LOS ANGELES, CA – Paul George’s stellar fourth-quarter performance, where he scored 18 of his season-high 38 points, propelled the Los Angeles Clippers to a 128-117 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night. This victory marks the Clippers’ ninth in their last 11 games, a testament to their rising form in the league.

The Clippers, buoyed by contributions from Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, who added 16 points each, had more reasons to celebrate as Commissioner Adam Silver announced the hosting of the 2026 All-Star Game at their new arena in Inglewood, where they will begin play next season.

The Thunder, currently the West’s No. 2 team, faced a setback with this loss, their second in a row after a strong run of nine wins in 12 games prior to their LA visit. Jalen Williams led the Thunder’s scoring with 25 points, while Lu Dort and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander each chipped in with 19 points.

The game saw a dramatic shift in the third quarter when the Thunder, overcoming a 13-point deficit, surged ahead 115-114 on Williams’ 3-pointer. However, Paul George’s commanding presence in the final stretch was pivotal for the Clippers. George’s 11 points in the closing moments, highlighted by two 3-pointers and a stunning steal-and-dunk sequence, underscored his impact as a game-changer.

The Thunder had briefly narrowed the gap to 79-77 in the third quarter, fueled by a 9-0 run featuring Isaiah Joe’s 3-pointers. Nonetheless, the Clippers responded assertively with a 20-12 run, capped off by Daniel Theis and Norman Powell’s consecutive 3s, to enter the fourth quarter with a 10-point lead.

In the absence of center Ivica Zubac, sidelined with a right calf strain, Mason Plumlee stepped up in his first start of the season, contributing 14 points in place of Zubac, who is set to be re-evaluated in a month.

Looking ahead, the Thunder aim to bounce back as they face the Utah Jazz on Thursday, while the Clippers gear up for a significant matchup against the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday.

PHOENIX, AZ – In a remarkable display of resilience, the Phoenix Suns, led by Kevin Durant’s crucial free throws, overcame a significant deficit to defeat the Sacramento Kings 119-117 on Tuesday night. The Suns, trailing by 17 points late in the game, engineered a remarkable 23-4 run to clinch the victory.

Durant, who contributed 27 points, played a pivotal role in the Suns’ comeback, including sinking two free throws with just 1.8 seconds left on the clock. His performance, coupled with Grayson Allen’s exceptional showing, where he tied a franchise record with nine 3-pointers and scored 29 points, was central to the Suns’ success.

The game, which Durant described as a “blur,” saw the Suns shift gears dramatically in the final quarter. Their strategic adjustments, especially in pressuring Kings’ Domantas Sabonis and forcing Sacramento to shift to a more individualistic playstyle, were crucial in turning the tide.

Devin Booker’s contribution was notable, with 16 points and 11 assists, alongside Bradley Beal’s 13 points and Jusuf Nurkic’s double-double of 10 points and 15 rebounds. The Suns’ collective effort was epitomized in the critical moments of the fourth quarter, highlighting their depth and resilience.

The Kings, despite leading by 22 points with just over eight minutes to play, could not stave off the Suns’ intense comeback. Durant’s pair of 3-pointers in the fourth quarter ignited the rally, further fueled by Eric Gordon’s back-to-back 3-pointers, tying the game at 115. Gordon’s clutch performance off the bench, scoring 13 points, was a testament to the Suns’ depth.

Suns coach Frank Vogel praised his team’s mental fortitude, acknowledging the modern NBA’s unpredictability and the capability of teams to overturn substantial deficits. Durant’s late free throws, which gave the Suns their first lead since the opening minutes, were decisive, despite De’Aaron Fox’s attempt to keep the Kings in contention with a game-high 33 points.

The Kings’ Domantas Sabonis marked another milestone with his 11th triple-double of the season, while Keegan Murray, Sasha Vezenkov, and Malik Monk made significant contributions. However, their efforts were overshadowed by the Suns’ astonishing comeback.

Kings coach Mike Brown reflected on the loss, highlighting the need for his team to maintain their offensive fluidity and learn from their mistakes in the game’s crucial stages.

Looking ahead, the Kings face a quick turnaround as they host Indiana on Thursday, while the Suns take their winning momentum on the road to face New Orleans on Friday.

PHILADELPHIA, PA – In a gripping clash of basketball titans, Joel Embiid led the Philadelphia 76ers to a thrilling 126-121 victory over Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night. Embiid, showcasing his elite talent, racked up 41 points and 10 assists in a dazzling display of skill and determination.

