The top two teams in the East faced off at the TD Garden, with the Cavaliers emerging victorious after a remarkable comeback from a 3-25 deficit against the Celtics. Donovan Mitchell was instrumental in the Cavs’ win, scoring 41 points, grabbing three rebounds, and dishing out five assists, which helped his team secure their ninth consecutive victory. With this win, the Cavs have matched the regular season series 2-2 and improved their record to 49-10 in the East, solidifying their position as the best team in the NBA.
This game was a real test of character for the Cavs, who managed to overcome a stellar performance from Jayson Tatum, who scored 46 points, grabbed 16 rebounds, and provided nine assists. However, it was not enough for the Celtics to secure a win. Jaylen Brown also had a notable game, scoring 37 points, including four three-pointers, and grabbing five rebounds. The difference in the game ultimately came down to the performance of the benches.
Pistons 119 – Nuggets 134
The Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic had an impressive game, scoring his twenty-eighth double-triple of the season, with 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 15 assists. This achievement marks the second time in a 24-hour period that he has accomplished this feat, after scoring 32 points against the Milwaukee Bucks. Jokic is now closing in on Oscar Robertson’s record, having already achieved 14 games in his career with more than 15 points, rebounds, and assists.
The Nuggets were able to bounce back from their previous defeat against Milwaukee, and in doing so, ended the Pistons’ streak of eight consecutive victories.
Hawks 119 – Thunder 135
The Thunder continued their impressive run in the Western Conference, securing a win against the Hawks with a score of 135-119. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the team with 31 points, but the Thunder suffered a setback when their pivot, Chet Holmgren, suffered an ankle injury. Holmgren had to exit the game after just 14 minutes, during which he scored 14 points, grabbed four rebounds, and provided three assists. This injury is a concern for the Thunder, as Holmgren has only played 17 games this season due to a previous pelvis fracture.
Grizzlies 113 – Knicks 114
The Knicks secured a hard-fought victory against the Grizzlies, thanks to a three-pointer from OG Anunoby with just four seconds left on the clock. This win was a significant one for the Knicks, with Jalen Brunson contributing 23 points and Karl-Anthony Towns adding 11. The Grizzlies, who have now lost four of their last six games, were led by Ja Morant, who scored 25 points. Santi Aldama, the Spanish player, scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds for the Grizzlies.
Suns 125 – Pelicans 108
The Suns avenged their previous defeat against the Pelicans, securing a convincing win. The unexpected star of the game was Bol Bol, who scored a career-high 25 points, including five three-pointers, in just 26 minutes on the court. Devin Booker added 17 points and nine assists, while Kevin Durant contributed 17 points and six assists. The Pelicans, who were missing Zion Williamson, saw Yves Missi and Jordan Hawkins score 24 points each.
Nets 102 – Blazers 121
The Nets, coached by Spanish coach Jordi Fernández, suffered their third consecutive defeat, this time at the hands of the Portland Trail Blazers. Shaedon Sharpe led the Blazers with 25 points, and seven players scored in double digits. The Nets, who are currently eleventh in the East and fighting for a ‘play-in’ position, were unable to count on D’Angelo Russell. Their top scorers were Killian Hayes, Nic Claxton, and Cam Thomas, each with 16 points.
Among other results, the Utah Jazz won a closely contested game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, 117-116, while the Chicago Bulls beat the Toronto Raptors in an extension, after overcoming a 16-point deficit in the fourth period.