05.11.2024
Cleveland Cavaliers 116 - 114 Milwaukee Bucks
Darius Garland led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a thrilling 116-114 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, scoring 39 points and hitting a crucial go-ahead three-pointer with 45 seconds left. The Cavs, now 8-0 for the first time since 1976, rallied impressively in the final minutes, outscoring the Bucks 18-8. Evan Mobley contributed 17 points and showcased his defensive prowess with an impressive sequence in the second quarter. Jarrett Allen added 14 points and 15 rebounds, making a key block on Damian Lillard, who scored 36 points for Milwaukee. The Bucks, struggling without injured superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, lost their sixth consecutive game. Despite early contributions from Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland secured their second win against Milwaukee in three days, highlighting their resilience and depth.
Washington Wizards 112 - 125 Golden State Warriors
In a matchup against the Washington Wizards, Stephen Curry returned from an ankle injury to aid the Golden State Warriors in securing their fourth consecutive victory with a 125-112 win. Curry, playing for 24 minutes, scored 16 of his 24 total points in the second half, including a key buzzer-beating 3-pointer at halftime. Despite his limited time on the court, the Warriors showcased their depth as the bench outperformed Washington's 60-33, with strong contributions from Buddy Hield, who scored 20 points off the bench. The Wizards were competitive, staying within five points in the fourth quarter before the Warriors pulled away. Notably, Warriors coach Steve Kerr celebrated his 800th game milestone. As the Warriors prepare to face the Boston Celtics, the Wizards, missing key players like Kyle Kuzma and Marvin Bagley III, will start a five-game road trip in Memphis. Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels received a warm reception from the crowd during the game.
Detroit Pistons 115 - 103 Los Angeles Lakers
The Detroit Pistons secured a 115-103 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, propelled by Cade Cunningham's third career triple-double with 17 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. Jaden Ivey contributed a season-high 26 points, while Detroit's strong start and dominance on the boards, outrebounding the Lakers 55-37, helped maintain control throughout the game. Notably, Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 37 points, continuing his impressive start to the season despite a late-game ankle scare. The Pistons, showing promise under new coach J.B. Bickerstaff, have already matched last season's December win total with their third win, highlighting their potential improvement.
Atlanta Hawks 93 - 123 Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics dominated the Atlanta Hawks with a decisive 123-93 victory, marking their third consecutive win. Jayson Tatum shone bright, scoring 26 of his 28 points in the first half and adding nine assists and six rebounds, staying on the bench for the fourth quarter as the Celtics maintained a strong lead. Notably, Trae Young of the Hawks exited in the third quarter due to a right rib strain, managing only two points on 1-of-10 shooting. Derrick White added 21 points and six assists for Boston, while Payton Pritchard contributed 18 points off the bench. The Celtics, off to their best start since the 2019-20 season at 7-1, kept up their streak of 16 games won without Jaylen Brown, who is dealing with a left hip flexor strain. Boston's high-powered offense was evident in their 18 three-pointers, including 15 in the first half, outscoring Atlanta 54-18 from beyond the arc. Despite Jalen Johnson's 20 points and 11 rebounds boosting the Hawks, they couldn't close the gap after the Celtics' pivotal 19-4 run to end the second quarter. The Celtics, finishing a successful road trip, now prepare to host the Warriors, while the Hawks look ahead to facing the Knicks.
Brooklyn Nets 106 - 104 Memphis Grizzlies
In a thrilling contest, the Brooklyn Nets narrowly defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 106-104. Dennis Schroder and Cam Johnson each contributed 20 points for the Nets, while Dorian Finney-Smith added 17, helping Brooklyn even its record to 4-4. Ja Morant dazzled with 25 points for Memphis, complemented by rookie Zach Edey's season-high 25 points and 11 rebounds. Finney-Smith's crucial 3-pointer and Schroder's layup in the final moments secured Brooklyn's victory. Despite Jaren Jackson Jr.'s late 3-pointer, Memphis' Santi Aldama missed a potential game-winning shot as time expired. Notably, Edey was flawless from the field in the third quarter, and Morant captured attention with his acrobatic drives. The Grizzlies struggled from beyond the arc, converting only 8 of 30 attempts. The Nets will embark on a three-game road trip starting in Boston, while the Grizzlies face the Los Angeles Lakers at home next.
