Eastern Time, including earlier stories still developing that day. How days work
The surging Los Angeles Lakers are peaking at the perfect time—but playoff success will hinge on matchups. Here’s which first-round opponent gives LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and company the clearest path to an NBA Finals run.
Ace Bailey made seven 3-pointers and scored 33 points and the Utah Jazz snapped a four-game skid with a 128-96 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night. Bailey also had nine rebounds, four assists and three steals. Cody Williams scored 19 of his 23 points before halftime to give Utah’s offense an early spark.
Trey Murphy III scored 27 points and the New Orleans Pelicans extended their home winning streak to seven games with a 105-99 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night. Saddiq Bey had 20 points and Zion Williamson added 15 for the Pelicans, who swept the two-game set against the Clippers after 124-109 win, also at home, on Wednesday night.
Smith and James have been feuding publicly since the four-time NBA champ confronted the “First Take” host face-to-face during a Lakers-Knicks game in Los Angeles last March.
After his 15th technical foul, Luka Doncic stopped arguing with referees—and the Lakers started winning. Here’s how his focus, defense, and scoring explosion are reshaping the NBA MVP race and Los Angeles’ title hopes.
Jake LaRavia credited preparation and confidence for his 21-point performance as the Lakers beat Memphis 128-121. “I got going pretty early… the ball was fine to me, especially in that first half, and I was just able to get going and stay aggressive,” LaRavia said. Maintaining confidence through shooting struggles has been key for LaRavia […] The post Jake LaRavia on scoring, defense, and team pride after Lakers defeat Grizzlies appeared first on TalkBasket.net .
Devin Booker poured in 33 points, including 20 in the first quarter, to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 129-102 win over the Sacramento Kings on Friday at Mortgage Matchup Center. Dillon Brooks added 18 points and Mark Williams finished with 15 points and nine rebounds as Phoenix built a commanding lead. Collin Gillespie and […] The post Booker scores 33 as Suns cruise past Kings appeared first on TalkBasket.net .
De’Aaron Fox scored 24 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 123-113 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Wembanyama hyperextended his left knee in Wednesday’s win over New York and remains in San Antonio for treatment, with coach Mitch Johnson describing him as day-to-day. The Spurs have gone 10-3 […] The post Spurs hold off Pacers to win without Wembanyama appeared first on TalkBasket.net .
Kawhi Leonard credited aggressiveness and team trust after scoring 45 points, including 20 in the fourth quarter, to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a 118-101 win over the Utah Jazz on Thursday night at Intuit Dome. The victory extended Los Angeles’ winning streak to a season-best six games. “Just kept being aggressive. Teammates wanted […] The post Kawhi Leonard reflects on dominant fourth quarter as Clippers extend winning streak to six appeared first on TalkBasket.net .
The Houston Rockets opened the new year with a dominant road performance, rolling past the Brooklyn Nets 120-96 on Thursday night at Barclays Center. The victory pushed Houston to 21-10 and marked its fourth consecutive win. The Rockets set the tone immediately, making their first seven shots and jumping out to a 16-5 lead. Brooklyn […] The post Rockets overwhelm Nets in Brooklyn as fast starts fuel fourth straight win appeared first on TalkBasket.net .
The Miami Heat rallied in a close game to beat the Detroit Pistons 118-112, extending their winning streak to four games on Thursday evening. Heat star Norman Powell dropped 36 points, and Bam Adebayo with 15 points and 14 rebounds. On the other hand, Pistons’ Cade Cunningham had 31 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds, […] The post Powell’s 36 led Heat past Pistons 118-112 appeared first on TalkBasket.net .
The Knicks received a small but encouraging update as the calendar turned, with Landry Shamet beginning the early stages of his on-court return. According to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic, the reserve guard has started light basketball activity as he continues to recover from the right shoulder sprain that has kept him sidelined […] The post Landry Shamet nearing return from shoulder injury appeared first on TalkBasket.net .
