21.11.2024
Cleveland Cavaliers 128 - 100 New Orleans Pelicans
In a commanding performance, Ty Jerome led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a decisive 128-100 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, recording a career-high 29 points, with 27 of those points coming in the first half and seven 3-pointers before halftime. Starting in place of the injured Darius Garland, Jerome’s hot shooting helped Cleveland maintain a lead throughout the game, making history with a franchise-best 16-1 start. Supporting Jerome, Georges Niang added 20 points, while rookie Jaylon Tyson, in his first professional start, contributed with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Despite Antonio Reeves's unexpected 34-point performance for the Pelicans, they struggled without their top scorers and were forced to utilize all available two-way players. New Orleans introduced Elfrid Payton back to the NBA, who managed 11 points, five rebounds, and eight assists. The Cavaliers, rebounding from a loss to Boston, remained unbeaten at home, with Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley playing limited minutes. The Pelicans will face Golden State next, while Cleveland continues its homestand against Toronto.
Milwaukee Bucks 122 - 106 Chicago Bulls
In a decisive victory, the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Chicago Bulls 122-106, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo's impressive performance of 41 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. Brook Lopez added 21 points, while Damian Lillard contributed 20 points and 10 assists, propelling the Bucks to their fourth win in five games. Despite a 16-0 Bucks run that built an 18-point lead, the Bulls clawed back to within one point in the third quarter, fueled by Zach Lavine’s 27-point effort, including 20 in the first half. However, the Bucks pulled away in the fourth quarter with strong scoring inside, taking a 54-34 advantage in the paint. AJ Green’s crucial 3-pointer and further threes by Lillard and Lopez extended the Bucks’ lead, securing the win. The Bucks' bench also outperformed Chicago's reserves 23-7 in the first half, highlighting their depth and efficiency. Milwaukee is set to face Indiana next, while Chicago will host Atlanta.
Houston Rockets 130 - 113 Indiana Pacers
Alperen Sengun's season-high 31 points and 12 rebounds propelled the Houston Rockets to a decisive 130-113 victory over the Indiana Pacers. A strong third-quarter surge extended Houston’s lead to 21 heading into the final quarter, marking their sixth win in seven games. Notably, Jabari Smith Jr. contributed 23 points, while Fred VanVleet added 18 points and six assists for the Rockets. On the Pacers’ side, Quenton Jackson shone with a career-high 24 points. Despite Pascal Siakam’s 19 points at halftime, his scoring stalled, adding only two more for the game. The Pacers continue to struggle with Tyrese Haliburton's performance, as he scored just four points following a difficult game against the Raptors. The Rockets demonstrated a balanced offensive approach with five players in double figures, improving their record to 11-5. Key moments included a 12-3 run by Houston in the third quarter, aided by key three-pointers from VanVleet and Sengun, while the Pacers struggled from the three-point line. The Rockets will next face Portland, while the Pacers head to Milwaukee.
Memphis Grizzlies 117 - 111 Philadelphia 76ers
In an NBA matchup, the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 117-111, setting a season-high with 19 three-pointers. Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 25 points, while Desmond Bane contributed 21 points and 10 rebounds. Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins became the franchise's winningest coach with 215 victories. Despite Joel Embiid's impressive 35 points and 11 rebounds, the 76ers suffered their fifth consecutive loss. Philadelphia's lineup, featuring Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George together for the first time this season, saw George leave early in the second half due to a knee injury. Memphis withstood a late Philadelphia rally, largely helped by Bane's shooting recovery as he hit crucial three-pointers. The Grizzlies will next face the Chicago Bulls, while the 76ers host Brooklyn.
Oklahoma City Thunder 109 - 99 Portland Trail Blazers
In a pivotal game, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 109-99, snapping a two-game losing streak. Jalen Williams led with 30 points, while a standout performance came from Isaiah Hartenstein in his season debut, contributing a double-double with 13 points, 14 rebounds, and four blocks. Returning from a broken hand, Hartenstein's presence bolstered the Thunder's frontcourt, which had been struggling with injuries. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 28 points, notably hitting all 14 of his free throw attempts despite shooting 7 of 19 from the field. Oklahoma City overcame a tough early battle, leveraging a strong fourth quarter to seal the win, outscoring Portland 39-30. Key highlights included the Thunder's 44-31 bench scoring advantage, exploiting 28 points off Portland's 24 turnovers, and a dominant 56-32 edge in points in the paint. Shaedon Sharpe led Portland with 21 points, but the Trail Blazers couldn't maintain their initial lead. The win marked a rebounding victory for the Thunder, who will face Sacramento next.
Phoenix Suns 122 - 138 New York Knicks
The New York Knicks continued their winning streak with a strong performance against the Phoenix Suns, capitalizing on the Suns' struggles due to key injuries. The Knicks entered the game with increased confidence, having won two of their last three matchups against the Suns, and were on a three-game winning streak. Jalen Brunson led the charge with 26 points, 11 assists, and five 3-pointers in a decisive 134-106 victory over the Washington Wizards earlier, showcasing New York's impressive 3-point shooting and ball movement. While the Suns have been hindered by injuries to stars Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Jusuf Nurkic, Devin Booker has remained their anchor, though his performances have varied. Despite the setbacks, Suns coach Mike Budenholzer remains optimistic about the team's resilience. Meanwhile, the acquisition of Karl-Anthony Towns from the Timberwolves has been a boost for the Knicks, as he continues to deliver consistent double-doubles. Although backup guard Miles McBride was sidelined, the Knicks maintained their momentum, underlining their improved play and unselfish style under coach Tom Thibodeau.
Golden State Warriors 120 - 97 Atlanta Hawks
In a captivating face-off between two NBA stars, Trae Young and Stephen Curry met for the sixth time as the Atlanta Hawks faced the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco. Despite Curry's past scoring dominance in these matchups—having scored over 30 points in each encounter, including a 60-point explosion—Young's playmaking was a standout, recording a season-high 19 assists in Atlanta’s earlier narrow victory over Sacramento. The Hawks have been thriving in tight games, winning five of their last seven by five points or fewer, while the Warriors struggled with free throws and turnovers in their recent loss to the Clippers, snapping a three-game win streak. Notably, rookie Dyson Daniels is making waves for the Hawks with a league-leading number of steals and a game-saving block against the Kings. As Warriors coach Steve Kerr emphasizes the need to address free-throw woes and turnovers, the game promises an intriguing battle, particularly with Atlanta's tenacious defense.
LA Clippers 104 - 93 Orlando Magic
In an exciting showdown, the Orlando Magic, buoyed by a six-game winning streak fueled by formidable defense, are poised to face off against the Los Angeles Clippers in Inglewood, California. The Magic's success on the road, epitomized by a recent 109-99 victory over the Phoenix Suns, is marked by Franz Wagner's career-high averages and strong performances from Anthony Black despite the absence of star player Paolo Banchero. Meanwhile, the Clippers have crafted their own five-game home winning streak through staunch defense, recently securing a narrow 102-99 win over the Golden State Warriors. The Clippers overcame challenges, including Kawhi Leonard's season-long knee injury absence, with notable performances from Norman Powell, who leads the team in scoring, and James Harden, who contributed significantly despite battling an illness. As both teams prioritize defense and transition into offense, this matchup promises a compelling test of strategies and endurance.