The match, billed as a showdown between the last two NBA MVPs, lived up to its hype with Embiid and Jokic delivering performances befitting their reputations. Jokic, not to be outdone, put up a resilient fight with 25 points and a remarkable 19 rebounds, including 11 on the offensive glass.

Embiid’s respect for his counterpart was evident post-game, as he hailed Jokic as “the best player in the league”, acknowledging his NBA Finals MVP status and championship pedigree. However, Embiid’s confidence in his abilities was unwavering, as he continued his pursuit to reach the pinnacle of NBA success.

The 76ers’ supporting cast played a crucial role in securing the win. Tyrese Maxey contributed significantly with 25 points, while Tobias Harris added 24, ensuring the team’s offensive firepower was on full display. Embiid’s late-game heroics, including a pivotal three-point play and a triumphant 3-pointer, extended the Sixers’ lead and underscored their potential as a championship contender when their star player is in prime form.

The game had its tense moments, notably when Embiid fouled Michael Porter Jr. on a three-point attempt late in the game. Porter’s successful free throws brought the Nuggets within striking distance, but the 76ers managed to hold on as time ran out, quashing any hopes of a Denver comeback.

Jokic, ever the competitor, stressed the team aspect of the matchup, focusing on playing against the 76ers rather than an individual duel with Embiid. His leadership and performance continue to solidify his status as a premier player in the league.

This high-octane encounter was a spectacle from start to finish, with both teams locked in a 78-all tie at halftime and displaying an intense, fast-paced style of play. The star power of Embiid and Jokic, coupled with significant contributions from players like Maxey, Murray, and Harris, made for an unforgettable night of basketball.

76ers coach Nick Nurse’s pre-game anticipation of a memorable game proved prophetic, as the teams delivered a scintillating performance that captivated the audience and viewers alike. With Embiid tying Elgin Baylor’s record for the sixth-longest streak of 30-point games in NBA history, his MVP-caliber season continues to impress.

Looking ahead, the Nuggets face a challenging trip to Boston for their Friday game, hoping for smoother travel than their prolonged journey to Philadelphia. Meanwhile, the 76ers set their sights on a visit to Orlando, riding high from their significant win.

ATLANTA — On a day commemorating Martin Luther King Jr., Trae Young delivered an exceptional performance, scoring 36 points and dishing out 13 assists to lead the Atlanta Hawks to a 109-99 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. This standout game also saw Young surpass the 10,000 career points milestone.

Young’s hot start, where he sank his first six 3-point attempts, set the tone for the Hawks. However, the team had to fend off a late surge by the Spurs, who narrowed a 35-point deficit to just six in the latter stages of the game. Young acknowledged the team’s initial focus but admitted to becoming too relaxed in the second half.

The Spurs’ comeback was fueled by the phenomenal play of their 7-foot-3 rookie, Victor Wembanyama, who scored all of his 26 points in the second half, including nine dunks and 13 rebounds. Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick in the draft, has been managed cautiously by the Spurs following a sprained ankle he suffered in December.

Spurs coach Gregg Popovich praised Wembanyama’s scoring ability, particularly in the final quarter, where the rookie was instrumental in outscoring the Hawks 33-22. Despite the Spurs’ comeback attempt, Young and the Hawks managed to hold on for the win.

Dejounte Murray, a former Spurs guard now with the Hawks and amid trade deadline speculation, contributed 13 points and a season-high 13 rebounds.

The Hawks demonstrated their dominance early, leading by as much as 35 points at halftime. Jeremy Sochan scored 23 points for the Spurs, and Julian Champagnie added 15 points, including five 3-pointers.

Young, who scored 29 points in the first half, reached the 10,000-point mark with a free throw late in the third period. Reflecting on the milestone, Young emphasized his focus on winning and entertaining the fans.

Jalen Johnson also had a notable performance for Atlanta, scoring 16 points along with 10 rebounds and six steals.

Both coaches, Quin Snyder of the Hawks and Gregg Popovich of the Spurs, spoke about the honor and significance of playing on MLK Day, especially in King’s hometown of Atlanta. They highlighted the importance of the day and the privilege of being part of the celebration.

The players showed their respect by wearing “Honor King” shirts during warmups.

Looking Ahead:

The Spurs face a tough challenge next, traveling to Boston to play on Wednesday. The Hawks, meanwhile, will host the Orlando Magic on the same day, hoping to build on their victory.

