09.03.2025
Charlotte Hornets 105 - 102 Brooklyn Nets
The Charlotte Hornets staged an impressive comeback to defeat the Brooklyn Nets 105-102, ending their nine-game losing streak. Miles Bridges was instrumental in the victory, scoring 26 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and contributing a decisive blocked shot in the final seconds. The Hornets trailed by nine points with just over three minutes left, but a 12-0 run secured their win. Nick Smith Jr. added 19 points, and the Hornets outscored the Nets by 18 points in the second half. Despite D'Angelo Russell's 28 points, the Nets suffered their seventh consecutive loss. The victory marked the Hornets' first win since beating the Lakers in February, and they begin a four-game road trip in Miami next, while the Nets face off against the Lakers in their upcoming game.
Houston Rockets 146 - 117 New Orleans Pelicans
The Houston Rockets secured a commanding 146-117 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, marking their second straight win against them. Dillon Brooks led the Rockets with 27 points, while Alperen Sengun and Aaron Holiday contributed 20 points each. The game was notable for Houston's impressive run spanning the end of the second quarter and the start of the third, which extended their lead significantly and showcased their dominance, as they never trailed. Amen Thompson narrowly missed a triple-double with 15 points and 11 assists before leaving the game with an injury. The win comes as a morale booster for the Rockets, who are leveraging a homestand to improve their standings after recent challenges. Zion Williamson scored 20 points for the Pelicans, who have lost four of their last five games. The Rockets will host the Orlando Magic next, while the Pelicans will face the Memphis Grizzlies.
Atlanta Hawks 120 - 118 Indiana Pacers
In a thrilling matchup, the Atlanta Hawks edged the Indiana Pacers 120-118, securing their third win out of four games. Trae Young led the Hawks with 36 points, despite an apparent thigh injury, and made crucial plays alongside Caris Lavert, who contributed 26 points off the bench. The Hawks established a commanding 20-point lead in the first quarter, but the Pacers rallied in the second half, even taking the lead in the fourth quarter. Bennedict Mathurin, returning from a wrist injury, scored 30 points for Indiana, which played without All-Star Tyrese Haliburton. The game saw Pascal Siakim's late-game dunk when Indiana needed a three-pointer to tie, and Dyson Daniels continued his defensive prowess, amassing five steals to reach a season total of 178. The Hawks' victory came as they improved their team post-trade deadline, setting the stage for their upcoming clash against the Sixers. The Pacers will face the Bulls next.
Toronto Raptors 117 - 118 Washington Wizards
Jordan Poole led the Washington Wizards to a narrow 118-117 victory over the Toronto Raptors, scoring 34 points in Toronto. The win marks the NBA-worst Wizards' second consecutive triumph, improving their record to 13-49 with Bilal Coulibaly contributing 18 points and 10 rebounds. The game's climax saw Raptors guard Jamal Shead's potential game-winning layup at the buzzer being ruled late after video review. RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl spearheaded Toronto's efforts with 23 and 21 points, respectively. Toronto, missing several key players, had won their previous three games, including a victory over Utah. The two teams are set to face off again on Monday, continuing their engagements at Scotiabank Arena.
Miami Heat 109 - 114 Chicago Bulls
In a thrilling game in Miami, Josh Giddey led the Chicago Bulls with 26 points, helping them rally from a 17-point first-half deficit to secure a 114-109 victory over the Heat. Coby White contributed 21 points, with a crucial three-point play giving the Bulls the lead for good in the closing moments. Zach Collins also had a notable performance with a double-double of 18 points and 15 rebounds. Despite the Heat's strong start, building a significant lead early in the second quarter, they faltered and lost their 16th game of the season after leading by double digits. Bam Adebayo and Andrew Wiggins each netted 22 points for Miami, marking Wiggins' return after a five-game absence due to an ankle sprain. The Bulls' effective free-throw shooting was critical, making 23 of 26 attempts, while White was perfect from the line. This win marked Chicago's second consecutive victory in Florida, following a win over Orlando, as they prepare to face the Indiana Pacers next, while Miami looks to regroup against Charlotte in their ongoing homestand.
Milwaukee Bucks 109 - 111 Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic ended their five-game losing streak by defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 111-109, halting Milwaukee's four-game winning streak. Paolo Banchero led the Magic with 29 points, while Cole Anthony contributed 22. Orlando controlled the game early, establishing a lead just over three minutes in and staying ahead until a late Bucks surge brought them close. The game concluded dramatically when Milwaukee's Damian Lillard missed a potential game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer. Giannis Antetokounmpo starred for the Bucks with 37 points and 11 rebounds, while Lillard added 26, but it wasn't enough as the Magic's bench players, including Anthony Black with 11 points, provided crucial support. Orlando, struggling at home recently, managed to secure this victory as they began their five-game road stretch. In contrast, the Bucks, facing a challenging upcoming schedule, narrowly missed a chance to win at the finish despite coming off a successful run and being bolstered by a potential possession reversal following a successful challenge by Magic coach Jamahl Mosley.
Boston Celtics 111 - 101 Los Angeles Lakers
The Boston Celtics overcame a late rally by the Los Angeles Lakers to secure a 111-101 victory, led by Jayson Tatum's impressive performance with 40 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. Despite LeBron James leaving the game with a strained groin after contributing 22 points, the Lakers managed to cut a 20-point deficit to single digits. However, Celtics stars Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who added 31 points, ensured the win by scoring Boston's final 12 points. The Celtics, celebrating their fourth consecutive victory, benefited from a strong defensive third quarter, holding the Lakers to just 21% shooting and forcing six turnovers. Notably, Jrue Holiday returned to the lineup following an injury while Kristaps Porzingis remained out with an illness. A highlight came in the first quarter when Al Horford completed a two-handed slam after Brown's steal, though an inadvertent knee to Luka Doncic's head left the latter visibly irritated. The Lakers, whose eight-game winning streak in Los Angeles was snapped, will next face the Brooklyn Nets, while the Celtics prepare to host the Utah Jazz.
Golden State Warriors 115 - 110 Detroit Pistons
In a thrilling matchup, the Golden State Warriors emerged victorious over the Detroit Pistons, winning 115-110 in San Francisco. Draymond Green's pivotal contributions in the game's final moments, including a go-ahead three-pointer and a crucial free throw, helped seal the win. Stephen Curry was a standout performer, surpassing 25,000 career points and closing in on becoming the first NBA player with 4,000 three-pointers, notching four in this game and tallying a total of 32 points while shooting flawlessly from the free-throw line. Jimmy Butler also made a significant impact with 26 points, contributing to the Warriors' fourth consecutive win and their ninth in ten games since his debut. On the Pistons' side, Cade Cunningham scored 31 points, temporarily giving Detroit the lead before Green's decisive three-pointer. The game's atmosphere was briefly disrupted by a fire alarm during the second quarter, though no evacuation was necessary. Moses Moody, making his 16th start, also added a key three-pointer and scored 12 points for the Warriors. The Pistons' Isaiah Stewart's streak of blocked shots ended at eight games, and a face-off between him and Curry led to technical fouls for both players. The Warriors continue their homestand with a game against the Trail Blazers, while the Pistons head to Portland for their next challenge.