17.03.2025
LA Clippers 123 - 88 Charlotte Hornets
James Harden led the Los Angeles Clippers to a dominant 123-88 victory over the Charlotte Hornets with an impressive 31 points and 10 rebounds. Kawhi Leonard added 23 points, while Ivica Zubac contributed a double-double of 17 points and 14 rebounds. The Clippers solidified their lead with a 17-6 run in the first quarter and maintained a double-digit advantage for the remainder of the game. The Hornets, who had just posted their highest scoring game of the season against San Antonio, struggled offensively, scoring under 90 points for the ninth time this season. Mark Williams had 18 points and 15 rebounds, while LaMelo Ball scored 16 for Charlotte. The Clippers have now quietly won six of their last seven games, closing in on the second seed in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Hornets shot just 18.2% from beyond the arc, a stark contrast to the Clippers' effective shooting, particularly from Harden and Leonard, who collectively made more three-pointers than the entire Charlotte team.
Dallas Mavericks 125 - 130 Philadelphia 76ers
In a thrilling clash of undermanned teams, the Philadelphia 76ers narrowly defeated the Dallas Mavericks 130-125, with Quentin Grimes shining against his former squad by scoring 28 points. The 76ers secured just their third victory in 18 games, bolstered by Jalen Hood-Schifino's 19-point contribution. Despite P.J. Washington Jr.'s impressive 29 points and 12 rebounds for Dallas, the Mavericks fell to a season-low three games below .500, hovering just above the West's final play-in spot. Notably absent were top players like Kyrie Irving and Anthony Davis for Dallas, and Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey for Philadelphia due to injuries. The game also highlighted a key moment when Grimes' free throws sealed the deal after a reviewed foul on Naji Marshall. Meanwhile, Andre Drummond paid homage to Dirk Nowitzki by donning a tee with Nowitzki's iconic one-legged fadeaway, adding a nostalgic touch to an intense matchup.
Los Angeles Lakers 107 - 96 Phoenix Suns
In a battle at the Staples Center, the Los Angeles Lakers snapped a four-game losing streak by defeating the Phoenix Suns 107-96, extending their home winning streak to seven games. Despite the absence of LeBron James, sidelined with a left groin strain, and Rui Hachimura with a knee injury, the Lakers saw a stellar performance from Luka Doncic, who tallied 33 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. Austin Reaves added 28 points, while Jaxson Hayes matched his season high with 19. The Suns struggled, with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker combining for a tough shooting night, managing just 2 of 12 in 3-point attempts. Phoenix’s poor defensive display allowed the Lakers to capitalize, with a crucial 3-pointer from Dorian Finney-Smith sealing the victory. Despite the Suns trimming their deficit late in the game, their inability to close the gap kept them 1.5 games behind Dallas for the final play-in spot. Both teams will face quick turnarounds, as the Suns host the Raptors, and the Lakers prepare to face the Spurs.
Brooklyn Nets 122 - 114 Atlanta Hawks
Cam Johnson led the Brooklyn Nets to a 122-114 victory over the Atlanta Hawks with 28 points, while Keon Johnson contributed 22 points. This win snapped a three-game losing streak for the Nets and marked only their second win in 12 games. Despite the Hawks leading by 10 points in the third quarter, the Nets closed the gap by the end of the period and outscored Atlanta 31-22 in the fourth. Trae Young shone for the Hawks with 28 points and 12 assists, while Onyeka Okongwu added 21 points and 15 rebounds. Additionally, Dyson Daniels, noted for his defensive prowess, had five steals, extending his NBA lead. Brooklyn's fourth-quarter surge included a crucial 10-0 run that was capped by a Keon Johnson three-pointer, ultimately securing them their sixth consecutive home win against the Hawks.
Cleveland Cavaliers 103 - 108 Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic ended the Cleveland Cavaliers' impressive 16-game winning streak with a 108-103 victory, spearheaded by Paolo Banchero's 24 points. The Cavs, unable to close out in the final moments, saw Donovan Mitchell miss three crucial shots in the last minute of play. Banchero's key 16-foot jumper and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope's clutch free throws were pivotal, as Orlando capitalized on Cleveland's missed opportunities, including a missed tie-attempt by Max Strus. Despite shooting 6 of 22, Banchero contributed significantly with 11 rebounds and seven assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. added 16 points and 14 rebounds. The Cavs, who missed All-Star forward Evan Mobley due to a bruised foot, suffered only their second defeat in 22 games. Although missing players like Mo Wagner and Jalen Suggs, the Magic's resilient performance underlined their grit, highlighted by a 10-point run aided by Cleveland's turnovers. Looking forward, the Magic will face the Rockets, while the Cavaliers embark on a challenging five-game road trip starting with the Clippers.
Portland Trail Blazers 105 - 102 Toronto Raptors
The Portland Trail Blazers staged an impressive comeback to defeat the Toronto Raptors 105-102, ending their five-game losing streak. Anfernee Simons was instrumental, scoring 12 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter and hitting six 3-pointers, including four in the final period. Toumani Camara also delivered a stellar performance, contributing 21 points as Portland erased a 16-point deficit. Deni Avdija added 19 points, sealing the win with crucial free throws in the closing seconds. Portland’s defense was highlighted by Matisse Thybulle's return, making his season debut after an injury, and blocking a key 3-point attempt by Toronto's Orlando Robinson in the final moments. Despite Toronto’s Jakob Poeltl and Ochai Agbaji scoring 19 points each, and Scottie Barnes contributing with an all-around game, the Trail Blazers' advantage in second-chance points proved decisive.
Minnesota Timberwolves 128 - 102 Utah Jazz
Anthony Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a decisive 128-102 victory over the Utah Jazz, scoring 41 points as the Timberwolves secured their eighth consecutive win. Jaden McDaniels contributed significantly with a double-double, amassing 20 points and 12 rebounds, and Donte DiVincenzo added 11 points and seven assists. The Timberwolves are closely contending with the Golden State Warriors for sixth place in the Western Conference standings. Despite Collin Sexton's team-leading 22 points and Walker Kessler's impressive 15 points and 19 rebounds, the Jazz struggled offensively, committing 22 turnovers in the absence of key players Keyonte George and John Collins. The game was marked by Edwards surpassing Andrew Wiggins to become the third-highest scorer in Timberwolves history. The Timberwolves dominated early, with Edwards scoring 19 points in the first eight minutes, including a standout dunk. Minnesota aims to continue their streak against Indiana, while Utah hopes to break their nine-game losing streak against the Bulls.
Milwaukee Bucks 105 - 121 Oklahoma City Thunder
In a commanding performance, the Oklahoma City Thunder, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 31 points and eight assists, defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 121-105, marking their 10th win in 11 games. Isaiah Hartenstein contributed a career-high 24 points along with 12 rebounds, while Isaiah Joe added 19 points off the bench, underscoring the Thunder's depth even in the absence of Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort. The Thunder's offensive efficiency was evident as they shot 51.7% and built a lead as large as 25 points. Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo managed a triple-double with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Damian Lillard had 19 points despite a poor shooting night. Despite a brief rally narrowing the gap to 46-41 in the second quarter, the Bucks went cold, allowing the Thunder to extend their lead with a 13-point run, and Milwaukee ended the half with their lowest point total of the season. The outcome further compounded the Bucks’ challenges as they prepare for a challenging five-game road trip against Western Conference teams.