Scoreboard
Hornets 114, Wizards 104
Nuggets 104, 76ers 95
Suns 117, Hawks 110
Magic 103, Clippers 96
What went down
After allowing the Orlando Magic to whittle down their 14-point halftime lead, the Los Angeles Clippers still looked in good shape to close the game out with a 93-86 lead, 2:39 left in the game. After all, they had Kawhi Leonard and the Magic just recently traded away their three best players.
But the Clippers collapsed in the end, giving up turnovers and offensive rebounds that powered an 11-0 Magic run. Now down by four with 30 seconds left, the Clippers still had a shot at tying the game after Terrance Mann drilled a three and two Magic free throws. Los Angeles missed four 3-point attempts, before Leonard had the ball stolen, sealing a shocking loss.
π πΎ π π¨πππ‘π¨ π©ππ π@mcarterwilliams | #MagicTogether pic.twitter.com/bcoSZmORWQ
β Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) March 31, 2021
The Clippers, who were without Paul George, were still displaying the inconsistent play that has plagued them this season. A win could have tied them for second in the West with Phoenix, but they settled for third in the standings with a 32-16 record.
Big-time ballers
The Denver Nuggets didn't waste time blowing out the Philadelphia 76ers and it was all thanks to Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. Scoring 30 of the Nuggets' 44 points in the opening period, Murray and Porter Jr. finished with 30 and 27 points, respectively.
Murray & MPJ combine for 30... @nuggets go for 44 PTS on 66.7% shooting in the 1st Q on NBA TV! π₯ pic.twitter.com/gIMhW2wACl
β NBA (@NBA) March 31, 2021
In today's first game, Russell Westbrook was out for blood again and might have had the dunk of the year, but Charlotte had other plans. The Hornets came away with the win as Terry Rozier poured in 27 points with five 3s, while Gordon Hayward added 26 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists.
What he said
People often get very critical of young players, especially top picks like the Golden State Warriors' James Wiseman. Some players are ready from Day 1 like Luka Doncic, while others may need a few years to develop their All-Star form like Wiseman's teammate Steph Curry, who offered insight as to just how young Wiseman still is.
βI was searching for frat parties at Davidson [at age 19],β said the two-time MVP who made his first All-Star team in 2014, five years after being drafted.
It's too early to say what Wiseman will become and being patient with the young big man should pay dividends down the line.
Did you see that?
Coming off a 30-point, 20-assist triple-double, Brodie went off again and might have had the dunk of the season in the Hornets loss.
Russ with 22 PTS, 15 REB, 15 AST and THIS JAM! π₯π€ pic.twitter.com/auMZmLnYgg
β NBA (@NBA) March 31, 2021
