06.04.2024
Dallas Mavericks 108 - 106 Golden State Warriors
P.J. Washington scored a career-high 32 points, including the tiebreaking layup in the final seconds, as Luka Doncic sat out due to a sore knee, helping the Mavericks defeat the Warriors 108-106 and end Golden State's six-game winning streak. Kyrie Irving added 26 points for Dallas, who solidified their spot in fifth place in the Western Conference. Stephen Curry scored 28 points for the Warriors, who missed a chance to secure a postseason spot. The game was moved back three days after postponed games earlier in the season, and both teams were short-handed due to injuries. Despite Curry's late-game heroics, Golden State fell short as Klay Thompson missed a potential game-winning shot at the buzzer.
Charlotte Hornets 124 - 115 Orlando Magic
Brandon Miller was on fire for the Charlotte Hornets, scoring 32 points and making his first 10 shots from the field to help snap the Orlando Magic's three-game win streak with a 124-115 victory. Miles Bridges and Grant Williams also had strong performances, while Paolo Banchero put up 32 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists for the Magic. Miller joined Steph Curry as the only player in history to have a first half with at least 25 points while shooting perfectly from the field, the foul line, and attempting at least five 3-pointers. The Hornets led by as much as 19, but the Magic made a comeback before ultimately falling short. Vasa Micic played a key role for Charlotte with 14 points and nine assists, and overall, it was a solid team effort that led to the Hornets' second win in their last 11 games.
Indiana Pacers 126 - 112 Oklahoma City Thunder
The Indiana Pacers secured their ninth victory in 14 games by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 126-112, with Pascal Siakam leading the team with 21 points. Tyrese Haliburton broke the Pacers' single-season assist record, previously held by Mark Jackson, with his 11 assists in this game. Despite missing injured All-Stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, the Thunder's Lu Dort scored 22 points. Indiana shot 52%, made 15 3-pointers, and dominated the fourth quarter to secure the win. Jalen Smith suffered a sprained ankle injury during the game, but the Pacers remain excited for the playoffs as they look forward to hosting Miami next.
Washington Wizards 102 - 108 Portland Trail Blazers
Deandre Ayton scored a season-high 34 points and Dalano Banton added 21 as the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Washington Wizards, handing them their franchise record-tying 63rd loss of the season. Washington fell to 15-63, with Deni Avdija leading the team with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Despite a late surge from the Wizards, Portland's Scoot Henderson sealed the victory with a crucial three-point play. The win marked the Trail Blazers' first consecutive wins since the beginning of March, as they look towards improving for next season.
Boston Celtics 101 - 100 Sacramento Kings
Payton Pritchard scored 21 points, including five 3-pointers, as the Boston Celtics held off a late charge by the Sacramento Kings to secure a 101-100 victory. Kristaps Porzingis contributed with 20 points and 11 rebounds, helping the Celtics secure their 12th consecutive home win. De'Aaron Fox had an impressive 40-point game for the Kings, but they were unable to secure the win despite multiple attempts in the final seconds. Boston's reserves played a key role in securing the win, as the Kings missed out on a chance to move up in the tight Western Conference race. Brown and White were absent from the game due to injuries.
Chicago Bulls 108 - 100 New York Knicks
Javonte Green had a breakout game for the Chicago Bulls, setting career highs with 25 points and 13 rebounds in a 108-100 win over the New York Knicks. Green's thunderous reverse dunk in the second quarter had the crowd and his teammates cheering, with Andre Drummond even getting a technical foul for celebrating on the sideline. DeMar DeRozan added 20 points and 10 assists for the Bulls, who overcame injuries to Coby White and Alex Caruso to secure the victory. The Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson's 35 points, dropped their fourth game in five outings and will need to regroup before facing the Milwaukee Bucks next.
Houston Rockets 104 - 119 Miami Heat
Jimmy Butler scored 22 points, and Bam Adebayo added 18 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Miami Heat to a 119-104 victory over the Houston Rockets, extending their winning streak against Houston to eight games. Jalen Green had 21 points for the Rockets, who lost their fourth straight game after winning the previous 11. Tyler Herro made a successful return after missing 20 games with injuries. The Heat, now in seventh place in the Eastern Conference, won for the fourth time in five games and extended their winning streak against Houston to eight.
Memphis Grizzlies 108 - 90 Detroit Pistons
Trey Jemison and Maozinha Pereira each scored 17 points to lead the Memphis Grizzlies to a 108-90 victory over the Detroit Pistons. The Grizzlies had seven players score in double figures, including a short-handed roster due to injuries. Jaden Ivey led the Pistons with 31 points, but Detroit struggled with shooting and turnovers throughout the game. Both teams have been eliminated from postseason contention and have had record-high turnovers this season. Next, the Pistons will play at Brooklyn, while the Grizzlies will host Philadelphia.
Milwaukee Bucks 111 - 117 Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors snapped a 15-game losing streak by defeating the slumping Milwaukee Bucks, who have now lost three straight to sub-.500 teams. Gary Trent Jr. scored 31 points, Immanuel Quickley nearly had a triple-double, and RJ Barrett added 26 points for the Raptors. Despite Damian Lillard's 36 points for the Bucks, they were unable to pull off a win without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who sat out with a left hamstring injury. Bobby Portis contributed 19 points and 10 rebounds for Milwaukee, who have experienced a string of losses under coach Doc Rivers. The Bucks host the New York Knicks next while the Raptors face the Washington Wizards.
New Orleans Pelicans 109 - 111 San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs to a 111-109 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and a crucial late-game block on Herb Jones. The Spurs rallied from a 10-point halftime deficit to hand the Pelicans their fourth consecutive home loss. Despite missing their top scorers, Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, the Pelicans were led by CJ McCollum with 31 points. Wembanyama, who faced double teams all game, struggled in the first half but came alive in the second half with 15 points. The Spurs had a franchise-record 34 assists in the game.
Phoenix Suns 97 - 87 Minnesota Timberwolves
Devin Booker looks to continue his scoring streak as the Phoenix Suns face the Minnesota Timberwolves in a crucial game for playoff positioning. Booker scored a combined 92 points in the past two games, helping the Suns secure the 6th spot in the Western Conference. Kevin Durant also added 32 points in their recent win against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Timberwolves, tied for first in the West, are on a hot streak, winning 9 of their last 11 games. Anthony Edwards scored 28 points in their recent blowout win over the Toronto Raptors. Despite Phoenix winning eight of the last nine meetings, the Timberwolves are eager to continue their winning ways.
LA Clippers 131 - 102 Utah Jazz
The Los Angeles Clippers were able to snap a five-game home losing streak with a 102-100 victory over the Denver Nuggets, led by Paul George and James Harden. Despite Kawhi Leonard's absence due to right knee soreness, the Clippers are holding on to fourth place in the Western Conference. The Utah Jazz, on the other hand, are on a 10-game losing streak and have been eliminated from postseason consideration. Rookie Brice Sensabaugh has been a bright spot for the Jazz, scoring 22 points in each of the last two games. The Clippers and Jazz have split their season series, with one more matchup between the two teams scheduled for April 12.