16.03.2025
Brooklyn Nets 113 - 115 Boston Celtics
Kristaps Porzingis made a triumphant return for the Boston Celtics, scoring 24 points, including 14 in the fourth quarter, to help secure a narrow 115-113 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Despite missing eight games due to illness, Porzingis delivered crucial plays late in the game to fend off a Nets comeback attempt that trimmed a 21-point Celtics lead down to two. Payton Pritchard added 22 points, setting an NBA single-season record with his 219th 3-pointer off the bench, while Jayson Tatum contributed 20 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. The Celtics, who were without Derrick White, Al Horford, and Jaylen Brown (due to back spasms), managed the win after already clinching a playoff spot the previous night. Meanwhile, the struggling Nets, who have lost 10 of their last 11 games, were led by Cam Johnson's 23 points but suffered a blow with the announcement that leading scorer Cam Thomas is out for the season due to a hamstring injury. Boston continued their winning streak in Brooklyn, not having lost there since April 2021, and will face the Nets again at home on Tuesday.
Detroit Pistons 107 - 113 Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 113-107 victory over the Detroit Pistons with an impressive 48-point performance, shooting 17 of 26 from the field and contributing six assists and three steals. This win marked Oklahoma City's ninth win in ten games. Cason Wallace also added 20 points, while Isaiah Hartenstein recorded a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. For Detroit, Cade Cunningham struggled, posting a season-low 11 points before his ejection late in the third quarter for arguing with officials. Tobias Harris topped the Pistons with 18 points, while Dennis Schroder had 17 points and 11 assists off the bench. Despite a valiant comeback effort led by Malik Beasley, who helped cut the deficit to one point with a crucial three-pointer, Gilgeous-Alexander sealed the game with timely shots and a decisive assist to Wallace. In other game highlights, the Pistons were called for five technical fouls during a contentious third quarter, and OKC capitalized to extend their lead. Prior to the game, Detroit honored former NBA player and businessman Junior Bridgeman with a moment of silence following his passing.
Houston Rockets 117 - 114 Chicago Bulls
The Houston Rockets secured their sixth consecutive win with a narrow 117-114 victory over the Chicago Bulls, highlighted by Jalen Green's stellar performance of 28 points and six rebounds. Alperen Sengun contributed a double-double with 24 points and 15 rebounds, while Fred VanVleet added 23 points, including 18 in a pivotal second quarter. VanVleet also hit a spectacular buzzer-beater three-pointer at halftime. Despite trailing 65-60 at halftime, the Rockets regained the lead with Green’s crucial 3-pointer and maintained it till the end. For the Bulls, Coby White led with 23 points as their four-game winning streak was snapped. The Rockets dominated the boards, outrebounding the Bulls 54-36, and will face the 76ers next, while the Bulls head to Utah to play the Jazz.
Memphis Grizzlies 125 - 91 Miami Heat
The Memphis Grizzlies dominated the Miami Heat with a decisive 125-91 victory, led by Jaren Jackson Jr.'s 31 points and the versatile performance of Desmond Bane, who contributed 22 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists. Despite the absence of Ja Morant due to an ongoing shoulder issue, Memphis controlled the game early and maintained a strong shooting performance, reaching 55% from the field by midway through the fourth quarter. The Grizzlies have now won five of their last six games. For Miami, Kel'el Ware led with 19 points and 11 rebounds, but the Heat endured their seventh consecutive loss, although they remain in playoff contention. A special moment in the game occurred when former Memphis forward Tony Allen was honored with the retirement of his No. 9 jersey during a postgame ceremony. The Heat will next face the Knicks in New York, while the Grizzlies embark on a five-game road trip starting in Sacramento.
