22.03.2025
Washington Wizards 105 - 120 Orlando Magic
Paolo Banchero led the Orlando Magic to a decisive 120-105 victory over the Washington Wizards, scoring 30 points. Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds, and Franz Wagner added 21 points. This win continues Orlando's pattern of alternating wins and losses over the last seven games, as they remain in eighth place in the Eastern Conference, battling for NBA play-in tournament seeding. For the Wizards, Alex Sarr, the 2024 NBA draft's second overall pick, recorded his ninth double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Jordan Poole added 18 points. Orlando dominated Washington in their three meetings this season, winning by a combined 62-point margin. A significant 13-0 run early in the third quarter, featuring 3-pointers from Wagner, Carter, and Cory Joseph, helped the Magic pull away, ultimately outrebounding the Wizards 55-41. Washington continues its struggles with a third consecutive loss and will face New York next, while Orlando prepares to host the Los Angeles Lakers.
Miami Heat 98 - 102 Houston Rockets
Fred VanVleet's stellar performance, scoring 37 points with a remarkable 13 for 17 from the field and hitting a season-high 9 of 11 three-pointers, propelled the Houston Rockets to a 102-98 victory over the Miami Heat, marking their ninth consecutive win. This victory not only extended Houston's impressive winning streak but also snapped a nine-game losing streak against Miami. Returning from a sprained left ankle, Amen Thompson contributed significantly with 18 points and seven steals, while Dillon Brooks and Jabari Smith added 11 points each. Despite Andrew Wiggins' 30-point effort, his highest since joining Miami from Golden State, the Heat suffered their 10th straight loss, squandering their 20th double-digit lead of the season. The Rockets, currently second in the Western Conference, demonstrated resilience, overcoming an early 11-point third-quarter deficit to secure their eighth consecutive game with a rebounding edge, outrebounding Miami 46-34.
Minnesota Timberwolves 134 - 93 New Orleans Pelicans
The Minnesota Timberwolves cruised to a 134-93 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, avoiding a second defeat in three days to one of the Western Conference's weakest teams. Julius Randle led with 20 points, while Jaden McDaniels and Anthony Edwards each contributed 17 points. Rudy Gobert added a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds for Minnesota, who are now just a game behind Golden State for the sixth seed in the Western Conference. The 41-point win marked the Timberwolves' largest margin of victory this season. Notably, Anthony Edwards had a brief injury scare but returned to finish with five assists and three rebounds. Joe Ingles made a touching return to the starting lineup, allowing his son, who recently managed to watch an entire game in person, to see him play. On the other hand, New Orleans was missing Zion Williamson due to a bruised lower back, and C.J. McCollum led the team with 15 points. Minnesota also excelled in second-chance points, outscoring New Orleans 20-4, despite the Pelicans having the league's fifth-best average in that category.
Oklahoma City Thunder 141 - 106 Charlotte Hornets
The Oklahoma City Thunder extended their winning streak to five games with a commanding 141-106 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, highlighted by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's impressive 30-point performance. Returning to the lineup, Gilgeous-Alexander made a remarkable impact, shooting 13 of 18 from the field and contributing six rebounds and nine assists before sitting out the fourth quarter. Chet Holmgren also made a significant contribution with 14 points, five rebounds, and three blocks. This win secured Oklahoma City's position as the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference for the second consecutive year. Despite missing key starters due to injury, the Thunder showcased their depth, improving their record against Eastern Conference teams to 26-1. Meanwhile, Charlotte, faced with the absence of LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams, struggled defensively and has now lost six games by 30 or more points in the last month, although they did manage to connect on 19 of 41 attempts from beyond the arc. The Thunder's control in the paint, outscoring the Hornets 64-26, played a vital role in their victory.
San Antonio Spurs 128 - 120 Philadelphia 76ers
In a thrilling matchup, the San Antonio Spurs overcame the injury-riddled Philadelphia 76ers with a 128-120 victory, sparked by Jeremy Sochan's 23 points and a late 11-3 run. Keldon Johnson added 20 points, while Stephon Castle contributed 17 points and a season-high 14 assists. Despite Quentin Grimes and Justin Edwards each scoring 25 points for the 76ers, Philadelphia's struggles continued with their third straight loss and 18th in the last 21 games, as they played without key players including Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Maxey has been sidelined for 10 games but is close to returning. The Spurs, who have now won consecutive games for the first time since early January, secured the lead with Sochan's alley-oop dunk late in the game and are set to start a three-game road trip against Toronto.
