The Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies, Indiana Pacers, and Chicago Bulls all picked up solid victories on Friday night that saw eight games across the Association.
The Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Clippers by 22, the Grizzlies defeated the Brooklyn Nets by 16, and the Pacers and Bulls both won by 14 points, the Pacers 121-107 victors over the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Bulls victorious 109-95 against the Charlotte Hornets.
Victor Wembanyama (28 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 8-for-19, 2-6 from deep) hit two free-throws with 2.4 seconds remaining to give the San Antonio Spurs a 118-116 win over the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland. Devin Vassell, in 30 minutes off the bench, put up 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists on 9-for-16 (four triples) for the Spurs, while the Blazers’ Jerami Grant while (12-for-19, 8-for-10 from distance) scored a game-high 32 points for the Blazers and Anfernee Simons (8-for-15, 3-for-8) scored 30 and had 7 assists. Simons was 11-for-11 from the line. Deni Avdija, who missed a heave just beyond half court as time expired, added 19 on 7-for-11 off the bench. The Spurs with the win got over the .500 mark (13-12) while the Blazers dropped to 8-17.
Nikola Jokic (16 points, 7 rebounds, 6-for-9) put up a modest stat line in the win for his Nuggets, with Jamal Murray’s 20 points (8-for-16) leading the way. Michael Porter Jr. (5-for-11) contributed 17 points for the 13-10 Nuggets.
Norman Powell (16 points) led the Clippers, while James Harden was, like Powell, 6-for-14 shooting but had 15 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds. Ivica Zubac posted a 13-point, 13-rebound double-double.
Ja Morant (10-for-19, 3-for-6) put up 28 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds to lead the Grizzlies in their 135-119 win over Brooklyn. Desmond Bane (8-for-14) scored 21 and had 8 assists and Jaren Jackson Jr. put up 20 points and 7 rebounds and Santi Aldama, off the bench, registered 20 and 6 rebounds for the 18-8 Grizzlies.
The Nets, 10-15, were led by Dorian Finney-Smith’s 19 points (5-for-8 from deep) and received 15 points and 8 assists (6-for-10 shooting) from Dennis Schroder as well as 15 points (5-for-13) from Jalen Wilson.
Tyrese Haliburton’s 32 points and 11 assists (12-for-23, 7-for-15 from downtown) led the 11-15 Pacers in their 121-107 win in Philadelphia. Pascal Siakam was 9-for-11 for 23 points and 8 rebounds, and Obi Toppin made 7-of-11 from the field for 20 points to go along with 8 rebounds.
Joel Embiid played just 17 minutes, scoring 12 points with 5 assists and 4 rebounds before exiting the game with a sinus fracture. The 76ers’ season has been marred by injuries, largely contributing to their 7-16 record.
The Chicago Bulls (11-15) had five players finish in double figures, with Ayo Dosunmu leading the way with 19 points on 8-for-12 in their 109-95 win over the Charlotte Hornets (7-18). Coby White (6-for-15) scored 18, Josh Giddey put up 17 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists (7-for-13), and Zach LaVine was just 4-for-11 for 13 points. Jalen Smith recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Leading the Hornets was Brandon Miller with 21 points and 6 rebounds, though he shot poorly, making 8-of-21 and just 3-of-15 from downtown.
Around the League
Cavaliers 115 (22-4)
Wizards 105 (3-20)
Garland: 24 PTS, 8 AST, 5 REB (6-for-17 FG)
Allen: 21 PTS, 11 REB (7-for-9 FG)
Mitchell: 20 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST (7-for-18 FG, 4-for-11 3PT)
Coulibaly: 26 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST (10-for-18 FG, 5-for-8 3PT)
Poole: 17 PTS, 6 AST, 5 REB (6-for-15 FG)
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Timberwolves 97 (13-11)
Lakers 87 (13-12)
Edwards: 23 PTS, 6 REB (9-for-20 FG, 2-for-7 3PT)
Randle: 21 PTS, 5 REB (7-for-16 FG)
Gobert: 12 PTS, 13 REB (5-for-8 FG)
Davis: 23 PTS, 11 REB (10-for-21 FG)
Reaves: 18 PTS, 6 REB, 5 AST (6-for-16 FG, 4-for-8 3PT)
James: DNP (personal)
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Suns 134 (13-11)
Jazz 126 (5-19)
Booker: 34 PTS, 8 AST (13-for-27 FG, 6-for-13 3PT)
Durant: 30 PTS, 8 AST (8-for-17 FG, 12-for-12 FT)
Collins: 22 PTS, 6 REB, 6 AST (8-for-12 FG, 4-for-6 3PT)
George: 18 PTS, 9 AST, 6 REB (6-for-13 FG, 3-for-7 3PT)
Durant: 1st game since 12/3
PHX: 12-2 with Durant this season, 1-9 without
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