Scoreboard
Rockets 116, Pistons 107
Celtics 114, Knicks 107
Magic 100, Nets 93
Raptors 119, Warriors 100
Thunder 104, Clippers 103
Cavaliers 119, Bucks 90
Wizards 109, Jazz 103
What went down
It seems ages ago that the Wizards were 10-3 and on pace to make the playoffs. The losses have piled up in Washington since that hot start. However, the Wizards scored a huge win, maybe even a momentum-building one, over the Jazz.
Bradley Beal fired 37 points, alongside seven assists and five rebounds, to outgun Donovan Mitchell’s 32 points. Beal and company leaned on a balanced attack (27 assists) to get the hard-fought road win.
The Wizards were just 2-7 over their last nine games, including four consecutive losses, heading to Utah. Those two wins in that nine-game stretch were over fellow struggling teams Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons. A victory over a contenter like the Jazz might just be the confidence-booster that the Wizards needed.
Big-time baller
You know you’re a big-time baller if you can knock down a big-time shot a game after a heartbreaking loss.
The Thunder were on the wrong end of a Devonte’ Graham buzzer-beater moments after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a game-tying 3. This time around, SGA didn’t leave anything to chance and drilled the game-winner as time expired.
THE STEPBACK FROM SHAI 🔥@okcthunder get the win after the SGA #TissotBuzzerBeater! #ThisIsYourTime pic.twitter.com/k7nCKnWmLn
— NBA (@NBA) December 19, 2021
What he said
Kemba Walker returned to the Knicks lineup and proved why he still got a lot left in the tank. He started the game and dropped a season-high 29 points against the Celtics, his former team. New York head coach Tom Thibodeau has consciously decided not to use Walker in the last 10 games, but the veteran point guard got the start in Boston.
After the game, here’s what Walker had to say: ''If I'm not starting, I ain't playing… It is what it is. I'm here for my team, I'm here for my teammates. That's what I'm here for.''
Did you see that?
Former three-time NBA All-Star Deron Williams got into the ring with former NFL player Frank Gore in the latest edition of celebrity boxing. The point guard triumphed over the running back via split decision.
After his win, Williams said the exhibition watch was a one-and-done affair. He simply wanted to try out a different sport. It turns out Williams was a pretty good boxer for a basketball player.
DERON WILLIAMS BEATS FRANK GORE VIA SPLIT DECISION 🔥 pic.twitter.com/46KyX5XyPO
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 19, 2021
