Scoreboard
Cavaliers 115, Bucks 99
Hornets 158, Pacers 126
Clippers 111, Magic 102
Hawks 121, Kings 104
Heat 110, Knicks 96
Nuggets 124, Nets 118
Bulls 111, Raptors 105
Grizzlies 118, Spurs 110
Suns 105, Jazz 97
Mavericks 132, Trail Blazers 112
What went down
In a sea of memorable games on a packed 10-game slate, perhaps none were as memorable as what the Charlotte Hornets did, which was the best display of offense so far this season.
Behind a ridiculous shooting display from beyond the arc, the Hornets put up a whopping 158 points on the board against the Pacers, setting the highest point total this season. They made 24 treys, highlighted by the 10 triples coming from forward Kelly Oubre, Jr.
The match was actually close at the half with the Hornets leading 71-70. But Charlotte came out like gangbusters in the third period with LaMelo Ball leading the charge, outscoring Indiana 42-24. The undermanned Pacers simply couldn’t keep up, losing to the visiting Hornets by 36 points.
Oubre. had a game-high 39 points for the Hornets, but Ball was just as spectacular. The second-year guard recorded a triple-double of 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 13 assists, and was also +45 for the entire game.
The Hornets bounced back nicely from a loss to the Toronto Raptors, rising to 7th (27-22) in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers have now lost three straight games and are in 13th place with a 17-32 record.
Big-time baller
Another day, another low-key brilliant performance from Phoenix Suns All-Star guard Devin Booker. His 43 points were the catalyst for the Suns’ 105-97 against the undermanned Utah Jazz. Booker added 12 rebounds and four assists in the brilliant performance, a testament to his game reaching new heights for a team with serious championship aspirations.
What he said
“You asked for my hustle, I gave you my heart.”
It’s been two years. We still miss you, Kob.
Did you see that?
The Chicago Bulls were up three against a relentless Toronto Raptors squad and could have burned more time on the clock to seal the win.
DeMar DeRozan was double-teamed on the sideline but was able to spot Nikola Vucevic before the Raptors could complete the trap. Did Vucevic hold the ball and wait to execute a nice play? Nope. He let it fly, and the triple iced the game for the Raptors to give the Bulls back-to-back wins.
VOOCH COMES UP HUGE!@NBCSChicago | @NikolaVucevic pic.twitter.com/KbGzVMDWn1
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 27, 2022
