Scoreboard
Lakers 112, Heat 109
Grizzlies 131, Hornets 107
Cavaliers 90, Suns 88
Magic 126, Thunder 115
76ers 129, Pacers 126
Knicks 117, Spurs 114
Bucks 104, Raptors 101
Bulls 121, Nets 112
Timberwolves 113, Trail Blazers 106
Pelicans 119, Rockets 108
Pistons 122, Warriors 119
Hawks 120, Kings 117
What went down
The Phoenix Suns wrapped up their road trip with a last-second loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 90-88. This marks their fourth straight loss, their seventh defeat in their previous eight games, which sadly has caused them to fall deeper into a rut.
It was definitely a rough game for both ball clubs as the Cavs didn’t score their first basket until midway through the first quarter. Cleveland trailed for most of the second half before overtaking the Suns with an 88-85 lead with 40 seconds left on the clock. With four seconds left in the game, Evan Mobley hit the clutch jumper to save the day for the Cavaliers.
Phoenix's misfortunes can be attributed to being short-handed on the floor. All-Star guard Devin Booker didn’t play in the final five games of the road trip after suffering a left groin strain in their Christmas game against Denver. Cameron Payne was also out after aggravating his foot injury.
Chris Paul, however, paced the Suns with 25 points while Deandre Ayton notched his first double-double in four games with 15 points and 18 boards.
Cleveland took advantage of this matchup and held out in the final stretch. Donovan Mitchell, after scoring a historic 71 points on Monday, had a humble outing with 20 points and nine assists. Caris LeVert led the Cavs in scoring with 21 markers.
Big-time ballers
Giannis Antetokounmpo continued his dominant streak of performances and recorded a 30/20/10 triple-double to lead the Bucks in their win over Toronto. Ja Morant helped the Grizzlies snatch a road win with 23 points versus the Hornets. LaMelo Ball tried to keep his team afloat and also ended up with 23 of his own in the loss.
Aside from the big names, we have Jalen Brunson going off for a regular-season career-high of 38 points in the Knicks victory. Dennis Schroder also came up clutch in the Lakers win, dropping a season-high 32 points.
What he said
Some critics seemed to write off Klay Thompson earlier in the season, but Ty Jerome sure didn't.
— KNBR (@KNBR) January 5, 2023
"Guys, It's Klay Thompson." pic.twitter.com/wTYnxG5ewC
Many have said that Klay Thompson hasn't been the same guy since his injury. After seeing Klay hit the clutch three to force overtime tonight, Ty Jerome reminds everyone of the superstar’s talent.
Did you see that?
It’s always a sight to see when confident young players take on seasoned veterans like James Harden. Watch this Tyrese Haliburton kid making the Beard dance with his moves.
