Knicks 114 (12-9), Heat 103 (7-14)
Carmelo Anthony’s 35 points led the Knicks to their fourth straight W, besting Goran Dragic (29 points) and the Heat. Kristaps Porzingis helped the cause with 14 points and 12 boards, and Joakim Noah showed signs of life with 10 points/10 rebounds. Derrick Rose took an early exit due to back spasms, but said the ailment “calmed down” after the game.
.@drose provides an update on back spasms suffered in the 2nd half. #Knicks #NYKvsMIA pic.twitter.com/cMG4u5fpnt
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 7, 2016
Magic 124 (10-12), Wizards 116 (7-13)
The Wizards have reached their nadir this season, coming away with a loss despite John Wall’s career-high 52 points. Elfrid Payton reached a career-high of his own, dropping 25 points in Orlando’s W. It’s been a start-and-stop season for Washington, who just earned a come-from-behind win in Brooklyn on Monday. After the game, a bewildered John Wall had no answers for his team’s performance.
John Wall was not happy with the Wizards' effort tonight in their loss to the Magic: pic.twitter.com/ujtHYit3Xt
— Chase Hughes (@ChaseHughesNBCS) December 7, 2016
Grizzlies 96 (15-8), 76ers 91 (4-18)
It was an emotional return performance for Zach Randolph, who had missed Memphis’ last seven games following the death of his mother. Z-Bo, who secured a double-double in just 21:46 of court time, received love from Grizzlies fans in his 1,000th NBA appearance.
A much deserved standing O for Zach Randolph, who had taken a personal leave following his mother's passing. https://t.co/DJvn0N4WMx
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 7, 2016
The Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor-less 76ers had trouble contending with Marc Gasol (26 points, 12 boards), dropping their eighth straight despite an impressive double-double from Ersan Ilyasova. Considering they entered Tuesday with a nine-man roster, keeping tonight’s game close can be considered a moral victory of sorts.
Jazz 112 (14-9), Suns 105 (6-15)
Give the Suns credit for staging a late comeback attempt. Earl Watson’s squad trailed by 20 entering halftime, getting picked apart by Gordon Hayward (28 points, three steals) and Rudy Gobert (career-high 22 points, 11 boards, four blocks). In the end, Phoenix wasn’t able to overcome 17 combined turnovers.
Rodney Hood exited early from tonight’s game with a hamstring injury; with George Hill and Derrick Favors already M.I.A., the last thing Utah needs is another rotation player sidelined.
The Utah Jazz 2016-2017 All-Injury Team:
PG – George Hill
SG – Alec Burks
SF – Rodney Hood
PF – Gordon Hayward
C – Derrick Favors— SLC Dunk (@slcdunk) December 7, 2016
Pistons 102 (12-11), Bulls 91 (11-10)
The Pistons have now won four of their last five, behind Tobias Harris’ 22 points (9-of-16 from the field). The Bulls weren’t without solid performances- Jimmy Butler dropped 32 points while Dwyane Wade had 19 with seven dimes- but their bench continues to be an Achilles’ Heel. Isaiah Canaan, Nikola Mirotic, Cristiano Felicio and Jerian Grant combined for just 11 points off the bench, compared to 33 points from Detroit’s reserves. Meanwhile, Rajon Rondo made his return from a team-imposed suspension:
Here's Rondo's best quote on incident: pic.twitter.com/LA6Ag6ESCO
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 7, 2016
Spurs 105 (18-4), Timberwolves 91 (6-15)
The Spurs remain undefeated on the road this season, shooting 52.7% from the field in a win over Zach LaVine (25 points) and the T’Wolves. Kawhi Leonard secured his sixth 30-point game of the season, shooting 11-15 from the field with four dimes and two steals. Karl-Anthony Towns couldn’t get it going on offense, shooting 3-of-16.
Thibs is really rubbing off on the young players https://t.co/h9k89u4uqU
— Eric Freeman (@freemaneric) December 7, 2016
