28.03.2024
Charlotte Hornets 118 - 111 Cleveland Cavaliers
Brandon Miller exploded for a career-high 31 points, sinking seven 3-pointers to lead the Charlotte Hornets to a 118-111 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite a strong performance from Jarrett Allen, who scored 24 points, the Cavaliers couldn't keep up with the Hornets, who shot 58% from the field. Miller's clutch plays, including a decisive 3-pointer with 25 seconds left, helped the Hornets snap a five-game losing streak. The loss marked the Cavs' fourth defeat in their last five games, with Coach J.B. Bickerstaff noting a lack of the right mental approach. The Hornets will face the Warriors next, while the Cavaliers will host the 76ers.
Orlando Magic 93 - 101 Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors overcame Draymond Green's early ejection to beat the Orlando Magic 101-93, with Andrew Wiggins scoring 13 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter. Despite poor shooting, the Warriors had a 52-39 rebounding edge and held the Magic to 93 points. Cole Anthony led Orlando with 26 points, while Paolo Banchero had 15 points and eight rebounds. Green was ejected early in the game, missing his first game since October due to injury, and the Warriors improved to 18-19 at home and 20-15 on the road. Banchero became only the eighth player in the last 60 years to have 3,000 points, 900 rebounds, and 600 assists in his first two NBA seasons. Curry made crucial baskets at the end and the Warriors now head to Charlotte next, while the Magic will host the Los Angeles Clippers.
Washington Wizards 119 - 122 Brooklyn Nets
Cam Thomas scored 38 points, helping the Brooklyn Nets defeat the Washington Wizards 122-119 in overtime to snap the Wizards' three-game winning streak. Jordan Poole had a season-high 38 points for Washington, but missed a crucial 3-pointer in overtime. The game was tight throughout, with the Nets ultimately coming out on top despite missed opportunities on both sides. The Wizards' owner Ted Leonsis spoke about keeping the team in Washington, adding an interesting subplot to the game. The Nets' interim coach praised Thomas' performance, who also had seven assists. Brooklyn will host Chicago next, while Washington will host Detroit.
Atlanta Hawks 120 - 106 Portland Trail Blazers
Dejounte Murray scored 30 points and had seven assists as the Atlanta Hawks defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 120-106, handing them their eighth straight loss. Garrison Mathews added 21 points, including five 3-pointers, to lead the Atlanta backups. The Blazers started five rookies due to injuries, with Dalano Banton scoring a career-high 31 points off the bench. Despite missing multiple starters, the Hawks capitalized on turnovers and strong shooting to secure their third consecutive win. Murray and Bogdanovic fueled an 11-0 run in the third quarter, securing the victory.
Philadelphia 76ers 107 - 108 LA Clippers
Kawhi Leonard led the Los Angeles Clippers to a controversial 108-107 win over the Philadelphia 76ers, making key plays late in the game including two 3-point plays and a crucial block on the final possession. The officiating crew admitted a foul should have been called on the last play that would have given the Sixers a chance to win. James Harden, in his return to Philadelphia, was booed by the crowd but still contributed with 16 points and 14 assists for the Clippers. Leonard bounced back from a rough first half to score 17 points and grab 10 rebounds, while Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 26 points. The Clippers continue their road trip in Orlando next, while the 76ers face Cleveland.
Toronto Raptors 101 - 145 New York Knicks
The New York Knicks dominated the Toronto Raptors with a 145-101 victory, marking their biggest margin of victory this season. Miles McBride scored a career-high 29 points, with help from Jalen Brunson's 26 points. Mitchell Robinson made his return from injury, scoring eight points and showcasing strong defense. The Raptors, missing key players, suffered their 12th consecutive loss and fell to 1-13 against Atlantic Division opponents. Gradey Dick scored a career-high 23 points for Toronto, but it was not enough to overcome the Knicks' offensive prowess, including a season-high 22 3-pointers. The Raptors suffered their biggest home defeat in franchise history with a 44-point loss.
