07.11.2024
Charlotte Hornets 108 - 107 Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons secured a crucial road victory against the Charlotte Hornets, marking their third consecutive win after defeating the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers in earlier matchups. The Pistons' success was attributed to their disciplined play, notably committing only 12 turnovers in their 115-103 victory over the Lakers, as emphasized by coach J.B. Bickerstaff. Jaden Ivey was instrumental with a season-high 26 points and is credited with playing confidently and attacking with strength, leading him to be the Pistons' top scorer for the third time this season. Cade Cunningham also made a significant contribution with a triple-double, further highlighting his playmaking abilities. Despite this, the Hornets, led by LaMelo Ball who ranks as the NBA’s seventh-highest scorer, suffered a 114-93 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves and continued to battle injuries, including Brandon Miller’s recent return from a strained left glute and Nick Richards' right shoulder soreness. Charlotte struggled offensively, hitting just 23.8% of their three-point attempts, highlighting their scoring challenges.
Indiana Pacers 118 - 111 Orlando Magic
In an exciting game in Indianapolis, Bennedict Mathurin scored 20 points to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 118-111 victory over the Orlando Magic. The Pacers had a balanced attack, with Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner, Pascal Siakam, and Jarace Walker each contributing 17 points, while T.J. McConnell added 15. Haliburton also made a crucial three-pointer in the final minute, extending the Pacers' lead. Franz Wagner topped the scoring chart with 28 points for the Magic, who have now lost five consecutive games. The Pacers, after a slow start to the season, have found momentum by improving ball movement and pace, also aided by Haliburton’s return to form following a back injury. Notably, Walker set a personal best by shooting a perfect seven-for-seven, including three successful three-pointers.
Atlanta Hawks 121 - 116 New York Knicks
In an exciting matchup in Atlanta, the Hawks overcame the New York Knicks 121-116, led by No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, who scored a career-high 33 points, marking the highest for a rookie this season. The Hawks, trailing 110-105 with just under three minutes to play, surged with a 13-1 run to secure the victory. Notable performances included Jalen Johnson with 23 points and 15 rebounds and Trae Young with a bounce-back game of 23 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds after struggling against Boston. The Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns led their effort with 34 points and 16 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson contributed 21 points. The Knicks, renowned for their 3-point shooting prowess, made 46.8% of their 3-point attempts. Despite their strong shooting, they ended their road trip at an even 2-2. The Hawks rebounded well from a heavy loss to the Celtics, with Clint Capela's crucial fast-break dunk in the final minute sealing the comeback win.
Boston Celtics 112 - 118 Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors secured a 118-112 victory over the Boston Celtics, marking their fifth consecutive win, with Stephen Curry leading the team with 27 points. Curry's return from an ankle injury proved pivotal, as he played in his second straight game. Andrew Wiggins and Buddy Hield contributed 16 points each, while Draymond Green and Kyle Anderson sealed the game with free throws in the final seconds. Despite Jayson Tatum's impressive 32 points for Boston, the absence of Jaylen Brown due to injury proved costly for the Celtics, as their usually dynamic offense appeared sluggish. Notably, Warriors coach Steve Kerr was met with boos from the TD Garden audience, reflecting lingering discontent over his management of Tatum at the Paris Olympics. The Warriors improved their defensive play after initially trailing, showcasing a stark contrast to their last visit to Boston, where they suffered a significant defeat.
Houston Rockets 127 - 100 San Antonio Spurs
The Houston Rockets secured a dominant 127-100 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, with Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet each contributing 21 points. Houston took control early, establishing a 25-point lead by halftime and never looked back, leading by as much as 27 points before coach Ime Udoka cleared the bench late in the game. VanVleet not only led in scoring but also recorded season-highs with 10 assists and seven rebounds. Alperen Sengun added 16 points, enhancing the Rockets' record, now winning four out of their last five games. Meanwhile, the Spurs struggled without coach Gregg Popovich, who is recovering from an illness, and top defender Jeremy Sochan, out with a fractured thumb. Rookie Stephon Castle started in Sochan's place, as Victor Wembanyama posted 15 points, six rebounds, and three blocks for San Antonio. The Rockets excelled in the paint, outscoring the Spurs 66-46, maintaining control after an early surge fueled by VanVleet's scoring.
Memphis Grizzlies 131 - 114 Los Angeles Lakers
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 131-114 in a game marked by strong 3-point shooting from the Grizzlies, despite losing Ja Morant in the third quarter to a right hamstring injury. Morant, along with rookie Jaylen Wells and Jaren Jackson Jr., each contributed 20 points to the team's victory. LeBron James led the Lakers with 39 points, though they lacked key players like Anthony Davis, who was out due to left heel soreness, and Rui Hachimura, who missed the game with an illness. Rookie Dalton Knect received his first NBA start for the Lakers. Jay Huff made a significant impact for the Grizzlies by hitting three consecutive 3-pointers and a reverse dunk during a critical third-quarter run that expanded their lead. Memphis held a solid 48% shooting from beyond the arc by the fourth quarter, while the Lakers struggled at 25%. The Grizzlies also maintained their scoring average of 60 points in the paint, benefiting from Davis' absence, as assistant coach Tuomas Iisalo filled in for head coach Taylor Jenkins, who was away due to a family bereavement.
