The Lakers defeated the Celtics 114-105, with Austin Reaves scoring a season-best 32 points to lead the short-handed Lakers to victory over the Celtics on their home court.
Austin Reaves made 10 out of 18 shots and successfully converted 7 out of 10 3-point attempts for the Lakers. Although the Celtics were within six points early in the fourth quarter, they were unable to narrow the gap any further. Jayson Tatum was the top scorer for the Celtics with 23 points, while Kristaps Porzingis contributed 17 points, seven rebounds, and five blocked shots. Sam Hauser also scored 17 points, including five 3-pointers. Al Horford led the Celtics with nine rebounds.
Tyrese Maxey had a standout performance, scoring a personal best of 51 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a thrilling 127-124 victory over the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. This win ended the 76ers’ four-game losing streak. Shortly after being selected as an NBA All-Star reserve, Maxey showcased his talent by making 17 of 27 field goals, sinking seven 3-pointers, and converting 10 of 11 free throws, including two crucial ones with 4.1 seconds left in the game.
Tobias Harris contributed 28 points for the 76ers, while Kelly Oubre Jr. added 16. Joel Embiid was absent from the game due to a lateral meniscus injury in his left knee sustained in the previous game against Golden State. On the other side, Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 28 points and 10 rebounds in their third consecutive loss.
Donovan Mitchell contributed 25 points and seven assists to help Cleveland secure its fourth consecutive victory against Memphis. Shortly after being named as one of the seven Eastern Conference All-Star reserves, Mitchell made a crucial 3-pointer that put Cleveland in the lead at 101-97 with 2:42 left in the game. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the injury-ridden Grizzlies with 25 points, while Santi Aldama recorded 18 points and nine rebounds, Vince Williams Jr. scored 17 points, and GG Jackson and Scotty Pippen Jr. each finished with 10 points.
Jalen Brunson, who was recently named an Eastern Conference All-Star, contributed 11 of his 40 points in the last 6:45 to help New York secure their ninth consecutive victory. The team overcame a 15-point deficit to defeat Indiana at home. Despite the absence of fellow All-Star Julius Randle due to a separated shoulder and OG Anunoby due to a right elbow injury, the Knicks have managed to win their last three games. Quentin Grimes was also unavailable for Thursday’s game due to a right knee injury.
Precious Achiuwa recorded a double-double with 12 points and 16 rebounds, while Isaiah Hartenstein also achieved a double-double with 12 points and 19 rebounds for the Knicks. Donte DiVincenzo scored 20 points, and Miles McBride added 16 points coming off the bench. Jalen Smith, a reserve player, contributed 20 points for the Pacers, who have suffered two consecutive losses and five defeats in their last eight games. Pascal Siakam scored 18 points, Aaron Nesmith added 17 points, and Tyrese Haliburton, playing back-to-back games for the first time since January 6th-8th, scored 15 points.
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