Dallas Mavericks 123 - 117 Detroit Pistons
The Dallas Mavericks secured a crucial 123-117 victory over the Detroit Pistons, ending their four-game losing streak, driven by Spencer Dinwiddie scoring a season-high 31 points and P.J. Washington Jr. adding 27, including a season-best five 3-pointers. Despite Cade Cunningham's impressive 35-point performance for the Pistons, the Mavericks' effective free-throw shooting, converting 27 of 36 against Detroit's 14 of 19, played a key role in their second win in 11 games. This win is important for the Mavericks as they aim for a play-in berth after participating in last year's NBA Finals. Dallas used their 39th different starting lineup, a franchise record, while missing several players due to injuries and roster constraints. The game also featured a notable moment when former Maverick Tim Hardaway Jr. was honored with a video tribute, though he left the game early with an injury. Mavericks strategically broke a full-court press near the end to secure the win.
Utah Jazz 99 - 121 Boston Celtics
Kristaps Porzingis had a standout performance, scoring 27 points along with 10 rebounds and six assists, as the Boston Celtics defeated the Utah Jazz 121-99 in Salt Lake City. Jayson Tatum also made significant contributions with 26 points, six boards, six assists, and three steals, leading Boston to their fourth consecutive victory and their ninth win in ten games. Despite Collin Sexton's impressive 30 points on 12-of-15 shooting for Utah, the Jazz suffered their seventh loss in eight games. The Celtics started strong with six of their first seven baskets being 3-pointers, establishing a commanding lead early on. Though Utah's Sexton rallied after halftime with three 3-pointers, narrowing the deficit to single digits, Tatum's 3-pointer initiated a decisive 13-0 run for Boston. The Celtics dominated from beyond the arc, making 17 total 3-pointers, with Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser contributing four each.
Phoenix Suns 123 - 112 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Phoenix Suns secured a crucial victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, winning 123-112, led by Kevin Durant's impressive 42-point performance. This marks the Suns' third consecutive win, keeping them tied with Dallas for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference. Despite being without key players Bradley Beal, Nick Richards, and Mason Plumlee, the Suns rallied behind standout performances from Devin Booker, Tyus Jones, and Royce O'Neale, who contributed 15 points through five 3-pointers. The Cavaliers, once on a 16-game winning streak, have now lost four in a row, struggling on their West Coast swing. Darius Garland posted 18 points for Cleveland, while Evan Mobley added a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Notably, Donovan Mitchell had an off night, scoring only seven points and failing to hit any 3-pointers. This win was significant for Phoenix as they continue their push for a play-in spot, facing tough opponents in their remaining 11 games.
Portland Trail Blazers 128 - 109 Denver Nuggets
In a commanding performance, the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Denver Nuggets 128-109, driven by Deni Avdija's impressive 36 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Despite missing star center Nikola Jokic for the third consecutive game, the Nuggets held a 59-54 lead at halftime but faltered in the second half as Portland surged ahead with a dominant 74-50 performance. Shaedon Sharpe contributed 23 points, highlighting a critical 14-0 run that shifted the momentum in favor of the Blazers. The victory marks Portland's fourth consecutive win, keeping them in the hunt for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, Denver's Aaron Gordon scored 23 points, maintaining his strong performance in Jokic's absence. The Trail Blazers also honored their 1990 and 1992 NBA Finals teams, making it a memorable evening, especially with former coach Rick Adelman in attendance. Looking ahead, the Nuggets will face Houston, while the Blazers will take on Boston.
LA Clippers 128 - 108 Memphis Grizzlies
In a dynamic performance, the Los Angeles Clippers secured a 128-108 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in Inglewood, marking their fifth consecutive win. James Harden led the way with 30 points, while Kawhi Leonard contributed 23 points and 10 rebounds. Ivica Zubac also stood out with 17 points and 10 rebounds. The Clippers overcame a six-point halftime deficit by scoring 68 points in the second half, highlighted by a decisive 19-5 run that shifted the game in their favor. Despite missing head coach Tyronn Lue, the Clippers flourished under assistant coach Brian Shaw, boasting a 4-1 record in Lue's absence. Memphis, struggling without star player Ja Morant due to a hamstring injury, suffered their third straight loss. The Clippers have now won eight of their last nine games, climbing the Western Conference standings, and remain perfect against the Grizzlies this season at 3-0.