Scoreboard
Cavaliers 114, Bucks 106
76ers 113, Pistons 93
Bulls 110, Hawks 108
Pacers 117, Celtics 112
Nets 143, Warriors 113
Raptors 113, Knicks 106
Magic 116, Rockets 110
Mavericks 104, Timberwolves 99
Thunder 101, Trail Blazers 98
Kings 134, Lakers 120
Clippers 126, Hornets 105
What went down
Two East powerhouses went toe-to-toe in Cleveland as the Cavaliers held off the Bucks.
Donovan Mitchell had 36 points as the Cavs did just enough to endure a season-high 45 points from Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The third time proved to be the charm for the Cavaliers, who lost twice against the Bucks earlier this season. On Thursday, the home team raced to a 15-point first-quarter lead. With Mitchell at the forefront, they led by as many as 26 points. The Bucks, however, rallied in the second half, scoring 64 points in the last two quarters before falling short.
It was a five-point game, 109-194, with a little over two minutes left after Pat Connaughton drilled a triple. But Cleveland answered right back with a Darius Garland fadeaway to give his team more cushion. The Cavaliers held on by making defensive stops and free throws.
Big-time baller
Pascal Siakam lit up Madison Square Garden for a career-high 52 points, helping the Raptors snap the Knicks’ 8-game win streak.
Spicy P went 17-of-25 from the field and made 16 of his 18 attempts at the line. He also provided nine rebounds, seven dimes, plus a steal.
A career night for Pascal Siakam:
— NBA (@NBA) December 22, 2022
52 PTS (career-high)
9 REB
7 AST
Raptors win in MSG. pic.twitter.com/j4pOldXvzX
What he said
All-Star voting just opened. Will we see some new faces enter the All-Star Game? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is putting on a spectacular season for the Thunder. If SGA keeps this up, he’ll definitely be in the ASG in Utah.
SGA on the possibility of being selected as an All-Star:
— NBA (@NBA) December 22, 2022
"It would be an honor. It's something that I know I dream about." ?? pic.twitter.com/XjPFSXC7Or
Did you see that?
DeMar DeRozan tried to go for the win but his jumper caught air. Fortunately for the Bulls, Ayo Dosunmu was there to get the putback and the win. It was a heck of a play from the youngster who ran all the way to the cup after inbounding the ball.
Ayo came all the way from being the inbounder to get the putback for the GAME WINNER 😳 pic.twitter.com/kSI1PNOhiy
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 22, 2022