The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a hard-fought victory against the Magic, fueled by a stellar performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers returned to winning ways against the Milwaukee Bucks.
While the contests between OKC and the Magic, and the Cavs and Bucks were close, the San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets enjoyed dominant blowout wins this evening. Superstars Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic could practically rest, yet still delivered their usual commanding performances.
Additionally, the Minnesota Timberwolves clinched a crucial victory in their playoff push even without Anthony Edwards, and the Detroit Pistons managed a strong win despite an early exit by Cade Cunningham.
A complete recap of the NBA night’s action.
NBA: Night’s Results at a Glance
| Home | Away | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Hornets | Miami Heat | 136:106 |
| Washington Wizards | Detroit Pistons | 117:130 |
| Orlando Magic | Oklahoma City Thunder | 108:113 |
| New York Knicks | Indiana Pacers | 136:110 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | Phoenix Suns | 116:104 |
| Milwaukee Bucks | Cleveland Cavaliers | 116:123 |
| Sacramento Kings | San Antonio Spurs | 104:132 |
| Denver Nuggets | Philadelphia 76ers | 124:96 |
Orlando Magic (38-30) — Oklahoma City Thunder (54-15) 108:113
The Thunder secured their tenth consecutive victory, solidifying their playoff spot, once again relying on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The MVP extended his recent record streak of 20-point games to 129 outings, tallying 40 points (14/27 FG, 3/5 3FG, 9/11 FT). With two and a half minutes left, the point guard scored five consecutive points, pushing the score to 103:96 and effectively sealing the win.
The reigning champions initially held a significant lead, going up 45:27 after a 19:5 run. However, the Magic showed resilience and managed to turn the game around. By the middle of the third quarter, Orlando was even seven points ahead, thanks to a strong performance from Paolo Banchero (32 PTS, 12/21 FG, 3/6 3FG, 10 REB, 5 AST). Desmond Bane was the second-highest scorer for the Florida team with 16 points. Tristan da Silva struggled from beyond the arc but still contributed 13 points (4/12 FG, 1/6 3FG).
While the starters largely performed well against the Western Conference leader, the bench struggled significantly. When asked about the challenging night for his reserves, Head Coach Jamahl Mosley gave a short and clear answer: «You all saw it.»
This was particularly true for Moritz Wagner, who not only struggled offensively (5 PTS, 1/6 FG) but also appeared overwhelmed defensively at times. In less than 13 minutes, the big man accumulated a disastrous plus-minus rating of -28. In the fourth quarter, Mosley showed mercy and sent Goga Bitadze onto the court instead of the German international.
For the Thunder, Isaiah Hartenstein also had little direct impact on scoring, going scoreless in 16 minutes for the third consecutive game. However, «I-Hart» shined with 8 assists and grabbed 8 rebounds. While the German center provided a quirky stat line, Alex Caruso garnered attention for the craziest play of the day. «I’ve never been in a situation like that. And I don’t know why, but it just came to mind,» explained the guard after blocking Tristan da Silva’s layup with his shoe (!). The consequence was two points for Orlando and a technical foul for Caruso, a situation the perpetrator claimed «probably won’t happen again for ten years.»
Milwaukee Bucks (28-40) — Cleveland Cavaliers (42-27) 116:123
Evan Mobley (27 PTS, 15 REB) and James Harden (27 PTS, 6 AST) ensured that Cleveland avoided another embarrassing loss in Milwaukee after their debacle against Dallas. Although the Cavs led significantly 37:24 after the first quarter, the Bucks rallied back surprisingly quickly. The score was tied 13 times, and the lead changed hands 16 times.
With seven minutes remaining and the score tied at 100:100, Sam Merrill initiated an 8:0 run for the Cavaliers with a successful three-pointer. The Bucks later cut the deficit to 106:110, but Cleveland responded with a 7:0 run, leaving Milwaukee no chance in the final minutes.
Alongside top scorers Mobley and Harden, Merrill impressed for Cleveland with 17 points. Donovan Mitchell also scored in double digits (19) but struggled with his shooting (4/14 FG, 1/4 3FG). Max Strus, in his second game back from a long injury layoff, contributed 6 points and 6 rebounds. German national team captain Dennis Schröder took only two field goal attempts in 16 minutes (3 PTS) but dished out 5 assists. The Cavs’ bench, with Strus and Schröder, was completely outmatched by the Bucks’ reserves (24:57). However, Cleveland made twice as many free throw attempts (34:17).
