5 games in the NBA today.
Nets beat Hawks 114-102
Hawks jump off to an early lead in the first half, but the Nets would tie the game late in the 2nd quarter. The 3rd quarter was all Nets, with them outscoring the Hawks 30 to 18. Nets cruised to victory, led by Mikal Bridges' 38 point effort. With this win, the Nets clinched their season series against the Hawks 3-1. Interesting side note, Dejounte Murray got a tech for ignoring the referee who went to the bench to try to talk to him. I guess when the ref wants to talk, you better listen.
Heat beat Jazz 126-120
This game was very close throughout, with a lot of lead changes, and both teams each leading for periods of time. The Heat would create some separation late in the 4th quarter. The Jazz would battle back, but it was too little, too late, as the Heat would continue to score to keep the separation and hold onto the lead for the win. Jimmy Butler went off for 37 tonight, and the Heat playing the passing game had 33 assists.
Trail Blazers beat Grizzlies 107-100 in OT
Back to back games of the same 2 teams playing against one another on the same court. Last night, the Trail Blazers destroyed the Grizzlies, winning by 30 points. Playing on their home court again tonight, the Grizzlies started the game falling behind the Trail Blazers. The Grizzlies would take the lead later in the 2nd quarter and would continue to build on that lead in the 3rd. I think the Trail Blazers were down by 18 points at one point, but they battled back and tied the game with very little time left. The game ended up tied at 95 at the end of regulation, and it was headed for over time. The Grizzlies had multiple missed shots, while the Trail Blazers took the lead to complete the comeback and beat the Grizzlies. Anfernee Simons got 30 points, leading the Trail Blazers to the win.
Nuggets beat Lakers 124-114
Big congratulations to LeBron on scoring his 40,000th point and also being the first NBA player to achieve this feat! Aside from LeBron scoring 40k, the Lakers had a pretty weak game overall. LeBron had 26, AD had 17 with 11 rebounds, Rui Hachimura got 23, but that was not enough to beat the Nuggets. No triple double for the Joker tonight, but he did get a double double with 35 points,10 rebounds, and 7 assists. Jamal Murray also had a pretty solid game with 24 points, 11 assists, and 6 rebounds. The Lakers just didn't have enough to beat the Nuggets and lost by 10 points.
Rockets beat Suns 118-109
Surprise, surprise! Suns had their big 3 but still lost to the Rockets. Rockets came on strong, started a run midway through the 1st quarter, and would end the 1st quarter leading 38-19. Suns tried to battle back in the 2nd quarter, but the deficit was too steep and the Rockets also kept up with the scoring. Bradley Beal pushed Jalen Green in the face about halfway in the 3rd quarter and got ejected. He did it right in front of the ref too, as if he was trying hard to get a tech. Beal wasn't having a good game, scoring only 7 points with 20 minutes played, so maybe that's why he did what he did? Kevin Durant reliable as usual, with 30 points. On the Rockets side, Jalen Green got 34 points, VanVleet got 24 points, 11 assists, and Sengun got 21 points, 10 rebounds.
As for my subjective play of the day, it had to be this play. The moment that history was written. The layup that marked the first ever NBA player to score 40,000 points in NBA history. Congratulations to LeBron James once again.
Thank you for taking the time to go over my recap. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. Cheers and have a good night!