DENVER — The Denver Nuggets, led by Jamal Murray’s 22 points and Aaron Gordon’s season-high tying 21 points, convincingly defeated the Dallas Mavericks 130-104 on Monday night. The Nuggets’ victory was a strong response to their recent home loss to Oklahoma City, showcasing their depth and offensive firepower.

Murray, who has been dealing with hamstring and ankle injuries this season, showed signs of regaining his shooting form, going a perfect 4 for 4 from the 3-point range. His performance was pivotal in Denver’s third-quarter surge, where he scored 10 points during a 21-10 run that helped the Nuggets pull away from the Mavericks.

Nikola Jokic contributed eight points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, allowing Denver’s starters to rest during the fourth quarter. A notable aspect of the game was the Nuggets’ bench outscoring the Mavericks’ reserves 62-34.

Luka Doncic tried to keep Dallas in the game, scoring 22 of his 38 points in the second quarter and finishing with 11 rebounds. However, his efforts were not enough to overcome the absence of key players like Kyrie Irving, Josh Green, Maxi Kleber, and Dereck Lively II due to injuries.

Tim Hardaway Jr. made a personal achievement, surpassing his father, Tim Hardaway Sr., on the league’s career 3-pointers list. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, returning from concussion protocol, contributed nine points and played a crucial role in cooling off Doncic in the second half.

An intriguing subplot of the game was the presence of Jokic and Markieff Morris on the court together for the first time since their altercation in November 2021. Their previous encounter had led to Jokic’s one-game suspension and Morris missing four months due to whiplash.

The win marks a positive momentum shift for the Nuggets as they look to maintain their form in upcoming games.

Looking ahead, the Mavericks will host the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday, while the Nuggets start a three-game trip, beginning in Toronto on the same day.

SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Jazz, propelled by outstanding performances from Collin Sexton and Talen Horton-Tucker, triumphed over the Brooklyn Nets with a convincing 125-108 victory on Monday night. Both Sexton and Horton-Tucker scored 27 points each, guiding the Jazz to their third win in four games.

Sexton continued his scoring streak, posting his fifth consecutive 20-point game. Horton-Tucker, in addition to his scoring prowess, also contributed a team-high six assists. The Jazz were further bolstered by Lauri Markkanen’s double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Walker Kessler’s notable presence in the paint with 14 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocks.

For the Nets, Cam Thomas led the scoring with 32 points, while Spencer Dinwiddie added a well-rounded performance of 17 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds. This loss ended Brooklyn’s three-game winning streak against Utah.

The game remained closely contested throughout, with Brooklyn not trailing in the second quarter and maintaining a lead for much of the third. However, the Nets struggled to create a significant lead, never extending beyond a seven-point advantage.

Utah’s pivotal moment came late in the third quarter with a 15-2 run, which shifted the momentum in their favor, leading to an 88-80 advantage. This surge was fueled by Sexton, John Collins, and Markkanen, who hit crucial 3-pointers on successive possessions.

The Nets attempted a comeback in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap to 108-101 following consecutive three-pointers by Thomas. Nevertheless, the Jazz’s resilience was evident as they scored on five straight possessions, effectively halting Brooklyn’s rally. Horton-Tucker played a key role, scoring consecutive baskets and assisting Kessler for an alley-oop dunk.

Kessler’s dunk initiated a decisive 12-0 run for Utah, extending their lead to 120-101 with just over two minutes remaining. The Jazz’s sharpshooting, especially in the second half where they shot 10-of-16 from beyond the arc, was a significant factor in their victory.

Looking forward, the Nets will face a challenge against the Knicks on Wednesday, while the Jazz are set to take on the Cavaliers the same day.

OKLAHOMA CITY — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s impressive 30-point performance guided the Oklahoma City Thunder to a dominant 116-97 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. The win came just before the Grizzlies anticipate the return of their star point guard, Ja Morant, from suspension.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who also grabbed nine rebounds, continued his stellar form, playing a significant role in keeping Oklahoma City in second place in the Western Conference standings. His effort came on the heels of a game-winner against Denver and included making 13 of 14 free throws.

For the Grizzlies, who suffered their fifth consecutive loss, there’s a ray of hope with Morant’s expected return. Suspended for the first 25 games following an incident involving a handgun during a livestream, Morant is slated to rejoin the team for their next game at New Orleans. Last season, Morant had impressive averages of 26.2 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds across 61 games.

Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins indicated that Morant is physically fit and ready to play significant minutes, although they plan to be mindful of his adjustment to NBA game shape.

The Thunder’s victory also highlighted the contributions of rookie Chet Holmgren, who tallied 17 points, seven blocks, and six rebounds. Holmgren’s defensive prowess was notable, with 15 blocks over the last two games. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised Holmgren’s fearlessness and competitive nature, particularly in challenging rim shots.

Josh Giddey’s double-double, featuring 16 points and 12 rebounds, further bolstered Oklahoma City’s performance. The team has won four of their last five games, demonstrating their growing cohesion and effectiveness.

The Grizzlies, facing challenges with several players out, including guards Marcus Smart and Derrick Rose, struggled to find their rhythm. Ziaire Williams led Memphis with 19 points, while Desmond Bane added 17. Jaren Jackson Jr., who had been on a scoring spree in recent games, was limited to 11 points. Memphis’ shooting woes were evident, as they managed only 35.3% from the field.

The Thunder established their dominance early, leading 68-53 at halftime, driven by Gilgeous-Alexander’s 17 points and Holmgren’s defensive presence. They further extended their lead in the third quarter, holding Memphis to a mere 2-for-19 shooting.

Looking ahead, the Grizzlies face a crucial game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Tuesday, while the Thunder host the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday.

ATLANTA — Trae Young’s impressive performance, marked by 31 points and 15 assists, propelled the Atlanta Hawks to a 130-124 victory over the Detroit Pistons on Monday night. This loss extended Detroit’s losing streak to 24 consecutive games, inching them closer to the NBA record.

Young, determined not to let the Pistons break their streak against the Hawks, achieved his fourth consecutive game scoring at least 30 points with at least 10 assists. This performance marked his team-leading 16th double-double of the season.

Despite a career-high 43 points from Pistons’ Cade Cunningham, Detroit couldn’t snap its losing streak, which dates back to an Oct. 28 win against Chicago. Cunningham’s leadership was praised by Pistons coach Monty Williams, who recognized the growth and challenge faced by the young team during this difficult period.

Bojan Bogdanovic added 25 points for Detroit, but it was the Hawks’ early dominance that set the tone for the game. Atlanta’s sharpshooting was on display as they made 9-of-12 three-pointers in the first quarter, with Young sinking two of them. Overall, the Hawks hit 16-of-36 from beyond the arc.

The Pistons showed resilience with repeated comeback attempts, but the Hawks managed to maintain their lead. The NBA record for the longest losing streak within a single season, 26 games, is shared by the 2010-11 Cleveland Cavaliers and the 2013-14 Philadelphia 76ers.

For Atlanta, Saddiq Bey scored 21 points, and Dejounte Murray contributed 20. De’Andre Hunter’s crucial 19 points, including two key three-pointers, helped stave off Detroit’s late surge. The Pistons again closed the gap to six points in the final minutes, but James Wiseman’s missed free throws hampered their comeback effort.

The game also saw significant contributions from Atlanta’s Clint Capela, who returned from injury to score 17 points and grab a game-high 15 rebounds. Hawks coach Quin Snyder expressed hope for the return of Jalen Johnson, whose absence has been felt by the team.

Detroit continues to grapple with injuries, with center Isaiah Stewart day-to-day and Jalen Duren unable to practice. For the Hawks, guard Bogdan Bogdanovic is recovering from right ankle inflammation but missed his second consecutive game.

The Pistons will look to end their losing streak as they host the Utah Jazz on Thursday, while the Hawks will visit the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, hoping to build on this victory.

MIAMI — In a remarkable turnaround, the Minnesota Timberwolves rallied from a significant halftime deficit to defeat the Miami Heat 112-108 on Monday night, tying them with Boston for the NBA’s best record at 20-5. This victory, marked by a strong defensive showing in the second half, highlights Minnesota’s resilience and defensive prowess.

The Timberwolves, facing their second-biggest midgame deficit of the season, were galvanized after halftime. Karl-Anthony Towns, who was in foul trouble in the first half, and coach Chris Finch, who received a technical foul, played key roles in the team’s comeback. Anthony Edwards led the scoring with 32 points, while Towns added 18. Minnesota’s defense was pivotal, allowing only 42 points after the break.

