Scoreboard
Hornets 124, Kings 123
Pacers 106, Mavericks 93
Nets 113, Hawks 105
Raptors 90, Knicks 87
Bucks 123, Rockets 114
Cavaliers 123, Timberwolves 106
Pelicans 109, Pistons 93
Lakers 116, Thunder 95
Suns 111, Celtics 90
What went down
The Nets remain the team to beat in the East, improving their record to 18-8 after tripping the Hawks.
Kevin Durant fired 31 points and took it upon himself to shadow Trae Young, who had 31 as well, in the final two minutes. It was a series of runs and counter runs in the fourth quarter, but the Nets had too many weapons in Durant and Harden, who had 20 points and 11 dimes, plus five rebounds.
As the Nets oversee the East, the Suns still got a good hold of the West.
An undermanned Phoenix squad without Deandre Ayton and Devin Booker had little issues against the Celtics. JaVale McGee starred in Ayton's absence and poured in 21 points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks. The Suns at 21-4 are tied with the Golden State Warriors for the league's best record.
Big-time baller
It took a herculean effort from defending champions' best player to put an end to the Rockets' seven-game win streak.
Giannis Antetokounmpo went to work with 41 points on 15-for-19 shooting, 17 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and two blocks. With his two rejections, Giannis became the franchise's all-time leader in blocks.
What he said
Things got spicy in the waning moments of the Nets and Hawks. KD was all up in Trae's grill and the young gun didn't appreciate the special treatment. In the end, it was all good old-fashioned competition between elite athletes.
It's all love between KD and Trae 🤝 pic.twitter.com/nDphLgbSN2
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 11, 2021
Did you see that?
Wheel of Fortune dished a blast from the past as former Lakers guard Andre Ingram made an appearance.
The fan-favorite is the author of an incredible basketball story having been a 32-year-old rookie who made his NBA debut back in the 2017-18 season. A veteran of the G League, he finally got called up and provided fans with a feel-good basketball moment. He made headlines in his first game when he scored 19 points and knocked down four 3s.
He had a short-lived NBA career, playing just a total of six games spanning two seasons, but he's still around. He's still chopping it up in the G League with the South Bay Lakers. He's a winner through and through and even won $31K on the show.
Hey, you guys might wanna see this 🏀 @Lakers @SouthBayLakers pic.twitter.com/6EATeQLC6Z
— Wheel of Fortune (@WheelofFortune) December 11, 2021
