20.12.2024
Detroit Pistons 119 - 126 Utah Jazz
In a thrilling NBA matchup, the Utah Jazz triumphed over the Detroit Pistons 126-119, with significant contributions from Collin Sexton, who scored 30 points, and Lauri Markkanen, who added 27 points and 14 rebounds. Despite Utah's struggle with 27 turnovers, Keyonte George's 28-point performance and a commanding 29-point lead in the first quarter helped secure their victory, bringing their record to 6-20. The Jazz, who had previously suffered three consecutive defeats with a significant points deficit, managed to hold off a late rally from Detroit, even after a fracas led to the ejection of Utah's Jordan Clarkson and Detroit's Ron Holland II. Cade Cunningham shined for the Pistons with 33 points before fouling out, while Paul Reed made a notable return, contributing 12 points and a season-high nine rebounds. Both teams are set to continue their campaigns on Saturday, with Utah facing Brooklyn and Detroit taking on Phoenix.
Orlando Magic 99 - 105 Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder secured their sixth consecutive win by defeating the Orlando Magic 105-99 in Orlando. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 35 points, while Jalen Williams contributed six crucial points during the fourth quarter to fend off a Magic comeback attempt. Isaiah Hartenstein added a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds for the Thunder. Orlando's Anthony Black scored the first nine points of the fourth quarter and tied his career high with 23 points. Despite Goga Bitadze’s 15 points and 10 rebounds and Wendell Carter's 10 points and 13 rebounds, the Magic suffered their third consecutive loss, playing without injured forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. The Thunder, showcasing their top-ranked defense in the NBA, improved their already impressive statistics, including allowing the fewest points per game and boasting the best field-goal defense. This victory came after their recent NBA Cup final loss to Milwaukee, setting up their clash with Miami as their third road game in four nights.
Washington Wizards 123 - 114 Charlotte Hornets
Jordan Poole led the Washington Wizards with 27 points in their 123-114 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, ending the Wizards' three-game losing streak and marking only their second win in 21 games. Malcolm Brogdon returned from injury to contribute 25 points, proving his efficiency by hitting crucial shots down the stretch. Rookie Alex Sarr added 19 points and nine rebounds for the Wizards, who managed to maintain their lead throughout the fourth quarter. Despite LaMelo Ball's impressive 34-point, 13-assist performance, the Hornets continued their struggles with their third consecutive loss and 11th in 12 games. Notably, Ball had a tough night from beyond the arc, hitting just 3 of 18 three-point attempts. Injuries also impacted the Hornets, with Brandon Miller sitting out due to a left ankle sprain, potentially returning soon.
Boston Celtics 108 - 117 Chicago Bulls
In a thrilling contest, Zach LaVine led the Chicago Bulls to a 117-108 victory over the Boston Celtics, marking his season-high with 36 points. The Bulls captured their third consecutive win, dominating the fourth quarter with a 35-22 surge and sinking 19 three-pointers. Ayo Dosunmu and Nikola Vucevic contributed significantly, with Vucevic achieving a double-double. Despite a strong performance from Jayson Tatum, who scored 31 points for Boston, the Celtics faced a particularly frustrating game marred by technical fouls on coach Joe Mazzulla, Jaylen Brown, and Tatum, which disrupted their rhythm. Mazzulla's post-game frustration reflected Boston's disarray during the match. Chicago's spirited comeback was highlighted by LaVine’s crucial late free throws and a 31-foot three-pointer, which helped widen their lead and secure the win.
Toronto Raptors 94 - 101 Brooklyn Nets
Cam Johnson played a pivotal role in the Brooklyn Nets' 101-94 win against the Toronto Raptors by hitting a clutch tiebreaking 3-pointer and finishing with 33 points. The Nets triumphed despite a 10-point deficit and Nic Claxton's ejection early in the second quarter for misconduct. Johnson scored 15 points in the fourth quarter alone, helping Brooklyn to secure its second win in eight games. For the Raptors, Scottie Barnes returned from an ankle injury, contributing 16 points, but the team couldn't end their six-game losing streak. Toronto's lineup was notably the youngest in their history, averaging 22 years and 187 days in age, and despite a strong third quarter, their shooting faltered in the fourth, which proved decisive.
