05.12.2024
Boston Celtics 130 - 120 Detroit Pistons
The Boston Celtics secured a 130-120 victory over the Detroit Pistons, marking their ninth win in the last ten games, thanks to impressive performances by Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis, who scored 28 and 26 points, respectively. The Celtics dominated early, establishing a 12-point run to kick off the game and maintaining a significant lead until the fourth quarter when the Pistons narrowed the gap with a barrage of 3-pointers, forcing coach Joe Mazzulla to reinsert Brown. Despite a late push by Detroit, highlighted by Tobias Harris' clutch 3-pointer, Boston's Payton Pritchard sealed the win with his own 3-pointer. Notably, Cade Cunningham excelled for the Pistons with a near triple-double, while the team set a season-high with 20 successful 3-pointers. Remarkably, Boston triumphed without Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday, with Porzingis entertaining fans by engaging with them after scoring free throws. Sam Hauser, making his second start of the year, added 20 points. The Celtics are set to face Milwaukee next, while the Pistons head to New York.
Brooklyn Nets 99 - 90 Indiana Pacers
Cam Johnson led the Brooklyn Nets to a 99-90 victory over the Indiana Pacers, snapping a three-game losing streak with his impressive 26-point performance. Nic Claxton contributed 16 points, while Shake Milton added 15 points off the bench for the Nets. The game saw a turning point when the Nets countered Indiana's Pascal Siakam scoring four consecutive points to tie the game at 80, with a decisive 10-0 run that extended their lead to 90-80. Despite a rocky start with poor shooting and 12 turnovers in the first half, the Pacers improved their ball-handling after halftime. Indiana's T.J. McConnell and Tyrese Haliburton scored 14 and 13 points, respectively, but the team has now lost four straight games and seven of their last ten. The Nets, with Johnson scoring at least 20 points in nine games this season, closed the game strong by outscoring the Pacers 19-10 in the final eight minutes. Brooklyn will face Milwaukee next, while Indiana travels to Chicago.
Miami Heat 134 - 93 Los Angeles Lakers
In a commanding performance, the Miami Heat defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 134-93, setting numerous franchise records in the process. Tyler Herro was the standout player, scoring 21 of his 31 points in the third quarter, and tying a team record with seven 3-pointers in that period. The Heat's 42 assists surpassed their previous record of 41, and they matched a franchise high with 24 3-pointers, achieving the third-largest victory margin in team history at 41 points. The Lakers' LeBron James scored 29 points, ending his streak of shooting below 50% over the past six games, the first time he's had such a run since his rookie season. James also moved up to seventh place in all-time 3-pointers made. Despite his efforts, the Lakers continued to struggle, marking their sixth loss in eight games.
Philadelphia 76ers 102 - 106 Orlando Magic
In a tightly contested game, the Orlando Magic overcame the Philadelphia 76ers with a 106-102 victory, led by Franz Wagner's impressive 35-point performance and Jalen Suggs adding 17 points. Despite being short-handed as key players like Joel Embiid, Paul George, Andre Drummond, and Kyle Lowry were sidelined, the 76ers, now 5-15, could not capitalize on an anticipated strong start to the season. Rising star Jared McCain was a highlight for Philadelphia, scoring 24 points, while Tyrese Maxey struggled from beyond the arc, going 0-for-7 on 3-point attempts. The Magic, rebounding from a loss the previous night, showcased their depth with significant contributions from their bench and pulled ahead in the fourth quarter on a crucial 10-2 run. Both teams are set to face off again in Philadelphia on Friday.
Milwaukee Bucks 104 - 119 Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks secured their fifth consecutive victory by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 119-104, ending Milwaukee's seven-game winning streak. Jalen Johnson stood out with 23 points and 13 rebounds, and De’Andre Hunter added 20 points as the Hawks improved to 12-11, closely rivaling the Bucks' 11-10 in the Eastern Conference standings. Despite a strong start from the Bucks, who led by 10 points initially, the Hawks turned the momentum with a 23-10 run, eventually maintaining control throughout the game. Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 30 points, while Damian Lillard contributed 25. The Hawks outperformed the Bucks in key areas, including fast-break points (30-12), points in the paint (64-34), and rebounds (55-40), while capitalizing on nearly all of their 22 free-throw attempts. Atlanta's bench, led by Hunter, outscored Milwaukee's 50-31, solidifying their victory and setting the stage for their upcoming matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers.
LA Clippers 80 - 108 Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves are set to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, following a recent trend of improved performances. This turnaround was sparked by Anthony Edwards’ critique of the team’s selfish play, leading to victories against the Clippers and Lakers, with Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker stepping up, especially during Edwards’ off night against the Lakers. Coach Chris Finch praised the team’s mental resilience after their locker room talk. Meanwhile, the Clippers, coming off a 127-105 win over the Trail Blazers, are relying on Norman Powell, who scored 30 points in his second game back from injury, and James Harden. With major players like Paul George and Kawhi Leonard unavailable, Powell has taken on a more prominent scoring role. Clippers coach Tyronn Lue highlighted their offensive adaptability as they aim to continue their nine-game home winning streak, despite recent injuries to players like Kevin Porter Jr. and Terance Mann.