Scoreboard
Hornets 115, Pacers 109
Bulls 109, 76ers 105 (2OT)
Timberwolves 140, Knicks 134
Warriors 121, Rockets 108
Grizzlies 112, Mavericks 108
Jazz 128, Kings 124
What went down
The Bulls stay in the play-in hunt after defeating the Sixers in double overtime, 109-105. Chicago’s Big Three of Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic combined for 72 points to overcome the 37-point, 16-rebound performance of MVP candidate Joel Embiid.
With the win, the Bulls improved to 34-37, clinging to the 10th seed in the East. On the other hand, Philadelphia missed the chance to secure a playoff spot but will have the opportunity to redeem itself when it faces Chicago again on Thursday.
The Sixers were up by four, 105-101, with two and a half minutes left but couldn’t close it out with Embiid fouling out earlier. DeRozan scored on back-to-back baskets to tie the game and free throws from LaVine gave the Bulls the lead. The Sixers failed to score on their subsequent possessions as Coby White sealed the win at the free throw line.
Big-time baller
Julius Randle exploded for 57 points as he put on a show inside Madison Square Garden. Unfortunately for the fans watching in New York, they went home disappointed with the Knicks falling to the Timberwolves.
Randle, whose previous career-high was 46, had a franchise-record 26 points in the third period alone. He finished with a 19-for-29 clip from the field, including eight 3-pointers. He became the fourth Knicks player to score at least 55 points. He tied Richie Guerin for the third-best scoring performance in Knicks franchise history.
In the high-scoring affair, Taurean Prince should also be mentioned after he finished with 35 points on a perfect 8-for-8 clip from deep. He missed only one shot out of his 13 attempts.
What he said
Doc Rivers would obviously root for his player to win the award but this was a nice statement from him regarding the MVP discourse.
Doc Rivers says he believes Joel Embiid should be the MVP, but that he wishes the debate did not include bashing any of the players involved, saying all of them are more than deserving of winning the award. “We need to stop this stuff that’s going on right now.”
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) March 20, 2023
Did you see that?
Memphis star Ja Morant made his first appearance on the Grizzlies' bench since his suspension. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, coach Taylor Jenkins said that they’re “hopeful” Morant will make his return to the court in their next game against the Rockets.
Ja Morant is back in the arena tonight with Grizzlies for first time since suspension pic.twitter.com/Mb7iIbwwJw
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 21, 2023