Rudy Gobert, Minnesota’s center, reflected on the team’s ability to respond to challenges, especially on the defensive end, which he believes is crucial for their success. Naz Reid contributed 15 points, and Mike Conley added 12, while Gobert himself secured 16 rebounds.

For the Heat, Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo, returning from injuries, scored 47 points combined. Herro, out for 18 games with a sprained right ankle, contributed 25 points, and Adebayo, who missed seven games with a bruised left hip, added 22. Jimmy Butler, Duncan Robinson, and Josh Richardson also contributed significantly for Miami.

Despite the contributions from Herro and Adebayo, Minnesota’s comeback was notable. The team has consistently demonstrated an ability to overturn deficits, recording their seventh win after trailing by at least 10 points. Conversely, Miami suffered their seventh loss after leading by double figures.

This 20-5 start is a historic one for Minnesota, marking their best performance through 25 games in franchise history, surpassing the 17-8 start of the 2001-02 Timberwolves. Coach Finch praised his team’s willingness to adapt and make it work.

The game’s turning point came in the third quarter when Minnesota’s defense tightened, significantly reducing Miami’s scoring and setting up a fourth-quarter comeback. Miami’s coach Erik Spoelstra acknowledged Minnesota’s status as the league’s top defensive team.

The Timberwolves will next face Philadelphia on Wednesday, while the Heat will take on Orlando the same night, as both teams look to build on their performances.

TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors, led by Pascal Siakam’s 27 points and Gary Trent Jr.’s season-high 22 points and first career double-double, overcame the Charlotte Hornets 114-99 on Monday night. The Raptors’ fourth-quarter surge was instrumental in their victory over a Hornets team missing several key players, including Miles Bridges.

Bridges, who was unable to enter Canada due to past legal issues, was notably missed by the Hornets. Charlotte’s center Nick Richards acknowledged Bridges’ significant impact on the team’s scoring, rebounding, and defense. Hornets coach Steve Clifford, however, did not comment on Bridges’ absence.

The Hornets were already without starters LaMelo Ball, Gordon Hayward, and Mark Williams due to injuries, as well as key reserve Cody Martin. Despite these setbacks, Toronto’s Scottie Barnes made a substantial contribution with 22 points, matching his career-high with 17 rebounds. Dennis Schroder and Precious Achiuwa also added 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Trent’s eight points in the final quarter were crucial as the Raptors outscored the Hornets 35-18. Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic praised Trent’s shooting and impact on the game. On the Hornets’ side, Terry Rozier led with 22 points, and P.J. Washington Jr. added 15. Despite efforts from Bryce McGowens and Brandon Miller, who each scored 14 points, the Hornets struggled to overcome the absence of key players, suffering their fifth straight loss.

Charlotte managed to score 23 points off 19 Toronto turnovers but couldn’t maintain their momentum. Washington and Rozier, who both returned after injuries, started the game but couldn’t steer the team to victory.

Miles Bridges’ absence was a significant talking point, given his ongoing legal issues and recent probation for a domestic violence case. Bridges has been impactful since returning from suspension, averaging 19.6 points and 7.2 rebounds in 12 starts.

The Raptors faced their own challenges with turnovers in the first quarter but managed to close the gap by the end of the third quarter, thanks to Siakam’s 10 points in the period.

Toronto also had a notable presence in former Raptors coach Dwane Casey, who attended the game. The Raptors’ resilience was on full display as they rallied in the second half to secure the win.

Looking ahead, the Hornets will face Indiana on Wednesday night, while the Raptors host Denver on the same evening.

CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Cavaliers extended their remarkable run in overtime games, securing their 11th consecutive victory in extra periods by outlasting the Houston Rockets 135-130 on Monday night. Donovan Mitchell led the way with 37 points, while Sam Merrill emerged off the bench with a career-high 19 points, playing a pivotal role in the win.

Cleveland’s performance in overtime was crucial, outscoring Houston 13-8, which tied them for the second-longest OT winning streak in NBA history. The New Orleans franchise holds the record with 13 consecutive overtime victories from 2006-08. Mitchell praised Merrill’s contribution, acknowledging his hard work and seizing the opportunity when it mattered most.