Chicago Bulls 125 - 99 Indiana Pacers
DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic led the Chicago Bulls to a 125-99 victory over the Indiana Pacers, snapping Chicago's three-game losing streak. The Bulls held the high-scoring Pacers to under 100 points for the first time this season and all five Chicago starters reached double digits in scoring. Additionally, the Bulls outscored the Pacers 22-6 late in the second quarter to take control of the game. Indiana was held to 40% shooting while the Bulls shot 50%. Chicago's injured players Zach LaVine, Patrick Williams, and Lonzo Ball could potentially return soon.
Memphis Grizzlies 124 - 136 Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James recorded a triple-double with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 136-124, with Rui Hachimura contributing 32 points. The Lakers won their fifth straight game to move within 2 1/2 games of the sixth spot in the Western Conference. Anthony Davis sat out due to injury, but Hachimura's strong performance, including 7 of 8 3-pointers, helped seal the victory. Desmond Bane led the Grizzlies with 26 points and 16 assists, but it wasn't enough as they lost their sixth of seven games. The Lakers displayed strong shooting legs despite a double-overtime game the night before, ultimately securing the win. Brandon Clarke made an emotional return for Memphis after a long injury layoff. The Lakers are showing signs of a strong playoff push similar to last season.
Minnesota Timberwolves 106 - 91 Detroit Pistons
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Detroit Pistons 106-91, reaching the 50-win mark for the fifth time in franchise history with 10 games remaining. Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels led the way with 21 and 20 points, respectively, while Rudy Gobert recorded a double-double. Cade Cunningham scored 32 points for the Pistons, who lost their eighth straight game. The Wolves improved to 40-4 when allowing fewer than 110 points, showcasing their strong defense. Despite a slow start, this win was an encouraging sign for Minnesota as they aim for greater success and a higher seed in the Western Conference.
Oklahoma City Thunder 126 - 132 Houston Rockets
Despite missing their All-Star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Houston Rockets clinched their 10th consecutive victory in a hard-fought overtime win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with Jalen Green leading the charge with an impressive 37-point performance. Rockets coach Ime Udoka emphasized the significance of the win, highlighting the team's relentless effort and dedication. Despite Josh Giddey's career-high 31 points for the Thunder and a dramatic finish to regulation with a tie-breaking shot by Jalen Williams, the Rockets prevailed in overtime, with Dillon Brooks' crucial 3-pointers sealing the win. The game was marked by intense moments, including a technical foul issued to Brooks, bringing him close to a one-game suspension. With the Rockets continuing their winning streak, they now set their sights on facing the Utah Jazz next, while the Thunder prepare to host the Phoenix Suns.
Utah Jazz 111 - 118 San Antonio Spurs
Devin Vassell scored 31 points and Victor Wembanyama added 19 points and 5 blocks as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Utah Jazz 118-111. The Spurs had a season-high 40 assists on 44 field goals, shooting 51.8% from the field and making 16 of 33 three-point attempts. Collin Sexton had 26 points and Lauri Markkanen scored 25 for the Jazz, who have lost seven straight games. Despite getting as close as 115-111 in the final seconds, the Jazz couldn't overcome the Spurs, who are playing some of their best basketball of the season, coming off a win against the Phoenix Suns. Hosted by the New York Knicks next, the Spurs continue their strong form while the Jazz hope to break their losing streak against the Houston Rockets.
Denver Nuggets 97 - 104 Phoenix Suns
The Denver Nuggets are on a hot streak, winning 15 of their last 17 games since the All-Star break and currently sitting at the top spot in the Western Conference. Despite facing injuries to key players like Jokic and Murray, the Nuggets have continued their winning ways. The upcoming game against the Phoenix Suns will be a test for both teams, as the Suns are looking to bounce back from a tough loss and injuries of their own. With Jusuf Nurkic's status uncertain, it will be intriguing to see how the Nuggets handle defending MVP Nikola Jokic. Additionally, players like Reggie Jackson and Christian Braun have stepped up in the absence of key players, showcasing their value to the team.