21.02.2025
Indiana Pacers 127 - 113 Memphis Grizzlies
The Indiana Pacers overcame a slow start to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 127-113 in Indianapolis, with standout performances from Tyrese Haliburton, who scored 22 points, and Myles Turner, who added 17 points, 10 rebounds, and a season-high seven blocks. Despite missing their first seven shots and eight three-pointers, the Pacers posted a season-high 78 points in the first half. Seven Pacers reached double figures, and Haliburton contributed nine assists. Memphis initially led 20-7 in the first quarter, but Indiana took control in the second, going on a 23-4 run to lead 78-50 at halftime. Although the Grizzlies narrowed the gap to 91-87 in the third quarter, Indiana quickly regained command and secured the victory. Desmond Bane led Memphis with 23 points and seven assists. The game also marked the Indiana debut for former Purdue star Zach Edey, who recorded five points and 11 rebounds. The Grizzlies struggled with defensive breakdowns despite showcasing varied playing styles, particularly with and without Edey. The Pacers, after shaking off the rust, found their rhythm, notably making 12 of their last 19 three-pointers in the first half to fuel a 50-point second quarter. Memphis will next play in Orlando, while Indiana will host the Los Angeles Clippers.
Philadelphia 76ers 104 - 124 Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics secured a dominant 124-104 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, bolstered by Payton Pritchard's impressive eight 3-pointers contributing to his 28-point night. Jayson Tatum achieved his fourth career triple-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. The Celtics, surging with their eighth win in nine games, saw additional strong performances from Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis. Despite Paul George's 17-point lead for the 76ers, Philadelphia continued their struggles with a sixth consecutive loss. The Celtics showcased their shooting prowess, particularly from beyond the arc, making 24 of 54 attempts, and a strong bench performance early in the second quarter helped establish an early lead they maintained throughout the game.
Atlanta Hawks 108 - 114 Orlando Magic
In a thrilling matchup, Paolo Banchero led the Orlando Magic to a 114-108 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, overcoming an early 19-point deficit. Banchero's impressive performance included 36 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, making him the third player behind LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo to achieve at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists in 47 games before turning 23. Despite a poor start, the Magic's shooting improved significantly in the second quarter, allowing them to erase a 19-point gap and take a halftime lead. Trae Young scored 38 points for Atlanta, while rookie Zaccharie Risacher notched his first double-double. Dyson Daniels made headlines with his 152 steals for the season, surpassing last season’s leaders. Back-to-back 3-pointers from Banchero and Cole Anthony in the closing minutes sealed the win for Orlando, who now holds the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference. The Magic embark on a seven-game homestand as they face Memphis next, while the Hawks aim to tighten their defense as they prepare to host Detroit.
Brooklyn Nets 97 - 110 Cleveland Cavaliers
In an impressive showing, Donovan Mitchell led the Cleveland Cavaliers with 26 points, as they overcame the Brooklyn Nets 110-97. Darius Garland and Evan Mobley added to the score with 18 points each, with Mobley also securing 13 rebounds, while Jarrett Allen contributed significantly with 16 points and a game-high 20 rebounds. This performance pushed Cleveland, leading the Eastern Conference, to a 45-10 record. Cam Johnson topped Brooklyn's scoring list with 18 points. Cleveland turned the game around with an 11-point run late in the third quarter and maintained their lead, marking their 40th win without trailing after three quarters this season. Meanwhile, Brooklyn announced waivers for Bojan Bogdanovic, who hasn't played this season due to a foot injury, and adjusted their roster by signing Killian Hayes to a short-term deal and Tyrese Martin to a longer contract. The Cavaliers are set to face the Knicks next, while the Nets head to Philadelphia.
New York Knicks 113 - 111 Chicago Bulls
In an overtime thriller, the New York Knicks narrowly defeated the Chicago Bulls 113-111 at Madison Square Garden. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with a dominant performance, scoring 32 points and grabbing 18 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson contributed 22 points and 12 assists. Despite missing key players like Josh Hart and OG Anunoby, the Knicks continued their strong post-All-Star break momentum, securing their third consecutive victory and improving to a 36-18 record. The game was marked by clutch plays, including a crucial block by Mikal Bridges on Nikola Vucevic's potential game-winner at the end of regulation. In overtime, Towns guided a decisive 9-0 run that helped the Knicks hold off the Bulls, who were led by Josh Giddey's 27 points and 16 rebounds but ultimately suffered their fifth straight loss. The Bulls had a final chance to send the game into a second overtime, but Vucevic missed a crucial jumper as time expired. The Knicks now face the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers, while the Bulls will host the Phoenix Suns.