The game was tightly contested, with Rockets’ Alperin Sengun tying the score with a free throw in the closing seconds of regulation. Caris LeVert missed a potential game-winner for the Cavaliers, and Sengun’s fadeaway at the buzzer narrowly missed, sending the game into overtime.

For the Rockets, Fred VanVleet had a standout performance with season-highs of 27 points and 17 assists, along with eight rebounds. Sengun himself added 24 points, contributing significantly despite acknowledging the team’s defensive shortcomings. The Rockets’ road struggles continued, with their record dropping to 2-10 away from home.

The Cavaliers had to navigate this game without starting power forward Evan Mobley and former All-Star point guard Darius Garland, both sidelined until February due to injuries. Despite these absences, the team has shown resilience and adaptability, with Mitchell highlighting the ‘by committee’ approach in their absence.

Max Strus scored 17 points, and LeVert added 12 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. Merrill’s performance, including 5 of 10 from the 3-point line, was a significant factor in the Cavaliers’ success. He expressed gratitude for the trust shown by Coach J.B. Bickerstaff and acknowledged the team’s impressive overtime record.

On the Rockets’ side, VanVleet, in his first season with Houston, is averaging career-highs in assists and minutes. The first half saw a tightly contested game with multiple lead changes and ties.

An interesting subplot was the presence of Dillon Brooks, who scored 16 points in his first game back in Cleveland since a notable incident involving Mitchell when Brooks was with the Memphis Grizzlies.

The third quarter was particularly intense with a high number of fouls and free throws, leading to Cleveland scoring a season-high 42 points in the period and taking a slim lead into the fourth quarter.

Looking ahead, the Rockets will host Atlanta on Wednesday night, while the Cavaliers continue their homestand against Utah.

PHILADELPHIA — The Chicago Bulls, led by Coby White’s 24 points, snapped the Philadelphia 76ers’ six-game winning streak with a hard-fought 108-104 victory Monday night. White’s standout performance, coupled with significant contributions from Nikola Vucevic and DeMar DeRozan, was pivotal in the Bulls’ success.

Vucevic, a former Sixer, delivered an impressive 23-point performance, while DeRozan added 15 points to the Bulls’ tally. Vucevic, who also grabbed eight rebounds and shot an efficient 10 for 18 from the floor, spoke about the team’s growing chemistry and momentum, despite their 11-17 record. The Bulls have found a rhythm, winning six of their last nine games, even in the absence of All-Star Zach LaVine, who is out with left foot inflammation.

Bulls coach Billy Donovan emphasized the team’s competitive spirit against stronger teams and the need for consistency. This victory highlighted the Bulls’ ability to respond under pressure and maintain composure throughout the game.

Joel Embiid led the 76ers with a formidable 40 points and 13 rebounds, marking his 11th consecutive game with at least 30 points and 10 boards. Tyrese Maxey also shone brightly, contributing 29 points. However, the rest of the Sixers struggled to make a significant impact, with no other player reaching double figures in scoring.

76ers coach Nick Nurse noted the team’s slight lag in defensive execution and the lack of strong individual performances that had characterized their previous victories. The Sixers had been dominant against sub-.500 teams, boasting a 12-0 record before this matchup.

The Bulls overcame an early 12-point deficit, thanks largely to White’s explosive first half, where he scored 16 points, helping Chicago build a 55-44 lead by halftime. White has been in exceptional form, averaging 22.9 points over the last nine games.

The Bulls extended their lead to 12 after three quarters. The Sixers made a spirited comeback, briefly taking an 89-87 lead on a Maxey 3-pointer. However, the Bulls responded with a decisive 13-2 run, establishing an eight-point lead with just three minutes remaining. DeRozan’s crucial free throws in the final moments and a strong defensive stand against Embiid in the closing seconds sealed the win for Chicago.

Donovan stressed the importance of teamwork and collective effort in the Bulls’ recent success, highlighting the significance of shared responsibility on the court.

The Bulls now look forward to hosting the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night, while the 76ers will face Minnesota at home on the same day.

INDIANAPOLIS — The Los Angeles Clippers, propelled by their star trio of Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and James Harden, continued their dominant run by securing their eighth straight win, defeating the Indiana Pacers 151-127 on Monday night.