Houston Rockets 133 - 113 New Orleans Pelicans
Jalen Green's standout performance, scoring 34 points with a season-high 22 in the third quarter, propelled the Houston Rockets to a decisive 133-113 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Green's shooting, featuring four successful 3-pointers, helped him overcome his 31.3% average from beyond the arc this season. Supported by Dillon Brooks' 26 points and Alperen Sengun's 23 points and nine rebounds, the Rockets improved their home record to an impressive 11-3. Taking advantage of the Pelicans' defensive struggles, particularly in transition, Houston outscored them 26-11 on fast breaks. The Pelicans, who have now lost five straight and hold a dismal 1-14 road record, were without Zion Williamson and José Alvarado due to injuries. The Rockets began the second half with a strong 15-3 run, expanding a lead that the Pelicans couldn't overcome while making 17 of 39 three-pointers at 43.6% for the game. Houston now heads on a road trip to face teams with a combined weak record, while the Pelicans return home for a five-game streak starting against the Knicks.
Memphis Grizzlies 144 - 93 Golden State Warriors
The Memphis Grizzlies achieved a historic victory over the Golden State Warriors, winning 144-93 and setting a franchise record with 27 three-pointers. Santi Aldama led the Grizzlies with 21 points and 14 rebounds, while Jake LaRavia added 19 points and Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 17. The Warriors, who suffered their worst defeat since a 140-88 loss to Boston in March of the previous season, saw Stephen Curry score only two points, failing to make a field goal. New addition Dennis Schroder also struggled, scoring five points on 2-of-12 shooting in his debut. Despite Curry's off night, he did reach a milestone with his 1,500th career steal, joining an elite group of players with at least 24,000 points, 6,000 assists, and 1,500 steals. The Grizzlies excelled in shooting, finishing with 56.3% from beyond the arc, while the struggling Warriors have now lost eight of their last ten games.
Minnesota Timberwolves 107 - 133 New York Knicks
In a standout performance, Karl-Anthony Towns led the New York Knicks to a commanding 133-107 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves in his return to Minneapolis, scoring 32 points and grabbing 20 rebounds. The game was marked by a tribute to Towns, who spent nine seasons with the Timberwolves after being drafted first overall in 2015. The Knicks, with Mikal Bridges adding 29 points, surged to a 36-point lead in the third quarter and continued their strong run with a record of 12 wins in their last 16 games. The Timberwolves struggled defensively, allowing a season-high point total, particularly faltering in the second quarter where they were outscored 37-8. Despite Julius Randle's 24-point effort for Minnesota, Towns dominated the second quarter with 19 points and showcased his versatility with his fifth 3-pointer in the third quarter. Josh Hart's absence for personal reasons did not hinder the Knicks, who shot 51.5% from the field.
Dallas Mavericks 95 - 118 LA Clippers
In a key matchup, the Los Angeles Clippers decisively defeated the Dallas Mavericks 118-95, exploiting the absence of Dallas' star guards Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, who were sidelined due to injuries. The Clippers' Norman Powell led with 29 points, while James Harden added 24 and Ivica Zubac contributed a double-double with 21 points and 15 rebounds. Despite Dallas' Klay Thompson scoring 22 points in his first time leading the team, the Mavericks struggled offensively, shooting only 23.3% from the three-point line. In the third quarter, the Clippers effectively outpaced the Mavericks 39-28, particularly propelled by Zubac's play, which initiated a significant scoring run. Additionally, the game saw Clippers guard Kris Dunn ejected for a flagrant 2 foul. Suffering their most substantial defeat of the season without Doncic and Irving, the Mavericks' 95 points marked their lowest score so far. The teams will face off again on Saturday, with further matchups scheduled in Los Angeles in April.
