Hornets 144 – Hawks 138
LaMelo Ball decided the Hornets’ seven-game losing streak was getting too long. Much to the chagrin of the Hawks, who suffered the brunt of the point guard’s performance, the first player in Charlotte franchise history with a 30-point, 15-assist game. Along with him, Terry Rozier had 29, Gordon Hayward had 26 and PJ Washington had 22. The Hornets, who had the second-best total score in their history, hit 63% of their shots. Rookie center Mark Williams, who finished with 15 points, made a key block on Trae Young in the final minute of the game.
Cavs 117 – Spurs 109
The Cleveland Cavaliers didn’t play their best game possible but they still won. It is his seventh consecutive victory, which had a leading actor. Donovan Mitchell had his fifth game of the season with at least 40 points (41). He is the fifth Cavs player to achieve such a feat. The other four have the same name: LeBron James. The Cleveland team led by 21 points, but the Spurs struggled to cut the lead to 4. But the San Antonio team is not exactly in a heroic moment. In fact, you could say that he is at the worst moment of his life. This is the 13th consecutive loss and equals the worst streak in franchise history, which dates back to 1989. Ricky Rubio played good minutes, 23, in which he scored 9 points.
Pacers 117 – Jazz 123
Jordan Clarkson was the hero for the Jazz, scoring 22 of his 29 points in the second half, with two key baskets in the final minutes that clinched his team’s victory in Indiana. Lauri Markkanen also left at 29 and Utah regained 10th place in the West.
Sixers 123 – Rockets 104
James Harden continues his tour of old teams, to which he is doing everything. After playing, and very well, his first game in Brooklyn since leaving the Nets, today he hosted the Rockets who have the worst record in the league. The guard finished with 29 points and 10 assists. Tyresse Maxey had 26 off the bench and Joel Embiid 23. Usman Garuba had 5 points in 9 minutes.
Round 108 – Nuggets 112
The Heat were the team in the league that allowed the fewest points in the paint (44.9), but the Nuggets made them 58 with a 29/44. Much of the blame was, of course, on Nikola Jokic. The Serbian finished with 27 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists, snapping Miami’s eight-game winning streak at home. Those from Denver are the second team this season to reach 40 victories after the Boston Celtics.
Knicks 124 – Nets 106
Without Durant and without Irving, the Nets fell to the Knicks for the first time in three years. Those from Brooklyn added nine consecutive victories against their neighbors, but the dynamic has changed. Those from Gran Mázá, seventh, are two wins away from their rival, fifth, after today’s victory. Jalen Brunson was the leading scorer with 40 points, and Josh Hart had an immediate impact on the Knicks game: 27 points on 71.4% shooting from the field and 66.7% on 3-pointers.
Bull 91 – Magic 100
Fourth win in six games for the Magic against a lackluster Toros. Great meeting of several of Orlando’s new stars, with 22 goals from Banchero and 18 from Franz Wagner and Markelle Fultz. The latter was on the verge of a triple-double with 10 rebounds and 9 assists.
Thunder 100 – Pelicans 103
The Pelicans won again, like all the previous times Brandon Ingram reached thirty points. On this occasion the forward went to 34 and was the great architect of a victory in which Josh Richardson made his debut, with 10 points and 5 steals. Willy Hernangómez again ran out of minutes. The Thunder were able to force overtime, but Isaiah Joe’s 3-pointer didn’t go in.
Mavs 121 – Wolves 124
Irving and Doncic’s second game together and second loss. Between them they added 69 points, but the Wolves were far superior. Anthony Edwards was their best player. Read the chronicle here.
Warriors 135 – Wizards 126
Two players who were able to continue this season, due to injuries or Covid, stood out in the Warriors’ victory over the Wizards. Andrew Wiggins finished with 29 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists, and JaMychal Green had 14 points and 5 assists, as well as an immaculate 100% shooting, including 4/4 from threes.
Blazers 127 – Lakers 115
After winning in San Francisco with the new additions, the Lakers return to the path of defeat, the fourth in five games. Damian Lillard does what he wants with them in a dreamy first half. Read the chronicle here.