pivotal game for playoff seeding, Zion Williamson scored 34 points to lead the New Orleans Pelicans to a 112-104 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, pulling within two games of the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference. The Pelicans won the season series 3-1, giving them the tiebreaker if needed in the playoffs. Williamson's dominant performance, including a game-winning floater at the buzzer, showcased his ability to take over games down the stretch. The Pelicans also excelled defensively, with Herb Jones's crucial block leading to a breakaway basket. The Clippers played without James Harden and could not overcome the Pelicans' strong play in the paint. George scored 26 points and Leonard had 23 for Los Angeles, but it wasn't enough. The Pelicans will host the Portland Trail Blazers next, while the Clippers will host the Atlanta Hawks.