Scoreboard
Celtics 98, Cavaliers 92
Kings 129, Pistons 107
Wizards 105, Pelicans 100
Hawks 129, Magic 111
Knicks 92, Pacers 84
Mavericks 111, Nuggets 101
Grizzlies 136, Rockets 102
Suns 99, Timberwolves 96
Heat 103, Thunder 90
Trail Blazers 118, Raptors 113
Bulls 121, Lakers 103
What went down
Can the hottest team in the NBA also be low-key underrated? The Suns currently own the longest winning streak of nine games following their victory over the Timberwolves. The Suns' Big Three of Devin Booker, Chris Paul, and Deandre Ayton scored at least 20 points each. Ayton also seemed to show no rust after missing the last five games because of a right leg injury, grabbing 12 rebounds.
The Suns aren't really making a huge buzz because in a way—we expected them to remain deadly coming off their NBA Finals run last season. Plus, despite their 10-3 record, they're still second in the West behind the surging Golden State Warriors. The hype is understandably on the Steph Curry train. But make no mistake, the Suns are tearing it up and show no signs of slowing down.
The most eye-opening result of the day's 11-game slate, however, was the Bulls' 121-103 thrashing of the Lakers. The Bulls were still without their big man Nikola Vucevic and the Lakers were still without LeBron James, but the absences hardly mattered. The Bulls are becoming this year's breakout team and back-to-back wins over two Los Angeles teams is a testament to that.
Big-time baller
DeMar DeRozan unloaded a season-high 38 points on the Lakers. He shot 15-for-23 from the field, 6-for-6 from the line, to go along with six assists, and three rebounds.
DeRozan, a native of California, put on a show for his hometown. He dropped a total of 73 points in the last two games versus the Clippers and the Lakers.
Denver's Nikola Jokic gets an honorary mention for his line of 35 points, 16 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks. The Nuggets lost to the Mavericks, but Jokic's numbers were popping.
What he said
DeRozan's stunning return to form this season has been a huge revelation for the Bulls. You know things are going well in Chicago when your big man calls it as it is.
I’m really glad my recruitment pitch to Demar worked
— Nikola Vucevic (@NikolaVucevic) November 16, 2021
Did you see that?
In case you didn't know, Iman Shumpert has been killing it with Dancing with the Stars. Here was his latest performance during the semis.
(Stay for the LeBron James celebration Easter egg!)
Iman Shumpert and Daniella Karagach dance Jazz to “Dark Fantasy” by Kanye West on the Dancing with the Stars Semi-Finals! pic.twitter.com/YyDKq7UiO3
— Dancing with the Stars #DWTS (@DancingABC) November 16, 2021