New Orleans Pelicans 122 - 131 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers made franchise history by improving to a 9-0 start for the first time in their 55-year NBA history after defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 131-122. Donovan Mitchell led the charge with 29 points, while Caris LeVert and Jarrett Allen contributed 16 points each, with Allen also grabbing 14 rebounds. This victory eclipsed the previous best start of 8-0 held by the 1976-77 team under coach Bill Fitch. Despite Zion Williamson's return and 29-point performance, including 23 in the second half, and Jose Alvarado's perfect seven-for-seven from beyond the arc, New Orleans couldn't sustain their early 12-point lead. The Cavaliers were bolstered by 50 points from their reserves and shot 54.2% overall, maintaining their unbeaten streak. The Pelicans, struggling with injuries and now having lost three straight and six of their last seven games, lacked the depth to overcome the Cavaliers' well-rounded offense. Cleveland will host the Golden State Warriors next, while the Pelicans will face Orlando.
Dallas Mavericks 119 - 99 Chicago Bulls
In a commanding performance, Luka Doncic led the Dallas Mavericks to a 119-99 victory over the Chicago Bulls, contributing with 27 points and 13 assists. Kyrie Irving and Daniel Gafford each added 17 points, while the Mavs capitalized on a strong start in the second half, scoring the first 13 points and extending their lead to as much as 30. This victory brought Dallas to an even 2-2 record on their homestand despite missing key players like P.J. Washington and Dereck Lively II due to injuries. The Bulls struggled in the absence of Zach LaVine and were ineffective from beyond the arc, making only 28.6% of their shots after attempting their most 3-point shots in a game this season by halftime. Rookie Matas Buzelis offered a silver lining for Chicago with an impressive 13 points and nine rebounds. Dallas outperformed in the paint and in points off turnovers, showcasing their depth and versatility, culminating a key 17-0 run with consecutive 3-pointers from Doncic, Klay Thompson, and Irving. The Bulls aim to bounce back against the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Mavericks prepare to face the Phoenix Suns.
Denver Nuggets 124 - 122 Oklahoma City Thunder
The Denver Nuggets overcame injuries and a 16-point deficit in the third quarter to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 124-122, handing the Thunder their first loss of the season. Russell Westbrook led the Nuggets' charge with 29 points, while Nikola Jokic delivered a remarkable performance with 23 points, 20 rebounds, and 16 assists. Michael Porter Jr. rebounded from a slow start to score 21 of his 24 points in the second half, and Christian Braun contributed 24 points. Despite missing Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets maintained their composure, especially in the closing moments when Peyton Watson blocked Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s potential game-winning shot after missing crucial free throws. Jalen Williams led the Thunder with 29 points, but Oklahoma City’s strong 95.9 points-per-game defense faltered, allowing 69 points in the second half. Denver's youngsters Julian Strawther and Watson were instrumental during a crucial 17-7 run that helped seal the victory. The Nuggets next face off against the Miami Heat, while the Thunder start a six-game homestand with the Houston Rockets.
Phoenix Suns 115 - 112 Miami Heat
The Phoenix Suns secured their sixth consecutive win by overcoming a 15-point deficit to edge the Miami Heat 115-112, with Kevin Durant leading the charge with 32 points. Jusuf Nurkic contributed a significant double-double of 20 points and 18 rebounds, while Devin Booker added 22 points and nine assists. The Suns, now 7-1, have won their last five games by narrow margins of six points or fewer, and their strong fourth quarter, highlighted by Durant's pivotal jumper, cemented the victory. Despite committing 16 turnovers leading to 20 points for Miami, Phoenix managed to maintain composure, aided by Bradley Beal’s crucial late-game three-pointer. Tyler Herro was the standout for Miami with 28 points, but the Heat fell short, struggling particularly in the shooting efficiency of Bam Adebayo, who was just 5 for 21. The Suns’ impressive start matches the franchise’s best opening record, paralleling achievements from three previous seasons. Both teams face road games next, with Miami heading to Denver and Phoenix traveling to Dallas.
LA Clippers 110 - 98 Philadelphia 76ers
The Los Angeles Clippers secured a comeback win against the San Antonio Spurs with a 113-104 victory after trailing by 26 points at the end of the first quarter, marking their first triumph at the new Intuit Dome. Norman Powell led the Clippers with 23 points, including a crucial 3-pointer that gave them the lead, while Amir Coffey contributed 21 points, with a perfect 5-of-5 from 3-point range in the second half. James Harden, who struggled in the first half, ended with 17 points and moved closer to Ray Allen on the all-time 3-pointers list. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers continue to struggle without star Joel Embiid, who remains suspended after an altercation and missed a game-tying opportunity in their recent narrow 118-116 loss to the Phoenix Suns. Paul George debuted for the 76ers, scoring 15 points against his former team but missed a critical last-second shot. The game highlights key challenges both teams face, with the Clippers overcoming the absence of Kawhi Leonard and the 76ers contending without Embiid.
Sacramento Kings 122 - 107 Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors narrowly defeated the Sacramento Kings 131-128 in overtime, marking Sacramento's only loss on a four-game road trip. RJ Barrett was pivotal for Toronto with 31 points, though he later faltered in a close 121-119 defeat against the Denver Nuggets. Gradey Dick emerged as a key player for Toronto, significantly boosting his scoring average early in the season; however, his late-game turnovers against Denver were costly. Jakob Poeltl impressed against Nikola Jokic by scoring 24 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, but his fouls near the end proved detrimental. The Kings, led by Domantas Sabonis' game-tying tip-in and De'Aaron Fox's 28 points, capped their trip with a commendable 3-1 record, highlighted by Sabonis passing Larry Bird for 10th on the all-time triple-double list. DeMar DeRozan contributed 26 points in the Kings' triumphant 111-110 win over Miami, where strategic halftime adjustments played a crucial role. Sacramento coach Mike Brown praised the team's accountability and resilience, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility and team belief in achieving victories.