03.03.2025
Boston Celtics 110 - 103 Denver Nuggets
The Boston Celtics managed to hold off the Denver Nuggets with a 110-103 victory, despite nearly squandering a 20-point first-half lead. Jaylen Brown led Boston with 22 points, and Derek White's crucial floater in the final minute secured the win. Jayson Tatum contributed a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, although he struggled with his shooting, going 4 for 15 from the field. The Nuggets, led by Nikola Jokic's near triple-double of 20 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists, and Jamal Murray’s late surge with 26 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter, mounted a comeback attempt that fell short. Christian Braun added 24 points for Denver. This win marked Boston's resilience after a similar collapse cost them a game against the league-leading Cleveland Cavaliers. Both teams face a short break before their next games on Wednesday, with the Celtics set to host Portland and the Nuggets hosting Sacramento.
Cleveland Cavaliers 133 - 129 Portland Trail Blazers
The Cleveland Cavaliers secured their 50th win of the season, becoming the first NBA team to achieve this milestone, by winning 133-129 in a thrilling overtime game against the Portland Trail Blazers. De'Andre Hunter, recently acquired at the trade deadline, was instrumental, scoring 32 points and hitting a crucial go-ahead 3-pointer in the final seconds of overtime. Despite missing All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell for planned rest, the Cavs rallied from an 18-point deficit in the third quarter and extended their winning streak to 10 games. Ty Jerome contributed 25 points and Evan Mobley added 20 for Cleveland, which continues to thrive at home with a 28-4 record. Portland's Deni Avdija recorded his first career triple-double with 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Anfernee Simons scored 27 points. The game underscored the Cavaliers' resilience, as shown by Darius Garland's pivotal defensive play, and highlighted their strategic approach to player rest ahead of a demanding March schedule.
Indiana Pacers 127 - 112 Chicago Bulls
The Indiana Pacers secured a 127-112 victory over the Chicago Bulls, pulling away in the fourth quarter with a strong performance at home. Aaron Nesmith led the Pacers with a career-high 27 points, impressively hitting 6 of 11 from beyond the arc, including three consecutive three-pointers in the third quarter. This marked a significant return for Nesmith, who recently came back from a lengthy ankle injury absence. The team's balanced effort saw all five starters score in double digits, aided by Tyrese Haliburton's fifth straight double-double of 17 points and 12 assists. Despite a strong start from Coby White, who scored 20 of his 26 points in the first half, the Bulls faltered defensively, allowing the Pacers to outpace them 32-20 in the final quarter. With this win, Indiana improved to 18-7 in the season and bolstered their home record to 19-10. Looking forward, the Bulls take on Cleveland next, while the Pacers prepare to host Houston.
Miami Heat 112 - 116 New York Knicks
The New York Knicks rallied from a 19-point deficit to secure a thrilling 116-112 overtime victory against the Miami Heat. Leading the comeback, Jalen Brunson scored 31 points, with OG Anunoby contributing 23 points and Karl Anthony Towns amassing 19 points and 16 rebounds. The Knicks, having won three consecutive games, took control in overtime with Brunson's critical 3-pointer, initiating a decisive 7-0 run. Miami's Bam Adebayo scored 30 points, while Tyler Herro added 22, and rookie Kel’el Ware impressed with a career-high six blocks. Despite missing Andrew Wiggins and Jaime Jaquez Jr. due to injuries, Miami fought hard, with Alec Burks’ 3-pointer narrowing the gap late in the game. The Knicks, who were initially outscored by 20 in the paint, ultimately turned the tide in their favor, setting up a home game against Golden State next.
Orlando Magic 102 - 104 Toronto Raptors
In a thrilling finish, the Toronto Raptors narrowly defeated the Orlando Magic 104-102, with Immanuel Quickley scoring 17 of his 24 points in the second half, including key plays that helped the Raptors avoid a fourth consecutive loss. RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl contributed 22 points and a double-double respectively for Toronto. Despite Franz Wagner's 25 points and Paolo Banchero's crucial three-point play tightening the game late, the Magic fell short when Wagner missed a potential game-tying layup in the final second. The Magic, struggling with injury woes including Jalen Suggs's knee surgery, have lost four of their last five games. Additionally, Raptors guard Gradey Dick exited the game after a collision. The teams will meet again in Orlando on Tuesday.