NEW YORK — The Orlando Magic, bolstered by the return of several key players, snapped their three-game losing streak with a 98-94 victory over the New York Knicks on Monday. Star forward Paolo Banchero played a pivotal role, scoring crucial points in the final quarter to seal the win for Orlando.

Banchero finished with 20 points, while Cole Anthony added 15, including 10 in the fourth quarter, helping the Magic overcome an 11-point deficit in the third quarter. The Magic’s comeback was ignited midway through the final period, culminating in Anthony tipping in a missed shot to take the lead at 90-89 with just under four minutes to play.

Wendell Carter Jr., returning from a five-game absence due to right knee tendinitis, contributed significantly off the bench with 17 points. Chuma Okeke also had a notable performance, scoring 15 points.

The Magic’s bench strength was evident with the availability of Markelle Fultz, Joe Ingles, and Jonathan Isaac, all of whom have missed games recently. Coach Jamahl Mosley praised their defensive efforts, highlighting the impact of the returning players.

For the Knicks, Deuce McBride stepped up in the absence of Jalen Brunson, who is out with a bruised left calf, scoring a career-high 20 points. OG Anunoby added 17 points, but the Knicks struggled offensively, with Julius Randle only managing 15 points on 5 for 18 shooting.

The Knicks’ offensive woes were a focal point of the game, with Randle describing the team’s play as too stagnant. Despite leading 52-50 at halftime, the Knicks struggled with their shooting, finishing under 40% from the field and only 68.2% from the free-throw line.

Donte DiVincenzo also contributed 15 points for New York, which has now lost on Martin Luther King Jr. Day for the third consecutive year, dropping their holiday record to 23-15.

The Knicks had been playing more road games than home games leading up to this match but are now looking at a more favorable schedule with a four-game homestand and seven consecutive games in New York, including six at Madison Square Garden.

Looking Ahead:

The Magic will next face the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, while the Knicks host the Houston Rockets on the same day, hoping to bounce back from this setback.

WASHINGTON — The Detroit Pistons, facing a challenging season marked by historic losses, including an NBA record-tying 28-game skid, displayed resilience and determination in their 129-117 victory over the Washington Wizards on Monday. Alec Burks, delivering a stellar performance, matched his career-high with 34 points, steering Detroit to only their fourth win this season.

Pistons coach Monty Williams praised the team’s unwavering spirit, emphasizing the players’ commitment and desire to support each other despite the difficult season. This victory was a testament to their collective effort and enthusiasm.

Jalen Duren contributed significantly with 20 points and 19 rebounds, while Jaden Ivey added 24 points, seven rebounds, and six assists. Burks, shooting an impressive 8 of 12 from the 3-point range, was a key factor in Detroit’s nearly 56% shooting from the field. Teammate Isiah Stewart lauded Burks’ scoring ability and veteran presence on the court, highlighting his range and scoring consistency.

This scoring outburst by Burks, who averages 11.5 points per game this season, matched his previous career highs, achieved once with Utah in 2014 and again with New York in 2021.

Tyus Jones led the Wizards with 22 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. Supporting efforts came from Jordan Poole and Deni Advija, scoring 16 and 12 points, respectively. Stewart and Ausar Thompson also contributed with 16 and 14 points for Detroit.

The game followed a notable trade between the two teams, involving Marvin Bagley III, Isaiah Livers, Danilo Gallinari, Mike Muscala, and the exchange of future draft picks.

Detroit established control in the late stages of the game, with a 9-0 run in the third quarter giving them a 92-87 lead. They extended this advantage to 15 points in the fourth quarter, in a matchup between two of the Eastern Conference’s struggling teams.

Washington’s Landry Shamet, who scored 11 points, pointed to lapses in attention to detail and physicality as contributing factors to the loss. Kyle Kuzma, scoring 21 points and eight rebounds for the Wizards, was ejected in the final minutes for arguing with an official, underlining the frustrations for Washington.

The Pistons now look forward to hosting Minnesota on Wednesday, hoping to build on this victory. Meanwhile, the Wizards face a challenging visit to New York on Thursday.

DALLAS — In a thrilling display of scoring prowess, Kyrie Irving and Tim Hardaway Jr. led the Dallas Mavericks to a 125-120 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, each surpassing the 40-point mark. This exceptional performance marked only the second time in Mavericks history that two players have scored 40 or more points in the same game, with Irving being a common factor in both instances.

