15.03.2025
Miami Heat 91 - 103 Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics secured a playoff spot by defeating the Miami Heat 103-91, pulling away in the fourth quarter with the help of Jayson Tatum's 28 points and Jrue Holiday's 25. Derrick White contributed 18 points, and the Celtics shot impressively from beyond the arc with 19 successful 3-pointers. Despite Andrew Wiggins' 23 points for Miami, the Heat continued their downward spiral, losing their sixth consecutive game and falling eight games below .500 for the first time this season. This loss extended Miami's winless homestand to an unprecedented five games, and they have struggled offensively against Boston, scoring 91 or fewer in their three matchups this season. Notably absent for Boston were Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis, both sitting out due to injuries and illness. The Celtics' strategic play saw them launch a decisive 10-0 run early in the fourth, demonstrating their prowess by achieving four 3-pointers in just over two minutes. Meanwhile, Miami experimented with a new starting lineup that had not previously played together. Both teams are set for a quick turnaround with games scheduled the following night.
Philadelphia 76ers 100 - 112 Indiana Pacers
In an impressive second-half performance, Pascal Siakam scored 17 of his 27 points to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 112-100 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, a win that snapped the Pacers' four-game road losing streak and tied them with the Bucks for the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference. Myles Turner contributed 18 points and seven rebounds, while Tyrese Haliburton added 14 points and 10 assists. Jeff Dowtin's career-high 24 points weren't enough for the 76ers, who were missing key players Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey. The Pacers turned the game around by outscoring Philadelphia by 16 points in the second half, capitalizing on their strength in the paint despite a poor 28.6% shooting from beyond the arc. The decisive moment came in the fourth quarter, where Indiana launched a 12-2 run to establish a double-digit lead. The Pacers now face a rematch with the Bucks in Milwaukee, while the 76ers start their six-game road trip against Dallas.
Atlanta Hawks 98 - 121 LA Clippers
In a commanding comeback performance, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Atlanta Hawks 121-98 with standout contributions from Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, who both scored 25 points. Harden was instrumental in the third quarter, scoring 13 of his points during the period to help the Clippers outscore the Hawks 35-8, marking Atlanta's season low for points in a quarter. Leonard added a defensive edge with a season-high five steals. The Clippers overcame a halftime deficit of 61-53 with a 14-point scoring run ignited by Nicolas Batum's three-pointer, ultimately securing the victory with a 19-point streak in the third quarter. Bogdan Bogdanovic, recently acquired from Atlanta, contributed 12 points and received a warm reception from the Hawks' fans. Meanwhile, notable performances included Onyeka Okongwu's 18 points for Atlanta and Trae Young's 17 points and seven assists. The game also marked the return of Ben Simmons, who provided four assists for the Clippers off the bench. Both teams are set to play again on Sunday, with the Clippers hosting the Charlotte Hornets and the Hawks visiting the Brooklyn Nets.
Houston Rockets 133 - 96 Dallas Mavericks
Tari Eason led the Houston Rockets to a commanding 133-96 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, scoring a career-high 30 points. Jalen Green contributed 23 points and nine rebounds, helping the Rockets secure their fifth consecutive win, which ties their longest streak of the season. Houston dominated defensively and offensively, leveraging a strong third quarter to create an unassailable lead. Remarkably, Houston's starters rested for the entire fourth quarter, demonstrating just how dominant the team was throughout. The Mavericks continued to struggle amid a series of injuries, with Brandon Williams scoring 25 points off the bench and Klay Thompson having an off night, shooting just 2 for 16. The Rockets capitalized on their home stretch, achieving a 4-0 run during the homestand as they strive to ascend the Western Conference standings.
Memphis Grizzlies 124 - 133 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers set a franchise record with their 16th consecutive win, defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 133-124. Evan Mobley led the Cavaliers with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Darius Garland contributed 20 points and nine assists. De'Andre Hunter and Jarrett Allen also made significant contributions with 18 and 16 points, respectively. Despite Ja Morant's impressive season-high 44-point performance for the Grizzlies, Memphis struggled with shooting throughout the game, particularly from the three-point range. Jaren Jackson Jr. returned to the Grizzlies lineup after missing five games due to an ankle sprain but couldn't help stop the Cavaliers' dominance. Cleveland's victory also tied their single-season record for road wins and strengthened their position at the top of the Eastern Conference, even in the continued absence of Donovan Mitchell.
