Scoreboard
- Bulls 120, Pacers 112
- Rockets 119, Wizards 131
- Hawks 112, Knicks 123
- 76ers 123, Jazz 134
- Cavaliers 98, Warriors 129
- Nets 136, Kings 125
- Heat 118, Clippers 125
What went down
The Utah Jazz proved that they are the best team in the NBA with a dominant victory over the East-leading Philadelphia 76ers, stretching their winning streak to eight games.
The 76ers had a promising start even with the absence of Joel Embiid. Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris spearheaded the charge with 19 and 14 points, respectively, in the opening quarter. But the Jazz were quick to respond, launching seven 3-pointers, four from Jordan Clarkson.
Utah’s momentum carried over to the second quarter and cut the lead down to single digits. Once the Jazz took the lead, they dictated the pace of the game all throughout. Their hot shooting was unstoppable with 18 makes from beyond the arc, Clarkson accounting for eight of them.
Clarkon finished with 40 points, while Joe Ingles and Donovan Mitchell combined for 44.
Three 76ers earned double-doubles: Dwight Howard had 14 points and 12 rebounds, Tobias Harris had 36 and 10, and Ben Simmons had 42 points and 12 assists. Unfortunately for Philadelphia, it was not enough to secure a win.
The Jazz have had 18 wins by 10+ points this season, which is currently the most in the league. With the win, their record improved to 23-5.
Big-time baller
Seems like Jordan Clarkson wants to secure the Sixth Man of the Year award right now.
He reached a season-high 32 points in just three quarters against the Philadelphia 76ers. He knocked down 8-of-13 3s and finished with 40 points, making him the first player off the bench to score that much.
an absolute bucket.#NBAAllStar | @jordanclarksons pic.twitter.com/MYvAAkbTep
— utahjazz (@utahjazz) February 16, 2021
What he said
Julius Randle got nothing but love from his teammates when they interrupted his post-game interview: “If this man is not an All-Star, it’s a problem.”
"If this man is not an All-Star, there's a problem."
— ESPN (@espn) February 16, 2021
Julius Randle's teammates got in on the postgame interview after he dropped 44 in a win 😂 pic.twitter.com/IATz3X5TFq
Julius Randle was a point away from matching his career-high with 44 points against the Atlanta Hawks. He was also one board away from a double-double, as he also had nine rebounds and five assists.
Did you see that?
Bradley Beal, who happens to hold the highest scoring average in the NBA this season, had no problem going under the bleachers to get the basketball.
Beal went under the bleachers to grab the ball 😅 pic.twitter.com/0UvSNrkm1H
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 16, 2021
