Scoreboard
76ers 121, Raptors 111
Nuggets 122, Nets 117
Rockets 122, Mavericks 96
Heat 122, Hawks 113
Kings 120, Suns 105
Warriors 129, Wizards 118
What went down
The biggest draw of the day was Jordan Poole's return to Golden State. Poole spent the first four seasons of his career with the Warriors, helping them win a championship in 2022. He was traded during the offseason to the Wizards for Chris Paul.
But throughout the 2022-2023 season, Poole's last season in San Francisco was tainted by his offseason altercation with Draymond Green. A video of Green punching Poole during practice leaked during training camp. Coincidentally, Green was not present for Poole’s return due to an indefinite suspension laid on him after several violent on-court incidents he instigated.
Before today, Steve Kerr reflected on Poole’s departure, calling it unfortunate. Poole, after all, was a developmental success story for the Warriors. He was picked late in the first round of the 2019 Draft and had to spend time in the G-League before becoming a valuable piece in their championship run.
Poole got a standing ovation and a customary video tribute from the Warriors.
Warm welcome for Jordan Poole 🙌 pic.twitter.com/jbbwmtn1qa
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) December 23, 2023
Golden State wound up winning the game behind 30 points and seven assists from Steph Curry and a 22-point outing from Jonathan Kuminga. But all eyes were on Poole, who did not disappoint and put on a show with his signature crazy shot selection.
Big-time baller
The Sacramento Kings knew exactly how to stress Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and the Phoenix Suns: feed Sabonis. Damontas Sabonis did not disappoint, recording his fourth triple-double of 28 points, 11 rebounds and 12 assists as the Suns had no answer for the dominant big man.
Domantas Sabonis dropped his 4th TRIPLE-DOUBLE of the season in the Kings' win over the Suns 💪
— NBA (@NBA) December 23, 2023
28 PTS / 11 REB / 11 AST pic.twitter.com/Za4pbalidy
Sabonis has been low-key incredible this season. While the Kings aren’t as hyped as last season’s “Light The Beam” spectacle, they are still one of the best teams in the West with a 17-10 record.
What he said
The leader of the Metu Movement, Chimezie Metu had a frank answer about how he turned his career around in Sacramento.
"Well, for one, I started playing."
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) December 22, 2023
Chimezie Metu on how his career changed when he joined the Kings in 2020-21 season after spending his first two years in San Antonio.
Faces former team in return to Sacramento. #Suns #Kings pic.twitter.com/Jjd3SF9gVK
Did you see that?
The Miami Heat announced that they are retiring Udonis Haslem’s jersey No. 14 on January 19. Haslem spent 20 seasons with the Heat and still holds a post in the front office. While he wasn’t the most productive player, especially in his later years, Haslem was key in establishing the Heat Culture that has permeated every level of the organization.
Extra pass
The Los Angeles Lakers visit the Oklahoma City Thunder tomorrow. Watch the game live on NBA League Pass at 9 AM.
The Lakers haven’t been playing well recently and have described this game as a must-win situation with their record sitting at 15-15. The Thunder, on the other hand, have been running teams off the court and are currently 18-8.
