20.11.2024
Boston Celtics 120 - 117 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Boston Celtics snapped the Cleveland Cavaliers' 15-game winning streak, marking the Cavaliers' first loss of the season with a thrilling 120-117 victory. Jayson Tatum shone for the Celtics, scoring 33 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and contributing seven assists, while the team hit 22 three-pointers. Despite the Celtics ramping up the lead to 21 points, the Cavaliers rallied back, spurred by Donovan Mitchell's 35 points and Evan Mobley’s 22 points and 11 rebounds. Mitchell made a significant impact with a three-pointer late in the game, but his efforts were ultimately not enough to overtake Boston. The Celtics secured their third consecutive win with strong performances in pivotal moments, notably scoring 19 of the last 26 second-quarter points to establish a substantial halftime lead. The Cavaliers' strong start made them only the fourth NBA team to achieve a 15-game unbeaten run at the season's outset, marking a franchise record; however, the Celtics highlighted their championship caliber, holding on to a narrow victory against the then top Eastern Conference team.
Brooklyn Nets 116 - 115 Charlotte Hornets
Cam Johnson's impressive performance, scoring 34 points, led the Brooklyn Nets to a narrow 116-115 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. The game was decided in the final moments when Charlotte's Brandon Miller missed a potential game-tying three-pointer with 1.1 seconds left. Jalen Wilson and Dorian Finney-Smith contributed 17 and 15 points respectively, helping Brooklyn end a three-game losing streak. Trendon Watford scored the Nets' final seven points, finishing with 10 off the bench. The Hornets, who suffered their fourth loss in five games, were strong initially, led by Miller's 29 points and Miles Bridges' 21. Despite a shooting spree, Charlotte faltered, with Ball, Bridges, and Miller all shining in the first quarter, propelling them to a 37-20 lead. Notably, Ben Simmons reached double figures for the first time this season with 10 points. Brooklyn's impressive ball movement resulted in 31 assists, marking their fourth game reaching at least 30. The win comes as the Nets prepare for a challenging four-game trip beginning in Philadelphia.
Memphis Grizzlies 110 - 122 Denver Nuggets
In an NBA Cup game on Tuesday night in Memphis, the Denver Nuggets overcame the Grizzlies 122-110, with Jamal Murray scoring 27 points and Michael Porter Jr. adding 24 points and 10 rebounds. Christian Braun also contributed 19 points, while Russell Westbrook achieved a triple-double with 12 points, 14 assists, and 10 rebounds. Santi Aldama matched his career high with 28 points for the Grizzlies, who faced issues with turnovers, committing 14 in the first half alone, which contributed to Denver's sizable halftime lead. The Nuggets snapped a two-game losing streak with improved shooting at 48.5%, a significant improvement from their previous matchup's 41.7%, where the absence of MVP Nikola Jokic coincided with their losses. By dominating the third quarter, Denver established a lead large enough to fend off a fourth-quarter rally from Memphis. With this victory, Denver remains unbeaten this season when shooting over 45%, while Memphis continues its struggles in NBA Cup games, now 0-6 over the last two seasons. Denver is set to face Dallas at home next, while Memphis will host Philadelphia.
Dallas Mavericks 132 - 91 New Orleans Pelicans
The Dallas Mavericks secured their third consecutive win by defeating the New Orleans Pelicans 132-91 in an NBA Cup game. Luka Doncic made a notable return from a knee injury, leading all scorers with 26 points, while Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving contributed 19 and 18 points, respectively. Doncic's performance included two impressive step-back 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, solidifying the Mavericks' dominance. The game marked Dallas' highest point total and largest victory margin this season. Despite Trey Murphy III's season-high 19 points, the Pelicans struggled without key rotation players, including Zion Williamson, who remains indefinitely sidelined. Rookie Yves Missi stood out for the Pelicans with nine first-half rebounds. The Mavericks showcased a special tournament court for the first time in response to previous manufacturing issues. The Pelicans, having lost 11 of their last 13 games, face the Cleveland Cavaliers next, while the Mavericks prepare for a three-game road trip starting in Denver.
San Antonio Spurs 110 - 104 Oklahoma City Thunder
The San Antonio Spurs secured their first victory in the Emirates NBA Cup by defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 110-104, despite being without key players Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell due to leg injuries. Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 22 points, highlighted by a dynamic one-handed dunk and a crucial 3-pointer. Harrison Barnes contributed 20 points, while rookie Stephon Castle made a significant impact with 10 points, eight assists, and a pivotal block in the final minute of the game. Veteran Chris Paul added 14 points and 11 assists, nailing a critical 3-pointer as the shot clock expired. For Oklahoma City, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points and Jalen Williams added 27, but the Thunder were unable to capitalize on a late 27-12 run. Key players missing from the Thunder lineup included Chet Holmgren, who is out with a fractured hip. San Antonio's victory came after overcoming a rough start in the NBA Cup, marking a significant turnaround as they host Utah next.
Los Angeles Lakers 124 - 118 Utah Jazz
The Los Angeles Lakers are poised to extend their season-best five-game winning streak as they return home to face the Utah Jazz in an NBA Cup West Group B game. The Lakers have capitalized on facing teams missing key players, including recent wins against the 76ers, Grizzlies, and Pelicans. Despite their own setbacks, with Cam Reddish and Rui Hachimura sidelined, rookie Dalton Knecht stepped up impressively against New Orleans, scoring a career-best 27 points and averaging 20.0 points over his last three games. Anthony Davis praised Knecht's all-around skills following his own standout performance against his former team, while LeBron James contributed crucial points in the clutch. Meanwhile, the Jazz are regrouping from a loss to the Clippers, rallying late but ultimately falling short. The efforts of Lauri Markkanen, John Collins, and an injured Walker Kessler will be crucial as the Jazz aim to translate bursts of competitive energy into consistent play. As they enter this matchup, the Lakers hold a 1-0 record in NBA Cup group play, while the Jazz are at 0-1.