14.11.2024
Orlando Magic 94 - 90 Indiana Pacers
In a thrilling matchup, the Orlando Magic extended their home winning streak to 13 games by defeating the Indiana Pacers 94-90, making them 6-0 at home this season. Franz Wagner was a standout performer for the Magic, scoring 29 points, while Jalen Suggs sealed the victory with two critical free throws in the final seconds. Despite a strong performance from Indiana's Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin, who combined for 52 points, it wasn't enough to overcome Orlando's tenacious defense, which included 10 blocks and eight steals. Notably, Anthony Black sparked a decisive 13-1 run with a crucial block that shifted the momentum in favor of Orlando. The rebounding efforts of Goga Bitadze, Jonathan Isaac, and rookie Tristan daSilva gave the Magic a crucial edge on the boards. As the Magic prepare to host Philadelphia, the Pacers will look to regroup against Miami.
Brooklyn Nets 114 - 139 Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum led the Boston Celtics to a commanding 139-114 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, scoring 36 points along with 10 assists and eight rebounds. Jaylen Brown contributed 24 points and 12 rebounds, while Payton Pritchard added 23 points, eight assists, and six rebounds. After suffering a narrow defeat to Atlanta the previous night, the Celtics answered decisively with their highest scoring game of the season, overcoming an early 13-point deficit with a dominant 74-point second half. Ziaire Williams stood out for the Nets, notching a season-high 23 points in his second start, filling in for the injured Ben Simmons and Dorian Finney-Smith. The Celtics, who have won 12 of their last 13 matchups against the Nets, including seven consecutive games in Brooklyn, showcased their formidable third-quarter performance by scoring 38 points. Derrick White, scoreless in the first half due to foul trouble, hit a key three-pointer that fueled a 13-2 run, further extending Boston's lead. The Celtics will face Toronto on Saturday, while the Nets have games against the New York Knicks on Friday and Sunday.
New York Knicks 123 - 124 Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls narrowly defeated the New York Knicks 124-123 in a thrilling encounter at Madison Square Garden. Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 31 points, while Colby White contributed 22, including the decisive free throws with just three seconds left in the game. The Bulls appeared dominant, leading by 22 points during the third quarter, but the Knicks mounted a stunning comeback that saw them take a late lead on Jalen Brunson's basket with four seconds remaining. However, White was fouled on a 3-point attempt by Josh Hart on the next play and secured the victory by making all three free throws. Despite Karl-Anthony Towns scoring a season-high 46 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, and Brunson adding 24 points, the Knicks couldn't steal the win as Brunson's final shot rimmed out at the buzzer. The game highlighted strong performances and dramatic shifts in momentum, especially with the Knicks' impressive 17-0 run to close the third quarter. Meanwhile, Lonzo Ball continued to be sidelined for the Bulls with lingering injuries, and the Knicks showcased consistency by sticking with the same starting lineup in every game so far this season.
Philadelphia 76ers 106 - 114 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their scorching start to the NBA season by becoming the sixth team in NBA history to begin with a 13-0 record, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 114-106. Despite the absence of stars Paul George and Joel Embiid due to knee injury management, the 76ers, led by Jared McCain's career-high 34 points, put up a strong fight. Darius Garland contributed 25 points and Evan Mobley added 14 points and seven rebounds for the Cavaliers, but it was Donovan Mitchell who stood out, scoring 11 of his 23 points in the final three minutes, along with 13 rebounds and nine assists. Mitchell's three decisive three-pointers in the closing minutes helped the Cavs replicate their longest season-starting win streak since the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors, who hold the record at 24 consecutive victories. The victory marked the fourth time in franchise history the Cavaliers have achieved a 13-game win streak, a feat previously accomplished with LeBron James on the roster. Meanwhile, anticipation builds for the Sixers with both George and Embiid expected back for their upcoming game in Orlando.
Oklahoma City Thunder 106 - 88 New Orleans Pelicans
In an impressive display, Jalen Williams scored 31 points, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 29 as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the undermanned New Orleans Pelicans 106-88. This victory marked the Thunder's second consecutive win without Chet Holmgren, who is sidelined with a pelvic fracture. Oklahoma City capitalized on a potent third-quarter surge, breaking a 59-all tie with a decisive 16-0 run. Despite being outrebounded 58-31, the Thunder committed only seven turnovers, while New Orleans struggled with 24 turnovers. The Pelicans, playing without key injured players like Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum, couldn’t overcome Oklahoma City's strong guard-heavy lineup. The Thunder, now 10-2, will face the Phoenix Suns next, while the Pelicans look to rebound against the Denver Nuggets.