Milwaukee Bucks 116 - 110 LA Clippers
In a thrilling comeback, the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 116-110, thanks to a strong fourth-quarter rally. Giannis Antetokounmpo returned from a six-game absence with a strained calf and scored 23 points in under 24 minutes, exiting the game when the Bucks were trailing 101-96. The Bucks, missing Bobby Portis due to a suspension, showcased impressive teamwork as Brook Lopez scored 22 points and secured the lead with a crucial three-point play. Damian Lillard contributed 12 of his 15 points in the final minutes of the game. The Clippers' Kawhi Leonard and James Harden scored 25 and 24 points, respectively, with Harden reaching a career milestone of 27,000 points—becoming the 13th player in NBA history to do so. Despite the absence of Norman Powell, the Clippers held a 13-point lead earlier in the fourth quarter but couldn't maintain it against Milwaukee's surge.
Denver Nuggets 129 - 115 Charlotte Hornets
The Denver Nuggets secured their ninth consecutive win by defeating the depleted Charlotte Hornets 129-115, with Jamal Murray leading the charge with 34 points. Nikola Jokic was a standout performer, narrowly missing his 26th triple-double of the season as he racked up 29 points, 17 rebounds, and nine assists. Notably, Jokic attempted a career-high 14 three-pointers, hitting six of them. Despite being heavy favorites, the Nuggets only managed to pull away late in the game. The victory was significant as it propelled Denver into second place in the Western Conference, thanks also to a Memphis loss. On the other hand, Miles Bridges shone for the Hornets with a season-high 36 points and 13 rebounds. The Hornets, without key players LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams, were playing the second of a back-to-back after a victory over the Lakers. This game had been rescheduled from January due to fires in Southern California. Nuggets' role players also contributed significantly, with Aaron Gordon scoring 18 points and Julian Strawther's pair of three-pointers helping to secure the lead. Both teams will be in action again on Saturday, with the Nuggets facing the Lakers and the Hornets playing at Portland.
San Antonio Spurs 120 - 109 Phoenix Suns
In an exciting matchup in Austin, De'Aaron Fox led the San Antonio Spurs to a 120-109 victory over the Phoenix Suns, scoring 11 consecutive points in the final three minutes and finishing with a total of 26 points. Despite the absence of star player Victor Wembanyama due to a season-ending blood clot, the Spurs managed a strong performance with significant contributions from Keldon Johnson and Julian Champagnie, who each scored 15 points. Notably, Chris Paul recorded 10 assists and moved past Jason Kidd for second place on the NBA's all-time steals list, behind John Stockton. On the other side, Royce O'Neale led the Suns with 27 points, while Kevin Durant, returning to the University of Texas campus where he shone in college, added 22 points. Despite their efforts, the Suns faced their fourth consecutive loss and struggled on the boards and in the paint against the Spurs. The game also marked Bismack Biyombo's first appearance of the season, stepping in for Wembanyama with a crucial performance.
Portland Trail Blazers 102 - 110 Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James delivered an impressive 40-point performance, including a pivotal fourth-quarter run of eight consecutive points, to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 110-102 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite Luka Doncic's absence due to a strained calf, Austin Reaves stepped up with a strong contribution of 32 points. The game was closely contested until the fourth quarter when James hit two consecutive 3-pointers and a fadeaway jumper, part of a decisive 10-3 stretch that gave the Lakers control of the game. Deni Avdija paced Portland with 28 points, while rookie center Donovan Clingan showed potential for an increased role with six points and six rebounds. The Lakers, shooting an impressive 92% from the free-throw line, capitalized on their opportunities and maintained their lead despite Portland's challenges. Lakers coach JJ Redick highlighted James's leadership and partnership with Doncic, praising his commitment to the team. The Lakers will next face the Denver Nuggets, while the Trail Blazers are set to play the Charlotte Hornets.