Kawhi Leonard and Paul George led the charge for most of the game, scoring 28 and 27 points respectively. However, it was James Harden’s explosive performance in the fourth quarter that sealed the deal for the Clippers. Harden, displaying his scoring prowess, racked up 21 of his season-high 35 points in the final quarter, leaving the Pacers struggling to catch up.

The Clippers, currently on their longest winning streak since the 2015-16 season, showcased their offensive might by registering the fourth-highest scoring total in franchise history and the highest this season. Their impressive victory over Indiana was marked by a dynamic offensive strategy against the NBA’s second-worst scoring defense.

Despite a spirited effort from Bennedict Mathurin, who scored a season-high 34 points for Indiana, and Isaiah Jackson’s 15 points, the Pacers faltered. The absence of Myles Turner due to injury was felt, and All-Star guard Tyrese Haliburton, returning from a bruised knee, could only contribute eight points and 11 assists, marred by four turnovers.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle expressed frustration at the team’s defensive struggles, hinting at potential massive lineup changes to address the issue. Indiana’s defense has been a point of concern, particularly after their recent 12-day road trip that seemed to have affected their usual high-energy play.

Paul George, facing his former team and the familiar boos from Indiana fans, continued his exceptional form in Indiana, averaging 36 points in his last five games at the venue. The Pacers initially held their own, leading 51-46 in the second quarter, but the Clippers quickly turned the tide with a 21-6 run, taking a commanding lead by halftime and never looking back.

Harden’s efficiency was a highlight, as he shot 12 of 16 from the field and 8 of 11 on 3-pointers, adding nine assists. Leonard emphasized the team’s focus on winning each quarter and maintaining efficiency, regardless of the score.

In a poignant moment before the game, the Pacers paid tribute to two-time ABA champion George McGinnis, who passed away on Thursday, with a highlight reel and a moment of silence.

The Clippers now look forward to extending their winning streak in a matchup against Dallas on Wednesday, while the Pacers hope to bounce back when they host Charlotte the same night.

PORTLAND, OR — In a closely contested battle, the Golden State Warriors secured a 118-114 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday, marking their second consecutive victory. Klay Thompson spearheaded the Warriors’ effort with an impressive 28-point performance on a night where Stephen Curry’s remarkable NBA-record 3-pointer streak of 268 games came to an end.

Curry, who has been a long-range shooting sensation, experienced an off night, going 0 for 8 from beyond the arc and scoring only seven points. His historic streak began on December 1, 2018, and has been a testament to his shooting prowess over the years.

Andrew Wiggins, recently moved to a bench role, stepped up significantly, contributing 25 points and seven rebounds. Rookie Trayce Jackson-Davis also played a key role, adding 14 points and eight rebounds, helping the Warriors to string together back-to-back wins for the first time since early November.

For the Trail Blazers, Jerami Grant led the scoring with 30 points. Anfernee Simons, after a quiet first half, erupted in the second, scoring all 21 of his points to keep Portland in contention.

The game’s climax was intense, with Portland narrowing the gap to just two points with 39 seconds remaining. Chris Paul’s crucial jumper extended the Warriors’ lead, but Simon’s 3-point play brought the Trail Blazers within one point with only 14.7 seconds left on the clock.

In a dramatic finish, Curry was able to make one of two free throws, bringing the score to 116-114. Portland had a chance to turn the game around, but Shaedon Sharpe’s offensive foul with just 0.6 seconds left sealed their fate.

The Warriors’ victory, despite Curry’s unusual shooting slump, showcased their depth and ability to find different ways to win. The team demonstrated resilience and composure in the game’s critical moments, ensuring their win in a challenging road environment.

Looking ahead, the Warriors are set to host the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night, while the Trail Blazers will welcome the Phoenix Suns the same evening. Both teams will be looking to build on their performances as they continue through the season.

PHOENIX, AZ — The Phoenix Suns staged an impressive comeback on Sunday night, overcoming a 16-point deficit to defeat the Washington Wizards 112-108. The Suns, who had been struggling with consistency, showed resilience and determination to snap a two-game losing streak, improving their record to 14-12.

Devin Booker, despite experiencing a challenging shooting night, was pivotal in the Suns’ fourth-quarter resurgence, scoring 11 of his 27 points in the final period. His performance was particularly noteworthy given his earlier struggles, where he missed six of seven 3-point attempts in the first three quarters.

