09.12.2024
Chicago Bulls 100 - 108 Philadelphia 76ers
In Joel Embiid's return to the court, he led the Philadelphia 76ers to a 108-100 victory over the Chicago Bulls with a standout performance, scoring 31 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Tyrese Maxey achieved his first career triple-double, contributing 25 points, 14 assists, and 11 rebounds, while Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. added 12 points each, marking the 76ers' fourth win in five games. Despite Zach LaVine leading the Bulls with 30 points and a spirited effort to narrow the gap late in the game, Philadelphia's dynamic second quarter, highlighted by Embiid's resurgence after a slow start and a decisive 16-0 run, secured their lead. Embiid, wearing a knee brace and playing his first game after missing seven due to injuries and suspension, helped his team maintain composure as Chicago's robust opening was countered by a strong Sixers comeback. The game marked a rare occasion where Philadelphia's All-Star trio, including Maxey and George, played together this season, underscoring their potential synergy if healthy.
Brooklyn Nets 113 - 118 Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks secured a 118-113 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, overcoming a two-game losing streak with a standout performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo, who contributed 34 points, 11 rebounds, and 4 assists. Despite Brooklyn's Dennis Schroder matching Giannis's game-high 34 points and adding 10 assists, the Nets have now lost four of their last five games and struggle against Eastern Conference opponents with a 4-13 record. Notable performances included Bobby Portis’s impactful 23 points off the bench, which included a crucial 3-pointer that put the Bucks ahead late in the game. Damian Lillard's six-game streak of scoring at least 25 points ended, but he still chipped in 15 points and 11 assists. Brooklyn managed to shoot over 50% from the field, becoming just the fourth team to do so against the Bucks this season, but couldn't sustain their lead as Milwaukee closed the game on a 15-5 run. Khris Middleton contributed seven points in the fourth quarter, pivotal for the Bucks’ rally. The teams now look forward to their next matches, with Milwaukee playing Orlando in an NBA Cup quarterfinal and Brooklyn facing Memphis.
Indiana Pacers 109 - 113 Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets, hampered by injuries, ended their eight-game losing streak with a 113-109 victory over the Indiana Pacers, despite being without key scorers LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, and Tre Mann. Brandon Miller was instrumental, scoring 26 points and clinching the win by sinking two crucial free throws with 7.2 seconds remaining. Vasa Micic contributed significantly with 18 points and nine assists, while Cody Martin and Nick Richards helped dominate the boards against the Pacers, who struggled with only five wins in their last six games. T.J. McConnell delivered a remarkable performance for Indiana with a career-high 30 points, but the team’s early season struggles continued. First-year Hornets coach Charles Lee praised his team’s resilience, having never fielded his complete roster due to ongoing injuries. The win highlighted the Hornets' determination and the Pacers’ growing concerns, given their disappointing 10-15 start to the season.
Atlanta Hawks 111 - 141 Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 48 points, as the Denver Nuggets dominated the Atlanta Hawks 141-111, ending their two-game losing streak. Jokic, who had scored a career-high 56 points in a loss to the Washington Wizards the previous night, continued his strong play against Atlanta, also securing 14 rebounds and eight assists. Michael Porter Jr. added 26 points for Denver, equaling his season high. Despite De'Andre Hunter leading the Hawks with 20 points and briefly leaving due to a head injury, he returned to contribute. The Nuggets achieved season highs with 43 assists and an impressive 62.9% field goal shooting. Denver led 71-48 at halftime and maintained control as the Hawks struggled with their shooting.
Miami Heat 122 - 113 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Miami Heat continued their winning streak by defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 122-113, showcasing standout performances from Tyler Herro, who scored 34 points, and Duncan Robinson, who added 23. The Heat's balanced effort included notable contributions from Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, who posted a double-double with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists. Despite Darius Garland's 23 points for Cleveland, the Cavaliers struggled with Donovan Mitchell held to 12 points on inefficient shooting and the early loss of Evan Mobley to a sprained ankle. Both teams remarkably shot 47.7% from the field, but Miami capitalized on key plays like Dru Smith's critical 3-pointer after securing two offensive rebounds in one possession. This victory marks Miami's third consecutive win and ties their longest streak of scoring at least 121 points in franchise history, while Cleveland maintains a strong overall season record despite the loss.
Orlando Magic 115 - 110 Phoenix Suns
In a thrilling match in Orlando, Jalen Suggs scored 14 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter, leading the Magic to a 115-110 victory over the Phoenix Suns, maintaining their unbeaten home record this season. Despite a strong start from the Suns, who hit 11 of their first 18 three-pointers, they faltered in the fourth quarter with seven turnovers, marking their ninth loss in 10 games without Kevin Durant. Goga Bitadze contributed significantly with 21 points and a career-high 16 rebounds, including a crucial tip-in with 13.1 seconds left. The Magic, missing key players Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner due to injuries, extended their home winning streak to 17 games, dating back to March 30, including playoffs. Notably, Suggs’ performance during a crucial 1:47 stretch in the fourth quarter gave Orlando a decisive lead. The Magic's bench added a substantial 46 points, highlighting their depth. Devin Booker led the Suns with 25 points, while on the Magic's side, Cole Anthony and Mo Wagner were pivotal in reversing a 12-point first-quarter deficit. Next, the Suns will face Utah and the Magic will play Milwaukee in an NBA Cup knockout game.
