Scoreboard
Magic 126, Pacers 120
76ers 137, Nets 133
Wizards 108, Rockets 103
Bucks 107, Nuggets 99
Timberwolves 111, Pelicans 102
Hawks 137, Thunder 132
Trail Blazers 134, Jazz 124
Raptors 113, Kings 95
Lakers 113, Spurs 104
Warriors 122, Grizzlies 120
What went down
This was one of, if not, the craziest day this season.
Let's start where the day ended: the Golden State Warriors came back from a late deficit and came out on top of a late exchange of clutch buckets to withstand their new rivals in the Memphis Grizzlies.
The final minute of the game opened with Steph Curry getting ejected for tossing his mouthpiece (ala Game 6 of the 2016 Finals). That didn’t stop both teams from going bonkers. The Grizzlies seemed to have forced overtime, drawing up a quick bucket for Brandon Clrake then getting a stop on the other end with 2.6 seconds left on the clock. That was when Jordan Poole struck.
JORDAN POOLE CALLED GAME
— NBA (@NBA) January 26, 2023
WARRIORS WIN.#NBARivalsWeek pic.twitter.com/K3DcglqJHr
Curry finished the game with 34 points. Poole’s game-winner rounded out his 21-point performance, which gave the Warriors some much needed breathing room in the middle of the Western Conference standings.
The Grizzlies dropped their fourth straight game, losing all their meetings against the California squads. They still own the second best record in the West at 31-17 with a chance to end their losing streak against the struggling Minnesota Timberwolves.
In Los Angeles, the Lakers welcomed back Anthony Davis earlier today with a win against the San Antonio Spurs. AD, who suffered several injuries to his right foot, had 21 points and 12 rebounds in limited minutes.
But it was LeBron James who anchored the Lakers with 20 points and 12 assists. He also made history, grabbing ninth in the all-time 3-pointers made list with 2,222 triples. Just yesterday, James became the only player in league history to drop 40 points on every NBA team.
two thousand two hundred and twenty two threes
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 26, 2023
& counting pic.twitter.com/XS7YXjS18k
We also had a monumental clash in the Eastern Conference at the start of the day with the Philadelphia 76ers clipping the Brooklyn Nets.
Since the game was held in Philly and Ben Simmons was playing, this game featured plenty of jawing on the court and in the stands.
But the Sixers just had too much firepower for the Nets. Tyrese Maxey managed 27 points, Joel Embiid added 26 points and 10 boards, while James Harden chipped in 23.
Philly has silently climbed to second in the East with a 31-16 record. The Nets sit at fourth with a 29-18 slate and the return of Kevin Durant in the horizon.
Big-time baller
After Pat Beverly snatched his watch, Damian Lillaed made sure to set Portland back to Dame Time.
He exploded for 24 points in the third quarter alone, finishing with 60 points and the dub.
DAMIAN. LILLARD.
— NBA (@NBA) January 26, 2023
60 points
7 rebounds
8 assists
9 threes
21/29 FG (72.4%) pic.twitter.com/NoTJstv2XG
Just when you thought Lillard might be slipping, he delivers games like this to remind you why he’s one of the most fun players to watch in the league. This marked his fourth 60-point game, tying him with Michael Jordan and James Harden.
What he said
If you’re still wondering what makes Nikola Jokic special, watch this display of his elite vision as he spots fans making out after Denver’s game yesterday.
I have to admit I am often surprised doing interview with Jokic but this was a new one 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/z9fYSjE1pJ
— Katy Winge (@katywinge) January 25, 2023
Did you see that?
Russell Westbrook found his favorite media member yesterday.
This reporter was hilariously very nice to Russ 😂 not many like her come around pic.twitter.com/BvL8mWMpKU
— ??fan account (@TheWestbrookEra) January 25, 2023
