24.03.2025
Detroit Pistons 136 - 130 New Orleans Pelicans
The Detroit Pistons secured a 136-130 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, buoyed by Ron Holland II's standout performance, where he scored 14 of his season-high 26 points in the decisive fourth quarter. Despite CJ McCollum's impressive 40-point and seven-assist effort for the Pelicans, Holland's clutch shooting allowed the Pistons to outpace New Orleans 43-39 in the final period, marking Detroit's third win in four games. Jalen Duren contributed a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Marcus Sasser came off the bench to add 20 points for Detroit, who played without All-Star Cade Cunningham. The game saw both teams execute high-octane offensive plays, with each shooting 65% in the fourth quarter. The Pelicans, though missing Zion Williamson, made history by having four players with at least seven assists, showcasing their balanced play. The Pistons are now just a game behind Milwaukee for the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference as they continue their homestand against San Antonio.
Utah Jazz 91 - 120 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers convincingly defeated the Utah Jazz 120-91 in Salt Lake City, breaking a four-game losing streak. Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 18 and 16 points respectively, while Evan Mobley contributed a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, along with three blocks. Six Cleveland players scored in double figures, underlining their balanced attack. Despite Utah rallying from an early 12-point deficit to briefly lead, Cleveland regained control late in the second quarter and dominated the third, fueled by a 15-0 run. Allen's scoring bookended this pivotal stretch, which helped Cleveland establish a commanding 21-point lead. The Cavaliers capitalized on Utah's poor transition defense and forced 18 turnovers, converting them into 25 points. Utah’s Kyle Filipowski led his team with 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Walker Kessler added 13 boards and three blocks. The Jazz were unable to overcome Cleveland's 60-30 advantage in the paint and struggled offensively during the decisive third period. Both teams are set to play again on Tuesday, with Cleveland concluding its road trip in Portland and Utah hosting Memphis.
Atlanta Hawks 132 - 119 Philadelphia 76ers
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 132-119, with Trae Young leading the charge by scoring 28 points and providing 12 assists. Zaccharie Risacher was instrumental as well, adding 22 points, while Georges Niang contributed 20 points, including five from beyond the arc. Dominick Barlow's double-double, with 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Onyeka Okongwu's solid performance added to the Atlanta victory. Despite Quentin Grimes' 26-point effort for the 76ers, and rookie Justin Edwards' impressive 22 points, the Hawks' efficient shooting prevailed, hitting 55% from the field and sinking 17 three-pointers. Notably, Dyson Daniels achieved a significant milestone, accumulating 202 steals this season, becoming the third player since 2000-01 to record at least 200 steals in a single season. The 76ers conclude their road trip in New Orleans, while the Hawks are set to face the Houston Rockets next.
Miami Heat 122 - 105 Charlotte Hornets
The Miami Heat snapped a 10-game losing streak with a 122-105 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, led by Andrew Wiggins' impressive 42-point performance, the second-highest of his career. This achievement marked the most points scored by a Heat player this season. Tyler Herro contributed 29 points, while Charlotte's LaMelo Ball recorded 18 points and 11 assists. Despite leading by 12 early, the Hornets, now out of playoff contention, succumbed to a significant deficit, reminiscent of a similar struggle earlier in the season against New York. Meanwhile, Miami's Nikola Jovic is still awaiting full clearance to play after missing several games due to a hand injury. The Heat closed the first half with a decisive 24-4 run, shooting efficiently as Charlotte struggled to score. Upcoming, the Heat will face off against the Golden State Warriors and former teammate Jimmy Butler.
Toronto Raptors 89 - 123 San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs, led by Devin Vassell’s 25 points, decisively defeated the Toronto Raptors 123-89, marking their third consecutive victory. Julian Champagnie contributed 20 points, while Stephon Castle and Sandro Mamukelashvili added 15 and 13 points, respectively, as the Spurs snapped a three-game road losing streak. Despite Scottie Barnes' impressive 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists performance, the Raptors suffered their fourth straight loss. Notably, Barnes became the 10th NBA player to achieve 2,000 rebounds, 1,000 assists, and 200 blocks before turning 24. The Raptors were missing key players with RJ Barrett returning to score 18 despite the absence of Immanuel Quickley, Jakob Poeltl, and Chris Boucher. Meanwhile, Sandro Mamukelashvili’s early fourth-quarter 3-pointer pushed the Spurs’ lead to its highest at 103-65. Singers Kelly Rowland, Mary J. Blige, and Mario were among the celebrities watching courtside. Toronto is scheduled to visit Washington next, while San Antonio heads to Detroit.
Portland Trail Blazers 116 - 129 Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics secured their fifth consecutive win by defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 129-116 in Portland, with Jayson Tatum leading the way with 30 points, nine assists, and nine rebounds. Despite missing key players Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis, the Celtics saw a standout performance from Sam Hauser, who scored 24 points while shooting 8 for 10 from beyond the arc. Derrick White contributed 17 points and eight assists, helping Boston maintain a strong showing as they pursue the top seed in the Eastern Conference, currently held by Cleveland. Portland’s Shaedon Sharpe scored 23 points in the loss, and despite rallying to close the Celtics' lead to seven, the Trail Blazers couldn't secure a comeback. Notably, the Celtics' Payton Pritchard, an Oregon native, is enjoying a career-best season, much to the admiration of Blazers coach Chauncey Billups. Meanwhile, Robert Williams III of Portland underwent knee surgery, adding to his history of injuries. The Celtics, boasting a potent three-point shooting lineup, will face Sacramento next, while Portland is set to host Cleveland.
Houston Rockets 111 - 116 Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets ended the Houston Rockets' nine-game winning streak with a 116-111 victory, led by Jamal Murray's impressive 39-point performance. Murray was particularly dominant in the third quarter, scoring 17 points as Denver outscored Houston 39-22 to build a commanding 96-79 lead. Despite a late rally by the Rockets, which included a 7-1 run to narrow the deficit to three points with just 21 seconds left, Denver held on through key free throws from Christian Braun and Murray. Michael Porter Jr. added 17 points and nine rebounds for Denver, compensating for Nikola Jokic's absence due to an ankle injury. The Rockets saw a strong showing from Jalen Green, who scored 30 points, and Alperen Sengun, who contributed a triple-double with 17 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists. The Nuggets' win brought them within a game of the Rockets in the Western Conference standings as both teams look to solidify their playoff positions with the remaining matchups on the horizon.
LA Clippers 101 - 103 Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder claimed their sixth consecutive victory by narrowly defeating the Los Angeles Clippers 103-101, despite the absence of key players Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 26 points and eight assists, while Aaron Wiggins contributed 19 points. The Thunder triumph was achieved even with Gilgeous-Alexander's uncharacteristically low shooting performance of 24.1% from the field. Alex Caruso made a crucial go-ahead three-pointer late in the game after Oklahoma City nearly relinquished a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter. The Clippers, with Kawhi Leonard and James Harden scoring 25 and 17 points respectively, saw their five-game winning streak end despite Leonard's double-double and head coach Tyronn Lue's return from a back issue. Harden's performance was marred by shooting struggles and a final attempt blunder that cost the Clippers their comeback chance. This victory marked the Thunder's season sweep of the Clippers, maintaining their standing atop the NBA.