Scoreboard
Mavericks 120, Cavaliers 112
Nuggets 125, Pacers 118
Wizards 127, Magic 110
Heat 106, Celtics 98
Hornets 125, Knicks 114
Raptors 125, Timberwolves 102
Kings 121, Rockets 118
Hawks 136, Thunder 118
Grizzlies 112, Spurs 111
Suns 107, Warriors 103
Pelicans 117, Trail Blazers 107
What went down
The race for the number one seed in the East continues to get more interesting as the regular season winds down. The Heat( 49-28) notched a confidence-boosting win over the Celtics (47-30) to stay on top of the conference. Jimmy Butler and Kyle Lowry led the way in scoring, dropping 24 points and 23 points respectively.
The victory by the Heat was their second straight and it came at the most opportune time after losing their previous four games. Just when they looked like they were hobbling their way to the playoffs, they were able to beat the surging Celtics.
Boston, meanwhile, has lost two in a row after momentarily holding first place. Jaylen Brown had 28 points in the loss. It remains to be seen how the loss of Rob Williams III will affect the Celtics heading into the final stretch of the regular season and in the playoffs. Time Lord underwent surgery for a torn meniscus in his left knee and will be expected to return within four to six weeks.
In the West, the Suns won their 62nd game of the season, tying their franchise record, after beating the Warriors. The Suns have proven to be masters in the clutch all year long and they showed it once again on the road. Just how good have they been in the closing minutes? Phoenix is 17-1 in crunch time this season. Chris Paul operating in the final moments as Devin Booker, Jae Crowder, and the rest of the crew move in sync has become a regular feature for the best team in the league.
Calm. Cool. Collected. CP3 in the CLUTCH!@Suns 106@warriors 103
— NBA (@NBA) March 31, 2022
1.6 remaining on ESPN pic.twitter.com/nPhGrgSeDU
Big-time baller
The Hawks (39-37) might be in 10th place in the East but you can bet they’ll be as dangerous as ever once the play-in tournament rolls around.
Trae Young unleashed 41 points on the Thunder to go along with eight assists and two steals. He shot 13-of-24 from the field, including four triples. He was also 11-for-12 from the line in an all-around shooting display.
What he said
Austin Rivers couldn’t believe he got ejected on this play. You could even see him mouth the words, “I didn’t do anything.” On the other hand, it was vintage Lance Stephenson playing his tricks.
Austin Rivers took to Twitter after his ejection 😅 pic.twitter.com/XGHJ9aiHQf
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 31, 2022
Did you see that?
The Grizzlies’ incredible season is now cemented in the franchise’s history books. For the first time, the Ja Morant-led squad is the top team in the West’s Southwest Division. The Grizzlies were able to hold off the Spurs in the final five seconds to get the narrow 112-111 victory.
for the first time in franchise history ?? pic.twitter.com/1EBwdHHFsF
— y - Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) March 31, 2022
