07.04.2024
Los Angeles Lakers 116 - 97 Cleveland Cavaliers
D'Angelo Russell scored 28 points and LeBron James added 24 as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 116-97, moving into eighth place in the Western Conference with their fourth straight win. Anthony Davis had 22 points and 13 rebounds, helping the Lakers to their ninth win in 10 games. Despite the win, the Lakers are still in the play-in tournament position, but finishing in seventh or eighth would require only one win for a playoff spot. The Cavaliers, led by Darius Garland's 26 points, dropped their third game in their last four. LeBron improved to 18-4 against the Cavs, the team he led to a championship in 2016, and the Lakers are now focused on maintaining momentum heading into the postseason.
Brooklyn Nets 113 - 103 Detroit Pistons
Cam Thomas led the Brooklyn Nets to a 113-103 victory over the Detroit Pistons with 32 points, contributing to their second straight win as they look towards finishing the season strong. The Pistons, despite leading by 19 points at one point, were outscored 38-20 in the fourth quarter by the Nets, who went on a 22-4 run to seal the win. Also notable was a video honoring Vince Carter, who spent five seasons with the Nets and was recently elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Memphis Grizzlies 96 - 116 Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid scored 30 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in only 23 minutes to lead the 76ers to a 116-96 victory over the Grizzlies. This marks Philadelphia's fourth consecutive win as they aim to move up in the Eastern Conference standings. Embiid, who is still working his way back from knee surgery, acknowledges he is still adjusting to the pace of the game. The Grizzlies, who were short-handed with 13 players not dressing, could not contain Embiid in the first half as the 76ers built a 62-42 halftime lead. Philadelphia outscored Memphis 34-19 in the second quarter and maintained a comfortable lead throughout the game. Despite the win, Embiid states that the team is focused on playing good basketball and getting healthy rather than worrying about playoff seeding.
Denver Nuggets 142 - 110 Atlanta Hawks
Jamal Murray's return from injury sparked the Denver Nuggets to a dominant 142-110 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, with Nikola Jokic recording his 25th triple-double of the season. The win propelled the Nuggets into first place in the Western Conference, a half-game ahead of the idle Minnesota Timberwolves. Despite missing Aaron Gordon, Denver's reserves stepped up with Reggie Jackson scoring 18 points off the bench as the Nuggets sank 23 3-pointers. The showdown against the Timberwolves next could decide the top seed in the West, with both teams vying for playoff positioning.