0
0
Washington Wizards End 16-Game Losing Streak
Kyle Kuzma shone with 28 points, while Deni Avdija added 18 points as the Washington Wizards broke a 16-game losing streak by defeating the Charlotte Hornets 112-100. The Wizards had equaled a team record of 16 consecutive losses from the 2009-10 season, but they managed to avoid holding the record themselves. The Charlotte Hornets now hold the NBA’s longest active losing streak at six games, despite a standout performance of 32 points and 12 rebounds from Miles Bridges.
Despite surrendering a 15-point lead and falling behind by 10 points in the third quarter, the Wizards showcased resilience. Both teams struggled with their 3-point shooting during the game, but Kuzma and Avdija were able to make a significant impact by attacking the basket in the clutch moments. Kuzma fell just short of a triple-double, finishing with nine assists and eight rebounds, while Avdija secured a whopping 14 rebounds. In addition, Richaun Holmes contributed with 14 points and 11 rebounds without missing a shot.
Cleveland Cavaliers Outduel Minnesota Timberwolves in Overtime
In a thrilling overtime clash, Darius Garland scored 34 points and Jarrett Allen recorded a career-high 33 points along with 18 rebounds as a depleted Cleveland Cavaliers team defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 113-104. Allen was exceptional from the free-throw line, hitting a career-best 15 free throws, with 14 coming after halftime. He came up big in overtime, contributing 10 crucial points as the Cavs outscored the Timberwolves 16-7. Cleveland overcame the absence of starters Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Max Strus due to injuries.
The Timberwolves, led by Naz Reid’s career-high 34 points, suffered a setback after a recent victory against Indiana, as they fell a half-game behind Oklahoma City for the Western Conference lead.
New York Knicks Dominate Orlando Magic
Jalen Brunson made a successful return from a bruised left knee, scoring 26 points to lead the New York Knicks to a emphatic 98-74 victory over the Orlando Magic. Orlando managed to hold the Knicks to the lowest points total in the NBA for the season. New York started the game on a scorching pace from behind the arc, hitting 8 of their first 9 attempts, a performance that set the tone for a game in which they never trailed. Paolo Banchero contributed with 23 points and nine rebounds for Orlando.
Oklahoma City Thunder Stage Comeback to Overcome Miami Heat
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put up a stellar performance with 37 points, including 23 points in the second half, to guide the Oklahoma City Thunder to a come-from-behind 107-100 victory over the Miami Heat. Gilgeous-Alexander was efficient from the field, making 13 of 25 field goals and converting 9 of 11 free throws. The Thunder guard received chants of “M-V-P!” from the crowd, showcasing his impact on the game. For Miami, rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored 25 points, while Jimmy Butler added 20 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists.
New Orleans Pelicans Outlast Philadelphia 76ers
Zion Williamson’s double-double of 23 points and 12 rebounds powered the New Orleans Pelicans to a hard-fought 103-95 victory over a struggling Philadelphia 76ers team missing injured All-Stars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Despite a late comeback attempt from the 76ers, the Pelicans managed to maintain their lead. Tobias Harris stood out for Philadelphia with 21 points and 10 rebounds as the team endured its 15th loss in 21 games.
Atlanta Hawks Defeat Memphis Grizzlies Behind Dejounte Murray’s Heroics
Dejounte Murray put on a masterclass performance with a career-high matching 41 points, leading the Atlanta Hawks to a 99-92 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies for their third consecutive win. Murray’s remarkable shooting performance, going 17 of 25 from the field and 6 of 10 from beyond the arc, propelled the Hawks to victory. Jaren Jackson Jr. topped the scoring for Memphis with 21 points in a losing effort.
Image/Photo credit: source url
