01.04.2024
Denver Nuggets 130 - 101 Cleveland Cavaliers
Nikola Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to a 130-101 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers with an impressive triple-double of 26 points, 18 rebounds, and 16 assists, clinching a playoff berth for the Nuggets. Despite missing Jamal Murray, the Nuggets had strong performances from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Reggie Jackson. Cleveland's Donovan Mitchell struggled in his second game back from injury, scoring 13 points. Jokic's stellar play, including a behind-the-back pass to Jackson, helped Denver outscore Cleveland 36-21 in the third quarter. The Cavaliers will play the Utah Jazz next, while the Nuggets will host the San Antonio Spurs.
Brooklyn Nets 104 - 116 Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James tied his career high with 9 3-pointers and scored 40 points as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 116-104. James hinted at retirement, stating he doesn't have much time left in the NBA, but put on a show with his shooting prowess. The Lakers have won five of their last six games, with James leading the charge alongside Anthony Davis and Rui Hachimura. Cam Thomas tried to rally the Nets in the second half, but Brooklyn struggled to overcome the Lakers' early lead. If James continues his stellar play in the postseason, anything is possible for the ageless wonder.
Charlotte Hornets 118 - 130 LA Clippers
Paul George led the Los Angeles Clippers to a 130-118 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, scoring a season-high 41 points including eight 3-pointers. The win marked the Clippers' fifth straight road victory and their 12th consecutive win against the Hornets. Miles Bridges scored 33 points for Charlotte, while Brandon Miller swapped jerseys with his idol George after the game. Despite the win, George and coach Tyronn Lue acknowledged the team's need for defensive improvement. The Clippers will face the Sacramento Kings next, while the Hornets will host the Boston Celtics.
Toronto Raptors 120 - 135 Philadelphia 76ers
Kelly Oubre Jr. scored a season-high 32 points as the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Toronto Raptors 135-120, snapping a three-game losing streak. Cam Payne added 24 points, Tobais Harris had 21, and Nicolas Batum had 19 for the 76ers. Philadelphia set a franchise record with 24 3-pointers made on 43 attempts, with Oubre making 6 of 11. Kyle Lowry had 11 points and 10 assists against his former team, and the Raptors were without several key players, including Gary Trent Jr. scoring 23 points and Jordan Nwora adding 19 for Toronto. The win improves the 76ers to 3-0 when making 20 or more 3-pointers this season.
Washington Wizards 107 - 119 Miami Heat
Terry Rozier III scored 27 points and Bam Adebayo had 22 as the Miami Heat defeated the Washington Wizards 119-107, moving within a half-game of the sixth-place Indiana Pacers. Miami went 25 for 29 from the free-throw line and hit seven 3-pointers during a crucial run to take control of the game. Despite missing leading scorer Kyle Kuzma, the Wizards struggled as Jordan Poole scored 22 points and Marvin Bagley III recorded a double-double. Miami coach Erik Spoelstra emphasized the team's focus on securing a higher playoff position, with tough games against teams battling for playoff spots upcoming.
New York Knicks 112 - 113 Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's game-winning jumper lifted the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first playoff spot since 2020, defeating the New York Knicks 113-112. Josh Giddey recorded a triple-double with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists, leading the Thunder back into first place in the Western Conference. Despite Jalen Brunson's 30 points for the Knicks, Gilgeous-Alexander's clutch shot sealed the victory, marking a significant milestone for Oklahoma City.
Houston Rockets 107 - 125 Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic scored 47 points to lead the Dallas Mavericks to their seventh straight win and end the Houston Rockets' 11-game winning streak with a 125-107 victory. Doncic had 32 points in the first half alone, tying his career-high for 3-pointers and making a highlight reel shot in the third quarter. Kyrie Irving added 24 points for the Mavericks, who shot 52% and made a season-high 24 3-pointers. Jabari Smith Jr. scored 28 points for the Rockets, but Jalen Green was held to just 12 points on 5-for-15 shooting as their push for a play-in spot stalled. The Rockets fell two games behind 10th place Golden State.
Minnesota Timberwolves 101 - 109 Chicago Bulls
DeMar DeRozan led the Chicago Bulls to a 109-101 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves with 27 points and eight assists, while Alex Caruso added a season-high 21 points with seven 3-pointers. Despite Anthony Edwards' 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Timberwolves, the Bulls shot an impressive 52.5% from the field and 58.6% from beyond the arc. Caruso's defensive impact on Edwards, along with his scoring, was crucial in the win as the Bulls held off a second-half surge from Minnesota. The Timberwolves were unable to secure a playoff spot in the Western Conference and will face the Houston Rockets next, while the Bulls will host the Atlanta Hawks in their next game.
San Antonio Spurs 113 - 117 Golden State Warriors
Stephen Curry scored 33 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to their fourth straight win, overcoming the San Antonio Spurs 117-113. Despite a strong performance from Spurs center Victor Wembanyama with 32 points and nine rebounds, the Warriors managed to hold on for the victory. Warriors forward Draymond Green also played a key role with 21 points and 11 rebounds. The Spurs, missing several key players due to injuries, put up a fight with strong performances from bench players. San Antonio set a franchise record for 3-pointers in a season, but still have seven games left to avoid finishing with the worst record in franchise history.
Sacramento Kings 127 - 106 Utah Jazz
The Sacramento Kings defeated the Utah Jazz 127-106, with Harrison Barnes scoring 24 points and leading a big third-quarter run. Keegan Murray scored 25 points, De'Aaron Fox had 24 points and 12 assists, and Domantas Sabonis had his 57th straight double-double. This win completed a three-game series sweep against the Jazz, the first since 2001-02. Utah, missing key players, lost their ninth straight game overall and 11th straight on the road, with defensive breakdowns being a major issue. Sacramento, tied for seventh in the Western Conference, played without Kevin Huerter and Malik Monk, while Utah was without Jordan Clarkson, Lauri Markkanen, and John Collins. Barnes scored 16 points in the decisive third quarter that helped secure the victory.