Scoreboard
Suns 118, Pelicans 114
Heat 111, Spurs 101
Bucks 123, Jazz 97
Clippers 102, Wizards 93
Cavaliers 100, Mavericks 99
Trail Blazers 107, Rockets 95
Thunder 115, Grizzlies 109
What went down
The Bucks have moved to 4-1 in games where their top two players, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, were not playing. Milwaukee capitalized on their deep bench as they dismissed the Utah Jazz at Fiserv Forum on Saturday night, 123-97.
The squad recently got a big win against one of the Western Conference frontrunners, New Orleans, and it’s because of their bigs dominating the boards, 54-38. This time, against another title contender, they made easy work of the Jazz by controlling the shots.
Jrue Holiday, without the other two of the Milwaukee Big Three, started 0-for-5 from the field. He didn’t score until the middle of the second frame, gunning for a personal 10-0 run and a 3-pointer that put the Bucks up, 52-42 before halftime.
From that advantage, Milwaukee maintained control of the game, never letting the lead dip below five points. Bobby Portis got intense early in the game, making 6-of-10 with 15 points in the first quarter alone. Rookie MarJon Beauchamp stepped up as the starters were out, recording a career-high 18 points.
Meanwhile, we have the usual people who kept the Jazz afloat. Malik Beasley and Lauri Markkanen each tallied 18 points. Jordan Clarkson, after scoring 39 in his team’s last game, was contained to only 13.
Big-time ballers
The Phoenix Suns had an incredible comeback win tonight against the Pelicans, with Devin Booker leading his team with 58 massive points. Kawhi Leonard is slowly finding his groove back, as he outshines the Clippers with his season-high 31 points, nine rebounds, and three steals.
The Cavs edged out the Mavericks in overtime, 100-99, as Donovan Mitchell led them with 25 points, four rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Meanwhile, we also have the Heat mounting an impressive come-from-behind victory with Jimmy Butler coming up with a team-high 25 points to go along with his five rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block.
What he said
Coach Spo showing some love for Mexico City.
"I think the environment in general was electric."
— NBA (@NBA) December 18, 2022
Coach Spo loved the atmosphere in Mexico City.#NBAenMexico 🇲🇽 pic.twitter.com/Wy344MNl11
Did you see that?
The shot is automatically denied if you see Kawhi’s Klaw protecting the rim like this.
