Post Up: One Possession Game

Warriors 124 (11-2), Bucks 121 (5-7)

The Bucks and Warriors engaged in an intriguing grudge match Saturday night; the first team to defeat Golden State in 2015-16, Milwaukee played with a purpose against the defending Western Conference champions. As if the intense on-court action wasn’t enough, the Bradley Center’s Bandwagon Cam rubbed salt in the wound.

Despite a combined 58 points from Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker, Kevin Durant (33 points) and the Warriors pulled out the late W. After Milwaukee committed a crucial turnover late in the fourth quarter, TV cameras caught this despondent look from Michael Beasley.

Clippers 102 (12-2), Bulls 95 (8-5)

The Bulls led 33-23 after the first quarter, but would unravel late after Marreese Speights tallied 11 fourth quarter points. Chicago coach Fred Hoiberg- who made a questionable call to play Bobby Portis over Robin Lopez in the fourth quarter- drew his first career ejection with 8.9 seconds left in regulation.

https://twitter.com/_MarcusD2_/status/800218420059013120

Rockets 111 (8-5), Jazz 102 (7-7)

The Jazz received 20+ point performances from Rodney Hood and Trey Lyles, but fell to a .500 mark on the season against James Harden (31 points) and the Rockets. Utah will aim to keep afloat despite Derrick Favors and George Hill’s absence. Houston’s offense revolves around Harden, but a career-high 20 points from Clint Capela was a nice boost to Saturday’s W.

Pelicans 121 (4-10), Hornets 116 (8-4)

The Pelicans appear to be a dramatically improved team with Jrue Holiday back in the fold. Holiday, Anthony Davis and the Pels have now won three of their last four; all three coming against teams with winning records. Aside from AD’s banner performance, New Orleans received 23 points from Langston Galloway and a 17/8/5 line from Tim Frazier.

Heat 114 (4-8), Wizards 111 (3-9)

In a battle of underachieving teams, Miami came out on top behind a monstrous double-double from Hassan Whiteside (18 points, 18 boards) and 22 points from Goran Dragic. Washington’s stellar performance from John Wall and Bradley Beal (34 points each) hasn’t translated to a winning formula.

Magic 95 (6-7), Mavericks 87 (2-10)

With Philadelphia’s victory on Saturday, the Mavericks now own the worst record in the NBA. D.J. Augustin scored a team-high 18 points, while Bismack Biyombo and Nikola Vucevic each grabbed 10+ boards.

On a team without much else to root for, Jonathan Gibson has been a terrific story. A 29-year-old journeyman, Gibson scored a career-high 26 points in just his second NBA game against Orlando.

Celtics 94 (7-6), Pistons 92 (6-8)

In his first game back from an extended absence, Al Horford was the difference in Boston’s narrow win over Marcus Morris (24 points) and the Pistons. In a one possession game, Horford put back a Jae Crowder jumper to put Boston up for good. With Horford and Crowder each back from injury, Brad Stevens’ squad has returned to form.

https://twitter.com/Isaiah_Thomas/status/800181191433285632

76ers 120 (3-10), Suns 105 (4-10)

Despite a minutes restriction entering Saturday’s game, Joel Embiid went off for a career-high 26 points, leading Philly’s offense alongside Nik Stauskas (21 points off the bench). Eric Bledsoe poured in a game-high 27 points, but Devin Booker’s 4-of-13 shooting made it hard for Phoenix to compete in this one.

Grizzlies 93 (8-5), Timberwolves 71 (4-8)

Despite the presence of Tom Thibodeau and elite play of Karl-Anthony Towns, it hasn’t quite clicked yet in Minnesota. The T’Wolves shot just 39.1% from the field against Memphis, managing just 13 third quarter points. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, have now held their opponents to 71 or fewer points in each of their last two games. JaMychal Green and Zach Randolph had 19 and 18 points, respectively, to put this one away for the Grizzlies.