Scoreboard
Sixers 110, Hornets 106
Cavaliers 115, Bulls 92
Wizards 119, Pistons 116
Pacers 122, Knicks 102
Heat 113, Bucks 104
Thunder 110, Raptors 109
Rockets 114, Nets 104
Mavericks 104, Grizzlies 96
Jazz 136, Timberwolves 104
Nuggets 120, Pelicans 114
Warriors 104, Trail Blazers 94
Kings 142, Magic 130
Clippers 114, Celtics 111
What went down
With a jam-packed 13 games on the slate, keeping track of them all simultaneously might make your head spin like Doctor Strange in Avengers: Endgame.
There were multiple outcomes and different versions of teams getting the W. There were hard-fought ones, like the Washington Wizards’ overtime win over the Detroit Pistons via a game-winning 3 from Kyle Kuzma. The Pistons, for their efforts, got a sympathetic goodbye wave from Kuz as a consolation prize.
The Denver Nuggets also dug deep to get a come-from-behind OT win versus the New Orleans Pelicans. Nikola Jokic had a legit chance of winning the game in regulation, but his buzzer-beating Sambor Shuffle rimmed out. He went on to score 11 of his 39 points in overtime to remind everyone and their mothers why he’s the MVP.
A wild one also happened between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Toronto Raptors. With the Thunder up by a point, Toronto’s Justin Champagnie tipped in what appeared to be the game-winner as time ran out. Upon review, time did run out and the basket was no good. Just basketball casually toying with the emotions of Raptors’ fans.
There were blowouts as well. The Utah Jazz, led by Donovan Mitchell’s 36 points, stepped on the gas pedal and never let go to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves by 32 points.
The Cleveland Cavaliers also won huge against the DeMar DeRozan- and Alex Caruso-less Chicago Bulls. The underdog Cavs are continuing their exciting, unexpected run to the playoffs—even without their star Collin Sexton.
Lastly, in our Steph Curry 3-point tracker, he’s now 10 3s away from beating the all-time record owned by Ray Allen. He attempted 17 (!!!) 3s in the win against the Portland Trail Blazers. It’s confirmed: he’s gunning for it.
Big-time ballers
Three rookies balled out for their respective teams, making their case for Rookie of the Year.
Chris Duarte of the Indiana Pacers played a near-perfect game against the New York Knicks. He scored a game-high 23 points and missed only two of his 11 attempts.
Evan Mobley of the Cleveland Cavaliers was spectacular again, dropping 16 points and swatting a career-high five blocks versus the Chicago Bulls.
Brandon Boston Jr. of the Los Angeles Clippers must have liked the matchup against Boston. The second-round pick dropped a career-high 27 points on five 3s.
More than the numbers, though, what made their performances impressive were the big wins they helped get for their teams.
What he said
The Minnesota Timberwolves were blown out by the Utah Jazz and Anthony Edwards had interesting notes on how they can be better, particularly on the KAT side of things.
Ant Man gets it.
Anthony Edwards discusses how KAT needs to deal with double teams. “You gotta go quick.” Don’t wait for the double to come. He used Embiid as an example of going quick. Ant said it was disrespectful that Utah defended Towns with Bojan Bogdanovic + Karl needs to kill every night. pic.twitter.com/kXhEiTl4qZ
— John Meyer (@meyerNBA) December 9, 2021
Did you see that?
There are just so many to choose from, a variety of highlights for all types of fans. If you’re into dunks, the New York Knicks’ Obi Toppin flexed a between-the-legs slam during a fast break.
? OBI TOPPIN BETWEEN THE LEGS ??@nyknicks and Pacers on NBA League Pass: https://t.co/V0kkYEEIkG pic.twitter.com/fEVFI7FsqV
— NBA (@NBA) December 9, 2021
If game-winners are your thing, then Kyle Kuzma delivered one to break the hearts of the Detroit Pistons.
KUZMA IN THE CLUTCH 🤯
— NBA (@NBA) December 9, 2021
The triple gives the @WashWizards the lead with 0.6 on the clock!
OT on NBA League Pass: https://t.co/V0kkYEEIkG pic.twitter.com/HmuR5ZOiih
How about the Houston Rockets? In case you haven’t been noticing, they’ve won seven straight games. For a team that’s also lost 15 straight games in the same season, this is historic.
Seven 🚀
— Christian Wood (@Chriswood_5) December 9, 2021
