The hottest team in the Eastern Conference and the return to action of the Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James headlined Wednesday’s six-game slate in the NBA. So, let’s dive right into those two games, plus a showdown between the Orlando Magic and Golden State Warriors.
Lakers Top Jazz as LeBron James Returns
The Los Angeles Lakers (11-4) welcomed back superstar LeBron James with a 140-126 win over the Utah Jazz (5-9) at Crypto.com Arena.
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves led the way as they’ve done all season long, with Doncic finishing with 37 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists, and Reaves adding 26 markers. LeBron chipped in 11 points of his own on top of 12 assists in 30 minutes of action. Deandre Ayton had 20 points and 14 rebounds to continue his superb season.
Keyonte George had 34 points and 8 assists to pace the Jazz, who started off with a 36-27 first quarter but lost steam as the Lakers found their groove. Lauri Markkanen added 31.
Pistons Clip Hawks for 11th Straight Win
Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren teamed up to lead the East-leading Detroit Pistons (13-2) to a 120-112 victory over the Atlanta Hawks (9-6) at State Farm Arena.
Cunningham was back like he never left, putting up 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 10 assists, while Duren finished with 24 points and 8 rebounds. Duncan Robinson and Daniss Jenkins added 14 apiece, and Isaiah Stewart chipped in 13 as all Pistons starters reached double figures to power Detroit’s 11th consecutive victory.
Jalen Johnson paced the Hawks with 25 points on top of 8 rebounds, 9 assists, and 3 steals. Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 24, while Onyeka Okongwu had 21.
Magic Overcome Warriors with Balanced Effort
Six players scored in double digits to help the Orlando Magic (8-7) pull out a 121-113 triumph over the Golden State Warriors (9-7) at Kia Center.
Desmond Bane spearheaded the Magic’s offense with 23 points to go along with 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 steals. Franz Wagner added 18 points and 8 assists, Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 17 points and 12 boards, and Tristan da Silva and Jalen Suggs had 15 and 12, respectively.
Stephen Curry had 34 and Jimmy Butler put up 33 in the Warriors’ loss.
