The scene was set for a thrilling finale as the Washington Wizards, with a 117-118 scoreline, seemed to have the upper hand, but the Toronto Raptors still had possession with two seconds left on the clock. The ball found its way into the hands of Jamal Shead, who sunk a basket that initially appeared to secure the win for the Raptors, sending the Toronto crowd into absolute pandemonium while leaving the Wizards players stunned and headed towards the locker rooms. However, the euphoria was short-lived, as the referees decided to review the play, and upon closer inspection, they noticed the ball was still touching Shead’s fingers when the buzzer sounded, thus invalidating the shot and handing the victory to the Wizards – a cold dose of reality for the Raptors.
Raptors’ Heartbreak and Other Nightly Highlights
The evening’s slate of games also saw the Milwaukee Bucks fall to the Orlando Magic 109-111. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s impressive 37 points and 11 rebounds, the Bucks were unable to mount a comeback after trailing for most of the game. The Magic, led by Paolo Banchero’s 29 points and Cole Anthony’s 22, managed to hold on for the win, though their 15-point lead in the final quarter was nearly erased in the closing moments. Damian Lillard chipped in with 26 points for the Bucks.
Pace-Setting Rockets and More
The Houston Rockets dominated the New Orleans Pelicans 146-117, controlling the game from start to finish and at one point leading by 37 points. Dillon Brooks led the way with 27 points, while Alperen Sengun and Aaron Holiday each contributed 20 points. Amen Thompson narrowly missed a triple-double, finishing with 15 points, 11 assists, and 9 rebounds. Zion Williamson scored 20 points for the Pelicans.
Late-Night Thrillers
In another closely contested match, the Atlanta Hawks managed to edge out the Indiana Pacers 120-118. The Pacers had overcome a 20-point deficit but were unable to sustain their momentum. The Hawks, with their backs against the wall, regained the lead and held on for the win. Trae Young led the Hawks with 36 points, supported by Caris LeVert’s 26 points and Onyeka Okongwu’s double-double of 16 points and 16 rebounds. For the Pacers, Bennedict Mathurin came off the bench to score 30 points, and Pascal Siakam added 23.
Bulls’ Winning Streak
The Chicago Bulls also secured a win on the road, defeating the Miami Heat 109-114 behind Josh Giddey’s triple-double – 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. This victory marked a significant milestone for the Bulls, showcasing their resilience and teamwork. As the season progresses, each game becomes increasingly crucial, and the Bulls are certainly making their mark. With such exciting matchups and outstanding individual performances, the league continues to captivate audiences and keep fans on the edge of their seats.