Scoreboard
Magic 116, Hornets 109
Pistons 103, Raptors 87
Suns 112, Pacers 94
76ers 111, Celtics 99
Warriors 138, Bulls 96
Heat 124, Hawks 118
Cavaliers 114, Spurs 109
Mavericks 112, Grizzlies 85
Kings 126, Rockets 114
What went down
The Mavericks went into the grindhouse in Memphis and came out victorious, putting a screeching halt to the Grizzlies’ 11-game win streak. Much to do about their recent string of victories, the Mavericks leaned on their defense to strangle the hottest team in the league. The Grizzlies came in averaging 112.3 points per game and 45.5 percent from the field but managed just 85 points on a 38.2 shooting clip. In the second half, Dallas poured 62 points and limited Memphis to 30.
Seven Mavericks reached double figures with Luka Doncic leading the way as he got 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists (the 10th dime via a sweet behind-the-back pass that slipped by two defenders—see below). It was triple-double number 40 of Luka’s career.
Big-time baller
There’s been some hullabaloo around Devin Booker after the Raptors’ mascot tried to distract him in an empty arena. The Pacers, the Suns’ opponent on Saturday, even had an inflatable dinosaur on the baseline to join in on the action and had some Jurassic Park music during the players’ introductions.
However, Booker was locked in Indiana and it hardly mattered that everyone was making jokes about his dino troubles. He caught fire and netted 35 points against the Pacers. He went 11-of-25 from the field, including six triples, while also adding four rebounds and three assists. He was particularly instrumental in the third quarter where he dropped 22 points to help the Suns pull away.
What he said
As much as he idolizes the Laker icon, Booker says it’s high time to stop the comparisons to the late Kobe Bryant. Kobe did tell Book to be legendary.
One of one. pic.twitter.com/7pztvY4cSj
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 15, 2022
Did you see that?
Dimes were aplenty and you can take your pick which pass tickles your fancy:
I'm sorry... WHAT?! 😱😱😱@MilesBridges | #NBAAllStar | @HornetsOnBally pic.twitter.com/xkycGAwXyI
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) January 15, 2022
Or…
that's one for the highlight reel fasho 🎬
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 15, 2022
📺 @NBCSAuthentic pic.twitter.com/w5pSaGZEO5
Or…
🗣 "What a way to register a triple-double"
— NBA (@NBA) January 15, 2022
Luka goes behind-the-back for his 10th dime of the night!
He's got 27 PTS, 12 REB and 10 AST as the @dallasmavs lead on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/tE9QzUBDg1