Washington Wizards 112 - 140 Memphis Grizzlies
In an impressive display, the Memphis Grizzlies secured a dominant 140-112 victory over the Washington Wizards, fueled by Jaren Jackson Jr.'s 21 points and Scotty Pippen Jr.'s dynamic performance with 14 points and 12 assists. Despite missing key players Ja Morant and Brandon Clarke, the Grizzlies showcased their depth, marking their third consecutive win and ninth victory in ten games, shooting a robust 52.1% from the field. Santi Aldama contributed 19 points, while Jonas Valanciunas added 20 points and 14 rebounds for Washington, and Marvin Bagley III matched Valanciunas with 20 points. The Wizards, who saw a brief resurgence with a win over Denver, struggled offensively in this matchup, missing their first 11 three-point attempts, which marked a continuation of their tough December. The Grizzlies' strategic response to a Wizards' rally in the third quarter, led by Jackson and Aldama's scoring spurts, extinguished any hopes for a comeback, highlighting Memphis's resilience and strategic gameplay.
San Antonio Spurs 121 - 116 New Orleans Pelicans
In a thrilling NBA matchup, the San Antonio Spurs narrowly defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 121-116, with Chris Paul making history by moving into second place on the NBA's career assists list after recording 10 assists, surpassing Jason Kidd. Victor Wembanyama, who briefly exited the game due to an injury concern, returned to lead the Spurs with 25 points, including a crucial late-game 3-pointer that ended a scoring drought. Despite injuries to Zach Collins and Keldon Johnson in the first half, Stephon Castle contributed 22 points, helping San Antonio break a three-game losing streak. For the Pelicans, Trey Murphy III and C.J. McCollum scored 25 and 19 points, respectively, and Dejounte Murray recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 assists. The game was notable not only for Paul's milestone, but also for the dramatic comeback by the Spurs, who managed to hold off a late 13-0 run by the Pelicans.
Golden State Warriors 114 - 106 Minnesota Timberwolves
In a thrilling matchup at San Francisco, Stephen Curry led the Golden State Warriors to a 114-106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, in their second meeting in three days. Curry dazzled with a 39-foot buzzer-beater to end the third quarter, finishing with 30 points and eight assists. Key moments included Curry's assist to Jonathan Kuminga for a decisive dunk, and setting up Buddy Hield for a crucial 3-pointer late in the game. Hield contributed significantly with 27 points, including seven 3-pointers, leaving him just one short of joining the elite group of players with 2,000 career three-pointers. Jonathan Kuminga added 20 points and seven rebounds. The loss halted Minnesota's four-game winning streak, despite Anthony Edwards' 27-point performance. Notably, this win marked an end to the Timberwolves' five-game winning streak in their head-to-head series against the Warriors.
LA Clippers 106 - 117 Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets snapped their two-game losing streak with a 117-106 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers in Inglewood, despite the absence of Fred VanVleet due to a right knee contusion. Jalen Green led the Rockets with 31 points, while rookie Amen Thompson contributed 22. Kevin Porter Jr., making his first career start, added 19 points. The Clippers, who were also missing James Harden and suffered additional injuries during the game, struggled defensively, allowing the Rockets to gain control in the second quarter with a 12-point run. Bones Hyland was a standout for the Clippers with 22 points off the bench, hitting five 3-pointers. Despite their bench outscoring the Rockets' reserves, the Clippers were out-rebounded 50-33. Houston shot 49% from the field and made 22 of 26 free throws, maintaining their lead throughout and extending it to 16 points in the third quarter. The Rockets will face Golden State next, while the Clippers travel to Denver.
Sacramento Kings 141 - 97 Utah Jazz
In a dominant performance, the Sacramento Kings defeated the Utah Jazz 141-97, marking their third win in the last four games. Kevin Huerter led the Kings with 26 points, including six 3-pointers, while Sacramento showcased offensive prowess, following their 140-point game against the Spurs. The Jazz, struggling with six losses in their last seven games, never led, with Keyonte George scoring 25 points and John Collins adding 19. The Kings built a strong lead early, extending it to 20 points in the second quarter and 31 points by the end of the third. De’Aaron Fox contributed significantly with 21 points and nine assists, and Domantas Sabonis recorded a double-double. Sacramento, typically among the league's worst 3-point shooters, excelled with 50% shooting from beyond the arc. The game also saw Lauri Markkanen limited to eight points due to Utah's constraints. The Kings, energized by Doug McDermott's fourth-quarter performance, which earned chants from the crowd, are set to play the Pelicans next, while the Jazz will face the Suns.
Los Angeles Lakers 107 - 98 Portland Trail Blazers
The Los Angeles Lakers secured a 107-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers without LeBron James, who was out with a left foot contusion. Anthony Davis led the charge with 30 points and 11 rebounds, while D’Angelo Russell impressed with 28 points and a season-high 14 assists from the bench, helping to end the Lakers' three-game losing streak. Rui Hachimura also contributed significantly, adding 23 points. Max Christie stepped up in James' absence, marking his second start with four points and rebounds. For Portland, Deandre Ayton managed 14 points and 19 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to prevent their fourth consecutive loss. This follow-up defeat came after a crushing 42-point loss to the Utah Jazz. In addition to the action on the court, the game drew notable spectators with seven MVP awards in the building, belonging to James and Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani. The Lakers will next face the Minnesota Timberwolves, while the Trail Blazers will host the San Antonio Spurs.