Minnesota Timberwolves 118 - 111 Orlando Magic
In a thrilling comeback, the Minnesota Timberwolves rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat the Orlando Magic 118-111, marking their seventh consecutive victory. Trailing 90-82 with just over ten minutes remaining, Minnesota surged forward with a 13-0 run led by Donte DiVincenzo's dynamic play, including two reverse layups and a driving floater. After Orlando tied the game at 98, the Timberwolves answered with a decisive nine-point streak to secure the win. Anthony Edwards led Minnesota with 28 points, while DiVincenzo added 14 points and five assists. Despite a stellar night from Paolo Banchero, who scored 43 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Orlando, Minnesota's collective effort ensured their continued success at home, where they now boast a 19-14 record. The victory also helps the Timberwolves in their push against Golden State for the sixth spot in the Western Conference.
San Antonio Spurs 134 - 145 Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball's impressive 27 points and 14 assists led the Charlotte Hornets to a dominant 145-134 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, showcasing a record-breaking performance with a franchise-record 26 three-pointers. Nick Smith Jr. also shone with a career-high 26 points, contributing six three-pointers, all in the first half, as the team shot 26 for 46 from beyond the arc. The Hornets' strong three-point shooting allowed them to lead by as many as 31 points, and they set a season-high, scoring 81 points in the first half alone. The Spurs, missing De’Aaron Fox due to a season-ending surgery announcement, struggled defensively, allowing the second-most points by an opponent this season. Despite Stephon Castle's commendable 26 points, San Antonio trailed by double digits for the 42nd time this season, managing wins in only ten of those games. Charlotte's win marked their third victory in four games, and they will next face the Los Angeles Clippers, while the Spurs prepare to host New Orleans.
Denver Nuggets 131 - 126 Los Angeles Lakers
In a thrilling finish, Jamal Murray's decisive 3-pointer with 5.6 seconds remaining sealed the victory for the Denver Nuggets as they fended off a resilient, undermanned Los Angeles Lakers team 131-126. Murray tallied 26 points for the Nuggets, while the Lakers, playing without stars LeBron James and Luka Doncic due to injuries, were led by Austin Reaves' 37-point performance and Dalton Knecht's 32. Despite their injuries, the Lakers mounted a notable comeback in the second half, briefly leading 126-123 with under a minute left. Nikola Jokic, who scored 28 points, tied the game, setting up Murray's clutch shot after a pivotal screen by Jokic. The win, although celebratory, raised concerns for Denver's coach Michael Malone as the team struggled to dominate an injury-riddled Lakers squad. The game also featured Bronny James, recalled from the G League, who contributed five points in 16 minutes despite feeling unwell. The Nuggets' victory comes as they prepare for a hectic schedule, with five games in seven days, while the Lakers face the Phoenix Suns next.
Utah Jazz 118 - 126 Toronto Raptors
In a closely contested game, the Toronto Raptors defeated the Utah Jazz 126-118, ending their four-game skid against the Jazz at the Delta Center. Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley each scored 20 points for the Raptors, while Jordan Clarkson led the Jazz with 19 points, as Utah extended its losing streak to eight games. A pivotal moment came when Quickley hit a crucial 3-pointer with 43 seconds left, igniting a 16-2 run that secured Toronto's lead. Notably, A.J. Lawson scored 18 points, RJ Barrett contributed 17, and Orlando Robinson recorded a double-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. The Jazz briefly held a lead at halftime, powered by effective three-point shooting, but fell short in the second half. Walker Kessler, who had a strong performance against Toronto in their previous meeting, did not play despite not being listed on the injury report. Both teams are set to play again on Sunday, with the Raptors facing the Portland Trail Blazers and the Jazz taking on the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Phoenix Suns 122 - 106 Sacramento Kings
In an impressive display of shooting, the Phoenix Suns defeated the Sacramento Kings 122-106, thanks to standout performances from Devin Booker and Kevin Durant, who each scored 22 points. The Suns showcased their prowess from beyond the arc, hitting 24 three-pointers, one short of their franchise record, with Tyus Jones contributing six of these and finishing with 20 points. Despite Domantas Sabonis' return to the Kings lineup with a triple-double, the team struggled, shooting only 25% from long range and committing 19 turnovers, which the Suns capitalized on for 38 points. In a heated moment, Mason Plumlee was ejected for a flagrant foul, marking his second consecutive ejection after an altercation in the previous game. The Suns secured a needed home win, where they have a solid 19-13 record, and aim to improve their position in the Western Conference standings as they prepare to face the Lakers next.