11.04.2024
Cleveland Cavaliers 110 - 98 Memphis Grizzlies
Donovan Mitchell led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 110-98 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies with 29 points, moving the Cavaliers within reach of a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Mitchell, despite battling knee soreness and a broken nose, also contributed to the win with eight assists. The Grizzlies, who have faced numerous injuries throughout the season and dressed the minimum eight players, were led by Jake LaRavia's career-high 32 points and eight 3-pointers. Cleveland now has the opportunity to secure a playoff spot with a win in their upcoming games against Indiana and Charlotte.
Atlanta Hawks 114 - 115 Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets spoiled Trae Young's return from injury by beating the Atlanta Hawks 115-114 on Miles Bridges' late layup. Young had 14 points and 11 assists in 21 minutes in his first game back after missing 23 games with a finger injury. Brandon Miller led the Hornets with 27 points as they rallied from an 18-point deficit, with Bridges contributing 18 points. Bogdan Bogdanovic set a team record with 235 made 3-pointers in the season for the Hawks. The Hornets snapped a two-game losing streak with the win, while the Hawks suffered their fourth straight loss.
Brooklyn Nets 106 - 102 Toronto Raptors
Cam Thomas scored 23 points, Dennis Schroder added 21, and the Brooklyn Nets rallied to beat the Toronto Raptors 106-102 in their final home game of the season. Rookie Noah Clowney had a career-high seven blocks, becoming the 12th teenager in NBA history to do so in a game. Immanuel Quickley scored 32 points for Toronto, while Gradey Dick had career highs with 24 points and 6 three-pointers. The Nets limited the Raptors to 7 for 22 shooting in the fourth quarter and blocked six shots. Brooklyn finished with a home record of 20-21, and their next game is against the New York Knicks.
Miami Heat 92 - 111 Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic scored 29 points, nearly achieving a triple-double, while Kyrie Irving added 25 points as the Dallas Mavericks claimed the Southwest Division title with a 111-92 win over the Miami Heat. Irving secured a $1 million bonus by reaching 50 wins and playing in at least 50 games. Daniel Gafford continued his hot streak by making all of his shots, extending his streak to 22 consecutive made field goals. The Mavericks will face the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs, while the Heat need two wins and help to avoid going on the road for the play-in tournament.
Milwaukee Bucks 117 - 99 Orlando Magic
Despite missing Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, the Milwaukee Bucks managed to defeat the Orlando Magic 117-99, thanks to Bobby Portis' impressive performance of 30 points, nine rebounds, and five steals. Antetokounmpo will miss the remainder of the regular season with a strained left calf, while Middleton's status remains uncertain. The win moves the Bucks to 4-3 in games without Antetokounmpo this season and helps them maintain the No. 2 playoff seed in the Eastern Conference. Cole Anthony led the Magic with 23 points, but the team struggled with turnovers, allowing the Bucks to capitalize and secure the victory.
Oklahoma City Thunder 127 - 89 San Antonio Spurs
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 26 points as they dominated the Victor Wembanyama-less Spurs 127-89. Despite missing key players, San Antonio struggled to score, allowing the Thunder to hold them to a season-low 35 points in the first half. Coach Mark Daigneault emphasized the team's focus on the process rather than standings, as they now sit just one game behind the Timberwolves for the best record in the Western Conference. Zach Collins led the Spurs with 20 points, while Popovich emphasized the importance of young players gaining experience.
Denver Nuggets 116 - 107 Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets are set to face off in a crucial showdown as they vie for first place in the Western Conference with three games remaining in the regular season. Despite the Nuggets having won the previous playoff matchup in 2023, the Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards who scored a career-high 51 points in their previous game, have emerged as top contenders this season. Both teams have won four of their last five games, setting the stage for an intense battle between two Northwest Division rivals. Nikola Jokic, a frontrunner for league MVP, will lead the Nuggets against Edwards and the Timberwolves in a high-stakes game reminiscent of their playoff matchup in 2018.
LA Clippers 108 - 124 Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns aim to bounce back from a sluggish start in their previous game against the undermanned Los Angeles Clippers, where they scored only 10 points in the first quarter and 33 in the first half. The Clippers were missing key players like Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, and James Harden. Russell Westbrook stood out with an impressive performance, becoming the first Clippers player with at least 15 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists in a game. Despite a late rally by the Suns, they fell short as they dropped to the No. 7 spot in the Western Conference standings. Head coach Frank Vogel emphasized the need for better execution and toughness on both ends of the court following the disappointing loss.