Scoreboard
Hawks 105, Hornets 101
Celtics 107, Nuggets 87
Pelicans 116, Cavaliers 109
Bucks 124, Magic 87
Pacers 132, Grizzlies 125
Knicks 102, Raptors 96
Spurs 119, Mavericks 117
Timberwolves 121, Bulls 117
Clippers 131, Pistons 124
Heat 107, Trail Blazers 98
What went down
The Miami Heat improved their record to 28-25 after beating the Portland Trail Blazers, 107-98. The win bumps them up to fifth in standings, right above the Charlotte Hornets.
Despite a hot start after tipoff, Portland struggled all night to contain Miami. The Blazers led by as much as 10 in the first half led by CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard’s 17 points combined.
Unfortunately, their sloppy handles and inactivity beyond the arc only helped the Heat secure a win. Portland turned the ball over 17 times, 12 of which were in the first half.
The Heat turned the tables around by outplaying the Trail Blazers on both ends of the court. They led by as much as 20 points thanks to their 41.4 percent from deep and also had 12 steals.
Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo dominated with a combined outcome of 42 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and six steals. Kendrick Nunn made a big comeback after missing six games with 15 points. Tyler Herro was also phenomenal off the bench with 14 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Lillard was not himself tonight, making a conservative 12 points, shooting 30 percent from the field. Meanwhile, McCollum and Norman Powell each had 17 points.
Big-time baller
Zion Williamson bulldozed his way in the New Orleans Pelicans’ 116-109 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers with 38 points, nine rebounds, and four assists. He made 72.7 percent of his field-goal attempts. With Zion leading the charge, the Pelicans dominated the Cavaliers in the paint, 70-48.
Another ABSURDLY efficient night for @Zionwilliamson.
— NBA (@NBA) April 12, 2021
38 PTS | 16-22 FGM | @PelicansNBA W pic.twitter.com/i7A9mxYYLv
What he said
“We have to be better.”
The Denver Nuggets head coach, Michael Malone, was utterly disappointed with his guys after a devastating loss that ended their eight-game winning streak. The Nuggets scored a mere eight points in the entire fourth quarter, giving the Celtics an impressive 107-87 finish.
“I could not foresee a 31-8 fourth quarter. I could not envision us just completely imploding,” Malone said in the post game interview. “I did not anticipate a second half collapse like we had today.”
Did you see that?
The Minnesota Timberwolves honored Karl-Anthony Towns’ late mother by putting a jersey and flowers in one of the seats. Jacqueline Towns passed away prior to the season due to the COVID-19 virus. The Towns family lost six family members since the onslaught of the pandemic.
Tonight, we reserve a seat for Jacqueline Towns. Her light made the world a brighter and better place. pic.twitter.com/tKjCurditg
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) April 12, 2021
Meanwhile in Dallas, DeMar DeRozan came up clutch to lift the San Antonio Spurs past the Mavs.
DeMar. Calls. Game. #GoSpursGo pic.twitter.com/m1ApB2gPBv
— NBA (@NBA) April 12, 2021
