Scoreboard
Bulls 126, Pistons 108
Celtics 121, Warriors 118 (OT)
Timberwolves 128, Raptors 126
Suns 117, Nets 112
76ers 105, Trail Blazers 95
What went down
The Chicago Bulls and Detroit Pistons game in Paris highlighted the day. The Bulls’ Big 3 led the way with Zach LaVine dropping 30 points, DeMar DeRozan scoring 26 points, and Nikola Vucevic adding 16 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists.
On paper, it was merely a regular-season contest in January. But looking at the bigger picture, it was another milestone for the NBA and the game’s growth internationally. Victor Wembanyama, the presumptive No.1 pick for next year’s draft, sat courtside to watch the action. There were also a number of NBA personalities present like Magic Johnson, former Pistons Ben Wallace and Richard Hamilton, plus French stars Tony Parker and Joakim Noah. WNBA standouts like Napheesa Collier and Gabby Williams were also there. A number of celebrities, including musical artists and Formula 1 drivers, also made an appearance at the star-studded event.
Bojan Bogdanovic had 25 points to lead the Pistons. Killian Hayes, the only French player from either squad, chipped in with four points and eight assists.
The atmosphere for #NBAParis 🔥
— NBA (@NBA) January 19, 2023
Global game. pic.twitter.com/OyfyKFuLTV
While the game in Paris got a ton of buzz, there was an NBA Finals rematch in Boston with the Celtics defeating the defending champions. The game went to overtime thanks to a Jaylen Brown 3-pointer.
JAYLEN BROWN FORCES OT 🔥 pic.twitter.com/QH57K0RPFC
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 20, 2023
The Celtics created separation in the extra session and went on an 8-0 run to take a 118-111 lead with a minute and a half remaining. The Warriors crawled their way back and even made it a three-point game after Donte DiVincenzo drilled a triple with 30 seconds left. However, Jordan Poole’s heave at the buzzer missed badly and the Celtics held on.
Big-time baller
Jayson Tatum is our top performer after he amassed 34 points, 19 rebounds (career-high), six assists, and three steals. He was also a perfect 12-for-12 from the line.
Tatum knocked down a huge triple in overtime to help the Celtics pull away.
What he said
Continuing to grow the game means involving the next generation. This interaction between Zach LaVine and a young French kid is what it’s all about.
In the Bulls' #NBAParis press conference, a young French fan told Zach LaVine he wears #8 because Zach is his idol.
— NBA (@NBA) January 19, 2023
Listen to his response ??8? pic.twitter.com/wQusjCsPGJ
Did you see that?
Check out Steph Curry’s out-of-this-world highlight in Boston. After collecting the ball after a mad scramble towards the end of the first half, he hoisted a shot from beyond halfcourt. The guy shot it from the other end of the logo, right in the middle of the word “Boston.”
46-foot shot?
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 20, 2023
Why not ¯\_(?)_/¯@Verizon || Reliable Moments pic.twitter.com/Y3aK5T8ERK