San Antonio Spurs 132 - 146 Oklahoma City Thunder
In an eventful game, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the San Antonio Spurs 146-132, with Jalen Williams posting a career-high 41 points and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributing 31. Despite their recent struggles, including a dramatic road trip where they lost Victor Wembanyama for the season and Gregg Popovich announced his departure as head coach, the Spurs put up a fight. Rookie Stephon Castle led San Antonio with 32 points, becoming the fifth Spurs rookie with multiple 30-point games. The game saw a heated moment when Oklahoma City's Kenrich Williams and Lu Dort, along with San Antonio's Julian Champagnie, were ejected for fighting, although no punches were thrown. San Antonio set a franchise record with 16 first-half three-pointers but failed to make any in the third quarter, during which the Thunder launched a decisive 13-4 run. The Thunder are now one game behind Cleveland for the league's top record, while the Spurs have lost five of their last six games.
Utah Jazz 121 - 128 New Orleans Pelicans
In a thrilling matchup, the New Orleans Pelicans overcame the Utah Jazz 128-121, thanks in part to Kelly Olynyk's season-high 26 points and CJ McCollum's pivotal performance, which included 25 points and eight assists. Zion Williamson also contributed significantly with 24 points and nine assists, as the Pelicans executed a crucial 15-0 run in the fourth quarter—highlighted by McCollum's three consecutive 3-pointers—that cemented their victory. Despite a valiant effort from Keyonte George, who led the Jazz with 28 points, and Brice Sensabaugh's 21-point contribution, the Pelicans prevailed, marking their fifth consecutive win over Utah. Notably, Oscar Tshiebwe recorded his first career double-double, contributing 16 points and 13 rebounds, while fueling a Jazz surge that initially put them ahead. However, the Pelicans' top scorers maintained accuracy, each shooting above 55%, to secure the win. New Orleans’ victory came despite Utah's prior success against them at home, snapping their five-game Salt Lake City losing streak against the Jazz.
Phoenix Suns 98 - 116 Minnesota Timberwolves
In a commanding performance, Anthony Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 116-98 victory over the Phoenix Suns, scoring 44 points, including 17 in a decisive third quarter that shifted a two-point halftime deficit into a solid 83-72 lead. This game marked Julius Randle's return after a month-long absence due to a groin strain, and he contributed 20 points, providing a much-needed boost to the Timberwolves who have been struggling with just two wins in their previous nine games. Donte DiVincenzo was also pivotal, hitting eight 3-pointers and scoring 24 points, while Minnesota capitalized on Phoenix's mistakes by scoring 40 points off 22 turnovers. Despite Kevin Durant's 26 points, the Suns continued their slump, losing 11 of their last 14 games and faltering in their playoff aspirations. One highlight involved Randle dunking over Suns rookie Ryan Dunn, followed by a turnover that allowed Jaden McDaniels to score easily, giving Minnesota a significant 95-78 lead. As the Timberwolves eye the No. 6 seed in the Western Conference playoff race, they are set to host the 76ers, whereas Phoenix, still searching for a breakthrough, will face the Clippers next.
Los Angeles Lakers 108 - 102 LA Clippers
In a thrilling matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by Luka Doncic's 29 points and nine assists, secured a 108-102 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, marking their second win against them in three days and their sixth consecutive victory overall. Rookie Dalton Knecht contributed significantly with 19 points, showcasing the team's depth despite injuries to key players Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura. LeBron James, who added 17 points, is poised to achieve a historic milestone, needing just one more point to become the first NBA player to reach 50,000 combined points in regular season and playoffs. The Clippers, who have lost five of their last six games, mounted a late comeback fueled by Kawhi Leonard’s season-high 33 points but fell short after missing their final six shots. Their struggles were compounded by the early exit of Norman Powell due to hamstring soreness. Despite the Clippers' rally, the Lakers, now second in the Western Conference standings, demonstrated resilience and depth, raising excitement about their potential in this NBA season.