NBA Roundup: Pistons Secure First Winning Season in Nine Years, Clippers Dominate Nets
Here is roundup of NBA games of the day, with biggest talking point Pistons securing their winning season in nine years.
Pistons 133, Cavaliers 122
The Detroit Pistons clinched their first winning season since 2015-16 with a 133-122 victory over the Eastern Conference-leading Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night. Tim Hardaway Jr. led the way with a season-high 32 points, while Malik Beasley added 19 points. Rookie Ausar Thompson impressed with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks, while Dennis Schroder contributed 17 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds.
Despite Donovan Mitchell’s 38-point performance for Cleveland, the Cavaliers fell short, ending a 12-game winning streak against Detroit. Pistons All-Star Cade Cunningham missed his third straight game due to a left calf injury.
Clippers 132, Nets 100
Kawhi Leonard dominated with 31 points, including 19 in the second quarter, as the Los Angeles Clippers cruised past the Brooklyn Nets for their seventh win in eight games. Leonard also tallied six rebounds and four steals, while Ivica Zubac added 21 points and 12 boards.
James Harden chipped in 17 points and six assists as the Clippers shot 55% from the field. Brooklyn struggled offensively, with Keon Johnson leading the team with just 13 points.
Raptors 108, Hornets 97
Jakob Poeltl powered the Toronto Raptors to their third straight victory, scoring 24 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in a win over the Charlotte Hornets. Poeltl shot an impressive 12-of-14 from the field, securing his 22nd double-double of the season.
Mark Williams led the Hornets with 18 points and 12 rebounds, but Charlotte dropped its fourth consecutive game.
Knicks 116, Bucks 107
OG Anunoby scored 31 points, while Mikal Bridges added 26 as the New York Knicks secured a road win against the struggling Milwaukee Bucks. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with 30 points and nine rebounds, but the Bucks have now lost three in a row and four of their last six.
Nuggets 129, Jazz 93
Nikola Jokic recorded 27 points and 14 rebounds as the Denver Nuggets cruised past the Utah Jazz. Michael Porter Jr. added 20 points, while Russell Westbrook contributed 17.
Collin Sexton led Utah with 20 points, but the Jazz have now lost five straight and 15 of their last 16 games.
Timberwolves 124, Suns 109
Julius Randle scored 25 points, dished out eight assists, and grabbed six rebounds as the Minnesota Timberwolves completed a four-game season sweep over the Phoenix Suns. Rudy Gobert posted a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Anthony Edwards added 20 points.
Kevin Durant led Phoenix with 23 points, while Collin Gillespie recorded 22 points and 10 assists in the loss.
Warriors 111, Pelicans 95
Stephen Curry returned from injury to score 23 points, helping the Golden State Warriors snap a two-game losing streak with a win over the New Orleans Pelicans. After a slow start with just three first-quarter points, Curry found his rhythm to lead the Warriors to victory.
Bruce Brown led New Orleans with 18 points, but the Pelicans were outscored 28-13 in the fourth quarter.