The absence of All-Star Luka Doncic due to a sprained ankle set the stage for Irving and Hardaway Jr. to step up. Irving dazzled with 42 points, while Hardaway Jr. was just as impressive, finishing with 41 points, one shy of his career high. Their combined effort helped the Mavericks split a two-game home series with the Pelicans.

Hardaway Jr. played a pivotal role in the victory, especially with a crucial go-ahead 3-pointer in the fourth quarter. Despite a brief exit from the game due to a mild ankle sprain, he returned to secure his second career 40-point game. Reflecting on his performance, Hardaway emphasized the team’s “next-man-up mentality” and his seizing of the opportunity presented by Doncic’s absence.

For the Pelicans, Zion Williamson led the scoring with 30 points but struggled from the free-throw line, going 6 of 11. His missed free throw with 17 seconds left was particularly crucial, as it denied New Orleans the chance to level the score. Coach Willie Green expressed concern over the team’s free-throw performance, acknowledging its significant impact on the game’s outcome.

CJ McCollum added 23 points for the Pelicans, who had won the first game of the series despite missing their top three scorers. Brandon Ingram, also contributing for New Orleans, had a challenging night, scoring 12 points on 3-of-14 shooting.

The Mavericks’ comeback was highlighted by Hardaway’s back-to-back 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, turning a seven-point deficit into a lead. Irving, after a slow start, ended up shooting 13 of 28 from the field. Together, Irving and Hardaway went 23 of 25 on free throws, playing a vital role in the Mavericks’ successful seven-game homestand.

Mavericks coach Jason Kidd praised both players, highlighting Hardaway’s significant contributions and Irving’s steady performance throughout the afternoon. Josh Green also contributed with 13 points, including a crucial 3-pointer late in the game.

Rookie Dereck Lively II made a notable impact for Dallas with 12 rebounds, including key offensive boards that led to pivotal 3-pointers from Hardaway.

The Mavericks’ next challenge is a trip to face the Lakers on Wednesday, part of a West Coast tour. The Pelicans, on the other hand, look forward to a four-game homestand starting Wednesday against Charlotte.

PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid marked his return to the court with a dominant performance, netting 41 points and collecting 10 rebounds, steering the Philadelphia 76ers to a convincing 124-115 win over the Houston Rockets on Monday night. Embiid’s outstanding display extended his streak to 16 consecutive games with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds.

Supporting Embiid’s effort, Tyrese Maxey contributed significantly with 27 points, adding to the Sixers’ offensive firepower. Philadelphia’s coach Nick Nurse expressed satisfaction with the team’s rhythm and confidence, highlighting the managed minutes played by key athletes.

For the Rockets, Alperen Sengun led the scoring with 19 points, followed closely by Dillon Brooks, who chipped in with 18. Despite their efforts, the Rockets struggled to match the intensity and skill displayed by the 76ers.

Embiid’s return was a significant boost for the Sixers, who had a rough patch without him, going 1-2 during his three-game absence due to left knee inflammation. This season, Philadelphia has a 3-7 record without Embiid, underscoring his importance to the team. The reigning NBA MVP and two-time defending league scoring champion is pivotal to the Sixers’ hopes for a deep playoff run.

However, Embiid’s health remains a concern, with his absences threatening his chances for another MVP trophy. Under the new collective bargaining agreement, players need to participate in at least 65 regular-season games to be eligible for awards like the MVP. Embiid, in his 8th season, has only twice met this threshold, indicating the need for careful management of his playing time.

Embiid, however, remains focused on the long run and the team’s upcoming challenges. His performance against the Rockets, particularly a combined 26-point haul in the first two quarters, showcased his ability to influence games decisively. With Embiid’s presence, the Sixers established a commanding 66-47 lead by halftime, a lead that the Rockets failed to overturn.

The Rockets, who struggled particularly from the three-point range in the first half, were unable to match the Sixers’ intensity. Rockets coach Ime Udoka lamented the starters’ performance, acknowledging the late surge that wasn’t enough to counter Philadelphia’s dominance.

Embiid, efficient from both the field and the free-throw line, left the game in the fourth quarter with the Sixers comfortably leading 114-94. His performance, especially in free throws, earned praise from Udoka.

The Rockets face a challenging game against New York on Wednesday, while the Sixers have a quick turnaround with a home game against Denver scheduled for Tuesday.

