25.11.2024
Boston Celtics 107 - 105 Minnesota Timberwolves
In a thrilling game, the Boston Celtics held off the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 107-105 victory, thanks to Jaylen Brown's explosive start, scoring the team's first 15 points with five consecutive three-pointers, and finishing with 29 points. Jayson Tatum contributed 26 points and eight rebounds, helping Boston achieve a season-high fifth straight win. Despite Anthony Edwards' impressive 28 points and nine rebounds for Minnesota, and Rudy Gobert's strong performance with 10 points and 20 rebounds marking his eighth double-double of the season, the Timberwolves couldn't maintain their comeback efforts. Boston led by as much as 19 points following a 14-0 third-quarter run, but Minnesota narrowed the gap to two points in the final seconds with Julius Randle's driving layup. However, they couldn't capitalize as Naz Reid failed to attempt a game-winning 3-pointer before time expired. Boston's improved home performance saw them assisting on 25 of their 37 field goals, as they prepared to host the Los Angeles Clippers next, while Minnesota aimed to bounce back against Houston at home.
Indiana Pacers 115 - 103 Washington Wizards
The Indiana Pacers ended a three-game losing streak with a 115-103 victory over the Washington Wizards in Indianapolis, as Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton led the scoring with 22 and 21 points, respectively. The Wizards, struggling with the NBA’s worst record at 2-13, have now lost 11 straight games despite encouraging performances from rookies Alexandre Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly, who both scored 17 points and Sarr grabbing a game-high 14 rebounds. The Pacers improved defensively, allowing only 16 points in the fourth quarter, an improvement from their previous defensive performances. Indiana secured the win with a decisive 7-2 run late in the game as Washington faltered, missing six shots during this crucial stretch. Notably, Moses Brown, recently signed by Indiana and playing for his eighth team in six seasons, made an impactful start by scoring the team’s first eight points. The Pacers will next host the New Orleans Pelicans, while the Wizards will face the Chicago Bulls at home.
Miami Heat 123 - 118 Dallas Mavericks
In an exciting clash, the Miami Heat secured a 123-118 overtime victory against the Dallas Mavericks, highlighted by Jimmy Butler's season-high 33 points, including a crucial dunk that tied the game in regulation. Despite Dallas being without Luka Doncic due to injury, Kyrie Irving stepped up with 27 points, 14 of which came in the fourth quarter, while the team snapped its four-game winning streak. Miami's supporting cast featured Bam Adebayo's double-double, and notable performances from Tyler Herro and Alec Burks. The game was marked by tight competition, with Dallas being accustomed to close contests, having played 11 of their 17 games decided by eight points or fewer. Noteworthy moments included a desperate missed three by Spencer Dinwiddie, who struggled with his shots throughout, and Miami's argument over a potential foul on Butler's dunk. Dallas is set to face Atlanta next, while Miami will host Milwaukee in an NBA Cup game.
Philadelphia 76ers 99 - 125 LA Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers dominated the Philadelphia 76ers with a decisive 125-99 victory, capitalizing on the absence of injured Sixers All-Stars Joel Embiid and Paul George. James Harden, facing boos from Sixers fans upset over his previous trade demands, led the Clippers with 23 points and eight assists. Ivica Zubac contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds as the Clippers shot nearly 60% from the field, leading by as much as 33 points during the game. Jared McCain and Tyrese Maxey tried to keep the Sixers afloat with 18 and 17 points respectively, but Philadelphia's record fell to a disappointing 3-13, a stark contrast to their preseason status as favorites in the Eastern Conference. The Clippers secured their fifth consecutive win and maintained a positive road record of 4-3. Meanwhile, the struggling 76ers hope to recover with the potential return of Embiid and George in their upcoming game against Houston.
Cleveland Cavaliers 122 - 108 Toronto Raptors
The Cleveland Cavaliers improved their season record to an impressive 17-1 with a 122-108 victory over the Toronto Raptors, staying undefeated at home for the first time since the 2017-18 season. Donovan Mitchell and Ty Jerome both scored 26 points, with Jerome continuing to impress after recovering from an ankle injury that sidelined him for much of last season. Despite some sluggish moments, the Cavs overturned a close game with a decisive 10-1 run in the fourth quarter, led by Mitchell and Jerome's scoring. Jarrett Allen contributed 23 points and 13 rebounds, while Evan Mobley added a double-double. The Raptors struggled on the road, falling to 0-8 despite notable contributions from Scottie Barnes and Gradey Dick, who both scored 18 points. Toronto's RJ Barrett, playing his second game after recovering from a fractured orbital bone, added 16 points. The Cavaliers will next host Atlanta, while the Raptors continue their road trip in Detroit.
Sacramento Kings 103 - 108 Brooklyn Nets
In a thrilling contest in Sacramento, Cam Thomas propelled the Brooklyn Nets to a 108-103 victory over the Kings, scoring a standout 34 points. The matchup marked Nets coach Jordi Fernandez's return to Sacramento, where he previously served under his mentor, Kings coach Mike Brown. Despite losing a 19-point first-half lead, Brooklyn clamped down defensively in the fourth quarter, restricting the Kings to just 15 points and pulling ahead with a decisive 15-4 run after trailing 94-90. The Nets' offense was bolstered by a barrage of 3-pointers, achieving a season-high 13 in the first half and shooting 48.7% from beyond the arc overall. Brooklyn’s bench significantly outperformed Sacramento’s, outscoring them 44-9. De’Aaron Fox was the standout for the Kings with 31 points. Both teams were on the front edge of a back-to-back, with the Kings set to face the Thunder and the Nets to challenge the Warriors next.