Scoreboard
Pistons 118, Hornets 112
Pacers 107, Kings 104
Trail Blazers 124, Wizards 116
Suns 106, Celtics 94
Raptors 117, Rockets 111
Magic 127, Timberwolves 120
76ers 137, Spurs 125
Hawks 115, Jazz 108
What went down
In a totally normal, drama-filled day around the NBA, the Phoenix Suns low-key got a big road win against the league-leading Boston Celtics.
The Suns controlled the game during the first half, instituting a slow, drawn-out pace that let them limit the Celtics offensively. They led by 12 at the half, but Boston got into their bag in the third quarter with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown leading the charge.
Momentum swung one last time early in the fourth quarter with the Suns’ bench, led by Dario Saric, clobbering the Celtics’ second unit. The Suns went up by 10 early in the final period, which was enough cushion for Chris Paul and Mikal Bridges to close the win out.
Saben Lee drops the HAMMER 🔨
— NBA (@NBA) February 4, 2023
Suns lead by 7 in Boston!
WATCH: https://t.co/WjxYAo0Ivs pic.twitter.com/hBth9jllxP
Paul had 15 and eight assists while Bridges dropped 25 points. Saric, who has struggled with knee injuries over the last two years, recorded his first double-double since 2020 with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
In a crowded Western Conference, the Suns suddenly look solid winning seven of their last nine games and earning the sixth spot with a 28-26 record. Things are looking up with Devin Booker close to a return from a groin injury that has sidelined him for five weeks. Reports indicate that he could be back by February 7.
In Minnesota, the Pistons and Minnesota got into some malice. The Magic got the win, but most of the highlights you’ll see from this game are from the brawl instigated by Mo Bamba and Austin Rivers.
Five players were ejected after that and, no doubt, suspensions and fines are inbound. With the way they’re posting on Instagram, Bamba and Rivers are going to get their money’s worth.
Big-time baller
Anfernee Simons came up huge for the Portland Trail Blazers, leading their comeback win against the Washington Wizards.
Anfernee Simons went OFF in the Trail Blazers' comeback win.
— NBA (@NBA) February 4, 2023
33 PTS
5 REB
6 AST
9 Threes pic.twitter.com/gxwTLxK3J5
Simons did most of his damage in the second half as the Blazers worked on trimming Washington’s 20-point lead. By the end, the former 24th overall pick drilled nine triples for 33 points with five rebounds and six assists.
The Blazers are hanging around the play-in picture in the West and Simons’ consistency is a big reason why. He’s averaging career-highs in points per game (21.7) and field goal percentage (45.1).
What he said
Anthony Edwards showed during his pregame media availability today why Wolves fans love him. Asked about being snubbed in this year’s All-Star selection, Edwards had a pretty level-headed view of his performance this season.
Here is some of what #Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards told a few of us this morning about not being an All-Star: pic.twitter.com/rG0TPLsPNn
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) February 3, 2023
Did you see that?
The push notification you probably woke up to today was Kyrie Irving reportedly requesting a trade. It was a good three drama-free months but this is at par for the course in the Kyrie Irving experience.
Breaking: Brooklyn Nets All-Star Kyrie Irving has requested a trade, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. The franchise has been informed that Irving prefers to move on ahead of the Feb. 9 trade deadline – or will leave in free agency in July.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 3, 2023
Apparently, the Nets wanted clauses on Kyrie’s extension to pay out with different conditions, such as playing a percentage of games and winning a title. Irving’s camp was having none of it.
Kyrie Irving’s camp did not negotiate after Brooklyn Nets presented an offer that was tied to team winning a championship, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. Told the issue was not about money, and now it’s said he wouldn’t even stay if offered a full max contract.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) February 3, 2023
Just when we thought we were in for a dull trade season, this happened. Some players have already expressed their thoughts on the news.
👀👑
— LeBron James (@KingJames) February 3, 2023