Milwaukee Bucks 126 - 119 Indiana Pacers
The Milwaukee Bucks overcame a late comeback attempt by the Indiana Pacers to secure a 126-119 victory on Saturday night. Giannis Antetokounmpo was instrumental, posting 34 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists before fouling out with under three minutes to play, after which the Bucks held a 117-106 lead. Indiana, led by Aaron Nesmith's 30 points, surged back, cutting the deficit to three with a late 3-pointer from Andrew Nembhard. However, Taurean Prince and Kevin Porter Jr. clinched the win by going a perfect 4-for-4 on free throws in the final seconds. Damian Lillard contributed 25 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, helping the Bucks extend their lead over the Pacers in the Eastern Conference standings. Despite Tyrese Haliburton's 24 points and 15 assists for the Pacers, Milwaukee prevailed, aided by shooting 54.4% from the field and overcoming 15 turnovers. This matchup came on the heels of a dramatic last-second victory by the Pacers against the Bucks earlier in the week, creating a playoff-like atmosphere at the arena.
San Antonio Spurs 119 - 115 New Orleans Pelicans
In a thrilling matchup, the San Antonio Spurs edged out the New Orleans Pelicans 119-115, spearheaded by Devin Vassell's 22-point performance. Keldon Johnson and Harrison Barnes contributed 19 points each for the Spurs, while Stephon Castle added 17. Despite the absence of Zion Williamson due to personal reasons, C.J. McCollum led the Pelicans with 26 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, making four out of five 3-pointers in the second quarter. Jeremy Sochan's half-court 3-pointer gave the Spurs momentum going into the fourth quarter, and a crucial 3-pointer by Vassell late in the game helped San Antonio secure the victory. Notably, the Spurs have hit a league-leading 142 3-pointers this March. Both teams faced injuries, with the Spurs missing Victor Wembanyama and De'Aaron Fox, while Bismack Biyombo started in Wembanyama’s place. The Pelicans were buoyed by Trey Murphy III's 20 points and Kelly Olynyk's versatile performance off the bench. The Spurs will next face the Los Angeles Lakers, while the Pelicans prepare to host the Detroit Pistons.
Golden State Warriors 97 - 94 New York Knicks
The Golden State Warriors secured their seventh consecutive victory by defeating the New York Knicks 97-94, marking a celebratory evening for both Stephen Curry and head coach Steve Kerr. Curry, fresh off becoming the first player in NBA history to reach 4,000 three-pointers and turning 37, contributed 28 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Kerr achieved his 558th regular-season victory, surpassing late Hall of Famer Al Attles as the Warriors' all-time coaching wins leader, receiving acknowledgment on the scoreboard following the game's conclusion. Despite the Warriors struggling with their shooting accuracy, going 13 for 41 from beyond the arc, they managed to hold on for the win. Karl-Anthony Towns put up a strong performance for the Knicks with 29 points and 12 rebounds but fouled out late in the game. Meanwhile, Jimmy Butler continued to impress for the Warriors, contributing 11 points, seven assists, and six rebounds in this close contest. The Knicks, having recently won an overtime thriller against Portland, head home to face Miami, while the Warriors prepare for their next challenge against the Denver Nuggets.
Denver Nuggets 123 - 126 Washington Wizards
In a thrilling finish, Jordan Poole hit a decisive 3-pointer with 2.1 seconds left, lifting the Washington Wizards to a 126-123 victory over the Denver Nuggets. Poole ended the game with 19 points, while Alex Sarr led the Wizards with a career-high 34 points, making him the youngest player in Wizards' history to score over 30 in a game. Nikola Jokic stood out for the Nuggets with 40 points and 13 rebounds, and Russell Westbrook reached a milestone by surpassing 26,000 career points, becoming the 21st player and second point guard, after Oscar Robertson, to achieve this. The game, crucially tied at 123 with just seconds remaining, saw Poole's clutch shot concluding a tense face-off. Despite the loss, Denver managed a notable first quarter with 44 points, the highest any opponent has scored against the Wizards this season. The Wizards, now at 15-51, remain in a tie for the fewest wins in the league.