The NBA resumed its action-packed schedule following the All-Star break, witnessing thrilling victories for the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks, both extending their winning streaks to seven games.
In a showdown against the Phoenix Suns, the Mavericks secured a commanding 123-113 victory on their home turf, fueled by an outstanding performance from Luka Doncic, who notched an impressive 41 points. Meanwhile, Kyrie Irving led the charge for the Celtics with 29 points as they dominated the Chicago Bulls with a final score of 129-112, showcasing their championship caliber.
The Golden State Warriors also emerged triumphant, overpowering the Los Angeles Lakers with a convincing 128-110 win, despite missing star player LeBron James due to an ankle injury.
League-leading Boston faced a formidable challenge, trailing by three points at halftime before orchestrating a remarkable comeback in the third quarter, ultimately improving their record to an impressive 44-12.
Similarly, the Mavericks found themselves in a tight spot at halftime, trailing by three points, but a stellar third-quarter performance, highlighted by a 16-0 run, propelled them to victory, leveling their record with the Phoenix Suns at 33-23.
Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets showcased his prowess on the court, etching his name in NBA history by becoming only the third player to achieve at least one triple-double against every team he has faced in the league. His stellar performance, totaling 21 points, 19 rebounds, and 15 assists, propelled the Nuggets to a resounding 130-110 victory over the Washington Wizards.
Elsewhere, Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors reached another milestone, notching 32 points and six three-pointers while also becoming the first player in franchise history to amass 6,000 assists in the regular season. Despite Curry’s heroics, the Lakers’ three-game winning streak came to an end, succumbing to the Warriors’ offensive onslaught.
In other matchups, the Oklahoma City Thunder secured a convincing 129-107 win over the Los Angeles Clippers, propelled by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 31-point performance. However, the Brooklyn Nets faced a setback in their first game under interim coach Kevin Ollie, suffering a 121-93 defeat at the hands of the Toronto Raptors.
As the NBA season progresses, fans can expect more exhilarating matchups and remarkable performances from their favorite teams and players. Stay tuned for more electrifying action on the hardwood.