17.03.2024
Chicago Bulls 127 - 98 Washington Wizards
In a dominating performance, Ayo Dosunmu scored a career-high 34 points as the Chicago Bulls pounded the Washington Wizards 127-98. Dosunmu, along with Nikola Vucevic who added 29 points and 13 rebounds, led the Bulls to a 22-point halftime lead that they never relinquished. Dosunmu's improvement and work ethic were highlighted, as he keeps a journal tracking his progress and spent the offseason at the team's practice facility. The Wizards, under interim coach Brian Keefe, fell to 4-20 with their third straight loss. Chicago shot nearly 58% from the field and outscored Washington in the paint 68-46. The Bulls were without guard Coby White for a second consecutive game, but hope to have him back within the next week.
Houston Rockets 117 - 103 Cleveland Cavaliers
Jalen Green scored 26 points and grabbed 11 rebounds as the Houston Rockets beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-103 for their fifth consecutive victory. The Rockets made 15 3-pointers and outscored the Cavaliers in the paint, with Jabari Smith Jr. adding 20 points and Fred VanVleet finishing with 13 points and 16 assists. Houston led by as much as 25 points and have won seven of their last eight games, pulling within three games of a Western Conference play-in spot. Caris LeVert led the Cavaliers with 21 points, while Donovan Mitchell returned from injury but was limited. Tristan Thompson made his return for the Cavs from a 25-game suspension. Mitchell said he may rest the next game to allow his knee to heal. Cleveland, who hasn't won back-to-back games since late February, are currently one game behind Milwaukee in the Eastern Conference.
New Orleans Pelicans 126 - 107 Portland Trail Blazers
Final Score: Team A defeats Team B 102-98 in a thrilling matchup. The game was closely contested throughout, with both teams trading leads until the final minutes. Team A's star player scored a game-high 30 points, leading the team to victory. Team B put up a strong fight, but ultimately couldn't overcome Team A's efficient shooting and solid defense. The game featured several lead changes and highlight-reel plays, making it an exciting watch for fans.
Sacramento Kings 91 - 98 New York Knicks
Brunson led the Knicks to a 98-91 victory over the Kings, scoring 42 points and becoming the fourth player in franchise history with consecutive 40-point games. This win marked the Knicks' fifth straight game holding their opponents under 100 points, with key contributions from DiVincenzo, Hart, Hartenstein, and a solid defensive effort overall. Despite Sabonis' double-double for the Kings, they struggled to capitalize on offensive opportunities, leading to their first home loss when scoring fewer than 100 points. The game featured 20 lead changes and 13 ties, with the Knicks ultimately pulling away in the fourth quarter for the win.
Utah Jazz 100 - 119 Minnesota Timberwolves
In a matchup between the Timberwolves and the Jazz, Anthony Edwards scored 31 points despite a twisted ankle, while Mike Conley added a season-high 25 points in his return to Utah, helping Minnesota top the struggling Jazz with a final score of 119-100. Edwards passed Kevin Love for the most 30-point games in a single season and made several key plays in the second half to secure the win. Conley, playing against his former team, had his highest scoring output with Minnesota and helped take some pressure off Edwards in the absence of Karl-Anthony Towns. The Jazz, missing key players due to injuries and rest, struggled with ball movement and ultimately fell short in the game.
Los Angeles Lakers 121 - 128 Golden State Warriors
CURRY SCORES 31 IN RETURN AS WARRIORS DEFEAT LAKERS 128-121 DESPITE 40 POINTS FROM JAMES. Stephen Curry returned from injury to lead the Golden State Warriors to a crucial victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, inching ahead of them in the Western Conference standings. Despite LeBron James scoring 40 points for the Lakers, the Warriors capitalized on Anthony Davis' absence due to injury, dominating the paint and securing a key win as the playoff race heats up. Klay Thompson added 26 points off the bench, while Curry's steal from James and pass to Jonathan Kuminga for a breakaway dunk sealed the victory. The Warriors look to continue their momentum as they host the New York Knicks, while the Lakers aim to bounce back against the Atlanta Hawks in their next game.
Philadelphia 76ers 109 - 98 Charlotte Hornets
Tyrese Maxey scored 30 points despite a bloody nose from a flagrant foul, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 109-98 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 22 points for the 76ers, who have struggled since Joel Embiid's injury but managed to hold off a fourth-quarter charge from the Hornets. Six players scored in double figures for Charlotte, but they could not overcome the late-game surge from Philadelphia. The Hornets played the second half without Brandon Miller, who was ejected for a flagrant foul on Maxey. The 76ers will next host Miami, while the Hornets will face Orlando.
Indiana Pacers 121 - 100 Brooklyn Nets
The Indiana Pacers dominated the Brooklyn Nets in a 121-100 victory, led by Pascal Siakam's 28 points and 11 rebounds. Tyrese Haliburton and T.J. McConnell also contributed, with McConnell scoring in double figures for the 10th time in his past 17 games. The Nets struggled with turnovers and defense, allowing the Pacers to outscore them 82-42 in the paint. Indiana took control of the game in the second half, leading by as much as 27 in the fourth quarter. Brooklyn's Cam Thomas had 22 points in a losing effort. The Pacers shot 48% from the field and won the rebounding battle. The Nets will face the San Antonio Spurs next, while the Pacers will host the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Memphis Grizzlies 112 - 118 Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Memphis Grizzlies 118-112, tying them with Denver for first place in the Western Conference. Chet Holmgren had 22 points and 11 rebounds, Jalen Williams added 23 points and six assists, while Desmond Bane returned for the Grizzlies and led the team with 22 points and seven assists. The Thunder created a buffer in the third quarter with a 19-5 run and held off Memphis's comeback attempts in the fourth quarter, securing the win. The victory is crucial for the Thunder as they aim for a good postseason seed, while the Grizzlies look ahead to next season.