Scoreboard
Knicks 121, Hornets 102
Pacers 121, Wizards 111
Magic 113, Raptors 109
Nets 120, Hawks 116
Kings 106, Cavaliers 95
76ers 133, Lakers 122
Grizzlies 114, Pistons 103
Pelicans 128, Suns 117
Timberwolves 118, Jazz 108
Bucks 106, Mavericks 105
What went down
In a battle between teams with MVP contenders, the one with championship experience ultimately had the edge. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Doncic put on a show in Dallas as the Milwaukee Bucks earned a comeback win.
Giannis and Luka, two of the best players in the world, lived up to the billing of the matchup by pouring huge numbers. Antetokounmpo came alive in the second half to finish with 28 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out. On the other end, Doncic amassed 33 points, 11 assists, plus six boards.
In the end, it came down to execution. The Bucks played with a winning pedigree and the Mavs couldn’t. The home team failed to ice the game at the line, missing six free throws in the last three minutes and a half. As for the Bucks, they played the endgame to perfection even without Giannis in the mix. They turned to veteran big man Brook Lopez to get the win.
Brook Lopez's game-winner 🔥#FearTheDeer https://t.co/V83QUvkN8j pic.twitter.com/GI5PCUeJFd
— NBA (@NBA) December 10, 2022
Big-time baller
Over in Philadelphia, Joel Embiid’s big game powered the Sixers past the Lakers. The perennial All-Star dropped 38 points on 14-of-19 shooting, to go along with 12 rebounds and five assists. He fired 20 points in the first quarter, setting the tone for what would be a huge scoring outing.
Though the game went into overtime as the Lakers tried to mount a comeback, the Sixers were able to hold on.
What he said
Speaking of MVPs, what about Zion Williamson for your consideration? His teammates definitely think so.
"I mean, he was +30 in a close game. That shows you how dominant he was offensively, defensively... He's been playing like an MVP."
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 10, 2022
-CJ on Zion pic.twitter.com/KczbptRUwA
Did you see that?
This was the ending of the Pelicans’ impressive win over the Suns. With the game already in the bag, Zion did a 360 windmill and the Suns didn’t appreciate it.
ZION WINDMILL 😱😱😱
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 10, 2022
THEN BOTH TEAMS GOT CHIPPY! pic.twitter.com/uLdZAwvDkQ
Remember, these two teams met in last year’s playoffs so you know there’s history involved. This season, there’s more color as the Pelicans currently have the best record in the West – something that the Suns are very familiar with. The Pels are playing exceptional basketball and something special is brewing in New Orleans.
And guess what, the Suns and Pelicans meet again in two days. Zion’s last-second gesture might just be the bulletin board material that the Suns need to get their revenge. And for the Pelicans, back-to-back wins versus a West contender will continue to affirm their dominance in the conference.
