Another memorable NBA nine-game night, one filled with final game previews and outings that will make perfect ground arguments for All-Star campaigns aplenty. Let’s summarize the results.
Grizzlies fall back to Cavs with late tip-off to win 11th in a row, 115-114
The only real thriller of the night ended on a note that purists would like love. Stephen Adams missed a Ja Morant foul with just 15 seconds left to give Memphis a 115-114 lead, but the real game winner came on the defensive end. Cleveland couldn’t find a look one could call a clean, but the defensive acumen of Dillon Brooks made things more difficult. He blocked Darius Garland’s attempt at the last second to seal the franchise’s 11th straight Memphis win.
Desmond Bane scored 25 points and Morant added 24 to lead the Grizzlies, while Darius Garland led Cleveland with 24 points and 14 assists. Carris LeVert scored 23 points and Evan Mobley added 18 points and 15 rebounds in the loss.
The Falcons tackle Luca late on to defeat the Mavs, 130-122
Yes, to keep Luka Doncic to 30 points – and only three points in the fourth quarter – can be classified as “handling him.” It’s a unicorn. Super hero; Le Grand Fromage. There is no NBA player quite like him, at least not one who plays a heliocentric role in his team’s success. Perhaps that’s why Atlanta was able to pull off Dallas with a win on Wednesday.
These are two teams of very different styles. Sure, Atlanta has its two stars, Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. But eight players finished in double digits to propel the Hawks to their fourth consecutive win, led by Murray’s 30-block run. Meanwhile, the Mavs had four players score 18 or more, but only one of them (Christian Wood, who scored 22) finished with a positive/minus score on the night. Long story short, the Falcons took advantage of Dallas’ inability to stop anyone. They are now riding a real winning streak, one that turns heads.
Jazz Crush Clippers Without Discs, PG, 126-103
No less than Norman Powell – 30 points in the under 30-minute mark – can play every night.
I’ll let Jalen Rose handle this.
“The urgency should have started when Kawhi and PJ signed to come to L.A… They’re the West Coast version of the Nets. We’re still waiting for them to live up to their expectations, but good luck waiting.”
Jalen Rose seemed hungover for the Clippers# Clipper Nation pic.twitter.com/cjk2FISPnR
– ‘(_Talkin_NBA) January 18, 2023
The Pelican Heat explodes, 124-98
The Wizards never trail beat the Knicks, 116-105
I entered the subway just as a slew of cursing Knicks fans were leaving, and having not watched the game, I immediately knew what I had missed. Of course, those fans at least have Jalen Bronson — who finished with a game-high 32 points — to be happy about. But never driving against a middle-of-the-road team in Washington is certainly cause for grumbling.
New York has now lost two straight goals, both at home, after previously winning seven out of eight. Meanwhile, The Wizards are hoping to get back on track after losing five of their previous six. Kyle Kuzma led the way for them with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists.
The Kings Lakers fall to win their fifth in a row, 116-111
Ahem, those are Third place Sacramento Kings to you. Speaking of hotter than the sun, the Kings are about to match the Grizzlies in terms of winning prowess lately, going 7-3 in their last 10, including five in a row after last night’s win in Los Angeles DE. Aaron Fox pulled back 31 points to lead the Domantas Sabonis Don Sacramento. Harrison Barnes added 20, and Kevin Huerter finished with 18.
LeBron James was 32 to lead the Lakers, who have now lost four of their last five by a combined total of 10 points. Ouch.
The Hornets beat the Rockets, 122-117, losing LaMelo in the process
In the midst of the hottest part of the season, too. Let’s hope for the best.
Thunder Pacers blast, fourth straight win, 126-106
The Nuggets beat Wolverhampton behind Jokic’s triple-double, 122-118
I just say’.