Scoreboard
76ers 146, Wizards 101
Magic 104, Cavaliers 94
Pacers 131, Pistons 123
Heat 116, Hornets 114
Knicks 136, Raptors 130
Nuggets 129, Hawks 122
Thunder 134, Jazz 120
Pelicans 121, Timberwolves 107
Bucks 133, Bulls 129
Mavericks 120, Grizzlies 113
Rockets 93, Spurs 82
Kings 131, Nets 118
Clippers 132, Trail Blazers 127
What went down
The NBA returned with a full slate of games as 26 teams saw action. The Sixers notched their third straight win at the expense of the lowly Wizards while the Magic continue their hot start after defeating the Cavaliers. Orlando is now second in the Eastern Conference with a 16-7 record. Fresh from falling short in the In-Season Tournament, the Pacers avoided the upset against the Pistons who continue to plummet in the standings.
Meanwhile, the Bucks outlasted the Bulls in overtime thanks to a 32-point, 12-rebound performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo. DeMar DeRozan fired 41 points and 11 assists but it wasn’t enough for the Bulls who saw their four-game win streak snapped. DeRozan, who forced overtime with a floater, had a dunk that made it a two-point game with 12 seconds left in the extra session but Damian Lillard shut the door with two clutch free throws.
Big-time baller
Zion Williamson probably heard all the noise after his disappointing play in the In-Season Tournament and responded with a season-high 36 points and five rebounds to help the Pelicans beat the Timberwolves.
Zion Williamson TOOK OVER in the Pelicans W over the Twolves!
— NBA (@NBA) December 12, 2023
🔥 36 PTS
🔥 13/17 FGM pic.twitter.com/thL4uLJygU
Williamson was on the hot seat after a dismal 13-point, 3-rebound showing in a blowout against the Lakers in Las Vegas. He bounced back in a huge way when the Pelicans returned to action. He went 13-for-17 from the field and 10-for-12 from the line as he flashed his aggressiveness attacking the Timberwolves.
What he said
The Lakers announced that they will unveil a special In-Season Tournament banner for winning the NBA Cup. The team will also honor Anthony Davis and LeBron James who were named in the All-Tournament Team.
Lakers Nation, join us in celebrating our undefeated run to the inaugural In-Season Tournament Championship 🏆 pic.twitter.com/nfjz8308Nr
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) December 11, 2023
Did you see that?
The Spurs have had their troubles recently, but that doens’t mean there’s a shortage of Victor Wembanyama highlights. Check out this incredible hammer on the Rockets.
WEMBY POSTER 😱
— NBA (@NBA) December 12, 2023
Spurs-Rockets | Live on the NBA App
📲 https://t.co/oVFFAZEMC8 pic.twitter.com/gr67K5Xv6A
Extra Pass
The Celtics’ perfect 10-0 home record is on the line as they host the Cavaliers at 8:30 AM on NBA TV Philippines.
The Celtics are coming off an impressive victory over the Knicks wherein their five starters scored at least 16 points. Derrick White dropped a season-high 30 points while Jayson Tatum had 25 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
The Cavaliers, on the other hand, saw their three-game win streak halted by the Magic. They were limited to 15 points in the third and didn’t have enough to close it out in Orlando. Darius Garland will be looking to build off of his season-high 36 points to help the Cavaliers who are 7-4 on the road.
Cleveland is still without Evan Mobley and Caris LeVert, who are both nursing knee soreness. Mobley missed the last two games while LeVert hasn’t played this month.
The Cavs will have two chances to put a blemish on the Cetlics’ immaculate home record as the two squads will meet again on Friday in Boston.
