Scoreboard
Grizzlies 132, Pistons 107
Wizards 113, Nets 112
Heat 112, Pelicans 97
Raptors 139, Rockets 120
Mavericks 112, Clippers 105
Suns 131, Bucks 107
Knicks 116, Warriors 114
What went down
The Phoenix Suns got their revenge over the Milwaukee Bucks in their first rematch since the 2021 NBA Finals, routing the defending champs 131-107 at home.
It was a brilliant performance for the Suns as they pulled away in the third quarter after what was a close game in the first half. The Suns outscored the Bucks 33-21 in the third, leading by 20 points entering the final period en route to the impressive victory.
Chris Paul was his usual Point God-self, winding up with 17 points and 19 assists. His assist total was more than the Bucks, who only racked up 18 dimes as a team.
Deandre Ayton had a game-high 27 points for the Suns. It was a quiet performance for Giannis Antetokounmpo as he tallied 18 points on 5-of-14 from the field. Khris Middleton led the way with a team-high 21 points.
Chris Paul dimed out 19 AST as he powered the @Suns to their 4th straight win in a rematch of of the 2021 NBA Finals! #ValleyProud@CP3: 17 PTS | 7 REB | 19 AST | 2 STL pic.twitter.com/mhUwFnJAaI
— NBA (@NBA) February 11, 2022
Both teams were shorthanded, playing right after the NBA trade deadline early in the day. Newly-acquired Serge Ibaka wasn’t able to suit up yet for the Bucks, who were further depleted after trading away Donte DiVincenzo to Sacramento and Rodney Hood and Semi Ojeleye to the LA Clippers. The Suns also acquired Aaron Holiday and Torrey Craig after trading second-year forward Jalen Smith to the Indiana Pacers.
Big-time baller
A few hours after the trade deadline, many were worried about what would happen to the Dallas Mavericks after trading away talented forward Kristaps Porzingis.
In one game, Luka Doncic reminded everyone that they should be worried about who is still on the team.
Doncic had his way with the LA Clippers in a 112-105 victory. He scored a career-high 51 points, 28 of those coming in a brilliant first-half performance. Doncic shot a staggering 17-of-26 from the field and was 7-of-14 from the perimeter.
5??1?? POINTS @luka7doncic was UNSTOPPABLE as he set a new career-high in points and powered the @dallasmavs to their 4th-straight-win! #MFFL
— NBA (@NBA) February 11, 2022
🏀 51 PTS (17-26 FGM)
🏀 9 REB
🏀 6 AST
🏀 7 3PM pic.twitter.com/3BjPr2ErmZ
What he said
''It is mentally, physically, and emotionally draining at times when you have a lot going on, and I want James [Harden] to be at peace, I want Ben [Simmons] to be at peace. 'Let's just focus on us as basketball players and seeing where we really end up at the end of the season,” Kyrie Irving said of the blockbuster Simmons-Harden trade.
Did you see that?
Just in case you forgot how many points Luka Doncic scored, let Boban remind you:
😅 Hey @BobanMarjanovic how many points did Luka score? pic.twitter.com/6V7FcLt3m9
— NBA (@NBA) February 11, 2022
