Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to a 102-97 victory over the Timberwolves with a game-high 33 points, bringing the visitors (29-13) within one game of the host Timberwolves (30-12) for the top spot in the Western Conference.
A 3-point shot by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put the Thunder ahead 96-94 with 74 seconds left. Rudy Gobert scored a free throw for the Timberwolves, but Jalen Williams secured Oklahoma City’s win by making four free throws in the last 15 seconds.
Damian Lillard had his best scoring performance of the season with 45 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed 31 points to help the Milwaukee Bucks secure a 141-135 victory over the struggling Detroit in the NBA. Lillard, who was acquired from Portland in the preseason, also recorded 11 assists and made 12 of 22 field goal attempts, including 5 of 11 from beyond the arc, and all 16 of his free throws. This performance made Lillard the first player in Bucks history to achieve 40 or more points, 10 or more assists, and five 3-pointers in a single game.
This impressive display came just three nights after Milwaukee suffered a heavy defeat to Cleveland. Antetokounmpo, the Greek star, also contributed with 10 rebounds, nine assists, two steals, and a blocked shot. The win improved Milwaukee’s record to 29-13, placing them three games behind Boston for the top spot in the Eastern Conference. On the other hand, Alec Burks scored 33 points off the bench, including 7 of 14 from 3-point range, for Detroit, who now have the worst record in the league at 4-38.
The current NBA Most Valuable Player, Joel Embiid, continued his impressive streak of scoring at least 30 points in 20 consecutive games since mid-November. He scored 33 points and secured 10 rebounds for Philadelphia in their 97-89 win against Charlotte. The Cameroonian player made 11 of 23 shots from the field and 11 of 12 free throws, while also contributing five assists and three blocked shots for the 76ers. Miles Bridges was the top performer for the Hornets with 25 points and 11 rebounds.
Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks to a 126-100 victory over Toronto with a game-high 38 points, while Julius Randle contributed a triple-double, recording 18 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists.
French newcomer Victor Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs to a 131-127 victory over the Washington Wizards by scoring 24 points, grabbing eight rebounds, blocking six shots, and providing four assists. The 20-year-old, 7-foot-4 (2.24m) center, who was the first overall pick in the previous NBA Draft, contributed seven points during a decisive 22-6 run in the final five minutes of the game. This win came in a matchup between the NBA’s second and third-worst teams, with the Spurs (8-34) prevailing over the Wizards (7-34).
Turkish player Alperen Sengun led the Houston Rockets to a 127-126 overtime victory against the Utah Jazz, scoring 37 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Sengun’s two free throws forced the game into overtime, and his 3-point play tied the score at 126-126. The Rockets secured the win when Jabari Smith made a free throw, and Utah’s Jordan Clarkson missed a final shot attempt. Clarkson had a game-high 33 points for the Jazz.
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