Scoreboard
Pelicans 142, Wizards 122
76ers 129, Pistons 111
Raptors 135, Hawks 128
Heat 115, Hornets 104
Lakers 122, Spurs 119
Bucks 140, Pacers 126
Rockets 117, Grizzlies 104
Jazz 117, Knicks 113
Nets 116, Suns 112
What went down
The Nets spoiled the highly-anticipated debut of the new Big Three in Phoenix. Cam Thomas had 24 points while Mikal Bridges tallied 21 points against his former team to steal the show against the trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal.
The Nets had control for most of the first half before the Suns came alive in the third. It was a tightly contested final frame until the Nets regained control after Spencer Dinwiddie scored five straight points with a triple and a layup to make it 114-106 with a minute and a half remaining. The Suns got to within two, but Thomas sealed the win with a pair of free throws.
The Suns have been marred by various injuries to start the season and it was only the first time that they saw their three stars play in a game.
Booker led Phoenix with 34 points and 12 assists, followed by Durant with 27. Beal chipped in with 14 points.
Big-time baller
Giannis Antetokounmpo hung 64 points on the Pacers, setting a career-high and franchise record. He surpassed the previous Bucks record of 57 points set by Michael Redd in 2006 and his personal high of 55 points.
The two-time MVP went 20-for-28 from the field and was relentless going to the line, making 24 of his 32 free throw attempts. He also added 14 rebounds, three assists, and four steals. He also became the first player in league history to make at least 20 field goals and 20 free throws while shooting at a 70 percent clip in both categories.
An all-time performance from Giannis.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 14, 2023
64 PTS | 20-28 FG | 24-32 FT | 14 REB pic.twitter.com/zkWru6gio6
What they said
There was a commotion after the Pacers-Bucks game and it revolved around the game ball. The Pacers took the ball to give it to their rookie Oscar Tshiebwe, who scored his first career basket. The Bucks took objection because they wanted to give it to their star after his 64-point performance.
Here’s Indiana coach Rick Carlisle on what happened:
Pacers HC Rick Carlisle:
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 14, 2023
"There was a misunderstanding about the game ball. It was Oscar Tshiebwe's first official NBA point. We always get the game ball. We were not thinking about Giannis' franchise record. ... Unfortunate situation." pic.twitter.com/xT6NdvmWgH
Giannis said he got a ball but is not sure if that was indeed the game ball:
"I have a ball but I don't know if it's the game ball. It doesn't feel like the game ball to me."
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) December 14, 2023
Giannis not convinced he has the real game ball 🏀 pic.twitter.com/z5mc2tGx6H
Did you see that?
Golden State star Draymond was slapped with an indefinite suspension after his hit on Phoenix’s Jusuf Nurkic.
The following was released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/MUyW5ygJsb
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 14, 2023
Extra Pass
Two of the top three teams in the West face off as the Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Dallas Mavericks at 9:30 AM on NBA League Pass.
The Timberwolves are currently on top of the West standings and are tied for the league’s best record with 17 wins and five losses. They are 8-2 in their last 10 games and are looking to bounce back after their disappointing loss against the Pelicans.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks are third in the West, sporting a 15-8 record. They’ve won their last four games as they’ve beaten the Jazz, Trail Blazers, Grizzlies, and most recently, the Lakers.
Luka Doncic will take on Anthony Edwards in a battle between two young stars.
