18.03.2025
Los Angeles Lakers 125 - 109 San Antonio Spurs
In a decisive 125-109 victory over the San Antonio Spurs, the Los Angeles Lakers were led by Austin Reaves, who scored 30 points and contributed seven rebounds and six assists, hitting five 3-pointers. Luka Doncic added 21 points, 14 assists, and nine rebounds, despite a tough shooting night at 5-for-20. The win marked the Lakers' eighth consecutive home victory, as they maintained balanced scoring despite LeBron James missing his fifth game. Bronny James thrilled fans with a late 3-pointer during his two minutes of play. The game, rescheduled due to Southern California wildfires, saw Dorian Finney-Smith and Stephon Castle also score in double digits, while a scuffle led to the ejection of Jarred Vanderbilt and Jeremy Sochan. Reaves has been stellar in James' absence, scoring at least 28 points in each of the last four games, matching his output across the Lakers' first 63 games. The Spurs, struggling defensively without De'Aaron Fox, fell short despite a 15-0 run in the third quarter, and are set to host the Knicks next, while the Lakers will face the Nuggets.
New York Knicks 116 - 95 Miami Heat
The New York Knicks mounted a third-quarter surge to defeat the Miami Heat 116-95, extending Miami's losing streak to eight games under coach Erik Spoelstra for the first time. Mikal Bridges led the Knicks with 28 points, while Josh Hart recorded his eighth triple-double of the season, tying a franchise record originally set by Hall of Famer Walt Frazier. Despite an early 12-0 deficit, Karl-Anthony Towns' 15 consecutive points in the second quarter turned the game around, helping the Knicks complete a season sweep of Miami for the first time since 1992-93. An unusual courtside incident involving Tracy Morgan temporarily halted the game, but it was after this delay that the Knicks outscored the Heat 24-6 to extend their lead to 88-64. Miami's Duncan Robinson scored 22 points, but it was not enough as the team squandered a double-digit lead for the 18th time this season. The Heat aim to break their slump against Detroit at the start of a five-game homestand, while the Knicks head to San Antonio next.
Houston Rockets 144 - 137 Philadelphia 76ers
The Houston Rockets overcame a 25-point deficit to secure a thrilling 144-137 overtime win against the Philadelphia 76ers, extending their winning streak to seven games. Jalen Green and Jabari Smith Jr. each scored 30 points for the Rockets, who tied the game with a late 10-2 run in the fourth quarter. Alperen Sengun's crucial put-back with 3.1 seconds left in regulation forced overtime, where Houston established a six-point lead with a 9-3 run. Despite Quentin Grimes' impressive career-high 46 points and eight 3-pointers for Philadelphia, which helped the team tie their franchise record with 24 successful threes, the Rockets secured victory with clutch free throws from Sengun and Aaron Holiday. Both teams combined for a remarkable 46 3-pointers, with Houston setting a season-high of 22. The Rockets displayed the need for more consistent play after their early struggles, while Grimes continued to shine for an injury-hit 76ers squad.
Minnesota Timberwolves 130 - 132 Indiana Pacers
In a thrilling contest, Obi Toppin's last-second three-pointer secured a narrow 132-130 overtime victory for the depleted Indiana Pacers over the Minnesota Timberwolves, ending the Timberwolves’ eight-game winning streak. Toppin scored a season-high 34 points, including the decisive shot with 3.5 seconds remaining, despite Indiana lacking its top six scorers and four starters. T.J. McConnell contributed significantly with 11 points, 13 assists, and a critical layup that tied the game in regulation. Despite Anthony Edwards' 38 points for Minnesota, his team struggled, particularly with his 1-for-11 shooting from beyond the arc. The game was marred by Andrew Nembhard's ejection for clashing with Rudy Gobert, adding tension to an already intense matchup. This win positions Indiana just behind Milwaukee in the Eastern Conference, while Minnesota faces challenges as it seeks a playoff berth, dealing with back-to-back games and playing against determined yet shorthanded teams.