Without the injured Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee struggled to attack the rim and largely stayed in the game due to their three-point shooting (20/45 3FG). Antetokounmpo is expected to miss at least a week due to various injuries. Myles Turner was also absent for their ninth loss in the last eleven games.
Taurean Prince, returning from a long injury, started for the first time this season, contributing 8 points in 22 minutes. Kevin Porter Jr. tallied 25 points and 10 assists. Bobby Portis, Ousmane Dieng, and Ryan Rollins each added 19 points. Cam Thomas, initially signed in February as a promising asset for the Bucks, received his second «DNP — Coach’s Decision» from coach Doc Rivers.
Charlotte Hornets (35-34) — Miami Heat (38-31) 136:106
After their seven-game winning streak was recently snapped by the Magic, Miami had to face Charlotte without key players Bam Adebayo (83 points), Andrew Wiggins (toe), and Nikola Jovic (back), as they attempted to get back on track.
Coach Erik Spoelstra’s depleted squad managed to keep pace with the Hornets until halftime, trailing by a mere 57:59. Hope lingered even after three quarters (88:96). However, Charlotte stepped up their game in the final quarter, outscoring Miami 40:18 in the last twelve minutes.
LaMelo Ball was the standout player for the surprising Eastern Conference team. The point guard surpassed the 6,000 career points mark with his 30 points (12/22 FG, 4/12 3FG) and also dished out 13 assists. Miles Bridges also secured a double-double (14 PTS, 10 REB). Off the bench, Coby White exploded for 24 points, and Rookie of the Year candidate Kon Knueppel added 22 points.
The Heat, who couldn’t even connect on one in five three-pointers (7/36 3FG), were led by Tyler Herro (20 PTS). Norman Powell contributed 17 points, and Keshad Johnson had 15.
Washington Wizards (16-52) — Detroit Pistons (49-19) 117:130
The Wizards had surprisingly given the Eastern Conference leaders significant trouble this season. The Pistons only managed to win their first encounter after overtime, while Washington secured the second.
In their third matchup, Detroit suffered an early setback: Cade Cunningham was unable to continue playing from the middle of the first quarter. The point guard had dived for a loose ball early in the game, initially played through it, but later had to leave the court due to back problems.
The Wizards managed to keep the game close for a long time, but led by a dominant Jalen Duren (36 PTS, 12 REB), the Pistons pulled away to a +22 lead in the third quarter. Besides Duren, only Tobias Harris (12) from the starting five scored more than ten points. However, four bench players – Daniss Jenkins (15), Ronald Holland III (11), Caris LeVert (10), and Paul Reed (10) – all contributed double-digit scores.
For the Wizards, Bub Carrington’s season-high 30 points (12/16 FG, 6/8 3FG) couldn’t prevent their 13th consecutive loss. The sophomore received support from Will Riley (21 PTS) and Justin Champagnie (18 PTS).
New York Knicks (45-25) — Indiana Pacers (15-54) 136:110
On one side, the Knicks celebrated their fourth consecutive victory. On the other, the Pacers suffered their 14th straight loss. The Pacers are the only team not to have won a single game since the All-Star break, with their last win dating back to February 12th.
Indiana actually started quite well at Madison Square Garden, even leading 12:11 at one point before OG Anunoby sparked a personal 8:0 run for the Knickerbockers. However, the Pacers didn’t give up so early, turning the game around and building a small cushion of 57:51 in the second quarter. The Knicks, however, launched a 21:7 run before halftime, and the Pacers never got closer than six points, with the game eventually becoming a blowout.
New York was even missing their leading scorer, Jalen Brunson. While the point guard was rested, Josh Hart delivered a season-high 33 points with incredible efficiency (12/13 FG, 5/5 3FG, 4/5 FT). Anunoby also needed few shots for his 26 points (10/13 FG, 4/5 3FG, 2/2 FT). Brunson’s replacement, Jose Alvarado (16 PTS, 10 AST), and Karl-Anthony Towns (22 PTS, 11 REB) also secured double-doubles. Ariel Hukporti did not play.
