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I do know firsthand simply how badly playoff losses can sting — and the way long-lasting the sting could be. Getting revenge in a daily season sport the next season won’t ever be sufficient to fulfill the bitterness from the ending prior, however that doesn’t cease it from being approach higher than the choice.
The Boston Celtics know that beating the Golden State Warriors in the course of January isn’t going to make up for a misplaced ring from a summer time in the past, however particularly after 4 straight losses to Golden State — three to shut out the Finals earlier than shedding the primary common season assembly this yr — a win has to really feel good.
Speaking of historic revenge, we begin with Chicago blowing away Detroit:
Bulls by no means path in second half of 126-108 win over Pistons
Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan mixed for 56 factors whereas 5 different Bulls reached double figures. Though the primary half was tightly contested, Chicago by no means trailed within the second, outshooting Detroit 54.8% to 38.6%.
Boston beats Golden State 121-118 in OT for eighth straight victory
Al Horford admitted after his 20-point, 10-rebound outing that this was an enormous sport for Boston, in search of revenge after faltering in final summer time’s NBA Finals to this similar Golden State squad. It simply makes it all of the sweeter for the Celtics that they’re those who displayed extra resiliency on this contest.
Boston led by 10 about halfway by way of the second quarter for what ended up as the most important lead by both crew all through the sport, however trailed for everything of the second half, aside from the 18 seconds tied on the finish of regulation following Jaylen Brown’s clutch three.
In time beyond regulation, Jayson Tatum scored 5 of the Celtics’ 15 factors and grabbed two rebounds, a part of his particular evening which completed with 34 factors (9-27 FG) and a career-high 19 rebounds. The win units Boston additional aside from the remainder of the East with a 4.5-game lead over 2nd.
Wolves stun Raptors 128-126
After trailing by as a lot as 14 within the fourth, Minnesota went on to outscore Toronto 23-7 over the ultimate 9:45. D’Angelo Russell, who completed with 25 factors (8-15 FG), scored 16 of the 23 in the course of the closing run. Anthony Edwards added 23 factors of his personal for the Wolves, who’re tied with three different groups for all of the play-in slots within the West.
After averaging 36.3 factors per quarter over the primary three, Toronto’s offense fell aside within the fourth, together with a near-eight and a half minute stretch with simply two made discipline objectives. Scottie Barnes scored 12 of his 29 factors within the fourth, however apart from his 4-7 capturing within the body, the Raptors shot simply 2-12 (16.7%) from the ground on their method to a 17-point quarter.
Suns endure Nets’ late push in 117-112 win
The heavily-depleted Suns bought a much-needed enhance as beginning ahead Cam Johnson made his return to the courtroom for the primary time since Nov. 4 following meniscus surgical procedure. Johnson performed simply 22 minutes on a restricted foundation however completed with 19 factors, six rebounds, and two blocks in his return.
In addition to Johnson, Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges each helped Phoenix get out to an 81-57 lead over the primary two and a half quarters. Kyrie Irving scored 21 of his 30 within the fourth quarter to assist Brooklyn outscore Phoenix 55-36 the remainder of the best way, giving the Suns all the things they may deal with down the stretch.
Sixers go wire-to-wire over Blazers, 105-95
Joel Embiid adopted up Tuesday’s 41-point outing by posting 32 factors (12-22 FG) and 9 rebounds to guide Philly in scoring whereas James Harden tallied his fourth triple double of the season with 16 factors (6-11 FG), 10 rebounds, and 14 assists.
Tyrese Maxey is now three video games into a brand new bench position; after scoring 15 to guide Philly’s bench on Thursday, he’s averaging 17.7 factors throughout that stretch and the Sixers are 3-0, now tied for second within the East.
Damian Lillard got here into the sport on his personal heater, having scored 40+ in three of his earlier 4. The Sixers have been in a position to include Portland’s franchise scoring chief, holding Lillard to simply 25 factors (6-21 FG), however he had his approach establishing his teammates with 11 assists, one shy of a brand new season excessive.