In a thrilling NBA matchup, Anthony Edwards’ explosive scoring and Rudy Gobert’s dominant presence under the basket led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a narrow 109-105 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. Edwards, with a remarkable 33 points, including 20 in the third quarter, and Gobert, contributing 15 points and 18 rebounds, were pivotal in cooling off a red-hot Clippers team.

The Clippers, trailing by a significant margin, rallied back with a 20-6 surge, highlighted by Norman Powell’s sixth 3-pointer of the game, cutting the deficit to just three points. Gobert, despite earlier struggles from the free-throw line, stepped up in the final minute, sinking four crucial free throws. This came after enduring mockery from the Clippers bench for earlier missed attempts.

Karl-Anthony Towns added 17 points for the Wolves, who have emerged as a top contender in the Western Conference with a 28-11 record. The Timberwolves’ defense, leading the NBA in scoring defense, effectively contained Clippers stars Paul George and James Harden, limiting them to a combined 9-for-33 shooting.

The Clippers, led by Kawhi Leonard’s 26 points and nine rebounds, felt the absence of Ivica Zubac, who was sidelined due to calf tightness. This loss snapped a remarkable run for the Clippers, who had won 17 of their last 20 games.

Gobert’s defensive impact was further highlighted by his four blocks and a notable physical altercation with the Clippers’ Terrance Mann, underscoring the potential intensity of a postseason matchup. Timberwolves coach Chris Finch praised the team’s defensive efforts, especially with Gobert’s performance inspiring confidence in the team.

The Clippers, now 25-14, received a strong contribution from their

bench, with Russell Westbrook delivering 12 points and 13 assists, and Powell scoring 24 points. However, the collective effort couldn’t overcome the off night for George and Harden, partly due to Edwards’ defensive work.

The tension in the game was palpable, with both teams showcasing their postseason potential in a packed arena. The Timberwolves’ strategy to capitalize on their strength in the paint, even as the Clippers switched to a small-ball approach, proved effective.

The Clippers, looking to bounce back, will host Oklahoma City next, while the Timberwolves, riding high on their success, are set to face Detroit. The game was not just a display of individual brilliance but also a testament to the strategic depth and resilience of both teams in a closely contested battle.

Bam Adebayo’s stellar performance, with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists, propelled the Miami Heat to a convincing 104-87 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday night. The Heat’s victory was marked by a never-trailing game, showcasing their dominance throughout.

Tyler Herro added to Miami’s impressive performance with four 3-pointers and 21 points, while Duncan Robinson contributed 19 points. Jaime Jaquez Jr. also scored 15 points but had to leave the game early due to a groin strain. The Heat’s proficiency from beyond the arc was evident as they shot 11 for 25 from 3-point range, sealing a four-game regular-season sweep against the Hornets.

This win extended the Heat’s remarkable streak of 22 consecutive home victories against Southeast Division opponents. Coach Erik Spoelstra praised the team’s approach and attributed their first-half success to a strong defensive effort.

The Hornets, despite Terry Rozier’s 26 points and LaMelo Ball’s 21 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, struggled to find their rhythm. Their woes were compounded by a first half that set an NBA season-low with only 31 points, hampered by poor shooting and turnovers.

Ball, returning from a 20-game absence due to an ankle injury, tried to rally the Hornets in the third quarter, but Miami’s response shut down any comeback hopes. Charlotte’s losing streak extended to five games, with coach Steve Clifford emphasizing the need for better defense and commitment.

The Hornets’ recent struggles were highlighted by heavy defeats in their last two games, including a 135-99 loss at San Antonio. Forward P.J. Washington called for a stronger team effort and focus on correcting mistakes.

On the Heat’s side, Jaime Jaquez Jr., a key player in his rookie season, will miss the upcoming two-game road trip due to his injury. Star player Jimmy Butler, sidelined with a right foot injury, is nearing the threshold of ineligibility for postseason awards due to limited participation.

The game also had a moment of nostalgia, with a halftime ceremony honoring Dwyane Wade’s Hall of Fame enshrinement. The Heat announced plans to unveil a statue of Wade outside the Kaseya Center next year, and they will retire Udonis Haslem’s jersey in their next home game.

The Heat next face Brooklyn, while the Hornets will try to turn their fortunes around against New Orleans on Wednesday. The game underscored Miami’s resilience and depth, even in the absence of key players like Butler.

