25.03.2024
Detroit Pistons 101 - 114 New Orleans Pelicans
Zion Williamson scored 36 points as the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the short-handed Detroit Pistons 114-101. Williamson shot an impressive 13 for 14 from the floor and 10 for 14 from the line, becoming only the third player in the last 20 years to score 35 points without a 3-pointer and fewer than 15 field goal attempts. The Pistons played without four of their five starters, and despite the efforts of Chimezu Metu and Malachi Flynn, they lost their sixth straight game. The Pelicans, now 44-27, have won five of their last six games. The Pistons will need four wins in their final 11 games to avoid exceeding the franchise record of 66 losses.
LA Clippers 107 - 121 Philadelphia 76ers
In a highly anticipated matchup, Tobias Harris led the Philadelphia 76ers to a 121-107 victory over James Harden and the Los Angeles Clippers, marking the first meeting between the two teams since the trade. Harden, who had 12 points and 14 assists in the game, will face his former team again on Wednesday. Tyrese Maxey contributed 24 points for the Sixers, while Cameron Payne had a season-high 23 points. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George scored 20 and 18 points, respectively, for the Clippers, who have struggled recently. Harden, who forced his way out of Philadelphia last November, has been performing well with the Clippers, averaging 17.3 points and 8.5 assists. The Sixers' outside shooting and strong fourth quarter helped secure the win, as they hit 18 3-pointers. Philadelphia will next play Sacramento on Monday, while the Clippers will host Indiana.
Miami Heat 121 - 84 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Miami Heat built their biggest lead in more than a decade, dominating the Cleveland Cavaliers with a final score of 121-84. Miami's reserves scored 59 points, Haywood Highsmith had 18, and Bam Adebayo recorded a double-double with 15 points and 16 rebounds. The Heat's 45-point cushion was their largest lead in years and helped them snap a three-game home slide. Cleveland struggled, with only one player reaching double figures and losing for the seventh time in 10 games. Miami's dominant performance was a much-needed response after a 23-point loss to New Orleans on Friday, and they remain seventh in the Eastern Conference standings.
Milwaukee Bucks 118 - 93 Oklahoma City Thunder
Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 30 points and Khris Middleton recorded a triple-double as the Milwaukee Bucks rolled past the Oklahoma City Thunder with a final score of 118-93. This game marked the first time in over a month that the Bucks had their full starting lineup healthy and available, leading to a dominant performance. Middleton had missed multiple games due to injury, while Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard also recently returned from injury. The Thunder struggled offensively, posting their lowest point total of the season and shooting a season-low percentage. Milwaukee had seven players scoring in double figures, showcasing their depth and ability to play as a cohesive team. The Bucks now look ahead to a matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Thunder will face the New Orleans Pelicans in their next game.
Minnesota Timberwolves 114 - 110 Golden State Warriors
The Minnesota Timberwolves outlasted the Golden State Warriors 114-110, with Anthony Edwards scoring 23 points and making key free throws in the final seconds. The Wolves matched a season-high with 21 3-pointers, outshooting the Warriors from beyond the arc. Steph Curry scored 31 points for Golden State, but missed a key tying 3-point attempt late in the game. The win puts the Wolves one game behind Denver in the Western Conference race. Naz Reid had a strong performance with 20 points and 12 rebounds, while the subs provided a crucial boost during a key stretch of the game. Curry and the Warriors will visit Miami next, while the Timberwolves will host Detroit.
Los Angeles Lakers 150 - 145 Indiana Pacers
In a high-scoring thriller, the Los Angeles Lakers held off a late Pacers comeback to secure a 150-145 victory, their highest-scoring performance in 37 years. Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 36 points and 16 rebounds, while LeBron James contributed 26 points and 10 assists. Spencer Dinwiddie scored 26 points, and Austin Reaves added 25 points. Despite Indiana's strong offensive performance, the Lakers managed to secure the win with key free throws in the final minute. The Pacers' Pascal Siakam scored 36 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Lakers' offensive output. LA won without D'Angelo Russell, who was out due to illness. The victory marks the Lakers' third straight win and fifth in seven games as they continue fighting for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.