02.04.2024
Charlotte Hornets 104 - 118 Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum and Sam Hauser both scored 25 points as the Boston Celtics defeated the Charlotte Hornets 118-104 for their 11th win in 13 games. Hauser made 7 three-pointers, with the Celtics hitting a total of 19 threes in the game. Kristaps Porzingis added 20 points, and Derrick White contributed 19 points and nine rebounds. The Celtics dominated the Hornets on the glass and pulled away in the third quarter, showcasing their offensive depth. Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised Hauser's confidence, while Hornets coach Steve Clifford highlighted the team's defensive struggles. The Celtics will face Oklahoma City next, while the Hornets will host Portland.
Detroit Pistons 108 - 110 Memphis Grizzlies
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 40 points, with 27 coming in the second half, as the Memphis Grizzlies held on to beat the Detroit Pistons 110-108. Coach Taylor Jenkins praised Jackson's performance, stating he has excelled since moving to center. Despite trailing at halftime, Memphis rallied with a 41-point third quarter led by Jackson. Pistons' Cade Cunningham finished with 36 points, narrowly missing a tying shot at the buzzer. Former Piston Luke Kennard contributed 19 points and eight assists for Memphis. The Pistons have lost nine of their last ten games, while the Grizzlies look to carry their momentum into their next game against Milwaukee.
Indiana Pacers 133 - 111 Brooklyn Nets
Tyrese Haliburton led the Indiana Pacers to a 133-111 victory over the Brooklyn Nets with 27 points and 13 assists, while Jalen Smith was ejected for a flagrant foul. The Pacers dominated from the start, shooting 52% for the game and leading by as many as 36 points in the third quarter. Myles Turner dislocated his finger in the second quarter, and Pacers coach Rick Carlisle passed Red Auerbach on the all-time coaching victories list with 939 wins. The Nets struggled defensively and will look to bounce back in their upcoming game against the Pacers on Wednesday.
Orlando Magic 104 - 103 Portland Trail Blazers
Franz Wagner led the Orlando Magic to a close 104-103 victory over the struggling Portland Trail Blazers, who have now lost 10 consecutive games. Deandre Ayton missed an open baseline jumper at the buzzer, allowing the Magic to secure the win in the last of eight straight home games. Despite a strong comeback by the Blazers in the second half, led by Dalano Banton's 26 points off the bench, Orlando held on for the win with key plays from Jalen Suggs and Wendell Carter Jr. Magic coach Jamahl Mosley earned his 100th career victory in a hard-fought game that will serve as a learning experience for his team moving forward.
Chicago Bulls 101 - 113 Atlanta Hawks
Vit Krejci had a career night with 18 points and six 3-pointers, leading the Atlanta Hawks to a 113-101 victory over the Chicago Bulls. Bogdan Bogdanovic added 20 points, while Dejounte Murray and Clint Capela also had strong performances. The Hawks made 19 3-pointers compared to the Bulls' seven, and Krejci felt confident and in the zone with every shot he took. Despite a brief disagreement between Bogdanovic and coach Quin Snyder, the team is focused on their playoff push, with Atlanta now just a half-game behind Chicago in the Eastern Conference standings. DeMar DeRozan led the Bulls with 31 points, but it wasn't enough to overcome the hot-shooting Hawks.
New Orleans Pelicans 111 - 124 Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker scored 52 points, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 124-111 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans and bringing them within a game of the No. 6 playoff spot in the Western Conference. Booker became the first NBA player since Wilt Chamberlain to score at least 50 points in three consecutive games against the same opponent, with Monday's performance being his second 52-point game against the Pelicans this year. Despite a strong 30-point performance from Zion Williamson, the Pelicans couldn't contain Booker, who hit 24 points in the first quarter alone, contributing to his impressive 52-point night. Booker now has eight 50-plus scoring games in his career.