Houston Rockets 111 - 103 LA Clippers
Jalen Green's 21 points, along with contributions from Amen Thompson and Tari Eason, helped the Houston Rockets secure a 111-103 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite trailing by 11 early on, the Rockets managed to lead by five at halftime and extended their advantage with a significant run between the third and fourth quarters. The Clippers narrowed the gap to four points with about 90 seconds left, but Alperen Sengun's decisive dunk and block ensured Houston's third consecutive win. James Harden led the Clippers with 19 points and closed in on Ray Allen's career three-pointer record. The Clippers, missing Kawhi Leonard due to his knee rehabilitation, have struggled defensively during their recent two-game losing streak. Meanwhile, Eason and Thompson continue to provide strong performances off the bench for Houston, with both contributing to a considerable lead in offensive rebounds and second-chance points. The two teams are set to meet again on Friday night in Houston.
Milwaukee Bucks 127 - 120 Detroit Pistons
In a thrilling contest, Giannis Antetokounmpo powered the Milwaukee Bucks to a 127-120 overtime win against the Detroit Pistons, scoring 59 points, the highest in the league this season. This performance marked Antetokounmpo's second-highest single-game score, following his 64-point game against Indiana last season. Despite trailing by 18 points in the second half, the Bucks surged back, aided by Antetokounmpo's 14 rebounds and seven assists, while Brook Lopez contributed 29 points. Detroit, missing key starters Jaden Ivey and Tim Hardaway Jr., was led by Cade Cunningham's 35 points. In a dramatic climax, Ron Holland II failed to capitalize on two free throws with one second left in regulation, leaving the score tied. Antetokounmpo's dominance was evident as he scored all 22 of Milwaukee's first-quarter points and dealt adeptly with physical pressure, including a flagrant foul by Isaiah Stewart that led to Stewart's ejection. The victory marked Milwaukee's 10th consecutive win against Detroit, improving their record to 22-1 against the Pistons since the 2018-19 season.
San Antonio Spurs 139 - 130 Washington Wizards
Victor Wembanyama exploded for a career-high 50 points, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 139-130 triumph over the Washington Wizards. The 20-year-old standout also hit a personal best of eight 3-pointers, marking his third consecutive game with at least six successful long-range shots. This performance makes Wembanyama the fourth-youngest NBA player to score 50 points in a game, placing him among elite company alongside Brandon Jennings, LeBron James, and Devin Booker. Despite the loss, Jordan Poole shone for the Wizards with a notable 42-point effort, as his team suffered its sixth consecutive defeat. Alexandre Sarr provided some excitement for Washington with a block and dunk against his French compatriot Wembanyama. The Spurs have further cause for optimism with Devin Vassell scoring 17 points in his return from surgery, and Wembanyama becoming the first player in NBA history to achieve 20 3-pointers and 25 blocks over six games.
Los Angeles Lakers 128 - 123 Memphis Grizzlies
In an exciting NBA matchup, the Memphis Grizzlies are set to face the Los Angeles Lakers again, this time in Los Angeles, after previously defeating them 131-114. Despite missing key players Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, and Marcus Smart due to injuries, the Grizzlies continued their strong performance, winning their last two games with an average of 131 points. Their latest emphatic victory against the Portland Trail Blazers was marked by a 45-point margin, the fourth largest in franchise history, with Jaren Jackson Jr. delivering a standout performance. Meanwhile, the Lakers, bouncing back from a challenging road trip, remain undefeated at home with LeBron James notching his third triple-double of the season in their latest win against the Toronto Raptors. As both teams look to assert dominance, all eyes will be on the impact of James's playmaking and Anthony Davis, who is expected to return after an eye injury.
Portland Trail Blazers 106 - 98 Minnesota Timberwolves
In a notable 122-108 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Portland Trail Blazers showcased their talents with Robert Williams III returning from a year-long knee injury to deliver an impressive performance. Williams contributed 19 points, nine rebounds, and a remarkable defensive effort including three blocks and steals in just his third appearance this season, underscoring his value to the team. Portland had seven players scoring in double digits, including Jerami Grant with a team-high 21 points and Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija with 17 each. The game also marked a difference in Minnesota's performance compared to their previous dominant win over Portland, as they struggled with a season-worst 23 turnovers. Despite strong efforts from Naz Reid and Anthony Edwards, who scored 28 and 26 points respectively, the Timberwolves could not overcome their ball-handling issues. Portland's triumph broke Minnesota's five-game winning streak against them, illustrating both the impact of Williams' return and the Blazers' improved execution.
Sacramento Kings 127 - 104 Phoenix Suns
In a rematch filled with notable absences due to injuries, the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns are set to face off again after the Kings secured a 127-118 overtime victory in their last encounter. DeMar DeRozan played a critical role in the Kings' triumph, outscoring the Suns 8-7 by himself during overtime, while De'Aaron Fox added another eight points, leading Sacramento to victory. The Suns, playing without Kevin Durant due to a strained calf, and potentially without Bradley Beal, who also suffered a calf strain, had Devin Booker to thank for his 31-point effort and Beal for his 24 points in their recent win against the Utah Jazz. Meanwhile, Sacramento's key player Malik Monk is sidelined with a sprained ankle, contributing to their earlier loss against San Antonio. Monk, averaging 12.6 points per game off the bench this season, is hopeful to return by the end of the month. The anticipated rematch is further heightened by these teams' need to adapt to missing personnel as the NBA Cup continues.