Miami Heat 110 - 111 Sacramento Kings
Domantas Sabonis secured a thrilling victory for the Sacramento Kings, scoring off an offensive rebound with just 0.7 seconds left to beat the Miami Heat 111-110. The Kings staged an impressive comeback from a 15-point deficit, with DeAaron Fox leading the charge with 28 points, and Sabonis finishing with a double-double, contributing 16 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists. Miami's Jimmy Butler scored 15 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter, while Tyler Herro matched Butler's total with 27 points. Despite Bam Adebayo's celebratory night for his Olympic gold medal, he contributed 16 points, but Miami faltered, particularly in the third quarter, being outscored 37-17. Miami missed a chance to win when Terry Rozier's 30-foot buzzer-beater failed. The Heat struggled with free throws in the fourth, going 7 for 12. Kevin Huerter was absent due to illness, while Kevin Love returned to the Miami bench but did not play. Sacramento, historically unsuccessful in Miami, improved to 6-31 there and will face Toronto next. Meanwhile, the Heat will start a six-game road trip in Phoenix.
Chicago Bulls 126 - 135 Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz secured their first win of the season by defeating the Chicago Bulls 135-126, overcoming their status as the NBA’s weakest offensive team. Keyonte George impressed with 33 points and nine assists, tying his career high, while John Collins contributed significantly with 28 points and 13 rebounds. The Jazz showcased a much-improved offensive performance, shooting 53.9% from the floor and 45.7% from beyond the arc, despite missing their top scorer Lauri Markkanen due to back spasms. Collin Sexton also added 24 points, and Walker Kessler had a strong double-double with 12 points and 15 rebounds. The Bulls, without their leading scorer Zach LaVine, saw Coby White energize the team with 28 points, but their rally fell short. Chicago’s Ayo Dosunmu and Nikola Vucevic added 25 and 23 points, respectively. Ultimately, Utah surged ahead with a decisive 21-11 run after the third quarter, handing Chicago their second consecutive loss.
Houston Rockets 109 - 97 New York Knicks
The Houston Rockets secured a 109-97 win against the New York Knicks, thanks largely to Alperen Sengun's impressive 25 points and 14 rebounds. Despite the Rockets’ early 15-point lead, the Knicks narrowed the gap to just one point late in the fourth quarter. However, Sengun, who was closely guarded by Karl-Anthony Towns, managed to score 10 crucial points in the final period. Fred VanVleet contributed 19 points, while Jalen Green added 15 to bolster Houston's effort. The Knicks’ Jalen Brunson led all scorers with 29 points, and OG Anunoby added 21, but the team was outscored 62-38 in the paint. Towns contributed 17 points and grabbed a season-high 19 rebounds but couldn't steer New York to victory, ending their two-game win streak. The Rockets focused on involving multiple players, with four starters in double figures and Amen Thompson adding 12 points off the bench. Nonetheless, their inconsistency remains a challenge, as they blew a double-digit lead before reclaiming control, a pattern seen in their previous overtime loss to the Warriors. Key plays included a decisive dunk by Thompson and a timely 3-pointer from Green, sealing the win despite Houston’s struggles from beyond the arc, making only 8 of 33 attempts. The game highlighted Houston's need for consistency and New York's struggles with inside scoring. The Knicks will visit the Hawks next, while the Rockets will welcome the Spurs.
Minnesota Timberwolves 114 - 93 Charlotte Hornets
The Minnesota Timberwolves dominated the Charlotte Hornets with a 114-93 victory, driven by Naz Reid's standout performance of 25 points and nine rebounds. The Timberwolves capitalized on their sharp shooting, hitting 18 of 38 three-pointers at a 47.4% clip, while stifling Charlotte to just 23.8% from beyond the arc. Anthony Edwards contributed 21 points, with Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle also adding double figures. Despite LaMelo Ball's 19-point effort, the Hornets struggled, missing key players like Mark Williams and Nick Richards, leading to their fifth loss in six games. The Wolves' substantial lead early in the fourth allowed rookies Rob Dillingham and Terrence Shannon Jr. their debuts, with Dillingham capturing the crowd's attention with his flashy play.
Oklahoma City Thunder 102 - 86 Orlando Magic
The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their unbeaten streak in the Western Conference with a 102-86 victory over the Orlando Magic, improving their record to 7-0. Jalen Williams contributed 23 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 21 points and seven first-quarter assists, setting a career high. Notably, Chet Holmgren chipped in with 14 points, nine rebounds, and two blocks for the Thunder, who have won all their games by at least 12 points. The Magic, struggling without injured starters Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr., shot just 35.4% from the field and had only six successful three-point shots out of 34 attempts. Meanwhile, Oklahoma City had a more balanced attack, with five players scoring in double figures and shooting 45.9% overall. Oklahoma City's Isaiah Joe had a standout moment in the third quarter, hitting three consecutive three-pointers to extend the Thunder's lead. Despite Franz Wagner's 22 points and Jalen Suggs' all-around effort, Orlando couldn't overcome their scoring woes. Both teams head into their next games on Wednesday, with the Magic visiting Indiana and the Thunder facing Denver.
