Scoreboard
Bucks 142, Wizards 129
Nuggets 107, Pistons 103
Hornets 121, Celtics 118
Clippers 124, Spurs 99
Timberwolves 117, Knicks 100
Heat 118, Bulls 100
Warriors 121, Rockets 116
What went down
The Denver Nuggets were set up to have a tough night in Detroit, but the defending champs still came away with a win over the Pistons. First, Denver head coach Michael Malone got ejected early in the first half. Then, two-time MVP Nikola Jokic got the boot after excessive complaining midway through the second quarter.
Nikola Jokic was ejected from Monday night's game against the Pistons, and Detroit play-by-play man George Blaha had choice words for the officials after it.
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 21, 2023
"Let me tell you this, these fans did not come here to see Curtis Blair, Tre Maddox or Andy Nagy, whoever they are. pic.twitter.com/lD8t8GdXRb
But the Nuggets, who were also still without the resting Jamal Murray, persevered thanks to a balanced effort, led by Reggie Jackson and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who had 21 and 20 points, respectively. They also got a boost from the bench in Christian Braun, who absorbed Jokic’s minutes and tallied 15 points.
The Nuggets improved to 10-4 while the Pistons dropped to 2-13.
Out in Washington, Giannis Antetokounmpo was unstoppable against the Wizards. He dropped 42 points on 20-for-23 shooting from the field with 13 rebounds and eight assists. Not much defense was played on both sides, but Giannis was just too much for the Wizards to handle.
GIANNIS POSTER. pic.twitter.com/E4L6CvNNIy
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 21, 2023
The Wizards did have a realistic shot at this game, but as their 2-11 record illustrates, they just don't know how to win games yet.
Big-time baller
The game of the day was Boston Celtics vs Charlotte Hornets, because of a fiery duel between Jayson Tatum and LaMelo Ball.
Tatum had a season-high 45 points, but it was LaMelo Ball, who won our no-pun-intended big-time baller recognition for the day, who led his team to the win.
LaMelo Ball was LIGHTS OUT in the Hornets' OT win over the Celtics!
— NBA (@NBA) November 21, 2023
🔥 36 PTS
🔥 9 REB
🔥 8 AST
🔥 5 3PM pic.twitter.com/e054xk7k0z
Ball had a season-high 36 points to go with nine rebounds and eight assists. The young Hornets seem to be making headway this season, and it’s mostly thanks to having a healthy Ball back in rotation.
What he said
Giannis loves everyone – even the haters who criticize his lack of finesse.
Whomever tweeted that, thank you 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/LfERvNsvhZ
— Giannis Antetokounmpo (@Giannis_An34) November 19, 2023
Did you see that?
Before the Heat’s game today, Jimmy Butler flew to Wisconsin and showed some love to their G-league affiliate, the Sioux Falls Skyforce, and his teammate Nikola Jovic.
Jimmy Butler flew to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to watch Nikola Jovic and the Sioux Falls Skyforce play the Wisconsin Herd 🙌😅
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 20, 2023
(via @JimmyButler / IG)pic.twitter.com/SpwDw8BvnY
Extra pass
Tomorrow’s another In-Season Tournament day. While it seems like every tournament game has been at a different level, we’d recommend keeping an eye on the Toronto Raptors taking on the Orlando Magic at 8:00 AM on NBA TV Philippines.
Paolo Banchero and the Magic have been great this season. They’re tall and athletic, and they’ve turned their youth into an advantage almost every game. Toronto has been slumping, but they have some interesting players like Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby.
