Warriors 138 (17-3), Suns 109 (6-14)
The Suns kept the game to a nine-point deficit entering halftime, but the wheels fell off in the third quarter; getting outscored 42-27 en route to an easy W for the Warriors. Golden State has now gone 106 regular season games without losing two in a row, boasting 20-plus point performances from Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Stephen Curry. While the team struggled as a whole (committing 14 turnovers, getting in foul trouble), Eric Bledsoe and
In midst of an impressive night off the bench (11 points in 12:42 of court time), JaVale McGee submitted a classic #Shaqtin moment…much to the delight of his teammates.
JaVale McGee #Shaqtin, attempted to inboun d the ball for the Suns, bench was rolling pic.twitter.com/HfEV4Ggbo9
— CJ Fogler #BlackLivesMatter (@cjzero) December 4, 2016
Bucks 112 (10-8), Nets 103 (5-14)
We’re not exactly breaking news here, but it’s worth stating: Giannis Antetokounmpo is really good. The Greek Freak is averaging 25 points, nine boards, 7.6 dimes, 3.2 steals, and two blocks over his last five games. In addition to Antetokounmpo’s handiwork, the Bucks received 15-plus point performances from Jabari Parker, Matthew Dellavedova, and John Henson to seal the W.
Still just 21 years old, Giannis Antetokounmpo has developed into one of the league's most well-rounded players. https://t.co/5XHGaHM6NX pic.twitter.com/5ucoW9dV6h
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 4, 2016
Timberwolves 125 (6-14), Hornets 120 (11-9)
Andrew Wiggins scored 29 points on 11-of-20 shooting, including a cold-blooded trey to send the game to OT. Minnesota’s gotten off to a rough start under Tom Thibodeau, but wins like these are a sign that things are trending in the right direction. Karl-Anthony Towns double-doubled, and delivered this powerful jam in transition.
Get up, KAT! https://t.co/TU0SgbL5IQ
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 4, 2016
Celtics 107 (12-8), 76ers 106 (4-16)
Isaiah Thomas scored a game-high 37 points, including a string of 12-straight in the fourth quarter. Dario Saric helped Philly compete without Joel Embiid (scheduled day of rest), scoring 21 points with 12 boards off the bench. After Saric broke Jonas Jerebko’s ankles, Embiid showed his appreciation on Instagram.
😂😂😂 #TrustTheProcess pic.twitter.com/FzXIHtYMWb
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 4, 2016
Raptors 128 (14-6), Hawks 84 (10-11)
Yeesh…the Hawks are going to want to forget about this one. Dwight Howard double-doubled, and Tim Hardaway Jr. added 15 off the bench, but there aren’t many positives to take away from a 44-point blowout on the road. The Raptors outscored Atlanta 42-to-14 in the fourth quarter (!), shooting a combined 57.6 percent from the field. If the Hawks’ level of play keeps up, coach Mike Budenholzer might find himself on the hot seat.
Over the past 10 games, the Hawks have been outscored by 14.9 points per 100.
29th in NBA over that time.
Worst offense (91.8) by far.
— Brad Rowland (@BTRowland) December 4, 2016
Grizzlies 103 (13-8), Lakers 100 (10-12)
A battle between two shorthanded teams wound up being one of the most entertaining of the night. A veteran of four NBA teams, Troy Daniels hit his stride tonight with a career-high 31 points. The Lakers, meanwhile, enjoyed a 40-point showing from Lou Williams, who was a perfect 14-for-14 from the charity stripe. Check the highlights from Lou and Troy here:
Memphis came away with the W, but Lou Williams' 40 points was a team-high for the shorthanded Lakers. https://t.co/cMvCxocHui pic.twitter.com/nIbRzd8jEZ
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 4, 2016
Mavericks 107 (4-15), Bulls 82 (11-8)
Another example of the NBA’s sheer unpredictability: Dallas trounced the Bulls behind a 26-point showing from Wesley Matthews. Entering the game without Dwyane Wade or Doug McDermott, the Bulls’ offense was spearheaded by Jimmy Butler (26 points, nine rebounds). It’s tough to succeed, however, when three members of the starting five have a -22 Plus Minus or worse.
Mavs 57, Bulls 45 at half. Rajon Rondo (2 points, 0 rebounds, 1 assist) is making the kind of impact he often did during his Dallas stint.
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) December 4, 2016
Jazz 105 (12-9), Nuggets 98 (7-13)
Gordon Hayward’s 32 points were the difference in Utah’s victory Saturday, besting Will Barton, Wilson Chandler (2o points apiece) and the Nuggets. After a sloppy 105-91 loss to Denver on Nov. 20, the Jazz have defeated their Northwest Division rivals twice (earning a 108-83 over Denver on Nov. 23).
Gordon Hayward scored 30 for the third straight game. Had 30 in 3 games last year. He is a different player.
— David Locke (@DLocke09) December 4, 2016
Trail Blazers 99 (11-10), Heat 92 (7-13)
Neither Damian Lillard nor C.J. McCollum were spectacular, but the Trail Blazers prevailed to earn their third win in their last four games. Allen Crabbe was 4-of-6 from beyond the arc, and Mo Harkless added 17 for Portland. Hassan Whiteside compiled an impressive double-double, but it’ll be difficult for Miami to compete with Dion Waiters, Josh Richardson, Justise Winslow, and Derrick Williams all sidelined.