Honestly, I may get used to those 10-game nights within the NBA. Basketball is at its finest proper now, and it’s particularly great when there’s motion taking place abruptly, all around the league.
I’m positive the gamers agree. They don’t need the All-Star break to come back, proper? Just ask Derrick White.
Let’s get to the scores from the final full-slated day of video games earlier than the festivities kick off in Salt Lake City.
Sixers maintain off Cavs comeback bid, win 118-112
After leaping forward by as many as 28 factors, the Sixers almost collapsed within the second half, permitting Cleveland to get inside 4. Luckily for Philly, they have been in a position to shut out the sport one of the best ways they know the way: By making 13 straight free throws within the fourth. Joel Embiid led the way in which with 29 factors and crossed the ten,000-point threshold for his profession. James Harden added 19 and 12 assists. Donovan Mitchell had 33 factors — together with 25 within the second half — to guide the Cavs; Darius Garland added 27 factors, and Evan Mobley had 23.
The Sixers enter the break on a four-game profitable streak, whereas Cleveland’s seven-game profitable streak snaps with this loss.
Pacers come from behind to stun Bulls, 117-113
The Bulls can’t purchase a win. They’ve misplaced 5 in a row, that streak being capped off by an epic collapse on Wednesday towards the Pacers. Chicago led by 24 within the second half, solely to throw away a recreation that had all of the makings of a free win. Despite 35 factors from Zach LaVine, the Bulls couldn’t cease Buddy Hield, who made six 3-pointers within the second half and completed with 27 factors to gasoline the Pacers comeback. Aaron Nesmith scored 21 factors for Indiana, Myles Turner added 17, Tyrese Haliburton had 16, and Bennedict Mathurin, 14. It’s protected to say this win was a lot wanted for Indiana, which had misplaced 16 of 18 coming into Wednesday.
Knicks crush Hawks, 122-101
Starting to assume (learn: have been pondering for fairly some time now) that Jalen Brunson ought to’ve been an All-Star. But possibly that’s simply me. (Narrator: It’s not simply him.)
He had 28 factors, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists to guide New York, which by no means trailed. The Knicks have gained six of their final eight coming into the All-Star break; not unhealthy for a group that solely performs six gamers an evening!
Thunder hand Rockets seventh-straight loss, 133-96
You assume the Rockets are unhealthy?
Hornets hand Spurs 14th-straight loss, 120-110
Nah, the Spurs are BAD.
Nets gentle up Heat behind Mikal Bridges’ profession night time, 116-105
The Nets might have misplaced Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving on the commerce deadline, thus ending their superteam experiment with a whimper, however to get gamers like Mikal Bridges in return can’t assist however really feel like a win. He scored a career-high 45 factors on Wednesday to guide the Nets previous the Heat, together with 17 within the fourth quarter to seal the deal. They may not have gained the commerce, however… wait, did they really win the commerce?
Shorthanded Nuggets high Luka, shorthanded Mavs, 118-109
Nikola Jokic’s twenty first triple-double of the season doubtless would’ve been sufficient to guide Denver — enjoying with out Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and the newly-acquired Reggie Jackson — however 24 factors from Jeff Green will definitely assist. What additionally helps? That the Mavericks have been with out Kyrie Irving, TIm Hardaway Jr., Maxi Kleber, and Davis Bertans, leaving Luka Doncic (37 factors, 9 assists, and 4 steals) to fend for himself. That gained’t typically work, and I’m positive Luka would like to play alongside his new celebrity teammate, Irving; the duo has performed collectively simply twice since Kyrie was acquired in a commerce on Feb. 6. It’s not what you need.
Grizzlies’ massive three fend off Jazz, 117-111
Jaren Jackson Jr. (26 factors, 9 rebounds, 5 steals, and 4 blocks), Desmond Bane (24 factors, six rebounds, and 4 assists), and Ja Morant (20 factors, eight rebounds, and 9 assists) mixed to guide a collective onslaught towards Utah. It was the Grizzlies’ third win of their final 4 video games, whereas Utah has now misplaced 5 of seven heading into the All-Star break.
New-look Lakers floor Pelicans, 120-102
The contemporary faces in L.A. are already making good on what the Lakers hoped they added on the deadline. Sure, LeBron James (21 factors in his return from a three-game absence) and Anthony Davis (28 and 10 rebounds) are acquainted to Lakers’ followers, however D’Angelo Russell is a pleasant new addition (although considerably acquainted for longtime loyalists). He completed with 21 factors to assist the Lakers’ dominant second-half efficiency to ship the Pelicans into the break on a bitter word.
Celtics deal with Pistons, 127-109
I attended this recreation, and I’m joyful to report the next:
- Jayson Tatum — 38 factors, 9 rebounds, seven assists — warrants all MVP chants and consideration at this level within the season. I’m unsure I had absolutely grasped how dominant a pressure on each ends he’s earlier than seeing him reside. It’s insane that he’s solely 24 (sufficient with the “he’s only 19!” jokes).
- Marcus Smart is, certainly, a defensive nuisance. He returned final night time after lacking 11 video games with an ankle sprain and snatched six steals to sweeten his already candy night time of 9 factors, seven rebounds, and 6 assists.
- Malcolm Brogdon is simply what the physician ordered for this Celtics group. A measured, stoic presence on each ends of the ground, one who serves as a wonderful secondary scorer each time referred to as upon. He shot 10-for-14, ending with 25 factors and 6 assists.
- Had the group I noticed on Wednesday performed in Milwaukee on Tuesday, that recreation would not have gone to additional time. The Celtics are among the many league’s few title favorites, and sit atop the East for a purpose. I’m not afraid to say it. You shouldn’t be both.