Scoreboard
Hornets 121, Pacers 118
Warriors 105, Pistons 102
Celtics 130, Lakers 108
Nets 115, Magic 113
Bucks 96, Thunder 89
Pelicans 94, Clippers 81
Bulls 114, Nuggets 108
Suns 112, Mavericks 104
Raptors 108, Kings 89
What went down
The Phoenix Suns remain piping hot after extending their win streak to 11 games and improve to 12-3 overall. They outlasted a gritty effort from the Luka Doncic-less Mavericks with several players contributing.
Six Suns scored in double-figures spearheaded by 19 points from both Mikal Bridges and Devin Booker. Chris Paul took care of the assists with 14 while Deandre Ayton managed the rebounding with 17.
The Suns will try to make it 12 in a row when they face the Denver Nuggets next.
LeBron James, meanwhile, returned after his eight-game absence due to an abdominal strain but his presence hardly mattered as the Celtics walloped the Lakers. Tatum had a huge night with 37 points while the duo of Marcus Smart and Dennis Schroder combined for 43 points. For the Lakers, Anthony Davis netted 31 points while James logged in 32 minutes and finished with 23 points.
Big-time baller
Jayson Tatum torched the Lakers with 37 points on 50 percent shooting and knocked down four 3s. His contributions on the offensive end were crucial in the second half as the Celtics were able to pull away.
Tatum also filled the stat sheet with 11 rebounds, two assists, three steals, and a block.
What he said
The legends came out to watch the Lakers and Celtics renew their rivalry. Paul Pierce was in the building, as well as Bill Russell who wore a cap with the initials "KB" in honor of the late Laker icon Kobe Bryant.
For Jayson Tatum, one of the faces of the latest era of Celtics basketball, he knows the legacy he's carrying.
With legends like Bill Russell and @paulpierce34 in attendance tonight @jaytatum0 talks about what they mean to the Celtics ?? pic.twitter.com/xYl4yfAvKu
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) November 20, 2021
What's in a number?
James Harden made a living from the free throw line, going 19-for-20, as part of his 36-point outburst in the Nets’ win.
Harden's 20 attempts is unusually a lot for a single player, but the stat is more impressive when you compare it to the Clippers-Pelicans game where the two teams had 13 total. The Pelicans had eight attempts while the Clippers just had five.
Per ESPN Stats and Info, the 13 combined attempts is tied for the second fewest in a game in the last 25 seasons.
