Jazz 119, Pacers 111
Wizard 117, Pelicans 115
Pistons 110, Thunder 104
76ers 106, Clippers 103
Nets 130, Hornets 115
Raptors 113, Magic 102
Grizzlies 126, Bulls 115
Timberwolves 119, Heat 111
Nuggets 128, Rockets 99
Spurs 107, Trail Blazers 106
Knicks 117, Mavericks 109
What went down
Both the New York Knicks and Dallas Mavericks were coming in hot heading into today’s matchup. The Knicks were nursing a four-game winning streak, while the Mavericks had a heart-stopping finish against the Grizzlies thanks to Luka Magic.
The Knicks’ Julius Randle heated up in the opening minutes of the game. He had full control of their offense with 15 points, only missing two shots from the field, as the Knicks went up by nine at the end of the first quarter.
However, the Mavericks successfully closed the gap as Tim Hardaway Jr. led an eight-point run, putting them within striking distance at the half.
It was back and forth after the break, but it was RJ Barrett’s scoring spurt early in the fourth that created some separation and eventually sealed the 117-109 win for the Knicks.
Julius Randle GOES OFF for 44 PTS, 10 REB, 7 AST... @nyknicks win 5th consecutive game! #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/KFlrw0b7k1
— NBA (@NBA) April 17, 2021
Randle led all scorers with 44 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Barrett also made a big impact with 24 points, 13 of which came in the final quarter, and eight rebounds.
The Mavericks’ scoring duo of Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis combined for 45 points.
Big-time baller
Russell Westbrook was one pass away from getting another triple-double with 36 points, 15 rebounds, and nine assists. However, it was his crucial made free throws that sealed the game for the Washington Wizards.
Russ scores 18 in the 4th & OT combined to lift the @WashWizards!@russwest44: 36 PTS, 15 REB, 9 AST pic.twitter.com/9YnOYrW5lU
— NBA (@NBA) April 17, 2021
What he said
“It’s great to be on the court, it’s great to do what I love.”
Karl-Anthony Towns has been receiving a lot of love from everyone since the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. After struggling for months trying to get back on his feet, KAT has finally found his rhythm and is dominating the Minnesota Timberwolves’ offense, averaging 30.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists. However it’s not his statistics that have caught fans’ attention, but rather his positive attitude.
“This game has been so amazing to my family. For me, in a way I think it saved my life. This game puts me in a mental space that I haven’t been in in the last week especially being home,” he said.
Luckily for KAT, his team has stood as a pillar for him to hold onto when his personal life was getting heavy.
“These guys mean everything to me. It’s because of them that I am able to survive this kind of tragedies in my life recently.”
Did you see that?
Nikola Jokic’s passing ability is unreal. He finished the game with 29 points, 16 rebounds, and seven assists. The Joker also shot an impressive 83.3 percent from the field to help give the Denver Nuggets their 36th win of the season.
Joker things. pic.twitter.com/UHkrtzOQvI
— NBA (@NBA) April 17, 2021
