GRIZZLIES 136 – SUNS 106
Tenth straight win for the Grizzlies. And the franchise record stands at eleven, achieved last season, which they approach with more joy than danger. The team works and returns to the strength shown before Desmond Bane’s injury. The shooting guard, with 28 points, served as the perfect dance partner for Ja Morant, author of 29 points, to dismantle the Suns’ already flimsy beach bar. After a bad first quarter, especially on defense, they scored 107 in the next three to dispel any doubt. Paul was out and Bridges, at 21, was the leading scorer for Phoenix. Those of Taylor Jenkins, with a Santi Aldama a little more demure than the previous night, added the thirtieth of this 2022/23.
KNICKS 121 – RAPTORS 123
The Raptors storm the Garden. The Canadian team takes the, so far, game of the day in a final that was decided in extra time. In a match of comings and goings, Nurse’s team became strong on the rebound to ensure a victory that promises to change the dynamics. Toronto started well, attacking the spaces left by the New Yorkers to Scottie Barnes and taking advantage of VanVleet’s good game (one of few this season) from the outside. On the part of the locals, Brunson and Barrett were the most outstanding in a first part that could not be more even. The Canadian guard, despite finishing with poor percentages (10/23 from the field, 2/9 from 3-pointers), had one of the best games of the season. With everything tight at the end, Scottie Barnes got gold from an offensive rebound, putting some Knicks against the ropes who were overtaken in the last stretch. RJ Barrett sent the game to overtime with a dunk to remember, vindicating his fans. Nurse watched as a triumph he held in the palm of his hand slipped away. But, later, he would get it. The Raptors were very solid in overtime, thus ending the streak of seven victories in the last nine games for the Knicks. Juancho Hernangómez’s team hit the table on one of the most difficult pitches of the season.
HAWKS 121 – HEAT 113
Claiming victory for the Hawks against a direct rival. Atlanta needed to win and give a good image, and on this Martin Luther King Day it has achieved both. A complete game of main and secondary games by the Georgians to motivate the team for the second half of the season. The match began evenly in the first two quarters, how could it be otherwise. The Young-Murray duo, which has started so badly, was the protagonist. The former Spurs finisher finished the game with 28 points, 7 assists and an amazing 5/8 from 3-point range. The team needed him, and he has responded. Jimmy Butler responded to hometown offenses, but at times he seemed very lonely. The Heat guard, with the help of an Adebayo who dominated the paint at will (20+13) took the game to the last breath. Already in the final moments, with good baskets from Young and Hunter, the Hawks secured a golden victory against an opponent who can fight for their position in the East. Great game by AJ Griffin, the ex-Duke rookie and Banchero’s old college roommate, who went up to 12 points.
BUCKS 132 – PACERS 119
The two teams arrived without their stars to the clash. Added to the loss of Haliburton in Indiana was that of Giannis (and Middleton) in Milwaukee. The match was decided in the final minutes. The Bucks break their two-game losing streak by winning at home against the Indianapolis team, which fought until the end. The match began with an exchange of baskets, with both teams focused on attacking. Mathurin, who was starting due to the point guard’s injury, started well. The visitors left in the lead at the end of the first ten minutes (38-32), giving a warning of the headache that would be for the defense of Mike Budenholzer. The success in the triple would star in the second quarter. With Myles Turner and McConell taking over from an erratic Mathurin, the Pacers shattered the Bucks’ nonexistent defense. Those from Wisconsin were unable to stop the center, one of the most coveted pieces in this transfer market. Milwaukee couldn’t reach the assists on outside shots, and with Beauchamp, the rookie and former Ignite player, a defensive specialist, on the bench. With Bobby Portis at the helm, the second part would be for the locals. Superiority in the paint and the exterior success of a Holiday who had not entered the game on the right foot. The Pacers led the fourth quarter (98-92), but the Milwaukee side would have the last word. Three-pointers from Allen, Hill and Matthews would seal the game (119-132) and give the Bucks their first victory in the last three games.
TIMBERWOLVES 125 – JAZZ 126
Walker Kressler returned to his home for two weeks in July. This center, recognized for his defensive work at Auburn University, came to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a draft night trade. Shortly thereafter he was included in the package the Wolves sent to Utah in exchange for Rudy Gobert. And today, in the day of Martin Luther King and with the absence of Lauri Markannen, this rookie has been essential for the Jazz to achieve victory. In addition to scoring 20, he grabbed a whopping 21 rebounds and was a wall for rivals in the area. He is the first rookie with those numbers and more than 65% shooting from the field since 1993. Gobert, the player he had to leave Minneapolis for, withdrew early from the game with groin problems. The Jazz rallied from a 10-point deficit in the fourth quarter. D’Angelo Russell put the tables again with 13 seconds remaining, but a free kick from Jordan Clarkson (his team’s top scorer with 21 goals) was the final blow. Jaden McDaniels had a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the win but missed with that pitch.
HORNETS 118 – CELTICS 130
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum tied Gilbert Arenas for the league’s third-highest scoring mark on Martin Luther King Day. Read the chronicle.
WIZARDS 118 – WARRIORS 127
Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry caps off a terrific game with an explosive finish that was too much for Porzingis and the Wizards. Read the chronicle.
CAVALIERS 113 – PELICANS 103
Ricky Rubio’s men got the victory against the Pelicans (103-113) in a game that was decided in the last quarter. Read the chronicle.
LAKERS 140 – ROCKETS 132
Extraordinary game of LeBron James against Houston Rockets after complaining about the arbitration treatment of his team. The negative streak is ended. Read the chronicle.