12.11.2024
Chicago Bulls 113 - 119 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their impressive unbeaten streak to start the NBA season by defeating the Chicago Bulls 119-113, marking their 12th consecutive win. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with a season-high 36 points, supported by strong performances from teammates Darius Garland and Evan Mobley. Despite falling behind by nine points in the third quarter, Cleveland rallied with crucial contributions from their bench, including Georges Niang, Ty Jerome, and Caris LeVert, who each added 12 points. Chicago's Zach LaVine scored 26 points, but the team was hampered by 20 turnovers and suffered their fifth loss in six games. With notable plays such as Mobley’s alley-oop and Garland’s late-game layup, the Cavaliers showcased their resilience, replicating their recent comeback win against Brooklyn. Looking ahead, Cleveland is set to play in Philadelphia on Wednesday, while Chicago prepares to meet the Knicks in New York.
Houston Rockets 107 - 92 Washington Wizards
The Houston Rockets defeated the Washington Wizards 107-92, led by Alperen Sengun's standout performance with 27 points and 17 rebounds, and a strong shooting night hitting 12 of 19 shots along with three blocks. Houston maintained control throughout the game, holding a 55-40 lead at halftime and never trailing, propelling the Rockets to their best start since the 2019-20 season with a 7-4 record after winning four of their last five games. Despite the absence of Fred VanVleet due to a hamstring injury, the Rockets managed efficiently with Jalen Green contributing 18 points, while rookie Reed Sheppard equaled his early career high with seven points. The Wizards struggled with rebounds, being outrebounded 58-34, and faced offensive challenges, with only one free throw made in the first half and finishing with a season-low 9 of 13, ultimately overshadowing Kyle Kuzma's return from injury and his team-leading 18 points. As the Wizards endure their fifth consecutive loss, they prepare to visit San Antonio, while the Rockets look forward to hosting the Clippers next.
New Orleans Pelicans 105 - 107 Brooklyn Nets
In a thrilling NBA matchup, the Brooklyn Nets narrowly defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 107-105, extending the Pelicans' losing streak to five games. Cam Thomas was instrumental for the Nets, scoring 10 of his 17 points in the final quarter and clinching a crucial 3-pointer in the last minute. The Nets demonstrated balanced scoring with contributions from Cameron Johnson and Noah Clowney, who each scored 15 points, and Dennis Schroder with 14 points. The Pelicans failed to score in the final 3:35, despite Brandon Boston Jr.'s impressive play making, including a 27-foot 3-pointer and a dunk. Brandon Ingram led New Orleans with 24 points but managed just two in the second half. Notably, rookie Yves Missi achieved career highs with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Brooklyn's strong performance from beyond the arc was highlighted by their 45.2% 3-point shooting and 57 points scored from deep. Meanwhile, Trey Murphy III made his season debut for New Orleans, recovering from a hamstring strain, but struggled to find his touch. The Nets will face the Boston Celtics next, while the Pelicans will meet the Thunder in Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma City Thunder 134 - 128 LA Clippers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a career-best performance with 45 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder triumphed over the Los Angeles Clippers 134-128, despite the absence of Chet Holmgren, sidelined for at least eight weeks due to a pelvic fracture. Gilgeous-Alexander excelled with 13 of 21 from the field and nearly perfect free-throw shooting, adding nine assists to his stats. Oklahoma City's relentless pace contributed to their success, even though they were outrebounded 47-29 and lacked height with their tallest starter at 6-foot-6. Jalen Williams and Lu Dort added 28 and 19 points respectively to compensate for Holmgren's absence. Norman Powell led the Clippers with 31 points but fouled out late, while Ivica Zubac and Derrick Jones Jr. also contributed significantly. Despite James Harden's near triple-double, the Clippers were hampered by turnovers and foul trouble, committing 24 turnovers leading to 32 Thunder points. The Thunder showcased impressive depth and precision at the free-throw line, converting 22 of 23 attempts. The Clippers head to Houston next, while Oklahoma City will host New Orleans.
San Antonio Spurs 116 - 96 Sacramento Kings
The San Antonio Spurs dominated the second half to secure a 116-96 victory over the Sacramento Kings, led by Victor Wembanyama's impressive 34 points and 14 rebounds. Chris Paul bolstered the Spurs' performance with a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds, helping to snap San Antonio's four-game losing streak against the Kings. Despite De'Aaron Fox's 24 points and strong contributions from Domantas Sabonis and DeMar DeRozan, the Kings faltered defensively in the second half, managing only four turnovers after forcing 12 in the first half. Key moments for the Spurs included Devin Vassell's pivotal consecutive 3-pointers that halted a scoring drought, and a franchise record-setting performance from Julian Champagnie, who surpassed the previous record for most 3-pointers in the first 100 games. The Spurs capitalized on their long-range shooting, achieving a season-high 22 3-pointers. Both teams are set to continue their homestands with the Spurs hosting Washington and the Kings facing Phoenix on Wednesday.