New Orleans Pelicans 81 - 127 Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons delivered an emphatic 127-81 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, fueled by Cade Cunningham's 24 points and eight assists. Simone Fontecchio contributed 23 points in an efficient performance, going 5-for-5 from three-point range and 9-for-10 overall from the field. The Pistons seized control early with a 24-5 run, leading to a commanding 63-32 halftime lead. Despite Zion Williamson's 30-point effort for the Pelicans, New Orleans struggled with just a 32.6% field goal percentage and 5-for-32 from beyond the arc. The night also brought bad news for the Pelicans with Trey Murphy III ruled out for the season due to a shoulder injury sustained during the game. The Pistons took advantage of the Pelicans' struggles, dominating with a 50-39 rebounding edge, thanks in part to contributions from Jalen Duren. Detroit will face the Miami Heat next, while the Pelicans head to a doubleheader against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Utah Jazz 97 - 111 Chicago Bulls
In a decisive victory, the Chicago Bulls defeated the Utah Jazz 111-97 in Salt Lake City, marking the Jazz's 10th consecutive loss. Coby White led the charge for the Bulls with 26 points, supported by Tre Jones who delivered an impressive performance with 18 points, 12 assists, and three steals. The Bulls showcased a well-rounded offensive effort, with six players scoring in double figures, including strong contributions from Kevin Huerter and Matas Buzelis with 17 points each. Despite a close first half, Buzelis’ crucial 3-pointer in the third quarter gave the Bulls a lead they would maintain. For Utah, Keyonte George and Lauri Markkanen each scored 16 points, though the team struggled from deep, hitting only 9 of 42 three-point attempts. Tre Jones' standout performance was highlighted as one of his best since joining the Bulls in February. Both teams will be in action again on Wednesday, with the Bulls facing the Phoenix Suns and the Jazz taking on the Washington Wizards.
Golden State Warriors 105 - 114 Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets delivered a surprising victory over the Golden State Warriors with a 114-105 win, despite missing their key players Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Aaron Gordon shined for Denver, scoring a season-high 38 points, while Russell Westbrook not only secured a triple-double with 12 points, 16 assists, and 12 rebounds but also sank a critical late 3-pointer. The Nuggets overcame the Warriors, ending Golden State's seven-game winning streak, which had been impressive since Jimmy Butler joined the team. Butler contributed 23 points, while Stephen Curry managed 20 points and seven assists for the Warriors, despite their struggles from beyond the arc, hitting only 8 out of 33 attempts. Draymond Green reached a personal milestone with 6,000 career rebounds for the Warriors. Michael Porter Jr. also had a strong performance for Denver with 21 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. The Nuggets managed this victory with a solid record on the road and look to continue their four-game road trip, facing the Lakers next.
Phoenix Suns 129 - 89 Toronto Raptors
The Phoenix Suns, propelled by Devin Booker's 27 points, dominated the Toronto Raptors 129-89, achieving a 40-point victory margin, which was their largest lead of the night. Despite missing injured guard Bradley Beal, the Suns saw strong contributions from their bench, with seven players scoring in double figures. Phoenix overcame a first-quarter deficit by outscoring Toronto 39-11 in the second quarter, largely due to notable performances from reserves such as Royce O’Neale, Tyus Jones, Cody Martin, and Oso Ighodaro. The Raptors, playing without several key starters, struggled against the Suns' depth. Booker's 13 points in a 15-2 run early in the second quarter set the tone for the game. Despite this loss, the Suns moved closer to a play-in spot in the Western Conference.
Sacramento Kings 132 - 122 Memphis Grizzlies
In an electrifying game, the Sacramento Kings snapped a four-game losing streak by defeating the Memphis Grizzlies 132-122, with Malik Monk leading the charge with 28 points and seven assists. Despite losing center Domantas Sabonis to injuries—a cut above his left eye and a rolled right ankle—Sacramento maintained their composure, expanding their lead each time Sabonis was off the court. The Kings showed resilience, finishing with strong performances from DeMar DeRozan, who added 22 points, and Keegan Murray with a double-double. Desmond Bane, filling in for the injured Ja Morant, delivered a standout performance for Memphis, scoring a season-high 44 points. Both teams engaged in a long-range shoot-out with a total of 71 three-point attempts, as the Kings kept their playoff hopes alive, similarly maintaining their edge over Dallas in the standings. The Grizzlies continue their road trip against the Trail Blazers, while the Kings will host the Cavaliers next.
Portland Trail Blazers 112 - 97 Washington Wizards
Anfernee Simons led the Portland Trail Blazers to a 112-97 victory over the Washington Wizards, scoring 30 points as the Blazers secured their second straight win after previously enduring a five-game losing streak. Portland's Shaedon Sharpe contributed 16 points, while rookie center Donovan Clingan recorded a double-double with 11 points and 13 rebounds. The Wizards, currently at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, had Alex Sarr as their top scorer with 20 points. Simons was particularly impressive, shooting 10-for-17 from the field, including five 3-pointers, and sparking a critical 13-0 run in the second quarter. Portland capitalized on Washington's 16 turnovers and amassed 15 steals, with Matisse Thybulle grabbing five. The win moved Portland closer to a playoff spot in the Western Conference, as they are now within three games of Dallas, while the Wizards dropped to 3-3 on their road trip.