19.11.2024
Detroit Pistons 112 - 122 Chicago Bulls
In a dynamic matchup, the Chicago Bulls secured a 122-112 victory over the Detroit Pistons, largely thanks to Zach LaVine's explosive 16-point performance in the fourth quarter. Though the game was closely contested, tied at 95 with just under nine minutes remaining, LaVine's scoring surge, featuring six crucial 3-pointers in the quarter, fueled a decisive 13-2 run that left the Pistons trailing. Nikola Vucevic led the Bulls with an impressive 29-point, 12-rebound double-double, while Coby White added 25 points. Cade Cunningham's 26 points and 10 assists highlighted Detroit's efforts, but their lackluster perimeter defense allowed the Bulls to shoot 50% from beyond the arc. Despite solid offensive rebounding and low turnovers, the Pistons struggled with 3-point shooting, converting just 34% of their attempts. As the Bulls head to Milwaukee for their next game, the Pistons will prepare to face Charlotte.
Miami Heat 106 - 89 Philadelphia 76ers
In an exciting NBA game, Jimmy Butler returned from a sprained ankle to score a season-high 30 points, leading the Miami Heat to a 106-89 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers after overcoming a 19-point deficit. Tyler Herro contributed 18 points, while Duncan Robinson and Dru Smith added 13 and 10 points, respectively. Miami's remarkable comeback included outscoring Philadelphia 35-16 in a pivotal third quarter, a significant change from their previous struggles in that period at home. Despite Jared McCain and Paul George scoring 20 and 18 points for Philadelphia, the 76ers extended their early season struggles, losing 11 of their first 13 games. Joel Embiid, playing for just the third time this season, added 11 points for Philadelphia, which became the first team to lead by at least 19 and trail by at least 20 in the same game this year. The victory marked Miami's return to their home court after two weeks, with their schedule now set for a break until hosting Dallas.
New York Knicks 134 - 106 Washington Wizards
The New York Knicks showcased a dominant performance against the Washington Wizards, securing a 134-106 victory and extending the Wizards' losing streak to nine games. Jalen Brunson led the charge with 26 points and 11 assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 24 points and 12 rebounds in just 25 minutes. The Knicks, despite playing back-to-back nights, erupted with a 40-point first quarter and maintained their momentum with a 36-point third quarter, establishing a commanding 109-75 lead by the end of the period. Remarkably efficient from the perimeter, New York shot 20 for 40 from three-point range, nearly achieving their largest margin of victory. Cam Payne added 17 points off the bench, and OG Anunoby scored 16. On the Wizards' side, Bub Carrington, Jonas Valanciunas, and Corey Kispert each scored 18 points, but Washington struggled, losing all but one game of their skid by double digits. As they embark on a five-game road trip starting in Phoenix, the Knicks managed to give their starters some rest, while the Wizards look to host Boston next.
Toronto Raptors 130 - 119 Indiana Pacers
The Toronto Raptors snapped a seven-game losing streak by defeating the Indiana Pacers 130-119, with RJ Barrett scoring a season-high 39 points and Jakob Poeltl contributing 30 points and 15 rebounds for his third consecutive double-double. This victory marked only the Raptors' third win of the season, as they improved their home record to 3-0 while struggling on the road at 0-8. Barrett's performance included shooting 13-for-21, hitting four 3-pointers, and making nine free throws, along with nine rebounds. All five Toronto starters scored in double digits, showcasing a balanced attack. For Indiana, Benedict Mathurin scored 17 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter, while Pascal Siakam added 25 points and 10 rebounds against his former team. The Pacers were missing Myles Turner due to a sore right calf. Despite committing 23 turnovers resulting in 24 points for Indiana, Toronto managed to maintain their lead, even when the Pacers reduced the gap to 106-99 in the fourth quarter.
Milwaukee Bucks 101 - 100 Houston Rockets
Damian Lillard's return from concussion protocol was marked by a thrilling game-winning layup with 3.9 seconds remaining, giving the Milwaukee Bucks a narrow 101-100 victory over the Houston Rockets and ending Houston's five-game winning streak. Despite trailing by 14 points in the third quarter, the Rockets surged ahead early in the fourth before Lillard's decisive basket. The game featured standout performances, including Giannis Antetokounmpo's critical block on Alperen Sengun and Brook Lopez's 27-point, 10-rebound, and 4-block game. Houston, after a dominant offensive performance in their previous game, was limited to their lowest point total of the season. The Bucks, recovering from a rough start to the season, have now won three of their last four games. As both teams prepare for Wednesday matchups, Lillard's clutch play stands out as a key moment in this tight contest.
Phoenix Suns 99 - 109 Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic continued their strong home form, winning their first seven home games of the season and concluding a successful five-game homestand with a solid 98-86 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Franz Wagner shined with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, helping to secure Orlando's fifth consecutive win while holding opponents under 100 points each time. However, they face a challenge translating this success to the road, with a 1-6 away record this season, as they begin a three-game road trip against the Phoenix Suns. The Suns return home after a narrow 120-117 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, with Devin Booker scoring 44 points. Despite missing stars Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant due to injuries, Phoenix will rely on high-energy performances from players like Mason Plumlee and contributions from rookie Oso Ighodaro. Orlando will need a strong defensive effort to contend with Booker, who has the most career 40-point games in Suns history.
Sacramento Kings 108 - 109 Atlanta Hawks
De'Aaron Fox made NBA history by scoring 109 points over two consecutive nights for the Sacramento Kings, joining legends Kobe Bryant and Wilt Chamberlain in this rare feat. Despite missing key players like DeMar DeRozan, Malik Monk, and Domantas Sabonis, Fox scored a franchise-record 60 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 130-126 overtime loss, followed by 49 points in a 121-117 win over the Utah Jazz. Kings coach Mike Brown praised Fox's ability to dominate despite the short-handed roster, citing his ability to drive and make plays as crucial. Fox's scoring spree was noted as efficient, with him shooting a combined 38 of 65 from the field over the two games. On the other hand, Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young impressed with 25 points and 12 assists in a previous matchup against the Kings and managed 29 points and eight assists in a 114-110 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, though hampered by six turnovers. Rising talent Dyson Daniels contributed defensively for Atlanta with a streak of games featuring multiple steals, emphasizing his influence on both ends of the court. Sacramento looks to extend their winning streak against Atlanta as the Hawks navigate injuries and turnovers on their road trip.
LA Clippers 102 - 99 Golden State Warriors
In a highly anticipated matchup, the Los Angeles Clippers will host the Golden State Warriors, bringing together long-distance shooting legends James Harden and Stephen Curry. Harden recently moved into second place for all-time 3-pointers made, surpassing Ray Allen with 2,974 after hitting two against the Utah Jazz in a game that ended the Clippers' three-game road losing streak. The all-time leader, however, remains Curry with 3,782. Despite Harden's achievement, his modest 2-of-8 three-point shooting against Utah highlights the challenge of matching Curry's prowess. The Clippers, who have won four consecutive home games, were led by Ivica Zubac with 22 points, while Norman Powell contributed 19. They overcame a late Jazz rally to secure a 116-105 victory. Conversely, the Warriors are on a hot streak, winning eight of their last nine games, highlighted by a 123-118 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. However, the game stirred controversy with Draymond Green's on-court antics, leading to his ejection. Despite Curry's quieter performance against Memphis, scoring only 13 points, the Warriors' bench was pivotal, contributing 67 points, with Buddy Hield leading the reserves with 18.