For the Pacers, T.J. McConnell grabbed a double-double with 10 points and 10 assists. Jarace Walker was Indiana’s top scorer with 16 points. New acquisition Ivica Zubac contributed 11 points and 7 rebounds in his fourth appearance for his new team. Pascal Siakam missed his fifth consecutive game due to injury.
Minnesota Timberwolves (42-27) — Phoenix Suns (39-30) 116:104
Without their injured leader Anthony Edwards (knee), Julius Randle stepped up for the Timberwolves with 32 points (10/17 FG, 2/3 3FG, 10/13 FT) in their important home victory. The big man also collected 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals – and 6 turnovers. Bones Hyland added 22 points off the bench, Ayo Dosunmu contributed 19 points, and Rudy Gobert dominated under the baskets with 9 points, 19 rebounds (8 offensive), and 4 blocks.
For the Suns, Grayson Allen was out with knee problems, meaning three of their top five scorers – including the injured Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams – were absent. Head Coach Jordan Ott at least had his best scorer, Devin Booker, available. Although Booker struggled from long range, he still put up 34 points (11/27 FG, 1/7 3FG, 11/14 FT). However, besides him, only Oso Ighodaro (16) and Collin Gillespie (12) managed to surpass the 10-point mark.
Prior to the game against the Suns, the Wolves had lost four of their last five matchups and had reason to worry that Phoenix was closing in on them in the West, potentially pushing Minnesota into the Play-In tournament. However, the Timberwolves initially seemed unaware of the stakes. They completely slept through the start, trailing by eleven points in less than five minutes. Over time, Minnesota found their rhythm, and a crucial 16:2 run spanning the third and fourth quarters sealed the decision.
Sacramento Kings (18-52) — San Antonio Spurs (51-18) 104:132
The Kings entered their matchup with the Spurs on what was arguably the best stretch of their modest season (four wins in five games). The Spurs, on the other hand, hadn’t won in Sacramento in over two years. Anyone hoping for a close game based on these pre-game signs was quickly disappointed.
San Antonio never trailed, leading 39:22 after the first twelve minutes. In the second quarter, the score even reached 60:27 before the Spurs significantly eased off the gas with two and a half quarters remaining.
Victor Wembanyama was the standout player in their eighth win in the last eight games. Wemby needed only 22 minutes and 14 shots for his 18 points and 8 rebounds. Keldon Johnson matched his scoring output. A total of seven Spurs players scored in double figures, including Harrison Barnes. The former King contributed an efficient 16 points (6/7 FG, 4/5 3FG). De’Aaron Fox also impressed with 15 points and 6 assists in his old stomping grounds. Only Stephon Castle struggled with his shooting (1/7 FG), but the point guard compensated for his lack of scoring with 12 assists.
Despite the significant loss, there was reason for joy for the Kings. Although Russell Westbrook struggled with his shooting (5 PTS, 2/6 FG, 0/3 3FG), he moved up to fifth place on the NBA’s all-time assists list with 10 assists. Additionally, Maxime Raynaud underlined his reputation as the biggest steal of the past draft with 32 points (13/25 FG, 2/5 3FG, 4/4 FT).
Denver Nuggets (42-27) — Philadelphia 76ers (37-32) 124:96
A familiar sight in the ‘Mile High City’: Joel Embiid was greeted with loud boos from Nuggets fans as he once again took a seat on the bench in street clothes. The center hasn’t played in Denver since 2019.
In addition to Embiid, the 76ers were also missing the suspended Paul George and the injured Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr. In the absence of their stars, MarJon Beauchamp was Philly’s top scorer with 16 points. Quentin Grimes and Trendon Watford each contributed 12 points.
The Nuggets had no trouble against the shorthanded 76ers, leading 38:22 after the first quarter and 72:40 by halftime. This marked the fewest points Head Coach David Adelman’s team had allowed in a first half this season. The Nuggets’ most prolific scorers this evening were Christian Braun (22) and Cam Johnson (18). Nikola Jokic cruised comfortably (8 PTS, 4/7 FG, 7 REB, 14 AST), and Jamal Murray also took it easy after his challenging performance against the Lakers (12 PTS, 3/7 FG).