Scoreboard
Celtics 128, Pistons 122 (OT)
Pelicans 112, Jazz 105
Timberwolves 118, Mavericks 110
Pacers 120, Bulls 104
Nuggets 142, Grizzlies 105
Spurs 118, Trail Blazers 105
Heat 114, Warriors 102
Lakers 133, Hornets 112
What went down
The giant proved too much for the underdog in a matchup between David and Goliath. The Celtics needed overtime, but they carved out a victory against the Pistons and avoided a massive upset.
Kristaps Porzingis led Boston’s charge with a season-high 35 points while Jayson Tatum submitted an all-around performance of 31 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, and five steals. The Celtics had to rally from 21 points down and didn’t become the team that broke the Pistons’ infamous 27-game losing streak.
The Celtics stormed back from 21 points down to pull off a monster comeback win in overtime over the Pistons. pic.twitter.com/sIFwMxBaSB
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 29, 2023
The Celtics faced a 66-45 second-quarter deficit before rallying in the third period. They had a 106-100 lead in the final two minutes of regulation but Jaden Ivey scored six straight points to tie the game. The contest was filled with drama, including a goaltend on Tatum’s go-ahead layup. Detroit issued a challenge on the play, protesting it was a clean block by Cade Cunningham, but the officials saw no conclusive evidence so the initial call stood.
Cunningham did all he could on the losing side with 31 points, six boards, and nine dimes. He missed the potential game-winning triple in regulation but Bojan Bogdanovic’s putback sent the game into overtime. However, the Celtics outscored them, 20-14, in the extra session.
After owning the single-season record, the Pistons are now tied for the longest losing streak ever with 28 straight losses, tying the 2014-2016 76ers. Outside the NBA, only the NFL’s Chicago Cardinals have more consecutive defeats with 29 from 1942-45.
Big-time baller
Tyrese Haliburton continues his breakout season with another eye-popping performance. He had 21 points, a personal-best 20 assists, and didn’t commit a single turnover versus the Bulls. He also went 6-for-13 from deep, becoming the first player to record a 20-point, 20-assist game, and at least five 3-pointers since the 3-point line was introduced.
The Pacers guard is the fifth player in NBA history to record at least 20 assists without a turnover, joining Kevin Porter, John Lucas, Rickey Green, and Chris Paul.
21 POINTS, 20 ASSISTS, 0 TURNOVERS
— NBA (@NBA) December 29, 2023
Hali walks off to 👏 https://t.co/FaspZm1FxP pic.twitter.com/hvtBAREDPf
What he said
More than the assists, Haliburton was most proud of his zero turnovers.
Hali reacts to hearing his historic stat line 🗣? pic.twitter.com/x4qVvMhiQa
— NBA (@NBA) December 29, 2023
Did you see that?
Good news came out of the Bulls’ camp as it’s been reported that Lonzo Ball is no longer experiencing knee pain. It’s been almost two years since we’ve last seen Ball play and hopefully, his recovery process goes smoothly.
Billy Donovan says Lonzo's pain he was experiencing in his knee "has been eliminated" and is expected to start running in January 🙏
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 29, 2023
He last played in a game in January 2022. pic.twitter.com/PW2TUGepoc
Extra Pass
For the Grizzlies and Clippers, health and availability remain a top priority.
The Grizzlies are 4-0 when Morant plays since he returned from his 25-game suspension at the start of the season. The team lost to the Nuggets in their previous game when Morant sat out because of an illness. He’s averaged 28.8 points, 8.5 assists, and 5.3 rebounds in those four wins, a testament to his value to the team.
The Clippers, on the other hand, have recently lost two of their last three games since the hip injury of Kawhi Leonard. The new-look and star-studded squad have looked phenomenal, having gone on a recent nine-game win streak, but Leonard’s injury shows how fragile their lineup is given their history of injuries.
At full strength, the Clippers have looked unstoppable. However, an injury or two can spell the difference in their title hopes. Leonard is listed as questionable for their next game.
The Grizzlies take on the Clippers at 11:30 AM on NBA League Pass.
