03.04.2024
Golden State Warriors 104 - 100 Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic recorded his 20th triple-double of the season with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, but it wasn't enough as the Golden State Warriors beat the Dallas Mavericks 104-100, ending the Mavericks' seven-game winning streak. Andrew Wiggins scored 23 points and played strong defense against Doncic, earning praise from coach Steve Kerr. Despite Stephen Curry's off night shooting, the Warriors had six players score in double digits and held on to win their fifth straight game. Draymond Green made key defensive plays down the stretch to secure the victory. The loss keeps the Mavericks in fifth place in the Western Conference, while the Warriors remain in the tenth spot.
Philadelphia 76ers 109 - 105 Oklahoma City Thunder
Joel Embiid returned from knee surgery and scored 24 points in his first game in nine weeks, leading the 76ers to a 109-105 win over the Thunder. Embiid's performance, along with congratulatory messages from Allen Iverson, gave the Sixers hope for a postseason run. The Thunder, missing key players due to injuries, couldn't hold on in the fourth quarter despite Chet Holmgren's 22 points. Embiid's crucial free throws secured the win, as the Sixers aim to climb in the Eastern Conference standings with him back in the lineup.
Toronto Raptors 111 - 128 Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James scored 23 points, Anthony Davis added 21 points and 12 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers secured their seventh win in eight games by defeating the Toronto Raptors 128-111. The Lakers handed the struggling Raptors their 14th consecutive loss, with D'Angelo Russell scoring 25 points, and Rui Hachimura and Max Christie contributing as well. James, who shot 10 for 12, had nine assists and took just one 3-pointer in the game. The Lakers dominated, leading by 27 points before resting key players in the fourth quarter. James and Davis are expected to play against the Wizards next, while the Raptors will face the Timberwolves.
Washington Wizards 117 - 113 Milwaukee Bucks
The Washington Wizards beat the Milwaukee Bucks 117-113 despite Giannis Antetokounmpo's triple-double performance. Corey Kispert scored 27 points, Deni Avdija added 23, and Jordan Poole had 16 points and a career-high 13 assists for Washington. Tristan Vukcevic, a 7-foot rookie, scored 14 points, surpassing his previous career high. The Bucks struggled from 3-point range, shooting 11 of 48, and were unable to close the gap in the fourth quarter. Milwaukee was without Damian Lillard and the Wizards were missing Kyle Kuzma. The Bucks are looking to improve their road performance, with a game against Memphis next, while the Wizards will host the Los Angeles Lakers.
Miami Heat 109 - 99 New York Knicks
Terry Rozier scored a season-high 34 points, including eight 3-pointers, to help the Miami Heat defeat the New York Knicks 109-99 and improve their playoff outlook in the Eastern Conference. Despite a late surge from the Knicks, Rozier's clutch shooting helped the Heat secure the win. Donte DiVincenzo led New York with 31 points, while Miami's Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo contributed 17 and 15 points, respectively. The Heat now sit just a half-game behind the Indiana Pacers for the No. 6 seed in the East, while the Knicks dropped to No. 5. Kevin Love returned to the Heat lineup after missing 16 games, but Tyler Herro remained out with an injury. The Knicks are still dealing with injuries to key players, but coach Tom Thibodeau remains hopeful for a comeback.
Minnesota Timberwolves 113 - 106 Houston Rockets
Naz Reid led the Timberwolves to a 113-106 victory over the Rockets with 25 points, making a case for Sixth Man of the Year as the team continues to push for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. This win snapped Houston's seven-game road win streak and put them three games out of the final play-in position. Reid's performance was crucial in maintaining the lead, and his determination to help the team win reflects the Wolves' overall mindset heading into the playoffs.
Denver Nuggets 110 - 105 San Antonio Spurs
Nikola Jokic scored 42 points and led the Denver Nuggets to a 110-105 win over the San Antonio Spurs, outdueling Rookie of the Year favorite Victor Wembanyama, who had an impressive performance with 23 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists, and 9 blocks. Despite missing key starters, the Spurs put up a strong fight, with Tre Jones achieving a triple-double. Jokic praised Wembanyama's talent and mentioned the adjustments he had to make to score against him, noting that the rookie will only get better in the future. The matchup between the two players and their teams will be one to watch in their upcoming rematch, as Wembanyama continues to develop as a promising NBA star.
Utah Jazz 113 - 129 Cleveland Cavaliers
Caris LeVert led the Cavaliers to a 129-113 victory over the Jazz with 26 points, while Jarrett Allen added 21 points and 12 rebounds. Cleveland had 38 assists on 46 baskets and shot 54% from the field, breaking a four-game road losing streak. Brice Sensabaugh scored 22 points for Utah in his rookie year, and the Jazz struggled with turnovers and defense throughout the game. The Cavaliers will face the Phoenix Suns next, while the Jazz will take on the Los Angeles Clippers.
Sacramento Kings 109 - 95 LA Clippers
Domantas Sabonis had a standout performance with 22 points, 20 rebounds, and nine assists as the Sacramento Kings defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 109-95. The Kings are making a push to avoid the play-in tournament and move closer to sixth place in the Western Conference. The Clippers, playing without Kawhi Leonard, couldn't keep up with Sacramento's defense, with James Harden struggling to score. De'Aaron Fox and Keegan Murray also had strong showings for the Kings. Sacramento dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Clippers 35-19, highlighted by a powerful dunk from Murray. The Kings head to New York for a challenging road trip, while the Clippers look to bounce back against the Denver Nuggets.