Scoreboard
Jazz 117, Heat 109
Pistons 129, Raptors 127
Pacers 140, Knicks 126
Timberwolves 108, Lakers 106
Bulls 105, 76ers 92
Mavericks 132, Warriors 122
What went down
New Year’s Eve is fast approaching and the Detroit Pistons got the fireworks lit up.
After 63 days, the Pistons have finally snapped their 28-game losing streak with a 129-127 win over the Toronto Raptors. The Pistons set the league’s single-season record and tied the all-time record of longest losing slump. Cade Cunningham had another strong night and scored 26 of his 30 points in the second half.
🚨 THE DETROIT PISTONS HAVE SNAPPED THE 28-GAME LOSING STREAK 🚨
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) December 31, 2023
pic.twitter.com/5BAF7wxzV6
Hours before the game, the Raptors started their trade season by sending 2024 unrestricted free agent OG Anunoby and role players Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn to the New York Knicks for RJ Barrett, Immanuel Quickley, and the Pistons’ 2024 second-round pick.
One more reason for celebration is an unexpected win by the Utah Jazz over the Miami Heat. Their victory might be the most significant so far in the season, as they were able to maneuver offensively despite the outside shots not going in. Jazz was also able to contain starters Jimmy Butler, Nikola Jovic, and RJ Hampton on the defensive end.
Kelly Olynyk has been TEACHING Jaime Jaquez Jr this afternoon pic.twitter.com/sOoWT0Zlzy
— Jazz Lead (@JazzLead) December 30, 2023
Kelly Olynyk rose to the challenge against his former team and finished off with 19 points, 10 assists, six boards, and 8/12 FG. Basketball fans were reminded how good Olynyk is when he gets more minutes.
Big-time baller
Tyrese Haliburton becomes the third player ever with back-to-back games of 20 points and 20 assists, joining legends John Stockton and Magic Johnson. He’s had over 43 points, 43 assists, and ONLY 2 turnovers over his last two games.
Tyrese Haliburton just dropped 20+ points and 20+ assists in back to back games
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 31, 2023
this is NOT a typo
pic.twitter.com/56B8l5Xa7H
He also gave a staredown on Knicks analyst Wally Szczerbiak in the fourth quarter tonight. Wally last year called Tyrese a “wannabe All-Star.” Talk about sweet redemption.
Tyrese Haliburton stared down Wally Szczerbiak in the fourth quarter tonight 💀 pic.twitter.com/mFIR0gnEXp
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) December 31, 2023
What he said
With 32 games into the season, you would expect the current team to have already found their rhythm. However, the Warriors are not even close to replicating the team chemistry and gameplay that was present in their championship run in 2022.
"We have to get to that point, for sure, before it's too late."
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) December 31, 2023
Steph on the Warriors not having a dependable five-man unit pic.twitter.com/7tKdoZ5gkS
Stephen Curry needs help and he knows how crucial it is to find answers for his team as soon as possible.
Did you see that?
Lakers forward LeBron James turned 39 today, but the crucial replay review on his 3-pointer didn’t go his way. It was ruled as a 2-pointer by the refs, which ultimately led to a loss against the Timberwolves.
Lebron James shot was super close foot on the line or not ? pic.twitter.com/iHyt57d1LL
— Swish Cultures (@swishcultures_) December 31, 2023
Extra Pass
The Boston Celtics will be coming to the Frost Bank Center for Victor Wembenyama’s first matchup with the historic franchise. Overall, the Spurs will be having a tough time against the Eastern Conference-leading Celtics. However, it would be fun to watch Wemby go head-to-head against big guys like Kristaps Porzingis because of his length, Al Horford because of his veteran experience, and Luke Kornet because of his recent consistent defense.
You can catch the Celtics and the Spurs live on NBA TV Philippines.
