23.03.2024
Detroit Pistons 102 - 129 Boston Celtics
The NBA-leading Boston Celtics won their eighth straight game, beating the short-handed Detroit Pistons 129-102, with Jaylen Brown scoring 33 points. The Celtics improved to 56-15, while the Pistons dropped to 12-58. Peyton Pritchard added 20 points and Derrick White had 19 points and 11 assists for Boston. James Wiseman had a season-high 24 points for Detroit. The Celtics had a dominant stretch in the second and third quarters, outscoring the Pistons 47-21 to take a commanding lead. Jayson Tatum sat out to rest an ankle. Boston will face Chicago next, while Detroit will host New Orleans.
Toronto Raptors 103 - 123 Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the short-handed Toronto Raptors 123-103, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 23 points in his return to his homeland of Canada. The Thunder won their fourth straight game while handing the Raptors their ninth consecutive loss. Despite missing seven players, including all five starters, the Raptors were led by rookie Gradey Dick with 21 points. Toronto made a season-worst 27 turnovers, leading to 37 points for the Thunder off those miscues. The Thunder's Chet Holmgren had a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Oklahoma City finished with 17 steals, and Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with eight assists. Next up, the Thunder will face the Milwaukee Bucks, while the Raptors will take on the Washington Wizards.
Miami Heat 88 - 111 New Orleans Pelicans
Behind CJ McCollum's 30-point performance, the New Orleans Pelicans easily defeated the Miami Heat 111-88, adding to the Heat's struggles at home. Despite missing Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans had no issues rolling to victory, with Alvarado adding 17 points. Jimmy Butler's 17 points were not enough for the Heat, who were without key players Herro, Robinson, and Love. The win marked a statement game for the Pelicans following a contentious previous meeting between the teams, with New Orleans showing they are the better team. The Heat have now lost 10 of their last 17 home games and face an uphill battle to secure a playoff spot, while the Pelicans look ahead to a matchup against Detroit next.
Minnesota Timberwolves 104 - 91 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 104-91 behind Mike Conley's 21 points and fan favorite Naz Reid's 18 points on his beach towel giveaway night. Reid, who had just exited the concussion protocol, had a standout performance in the absence of All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns, earning chants of "Naz Reid!" from the crowd. The Timberwolves shot 52% from 3-point range and maintain their position in the Western Conference playoff race, just one game behind Denver. Cleveland, missing All-Star Donovan Mitchell and other key players due to injury, struggled offensively and lost for the fifth time in seven games. The Wolves look to continue their success as they host the Golden State Warriors next, while the Cavaliers will visit the Miami Heat.
San Antonio Spurs 97 - 99 Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the San Antonio Spurs 99-97, with Jaren Jackson Jr. scoring 28 points, including the winning basket with 1.2 seconds left. Victor Wembanyama had a strong performance for the Spurs with 31 points and 16 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to secure the win. The game saw a late rally by the Spurs, who hit back-to-back 3-pointers to tie the game, but ultimately Jackson's clutch shot sealed the victory for the Grizzlies. San Antonio now must win at least five of its final 12 games to avoid finishing with the worst record in franchise history. Despite missing several key players due to injury, Memphis captured their 13th straight victory over the Spurs, showing resilience and determination on the road.
Golden State Warriors 111 - 123 Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Golden State Warriors 123-111, with Tyrese Haliburton scoring 26 points and Pascal Siakam adding 25 points and 16 rebounds. Myles Turner set a franchise record for blocks with 1,246, while Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 25 points. Chris Paul was ejected for two technical fouls, and the Pacers improved to 5-0 at Chase Center. The win helped the Pacers maintain their position in the playoff race, while the Warriors remain in the final play-in tournament spot.Indiana faces the Los Angeles Lakers next, while the Warriors play the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Portland Trail Blazers 117 - 125 LA Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers swept a two-game set in Portland, beating the Trail Blazers 125-117 with Paul George scoring 31 points and Kawhi Leonard adding 22. The win puts the Clippers in the driver's seat for the fourth seed in the Western Conference playoff race. Portland, missing key players due to injury, suffered their fifth straight loss as they were unable to match the Clippers' shooting efficiency. The Clippers will next host Philadelphia, while the Trail Blazers will host Denver in their upcoming games.
Los Angeles Lakers 101 - 94 Philadelphia 76ers
In a hard-fought battle, Anthony Davis and LeBron James led the Lakers to a 101-94 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, snapping a seven-game losing streak. Davis had 23 points and 19 rebounds, while James added 20 points, eight rebounds, and six assists. D’Angelo Russell set a franchise record for 3-pointers in a single season with 184. Tyrese Maxey scored 27 points for the Sixers, who have struggled in MVP Joel Embiid's absence. The Lakers held on for their seventh win in 11 games despite committing 21 turnovers, with Russell and Dinwiddie contributing crucial points from beyond the arc. Los Angeles will next host Indiana, while Philadelphia will visit the LA Clippers.