Scoreboard
Pacers 108, Trail Blazers 99
Bulls 126, Sixers 112
Knicks 112, Raptors 108
Nets 108, Pelicans 102
Hornets 138, Bucks 109
Thunder 127, Wizards 110
Spurs 121, Pistons 109
Timberwolves 128, Clippers 115
Nuggets 121, Cavaliers 108
Heat 104, Suns 96
Lakers 130, Hawks 114
What went down
For the first time this season, the Los Angeles Lakers extended their winning streak to four games.
The team is still facing challenges brought about by the injury of Anthony Davis, but they’re somehow thriving. After missing one game, LeBron James returned to his usual self and dominated.
Also playing minus Austin Reaves and Lonnie Walker IV, James somehow managed to dish out 10 assists and score 25 points of his own.
At the rate The King’s scoring is going, he could be able to surpass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record by next month.
But the Lakers’ current winning run is taking an interesting turn with Dennis Schroder playing well.
After dropping 32 against the Heat, Schroder scored 21 points versus the Hawks. Thomas Bryant (19 points) and Kendrick Nunn (23 points) also contributed in the Lakers’ 16-point win.
The win improves the Lakers’ win-loss record to 18-21, still 12th in the West. Davis is still a long way from a return, so it’s definitely encouraging that the Lakers’ roster is now finding their own groove even without their superstar. Next up for the Lakers is another surging team in the Sacramento Kings. If they keep it up, teams should start taking notice.
Big-time ballers
Eleven 3s on 85 percent 3-point shooting for a total of 41 points. That’s how hot Zach LaVine got for the Bulls’ win versus the Sixers:
Zach LaVine went off in the Bulls W tonight:
— NBA (@NBA) January 7, 2023
🎯 41 PTS
🎯 6 AST
🎯 11 Threes
🎯 85% 3PT pic.twitter.com/iJ3LLBLqJw
With this game, LaVine joins Steph Curry as the only two players in league history to drain 11 3s on 80-percent-plus 3-point shooting.
Meanwhile, Victor Oladipo found his own rhythm against the Suns, scorching them with a season-high 26 points.
What he said
LeBron James and Nikola Jokic seem to play on a different level compared to the mere mortals. Nuggets head coach Mike Malone described it perfectly:
"Chess, not checkers."
— NBA (@NBA) January 7, 2023
Mike Malone on the basketball IQ similarities between LeBron and Nikola Jokic. 🧠 pic.twitter.com/9d44iX7LxG
Did you see that?
Fact: the league needs a healthy LaMelo Ball. Just look at two elite things he brings to the table:
LaMelo in the 🏠
— NBA (@NBA) January 7, 2023
🆚: Hornets-Bucks
👀: 8pm/et on the NBA App
📲: https://t.co/1pomQZMAZK pic.twitter.com/4d1YCqg6Up
LaMelo Ball with 5?? threes in this first half so far 🔥 @MELOD1P | @HornetsOnBally pic.twitter.com/eE6qFdjTSE
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) January 7, 2023