Nikola Jokic’s impressive performance, falling just one assist short of a triple-double, was pivotal in the Denver Nuggets’ 117-109 victory against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. Jokic recorded 25 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists, narrowly missing his 13th triple-double of the season. His outstanding play has been a consistent feature this season, underlined by his incredible 81% shooting accuracy over the past nine games.

The Nuggets, showcasing their offensive prowess, shot a season-high 64.8% from the field. Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray complemented Jokic’s performance, each scoring 25 points. Aaron Gordon also made a significant contribution with 20 points and 10 rebounds, demonstrating the depth and versatility of the Nuggets’ lineup.

Despite a season-worst 21 turnovers and allowing the Pacers 14 offensive rebounds, leading to 20 second-chance points, the Nuggets’ offensive output was sufficient to secure the win. This victory marked Denver’s 14th in the last 18 games, solidifying their strong position this season with a 17-4 home record.

Indiana Pacers, coming into the game with momentum from winning nine of their past 11 games, faced a setback due to the absence of star player Tyrese Haliburton. The Pacers, known for their high-scoring offense, were limited to 17.6 points below their season average, a testament to the Nuggets’ effective defensive strategy.

The game also marked the return of Bruce Brown to Denver, where he played a key role in the Nuggets’ championship run last season. Brown, now with the Pacers, received a warm welcome and was presented with his championship ring, a moment he found overwhelmingly emotional.

The Pacers’ performance was commendable, with six players scoring in double figures, despite missing forward Aaron Nesmith. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle acknowledged the challenge posed by Jokic and Murray, highlighting their significant impact on the game.

Looking ahead, the Pacers face Utah next, while the Nuggets will meet Philadelphia, continuing their quest in the NBA season. The game was not only a showcase of individual brilliance from players like Jokic but also highlighted the collective effort and resilience of both teams.

Dallas, Jan 13, 2024 – Rookie Jordan Hawkins delivered a spectacular performance with a season-high 34 points, guiding the New Orleans Pelicans to a 118-108 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night. The Pelicans, who were without several of their regular starters, saw contributions from seven players scoring in double figures.

Herb Jones added 15 points for the Pelicans, and Jonas Valanciunas contributed 14 points along with a game-high 12 rebounds. This win allowed the Pelicans to bounce back after their previous night’s loss to Denver.

The Mavericks, led by Kyrie Irving’s 33 points and Tim Hardaway Jr. and Derrick Jones Jr., both adding 24 points, were also missing key players. Luka Doncic was sidelined due to an ankle sprain, marking his second consecutive game missed this season. Additionally, Dante Exum and rookie Dereck Lively II were absent due to injuries.

Despite a slow start from the 3-point line, the Pelicans found their rhythm in the third quarter, hitting 7 of 9 from beyond the arc and outscoring the Mavericks 39-27 to take the lead.

The Pelicans were playing without Zion Williamson, who was rested, Brandon Ingram, suffering from an Achilles issue, and CJ McCollum with an ankle problem. This absence of key players meant the Pelicans were missing a significant portion of their season’s scoring output.

The game started with the Pelicans establishing an early lead, despite Irving and Hardaway’s struggles in shooting, particularly from the three-point line. The Mavericks managed a comeback in the second quarter, thanks to Hardaway and Jones, but the Pelicans’ strong third quarter was pivotal in securing their win.

The teams will have a quick turnaround as they are set to meet again in Dallas on Monday, providing another opportunity for both sides to adjust and respond.

San Antonio, Jan 13, 2024 – The Chicago Bulls, led by Nikola Vucevic’s strong double-double performance, rallied to defeat the San Antonio Spurs 122-116 on Saturday. Vucevic’s 24 points and 16 rebounds were pivotal in overcoming a standout game from San Antonio’s Tre Jones, who scored a career-high 30 points.

The Bulls’ victory was also bolstered by Ayo Dosunmu’s 21 points and DeMar DeRozan’s 20 points. Keldon Johnson put up a strong fight for the Spurs with 26 points, but it wasn’t enough to extend their two-game winning streak.

The Spurs were without their No. 1 pick, Victor Wembanyama, who sat out the second game of a back-to-back as a precautionary measure due to a sprained ankle he sustained in late December. Coach Gregg Popovich indicated that Wembanyama, who the team has cautiously managed, will be re-evaluated in two weeks and won’t play both games of their upcoming back-to-back set.

In Wembanyama’s absence, Tre Jones stepped up significantly, particularly with his 3-point shooting. Jones, who had struggled from beyond the arc earlier in the season, went 4 for 6 on 3s in this game, all in the first half.

