16.12.2024
Indiana Pacers 119 - 104 New Orleans Pelicans
The Indiana Pacers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 119-104, with standout performances from Pascal Siakam, who scored 22 points, and Tyrese Haliburton, who added 21 points and 10 assists. Andrew Nembhard contributed 17 points, while Myles Turner recorded 14 points and four blocks, marking Indiana's third win in four games. For the Pelicans, Brandon Boston led with 20 points as five players reached double figures, but the team struggled with 18 turnovers and poor 3-point shooting, extending their losing streak to four games. Indiana's second-quarter defense was crucial, holding New Orleans to just 14 points and building a 59-42 halftime lead, which they stretched to 23 points in the third quarter. Haliburton and Obi Toppin's four 3-pointers each were key as the Pacers made 16 overall. The Pelicans, hit by injuries and recent struggles, look to bounce back against Houston, while Indiana prepares for a three-game road trip starting in Phoenix.
Washington Wizards 98 - 112 Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum led the Boston Celtics to a commanding 112-98 win over the Washington Wizards, scoring 28 points and grabbing 12 rebounds despite recent knee issues. The Celtics continue their dominance over the Wizards with this victory marking their seventh consecutive win against Washington and their third win in D.C. this season. Noteworthy performances included Payton Pritchard and Derrick White each contributing 15 points, with Pritchard hitting five 3-pointers. Washington's Jordan Poole led his team with 21 points, while Bilal Coulibaly added 19. Despite Kristaps Porzingis scoring 11 points in 11 minutes, the Celtics excelled with a significant 15-0 run across the first and second quarters, which included a standout pull-up 3-pointer by Tatum. The Wizards struggled, marking their third consecutive loss and 16th of their last 17 games. The Celtics held a distinct advantage at the free-throw line, going 24-8 against the Wizards' attempts. Both teams will play again Thursday, with Boston facing Chicago and Washington taking on Charlotte.
San Antonio Spurs 92 - 106 Minnesota Timberwolves
In a game where the Minnesota Timberwolves pulled away late, Anthony Edwards led with 26 points, guiding the team to a 106-92 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed 17 points off the bench, marking Minnesota's second consecutive win and their fifth in seven games. Despite a noteworthy performance from Spurs' Victor Wembanyama, who recorded 20 points and 12 rebounds, San Antonio couldn't sustain a comeback after cutting Minnesota’s lead to four in the third quarter. Key to the Timberwolves' victory were 10 forced turnovers and 13 second-chance points that helped establish an early lead. Notably, Rob Dillingham scored his first points against his former team after a mid-season trade. Meanwhile, Jeremy Sochan added 17 points and 15 rebounds on his return to San Antonio's starting lineup after injury. The Spurs struggled from the three-point line, shooting only 24.4%, significantly lower than their season average. The Timberwolves will face the Knicks next, while the Spurs will host Atlanta.
Phoenix Suns 116 - 109 Portland Trail Blazers
In a tightly contested match, the Phoenix Suns overcame the Portland Trail Blazers 116-109, extending Portland's losing streak to six games. Devin Booker led the charge for the Suns with 28 points, while Kevin Durant contributed 20, and Royce O’Neale stepped up with 13 in place of the injured Bradley Beal. Notably, the Suns hit 15 three-pointers, with Booker and Grayson Allen making four each. Despite a third-quarter surge by the Trail Blazers that included an 11-0 run and a lead change courtesy of Anfernee Simons’ 20-point effort, the Suns regained control thanks to Booker's 12 points in the same quarter. Tyus Jones added 19 points for Phoenix, while Jusuf Nurkic posted a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds. On Portland's side, Jerami Grant and Deni Avdija each contributed 17 points. An interesting twist to the game was the absence of former Suns No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton, sidelined by illness, which allowed rookie Donovan Clingan to step up with 10 points and nine rebounds. Also, Robert Williams III returned from concussion protocols to score eight points for Portland. Both teams will see action again on Thursday, with Portland traveling to Denver and Phoenix hosting Indiana.
Los Angeles Lakers 116 - 110 Memphis Grizzlies
In a highly anticipated matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers are set to face the Memphis Grizzlies, with Lakers star Anthony Davis emphasizing the need for toughness following their 97-87 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Davis, who posted 23 points and 11 rebounds but also committed four of the team's 22 turnovers, aims for a cleaner and more physical game. LeBron James, who is recovering from a left foot injury, remains questionable, having averaged an impressive 37 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 10 assists in previous games against Memphis. The Grizzlies, on a hot streak with an 11-3 record in their last 14 games, are thriving off their depth and defensive improvements, highlighted by a recent 135-119 win over the Nets led by Ja Morant's 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists. Memphis will assess the status of key players Zach Edey, Jay Huff, and Marcus Smart due to injuries, adding intrigue to the upcoming clash.
Orlando Magic 91 - 100 New York Knicks
In a game added to the schedule after being eliminated from the NBA Cup tournament, the New York Knicks defeated the Orlando Magic 100-91, thanks to strong performances from Jalen Brunson, who scored 31 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns, who contributed 22 points and an impressive 22 rebounds. Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart also added to the Knicks' offensive efforts. Despite Moritz Wagner’s career-high 32 points, the Magic suffered their first home loss since March 30, missing the contributions of key forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Rookie Tristan da Silva also reached a career-high with 20 points for the Magic, while Jalen Suggs added nine points, eight assists, and three blocks before fouling out late in the game. Notably, the Knicks overcame 12 first-half turnovers by reducing them to six in the second, while the Magic struggled with their three-point shooting, converting only 9 of 30 attempts. As the Knicks prepare to face Minnesota, the Magic will host Oklahoma City next.
Golden State Warriors 133 - 143 Dallas Mavericks
In an exciting game at Chase Center, Luka Dončić recorded his 80th career triple-double, scoring a season-high 45 points along with 13 assists and 11 rebounds, leading the Dallas Mavericks to a 143-133 victory over the Golden State Warriors. Klay Thompson, facing his former team for the second time in just over a month, tallied 29 points, including seven three-pointers. Stephen Curry contributed 26 points and 10 assists for Golden State. Despite a strong start by Dallas, which went 14 of 19 to open up a 39-18 lead, Golden State's Draymond Green tried to rally his team with five 3-pointers and 21 points. However, it wasn't enough, as Dallas maintained control with Dončić shooting 16 for 23, including four 3-pointers, and accumulating 28 points by halftime. The Mavericks will now face the Clippers, while Golden State heads to Memphis. Notably, the Warriors anticipate Dennis Schroder joining the team for their next game, bringing potential changes to their starting lineup.