The Suns started the final quarter with an eight-point deficit but managed to outscore the Wizards 31-19, demonstrating a strong finish that has been lacking in some of their previous games. This fourth-quarter rally was crucial in securing their victory.

Kevin Durant was the top scorer for the Suns with 28 points, delivering key plays including a dunk on a three-point play in the dying minutes of the game. Jusuf Nurkic dominated the boards with 17 rebounds, while Drew Eubanks added 12 points. Jordan Goodwin made significant contributions off the bench, grabbing eight rebounds and dishing out six assists.

The Suns had to overcome not just the deficit but also their own shooting woes, as they were 7 of 31 from the 3-point line and committed 17 turnovers. Despite these challenges, they displayed a commendable ability to bounce back and secure the win.

For the Wizards, Daniel Gafford had an outstanding game with 26 points and 17 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory for his team. The Wizards, who are struggling this season with a 4-21 record, were aiming to win consecutive games for the first time but fell short. Tyus Jones scored 22 points for Washington, and Kyle Kuzma added 17 before fouling out.

The Suns played without Bradley Beal, who was sidelined with a sprained right ankle sustained in a previous game against New York. Beal’s absence was a significant loss for the Suns, as he had only recently returned from a back injury that kept him out for 12 games. Nassir Little stepped up in his first start of the season, and Eric Gordon returned from a leg contusion to contribute 13 points.

Looking forward, the Suns will face the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night, while the Wizards will take on the Sacramento Kings on Monday. This victory for Phoenix serves as a much-needed boost, demonstrating their ability to overcome adversity and close out games effectively.

MILWAUKEE, WI — In a sensational display of basketball prowess, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to a resounding 128-119 victory over the Houston Rockets on Sunday night, setting a historic milestone in the process. Antetokounmpo amassed 26 points and 17 rebounds, surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the Bucks’ all-time rebounding leader. This achievement comes after he eclipsed Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record last season, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise’s greatest players.

The Bucks, who have been formidable at home, extended their winning streak to 13 games at the Fiserv Forum, bolstering their impressive 14-1 home record. This triumph also ended the Rockets’ five-game winning streak, underscoring Milwaukee’s dominance on their home court.

Khris Middleton played a pivotal role in the Bucks’ success, especially in the fourth quarter where he scored 14 of his 20 points. His crucial 3-pointer extended the Bucks’ lead to six points with a little over five minutes left in the game, and Antetokounmpo’s subsequent three-point play further widened the gap.

Brook Lopez contributed significantly with 18 points, while Bobby Portis added 11 off the bench, showcasing the depth and versatility of the Bucks’ roster.

On the Rockets’ side, Dillon Brooks was ejected late in the game for flopping, followed by two technical fouls. Rockets coach Ime Udoka also received two technicals, which allowed Damian Lillard to tie his season-high scoring total with free throws. Lillard’s exceptional performance included 39 points, 11 assists, and five rebounds, underlining his crucial role in the team’s offensive strategy.

Fred VanVleet led the Rockets with 22 points, and center Alperen Sengun contributed with 20. Despite their efforts, the Rockets struggled to contain the Bucks’ dynamic offense.

Antetokounmpo’s record-breaking moment came with a rebound of Tari Eason’s missed shot in the fourth quarter, marking a significant milestone in his already illustrious career. The Fiserv Forum crowd acknowledged this achievement with a standing ovation, celebrating their star player’s historic accomplishment.

The Bucks’ early lead was bolstered by Lillard’s hot start, scoring 15 points in the first quarter alone. Rookie guard Andre Jackson provided a spark off the bench, contributing to Milwaukee’s commanding 71-60 halftime lead.

Despite the absence of guard Malik Beasley due to illness, the Bucks’ cohesive and energetic play proved too much for the Rockets. Milwaukee’s consistent performance throughout the game, coupled with their strong defense and efficient scoring, paved the way for their convincing victory.

Looking ahead, the Bucks are set to host San Antonio on Tuesday, while the Rockets will face Cleveland on Monday, as both teams continue their respective campaigns in the NBA season.

SAN ANTONIO, TX — The New Orleans Pelicans, led by CJ McCollum’s 29 points and Brandon Ingram’s 26, soared to a historic 146-110 victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, setting a new franchise record with an astonishing 22 3-pointers. The win highlighted the Pelicans’ potent offense and marked a disappointing continuation of heavy losses for the Spurs.

