18.03.2024
LA Clippers 93 - 110 Atlanta Hawks
Dejounte Murray and De'Andre Hunter scored 21 and 20 points respectively to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 110-93 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, snapping a three-game losing streak. Jalen Johnson and Clint Capela each had double-doubles for the Hawks, while Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 28 points. Atlanta dominated the second quarter, outscoring Los Angeles 30-15 to take a 61-44 lead into halftime. The Hawks' strong defense forced 16 turnovers and held the Clippers to 37.8% shooting from the field. James Harden returned for the Clippers after missing two games with a shoulder strain, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Hawks' balanced scoring and defensive effort. The Hawks will face the Lakers next, while the Clippers will take on Portland.
Detroit Pistons 101 - 104 Miami Heat
In a thrilling game, Bam Adebayo hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer to lift the Miami Heat to a 104-101 win over the Detroit Pistons. Adebayo's game-winning shot was only his fourth 3-pointer of the season, marking a career milestone for the center. Duncan Robinson scored a season-high 30 points and hit his 1,000th career 3-pointer, setting an NBA record. Despite missing Jimmy Butler, the Heat managed to secure the victory, while the Pistons honored their 2004 NBA championship team at halftime. Cade Cunningham had 17 points and nine assists for Detroit, but it wasn't enough to overcome Miami's late surge. The Heat will face the Philadelphia 76ers next, while the Pistons will take on the Boston Celtics.
Milwaukee Bucks 140 - 129 Phoenix Suns
Lillard and Portis led the Bucks to a 140-129 victory over the Suns despite Antetokounmpo's absence due to hamstring soreness. Lillard recorded 31 points and 16 assists, becoming the first Bucks player to achieve a 30-point, 15-assist game. Portis contributed 31 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, while Middleton, in his return from injury, added 22 points. Milwaukee hit a franchise-record 24 3-pointers, with Portis and Beasley each making five. Phoenix made a late push, but it was not enough to overcome the Bucks' hot shooting. Beal scored 28 points for the Suns, who will host the 76ers next, while the Bucks will visit the Celtics.
Washington Wizards 104 - 130 Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics beat the Washington Wizards 130-104 as Sam Hauser scored a career-high 30 points with 10 3-pointers, while Jayson Tatum also scored 30 points with six 3-pointers. Despite missing three starters, the Celtics led throughout the game and hit a total of 24 shots from beyond the arc. Hauser's performance, along with the team's strong 3-point shooting, propelled the Celtics to a dominant victory. Hauser left the game with an ankle injury, but the Celtics continued their strong play even after removing their starters. Jordan Poole scored 31 points for the Wizards, who were missing four of their starters. Boston will face Detroit next, while Washington will host Houston.
Orlando Magic 111 - 96 Toronto Raptors
Paolo Banchero scored 29 points to lead the Orlando Magic to a 111-96 victory over the skidding Toronto Raptors, who suffered their seventh straight loss. Franz Wagner had 22 points, nine rebounds, and five assists for Orlando, while Jordan Nwora led the Raptors with 18 points. The Magic improved to 8-2 in their last 10 games, showcasing their defensive prowess as they held Toronto to just 16 fast-break points and forced 18 turnovers. The win sets up an eight-game homestand for Orlando, while Toronto will look to bounce back against Sacramento on Wednesday.
Dallas Mavericks 107 - 105 Denver Nuggets
The Dallas Mavericks pulled off a thrilling 107-105 victory over the Denver Nuggets on a game-winning buzzer-beater by Kyrie Irving, who hit a running left-handed shot in the final seconds. Luka Doncic scored 37 points for the Mavericks, who are now tied for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. The Nuggets had a five-game road winning streak snapped, with Jamal Murray scoring 23 points and Nikola Jokic frustrated by Dallas's defense. The Mavericks outrebounded Denver 59-37, with P.J. Washington Jr. grabbing a season-high 11 rebounds. This win marks the Mavericks' fifth victory in six games and sets up an exciting playoff race in the West.
San Antonio Spurs 122 - 115 Brooklyn Nets
Victor Wembanyama's dominant performance of 33 points, 16 rebounds, and clutch plays in overtime led the San Antonio Spurs to a 122-115 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, snapping a three-game losing streak. Wembanyama's versatility with seven assists and seven blocks showcased his impact on the game as the Spurs secured the win. With key contributions from Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson, San Antonio overcame strong efforts by Cam Thomas and Dennis Schroder. The Spurs must maintain their momentum in the remaining games to avoid matching the franchise's worst record, while the Nets look to bounce back against New Orleans in their next game.