06.03.2025
Boston Celtics 128 - 118 Portland Trail Blazers
In a thrilling matchup, Payton Pritchard and Derrick White combined for an impressive 84 points, guiding the Boston Celtics to a 128-118 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Pritchard scored a career-high 43 points, sinking a personal best of 10 three-pointers, while White also achieved career highs with 41 points and nine threes. This performance marked the first time in Celtics history that two players scored over 40 points each in the same game, and they became the first NBA duo to achieve nine or more three-pointers in a game. The Celtics were missing key players Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis but managed 23 three-pointers to overpower the Blazers, who were forced into jump shots due to Boston's effective defensive adjustments. Despite Portland's late rally, the Celtics secured victory with vital defensive stops and free throws. Anfernee Simons led the Blazers with 30 points, with Shaedon Sharpe adding 25, as they neared the end of their challenging road trip. This win underscores Boston's depth and bolsters their aspirations for another NBA championship run.
Charlotte Hornets 110 - 125 Minnesota Timberwolves
In an impressive display, the Minnesota Timberwolves surged past the struggling Charlotte Hornets with a 125-110 victory on Wednesday night. Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels each contributed 29 points, with McDaniels also securing 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Julius Randle narrowly missed a triple-double with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists. Despite LaMelo Ball's efforts, including 28 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists, the Hornets suffered their eighth consecutive loss, marking their third such streak this season. Donte DiVincenzo, back in the lineup after recovering from a toe injury, added 16 points for the Timberwolves, who dominated with superior 3-point shooting, scoring 27 more points from beyond the arc than the Hornets. The Timberwolves maintained their lead from midway through the first quarter, highlighted by a decisive 10-0 run in the fourth quarter. The Timberwolves will next play in Miami, while the Hornets are set to face Cleveland on Friday.
Cleveland Cavaliers 112 - 107 Miami Heat
The Cleveland Cavaliers rallied to secure a hard-fought 112-107 victory over the Miami Heat, marking their 12th consecutive win and becoming the first team to clinch a playoff berth. Despite a sloppy finish with Donovan Mitchell committing two turnovers in the last two minutes, the Cavs held Miami scoreless in the final stretch. Duncan Robinson's potential game-tying three-pointer was annulled due to an out-of-bounds violation. Bam Adebayo shone for the shorthanded Heat, scoring a season-high 34 points in the absence of key players, including Tyler Herro. Meanwhile, Cleveland's Evan Mobley and De'Andre Hunter each contributed 16 points. The game also featured a special moment for Miami's Kevin Love, who returned to Cleveland for the first time since joining the Heat and was celebrated by Cavs fans for his contribution to their 2016 NBA championship.
Washington Wizards 125 - 122 Utah Jazz
In a tightly contested game, the Washington Wizards narrowly defeated the Utah Jazz 125-122, with Kyshawn George leading the charge with 23 points and Alex Sarr adding 21. The Wizards showcased depth, as seven of their nine players scored in double figures, including Justin Champagnie contributing 17 points off the bench. Despite Johnny Juzang's impressive 27 points and Kyle Filipowski's 23 points and 13 rebounds for the Jazz, Utah suffered its 10th consecutive road loss. Filipowski's standout performance followed a season-high game against Detroit, while Isaiah Collier added 19 points, six rebounds, and six assists. The Jazz's Brice Sensabaugh missed a last-second 3-pointer that could have tied the game. The Wizards capitalized on fast-break opportunities and turnovers, accumulating 28 fast-break points and 24 points off turnovers, which helped counter Utah's dominant 64-46 scoring advantage in the paint. Although the Jazz closed the gap to three late in the game, crucial plays by Sarr and George allowed Washington to extend its lead and secure victory.
Memphis Grizzlies 103 - 120 Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, continue to dominate the NBA's Western Conference, adding a 41-point effort from Gilgeous-Alexander to their resume in their victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. This win follows a recent streak of high-scoring games by Gilgeous-Alexander, including a 51-point outing earlier in the week against the Houston Rockets, making it his fourth 50-point game in the past six weeks. Despite their efforts, the Memphis Grizzlies have been struggling, now having lost three consecutive games in the final seconds. Their situation is exacerbated by injuries to key players, including All-Star forward Jaren Jackson Jr., who is sidelined with a Grade 2 ankle sprain, and Ja Morant, who is dealing with shoulder soreness. The Grizzlies' coach, Taylor Jenkins, emphasized the team's need to improve their defensive performance, as they have allowed crucial late-game points to their opponents, but he remains confident in the team's resilience to bounce back from their current slump.
Denver Nuggets 116 - 110 Sacramento Kings
The Denver Nuggets overcame a nine-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter to secure a 116-110 victory over the Sacramento Kings, marking their third win against the team this season. Nikola Jokic contributed with 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Russell Westbrook added 25 points, playing a pivotal role by scoring seven consecutive points to ignite the Nuggets' comeback. Jamal Murray also shone with 24 points, notably converting nine free throws after being fouled on multiple 3-point attempts. Despite DeMar DeRozan's impressive 35-point performance, including 18 in the third quarter, and Zach LaVine's fourth-quarter surge with two deep 3-pointers, the Kings fell short. Jake LaRivia provided an early boost for Sacramento, scoring 15 points in the first half, though he struggled in the latter stages. The Nuggets excelled in the non-Jokic minutes, outscoring the Kings 12-2 to start the final quarter with Jokic on the bench. Meanwhile, Denver's Aaron Gordon remained sidelined with an ankle injury, and Peyton Watson made a comeback with limited contributions. Up next, the Kings face the San Antonio Spurs, and the Nuggets host the Phoenix Suns.
Milwaukee Bucks 137 - 107 Dallas Mavericks
In a standout performance, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 32 points to surpass the 20,000 career point milestone, becoming the 52nd player in NBA history to achieve this feat. The Milwaukee Bucks, bolstered by Damian Lillard's 34-point effort and Kevin Porter Jr.'s triple-double, secured a dominant 137-107 victory over the undermanned Dallas Mavericks. The game marked Milwaukee's eighth win in nine games, despite the absence of Bobby Portis, who is serving a 25-game suspension. Antetokounmpo, playing less than 25 minutes and adding 15 rebounds, joined elite company by reaching 20,000 points at a younger age than all but five players, including basketball legends like LeBron James and Michael Jordan. Dallas struggled with only eight available players, missing star Kyrie Irving due to an ACL injury, and couldn't keep pace with the Bucks' high-scoring onslaught. Klay Thompson led the Mavericks with 28 points. The Bucks were able to rest their stars in the fourth quarter and achieved their highest point total and most lopsided win of the season.
LA Clippers 123 - 115 Detroit Pistons
In a thrilling NBA matchup, James Harden delivered a standout performance by scoring 50 points, while the Detroit Pistons prepared to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday. The Pistons, one of the league's hottest teams, have impressively won 10 of their last 11 games and are thriving on the road with victories like the 134-106 win over Utah. Key players Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, who have been instrumental in their success, continue to boost the team despite Detroit's struggle to surpass a .500 record in the past five seasons. Meanwhile, the Clippers faced a tough loss against the Suns, despite leading significantly in the game, ending their stretch of challenging road games with a 2-6 record. Ivica Zubac emerged with an impressive 35 points, yet the Clippers are grappling with injuries, missing key players like Norman Powell and Ben Simmons. The Pistons' head coach praised his team's mature mindset amidst their recent success, highlighting their ability to stay grounded despite past struggles.