Phoenix Suns 111 - 120 Indiana Pacers
In a well-rounded team effort, the Indiana Pacers topped the Phoenix Suns 120-111, with Pascal Siakam leading the charge with 25 points and 18 rebounds. Indiana capitalized on a 15-4 run to take control in the third quarter and maintained their momentum into the fourth, extending the lead to 105-86. Shooting a solid 16 of 41 from three-point range, the Pacers secured their fourth victory in five games. Key players included Tyrese Halliburton, who contributed 13 points and 12 assists, and Andrew Nembhard, adding 19 points. The Pacers' aggressive play resulted in 26 of 31 successful free throws and 25 fast-break points. Despite Kevin Durant’s impressive 37-point, 10-rebound performance, the Suns struggled from behind the arc, shooting just 9 of 30, and were hindered by 16 turnovers. The return of Bradley Beal added 16 points, but the team was hampered by injuries, notably Devin Booker leaving in the third quarter due to groin tightness. The Pacers displayed excellent ball movement with 30 assists on 39 made field goals, setting them up for their next game at Sacramento. The injury-laden Suns, whose attempt at a comeback fell short, are set to host Detroit next.
San Antonio Spurs 133 - 126 Atlanta Hawks
In a thrilling overtime game, Victor Wembanyama propelled the San Antonio Spurs to a 133-126 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, scoring eight of his season-high 42 points in OT. Wembanyama's performance was impressive, shooting 13-of-24 from the field and 7-of-15 from beyond the arc, while also contributing six rebounds, five assists, four blocks, and two steals. Devin Vassell, returning from offseason foot surgery, added 23 points in his first start for San Antonio this season, allowing the Spurs to deploy their projected lineup for the first time. Trae Young led the Hawks with 23 points and 16 assists, while De’Andre Hunter and Jalen Johnson scored 27 and 22 points respectively. Chris Paul contributed significantly during the fourth quarter and OT, netting 10 of his 12 points, including a crucial four-point play. The closely contested match saw both teams trading consecutive three-pointers in the final moments of regulation, highlighting a back-and-forth battle that ultimately favored San Antonio.
Portland Trail Blazers 126 - 124 Denver Nuggets
In a thrilling NBA game, the Denver Nuggets edged past the Sacramento Kings with a 130-129 victory, highlighted by Jamal Murray's clutch performance. Murray scored 28 points, including 15 in a dramatic fourth quarter, capped off by hitting the go-ahead jumper with 8.6 seconds left. This crucial win marks a three-game streak for the Nuggets, emphasizing the importance of Murray's resurgence as he recorded his highest scoring of the season. Nikola Jokic added another triple-double to his ledger, recording 20 points, 14 rebounds, and 13 assists for his league-leading 10th of the season. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers are looking to end their slump after their sixth consecutive loss. Despite being shorthanded due to Deandre Ayton's illness, rookie Donovan Clingan and Deni Avdija stepped up, with Avdija earning praise for his adaptability in an unfamiliar center role.
Sacramento Kings 100 - 113 Los Angeles Lakers
In anticipation of their matchup against the Sacramento Kings, the Los Angeles Lakers, formerly dethroned NBA Cup champions, aim for a more significant achievement post-NBA Cup with LeBron James's potential return remaining uncertain. The NBA break allowed James to recuperate his ailing left foot, and though he contributed significantly in the Lakers' recent win over Memphis, coach JJ Redick plans to limit his court time to shorter stints rather than fewer minutes to prevent exhaustion. As the Lakers and Kings, both struggling in recent games, battle for positions amid a seven-team race for sixth in the Western Conference, Sacramento seeks to improve their defensive play after a narrow loss to Denver. The Kings, hindered by injury uncertainties concerning Keegan Murray, Kevin Huerter, and Domantas Sabonis, face a tactical challenge against Anthony Davis in upcoming back-to-back games with the Lakers.