NBA Wrap-up: Heat return to number one position as Grizzlies defeat Warriors
Bulls, Hornets, Warriors all lose their games
Miami Heat picked up a 123-100 win over the Sacramento Kings to return to the top of the Eastern Conference, dislodging the Boston Celtics in the process. The Heat’s win put an end to a four-game losing streak in the NBA this season. Jimmy Butler led the scoring with 27 points as Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro finished with 22 and 20 points, respectively.
Boston Celtics were without Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Al Horford and Robert Williams III as they fell to a 115-112 OT defeat against the Toronto Raptors. Pascal Siakam led the scoring for the Raptors with 40 points and 13 rebounds in the game. The Celtics have dropped to second in the Eastern Conference following the defeat, but have the chance to retake the top spot when they face top seed Miami Heat next.
Nikola Jokic recorded his 19th triple-double of the season as the Denver Nuggets claimed a 113-109 win over the Charlotte Hornets. The reigning MVP scored 26 points, 19 rebounds and 11 assists for the Nuggets, with Aaron Gordon contributing 21 points.
Memphis Grizzlies won their fifth straight game without Ja Morant as they claimed a 123-95 win over a short-handed Golden State Warriors. Desmond Bane led the scoring for the Grizzlies, who are now five games clear in second place in the West, with 22 points. De’Anthony Melton scored 20 points, as well.
Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Orlando Magic 107-101. Darius Garland led the scoring with 25 points and 12 rebounds, and Lauri Markkanen and Kevin Love contributed 20 and 19 points, respectively.
Atlanta Hawks defeated the Indiana Pacers 132-123 in their NBA clash. Bogdan Bogdanovic led the scoring with 29 points, and Clint Capela finished with 22 points and 15 rebounds. Buddy Hield scored 26 points for the Pacers.
New York Knicks defeated the Chicago Bulls 109-104. RJ Barrett scored 28 points for the Knicks and Alec Burks scored 27 points. DeMar DeRozan led the scoring for the Bulls with 37 points in the game.
San Antonio Spurs defeated the Houston Rockets 123-120 to move closer to the last play-in position. Dejounte Murray scored a career-high 33 points and 11 assists for the Spurs as Jalen Green scored 30 points for the Rockets.
Oklahoma City Thunder picked up a 134-131 OT win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Isaiah Roby led the scoring for the Thunder with 30 points in the absence of the injured Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Aaron Wiggins also contributed 28 points in the game.
