30.12.2024
Orlando Magic 102 - 101 Brooklyn Nets
In an impressive comeback, the Orlando Magic overcame a 17-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat the Brooklyn Nets 102-101, with Cole Anthony making a decisive layup with just 1.3 seconds on the clock. Trailing 71-50 midway through the third quarter, the Magic staged a remarkable turnaround, led by Tristan da Silva who scored 13 of his 21 points in the final period. Goga Bitadze also contributed significantly with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. This victory marked Orlando’s second major comeback in eight days, having rallied from 25 points behind to beat Miami on December 21. For the Nets, Cam Thomas returned from injury to score 25 points off the bench in his first game since November 25, but his last-second jumper missed. The defeat was Brooklyn's seventh in nine games and came on the heels of trading Dorian Finney-Smith. The Magic completed a season sweep against the Nets, overcoming double-digit second-half deficits in all three recent wins against them, Miami, and Boston.
Boston Celtics 114 - 123 Indiana Pacers
In a turn of events, the Indiana Pacers defeated the Boston Celtics 123-114 on Sunday night, after suffering a 37-point loss to them just two days prior. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 31 points, while Andrew Nembhard, returning from injury, contributed 17 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Indiana proved dominant in the paint, outscoring Boston 66-48, to compensate for the absence of injured forward Obi Toppin. Despite Jaylen Brown's 31 points and Jayson Tatum's near-double-double performance, the Celtics struggled, particularly from the three-point line, missing several key players. This defeat marked Boston's sixth home loss this season, a stark contrast to their formidable home record last year during their championship-winning season. The Pacers secured the win with a decisive 13-point run in the fourth quarter, and they now look ahead to hosting the Bucks, while the Celtics prepare to face the Raptors.
Toronto Raptors 107 - 136 Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks secured their fourth consecutive victory with a commanding 136-107 win over the Toronto Raptors, driven by Trae Young's 34 points and 10 assists along with De’Andre Hunter's 22 points. Atlanta kicked off their six-game road trip by dominating a struggling Raptors team that suffered their tenth straight loss. Notably, Young matched the Raptors’ team total from three-point range, going 7 for 13. Toronto, plagued by turnovers, set a season-worst with 31, including 10 in the first quarter alone. The Hawks achieved a season-high 22 steals, capitalizing on Toronto's sloppy play. Bruce Brown made his season debut for Toronto, contributing 12 points after recovering from knee surgery. Despite efforts from Scottie Barnes and RJ Barrett, the Raptors couldn't overcome a poor start and a 40-point third quarter from the Hawks, underscoring Toronto's recent defensive woes after allowing a franchise-record 155 points in their previous game.
Houston Rockets 100 - 104 Miami Heat
In a gritty finish, the Miami Heat secured a 104-100 victory over the Houston Rockets, a game marked by a late scuffle leading to seven ejections, including Tyler Herro, who had just scored 27 points. The conflict erupted with 35 seconds left when Herro was fouled by Amen Thompson, prompting both benches to join the fray. Besides Herro and Thompson, the ejections included Rockets players Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet, coach Ime Udoka, assistant coach Ben Sullivan, and Miami’s Terry Rozier. Despite Houston's earlier 15-point lead and Fred VanVleet's efforts, the Rockets struggled in the fourth quarter, missing 11 consecutive shots, allowing Miami to level the game before Herro's decisive jumper with 1:56 remaining. Miami, missing key player Jimmy Butler for the fifth consecutive game, saw strong performances from Nikola Jovic with 18 points, and Haywood Highsmith with 15. Dillon Brooks scored 22 for Houston, returning after a three-game absence. Despite being the NBA’s best offensive rebounding team, the Rockets were outscored by Miami 15-9 in second-chance points, proving pivotal in the Heat’s comeback win.
Oklahoma City Thunder 130 - 106 Memphis Grizzlies
The Oklahoma City Thunder secured their 11th consecutive victory by defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 130-106, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's impressive 35-point performance. The Thunder, now 26-5, dominated early, establishing a 76-50 halftime lead with contributions from rookie Ajay Mitchell and Aaron Wiggins. Gilgeous-Alexander was particularly efficient, hitting 14 of 19 shots and adding seven assists, six rebounds, and four blocks, sitting out most of the fourth quarter. Oklahoma City played an aggressive defensive game with nine blocked shots and outscored Memphis 56-36 in the paint, converting 21 turnovers into 33 points. The Grizzlies, missing star Ja Morant and Zach Edey, struggled offensively, shooting just 38.1% from the field and 27.5% from 3-point range, with Jaren Jackson Jr. scoring only 13 points on 3-of-17 shooting. Desmond Bane led Memphis with 22 points, but the Grizzlies fell behind for good after an Oklahoma City 32-9 run late in the first half.
Minnesota Timberwolves 112 - 110 San Antonio Spurs
In a thrilling matchup, the Minnesota Timberwolves narrowly defeated the Houston Rockets 113-112, marking the Timberwolves' largest fourth-quarter road comeback since 2003 and propelling them to their second consecutive win. Anthony Edwards scored a pivotal 3-pointer with 23.2 seconds remaining, culminating a 23-6 run for his team while coach Chris Finch praised his players' defensive grit and teamwork. Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 27 points and Donte DiVincenzo added 22 points off the bench. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs snapped their two-game losing streak with a 96-87 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Victor Wembanyama, despite an injury scare, contributed 19 points, leading the charge in a third quarter where the Spurs took control. Acting coach Mitch Johnson's nine-man rotation strategy, emphasizing versatility and speed, proved effective in maintaining the Spurs' defensive and offensive adaptability.