New Orleans Pelicans 100 - 118 Portland Trail Blazers
In a late surge, the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 118-100, capitalizing on their opponent's injury-depleted lineup. Anfernee Simons led the charge with 24 points, while Deandre Ayton added a double-double with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Toumani Camara and Jerami Grant contributed 16 points each. Despite trailing for most of the game, Portland took control in the fourth quarter when Dalano Banton, entering the game fresh, scored 20 points, including eight in a critical 10-2 run. The Pelicans, missing key players such as Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum, and Dejounte Murray, relied heavily on Brandon Ingram, who scored 27 points, and Brandon Boston Jr., who added 20 points in a spot start. The Blazers outperformed New Orleans in the paint with a 66-38 advantage, enhancing their shooting efficiency to 54.8%. As the Blazers set sights on San Antonio next, the Pelicans aim to bounce back against unbeaten Cleveland.
Dallas Mavericks 127 - 134 Indiana Pacers
In an exciting matchup, Myles Turner led the Indiana Pacers to a 134-127 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, achieving season highs with 30 points and 11 rebounds and surpassing 8,000 career points. Tyrese Haliburton contributed a season-best 25 points and 12 assists, while Pascal Siakam added 23 points for Indiana. Despite Luka Doncic's strong performance with 34 points and 15 assists, the Mavericks fell short, even as Kyrie Irving scored 27 points and Naji Marshall tied a career-high with 20 off the bench. Both teams dealt with notable absences, including Indiana’s Isaiah Jackson, out for the season with a torn Achilles, and Dallas’s Dereck Lively II and Maxi Kleber due to injuries. The Pacers shot impressively from beyond the arc in the first quarter and built an early lead, while Coach Rick Carlisle improved his record against his former team to 5-2. Indiana will face Orlando next, and Dallas will continue their homestand against Chicago.
Denver Nuggets 121 - 119 Toronto Raptors
In an eventful game, the Denver Nuggets secured a victory against the Toronto Raptors in overtime, marking their first win of the season, despite missing Jamal Murray due to a concussion. Murray, whose layup last week against Toronto pushed the game to overtime, has been pivotal for Denver. In his absence, Russell Westbrook and Julian Strawther filled crucial roles, with Strawther notably contributing 19 points. This victory was part of a positive stretch for Denver, which has now won three of its last four games, calming early-season concerns. Meanwhile, the Raptors, buoyed by Vince Carter's jersey retirement, have been facing challenges with injuries to key players. Second-year guard Gradey Dick has seized the opportunity, increasing his scoring significantly and playing a vital role in the Raptors' recent performances, including their overtime win against Sacramento. Despite the adversity, Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic remains committed to trusting young talents like Dick during critical moments.
Phoenix Suns 118 - 116 Philadelphia 76ers
The Phoenix Suns are experiencing a quick start under new coach Mike Budenholzer, winning their last four games and five of six overall going into Monday's game against the struggling Philadelphia 76ers, who are playing without their stars, Joel Embiid and Paul George, due to left knee injuries. Philadelphia has lost four of five games to begin the season, facing additional drama after Embiid, who is rehabbing a knee surgery from February and defending his commitment to the team, had a contentious exchange with a reporter critical of him. Meanwhile, George, a recent high-profile addition to the 76ers and recovering from a preseason knee injury, is set to potentially make his debut against the Suns. The Suns' recent victory over the Portland Trail Blazers showcased a powerful third-quarter performance, highlighted by Devin Booker's nearly triple-double effort and Grayson Allen's impactful play off the bench. As Philadelphia awaits the return of their key players, Phoenix capitalized on their opponent's weaknesses, signaling a strong early season form.
LA Clippers 113 - 104 San Antonio Spurs
The Los Angeles Clippers are struggling to find their footing in their new $2 billion arena, opening the season 0-4 at home, most recently losing 105-92 to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite leading at halftime, they faltered in the second half, a recurring issue in their home games, contributing to their poor start. Norman Powell has emerged as the Clippers' scoring leader in the absence of Kawhi Leonard, averaging 25.2 points per game. Head coach Tyronn Lue highlighted the need for offensive improvement. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs travel to Los Angeles with a two-game winning streak, after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 113-103, guided by assistant coach Mitch Johnson due to Gregg Popovich's illness. Keldon Johnson, Jeremy Sochan, and rookie Victor Wembanyama led the scoring for the Spurs, who are also benefiting from veteran Chris Paul's playmaking. Paul, eager to see the Clippers' new arena where he once played, recorded double-digit assists in consecutive games, making him the second-oldest to do so after John Stockton.