The Spurs showed resilience with a 12-0 run in the third quarter, capped by a Blake Wesley dunk that brought them close to the Bulls’ lead. Johnson’s three-pointers in the quarter’s final minute tied the game at 94.

However, the Bulls had set the tone early, closing the first quarter with a significant lead. The Spurs’ struggle when trailing by double digits continued, as they dropped to 2-26 this season under such circumstances.

This game marked a rare third regular-season meeting between the Bulls of the Eastern Conference and the Spurs of the Western Conference, necessitated by the inaugural In-Season Tournament.

Looking ahead, the Bulls will travel to Houston for their next game, while the Spurs are set to face Cleveland on Sunday, continuing their respective campaigns in a challenging NBA season.

Memphis, Tenn., Jan 13, 2024 – Julius Randle’s double-double of 24 points and 11 rebounds guided the New York Knicks to a 106-94 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night. The win, marked by impressive performances from OG Anunoby and a career-high from Miles McBride, reflects the Knicks’ strong form, having won six of their last seven games.

The Grizzlies, severely impacted by injuries, struggled against the Knicks’ dominant play. GG Jackson led Memphis with 20 points and six rebounds, with Vince Williams Jr. adding 17 points, eight rebounds, and eight assists. Luke Kennard and David Roddy contributed 14 points each.

A critical advantage for the Knicks was their control of the boards, outrebounding Memphis 56-35. Isaiah Hartenstein played a significant role, matching his career-high with 20 rebounds. The Knicks particularly excelled in the third quarter, where they ramped up their defensive pressure, resulting in a 24-8 rally and outscoring the Grizzlies 30-15.

Memphis is currently grappling with a slew of injuries, including the loss of their leading scorer Ja Morant to season-ending shoulder surgery and Marcus Smart’s injury, which will sideline him for at least six weeks. Desmond Bane, another key player, was also absent due to a recent ankle sprain.

The Grizzlies were without eight players against the Knicks, including their top five scorers, with Jaren Jackson Jr. also sitting out due to a right knee contusion.

The Knicks, despite missing their leading scorer Jalen Brunson due to a calf contusion, showcased depth and resilience. Memphis had held a lead at halftime, capitalizing on Knicks’ turnovers, but couldn’t maintain their momentum in the second half.

Looking forward, the Knicks will host Orlando on Monday, aiming to continue their winning streak, while the Grizzlies face a challenging encounter against Golden State.

Atlanta, Jan 14, 2024 – The Washington Wizards, led by Kyle Kuzma’s 29 points, snapped a six-game losing streak and claimed a resounding 127-99 victory over the Atlanta Hawks on Saturday. This win, their largest of the season, also improved their road record to 4-18.

Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr. praised the team’s performance, highlighting their energy and creativity on both ends of the court. The Wizards’ defense was particularly effective, holding the Hawks to a season-low 34% shooting from the field and ending Atlanta’s streak of scoring at least 100 points in 94 consecutive games, the third-longest in NBA history.

Trae Young, the Hawks’ leading scorer, managed 21 points but struggled with his shooting, making only 6 of 19 attempts. The Hawks, who had previously dominated the Wizards in their season matchups and had a six-game winning streak against them, were visibly off their game, trailing by 28 points at the end of the third quarter. Their home record now stands at a disappointing 6-11.

Deni Avdija contributed significantly to the Wizards’ success with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists, while also playing a key role in defending Young. Jordan Poole added 20 points, bolstering the Wizards’ offensive efforts.

Hawks guard Dejounte Murray, playing through a strained hamstring, scored 11 points, ending his streak of six consecutive games with 20 or more points. His performance comes amid trade speculation as the NBA’s Feb. 8 trade deadline approaches.

On a cold night in Atlanta, the Hawks’ shooting was equally cold. The Wizards, despite ranking last in the NBA in points allowed per game, stifled the Hawks’ offense, which is usually among the league’s best. The first half was particularly challenging for the Hawks, who shot only 31% from the field and 28% from behind the 3-point line.

The Wizards capitalized on the Hawks’ struggles, extending their lead in the third quarter with a decisive 24-11 run. Coach Unseld emphasized the importance of maintaining aggression and not allowing the Hawks any chance of a comeback.

Both teams look ahead to their next games, with the Wizards hosting the Pistons and the Hawks set to play the Spurs on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.