The Spurs, under the helm of legendary coach Gregg Popovich, suffered their fourth defeat this season by 36 or more points, echoing a similar pattern from last season. Popovich acknowledged the Pelicans’ exceptional performance, stating, “They had a great night shooting. We couldn’t throw it in the ocean. But on top of shooting well, they played very well. We weren’t as sharp as we needed to be and got whooped, real good.”

For San Antonio, rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama was a bright spot amid the team’s struggles. Wembanyama recorded his eighth consecutive double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds, surpassing Dwight Howard’s NBA record for a teenager set in 2005. His performance shone even brighter in the presence of his idol and mentor, former San Antonio All-Star Tony Parker, who was honored at halftime with a Hall of Fame designation on his retired jersey.

Despite Wembanyama’s efforts, the Pelicans’ relentless attack, particularly from beyond the arc, was too much for the Spurs. New Orleans was an impressive 22 for 42 on 3-point attempts, showcasing their offensive depth and efficiency.

The win marks the Pelicans’ fourth consecutive victory following a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the semifinals of the In-Season Tournament. Zion Williamson, who contributed 15 points to the victory, emphasized the team’s focus, saying, “We’re winning. Winning cures everything.”

In contrast, the Spurs, who recently ended a franchise-record 18-game losing streak with a win over the Lakers, continue to struggle. With a record of 4-20, they sit at the bottom of the Western Conference, reflecting the challenges of a young and rebuilding team. Wembanyama, the team’s youngest player, stressed the importance of consistency, stating, “It might explain it, but it doesn’t mean it’s OK. We’re not trying to find any excuses.”

The Pelicans’ victory was a testament to their balanced attack and sharp shooting. Coach Willie Green praised his team’s focus, particularly on defense, as a key to their success.

As both teams look ahead, the Pelicans are set to host Memphis on Tuesday, while the Spurs face a tough challenge against Milwaukee. The contrasting fortunes of the two teams were starkly evident in this high-scoring affair, with the Pelicans asserting their dominance and the Spurs searching for answers to their ongoing struggles.

BOSTON, MA — The Boston Celtics fortified their stronghold at TD Garden with a commanding 114-97 victory over the Orlando Magic on Sunday, extending their impeccable home record to an NBA-leading 14-0. Kristaps Porzingis, returning after a brief hiatus, succinctly encapsulated the sentiment, “For a visiting team to come into this building and beat us, it’s got to be a special night for them, and we totally believe that.”

Jaylen Brown was the catalyst in the Celtics’ triumph, exploding with 17 of his 31 points in a game-defining fourth quarter. Boston’s offensive prowess was on full display, with the team nailing 17 3-pointers. This win marks the Celtics’ second-best start at home, trailing only behind the 1957-58 squad led by the legendary Bill Russell.

Coach Joe Mazzulla praised the team’s evolution, noting, “I think we’re starting to play what I would call Celtic basketball,” emphasizing their mental and defensive fortitude.

Jayson Tatum contributed 23 points, while Porzingis and Jrue Holiday added 15 and 14 points, respectively. Porzingis also collected 10 rebounds, showcasing his all-round abilities in the game.

Orlando’s Paolo Banchero led his team with a commendable 36 points and 10 rebounds, but the Magic struggled overall, shooting just 38.2%. Jalen Suggs supported with 13 points, yet it wasn’t enough to thwart the Celtics’ momentum.

The Celtics’ strategy was hardly impacted even when Tatum picked up his third foul in the second quarter. Instead, they surged forward, transforming a tied game into a substantial 61-50 lead by halftime, courtesy of Brown’s nine points in a decisive 20-5 run.

Despite attempts at a defensive adjustment, Orlando’s efforts to implement a zone defense did little to curb Boston’s offensive outburst. Magic coach Jamahl Mosley acknowledged the team’s growth but emphasized the dissatisfaction with the outcome, insisting, “This is not a moral victory.”

Looking ahead, the Magic will host the Miami Heat on Wednesday, while the Celtics are set to embark on a challenging West Coast tour, beginning with the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday. As Boston continues to blend skill with strategy, their formidable home record serves as a testament to their championship aspirations this season.