After just one game in the schedule yesterday, the NBA went full throttle today with a nine-game slate that featured thrillers, blowouts, and history-makers. Here are three notables:
Lakers Escape Blazers Behind LeBron James’ Historic 40-Piece
LeBron James made history in leading the Los Angeles Lakers (33-21) to a hard-fought 110-102 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers (23-33) at Moda Center.
James fired 40 points to lead the Lakers and become the oldest player—40 years, 38 days old—to score that much in NBA history. The previous oldest was Michael Jordan, who scored 43 back in February 2003 at 40 years, and 4 days old. James added 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Austin Reaves backed up the four-time MVP with 32 points.
Deni Avdija led the Blazers with 28 points and 5 assists, while Toumani Camara added 19. Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe chipped in 12 and 11, respectively.
Up next:
Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets on February 23
Blazers vs. Charlotte Hornets on February 23
Bucks Thwart Clippers as Starters Score 87
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez led the Milwaukee Bucks (30-24) to a 116-110 triumph over the Los Angeles Clippers (31-24) at Fiserv Forum.
Antetokounmpo had 23 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Brook Lopez finished with 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Damian Lillard, Taurean Prince, and Kyle Kuzma chipped in 15, 14, and 13, respectively, as Milwaukee’s starters combined for 87 big points.
Kawhi Leonard spearheaded the Clippers’ attack with 25 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. James Harden added 24 markers and 8 dimes, while Ivica Zubac finished with 20 points and 15 boards.
Up next:
Bucks vs. Washington Wizards on February 22
Clippers vs. Indiana Pacers on February 24
Knicks Outlast Bulls in OT
Karl-Anthony Towns fired 32 points—including six straight in overtime—to help the New York Knicks (36-18) to a 113-112 win over the Chicago Bulls (22-34) in extra time.
Towns also had 18 rebounds and scored six straight points to give the Knicks the lead in OT after Josh Giddey briefly gave the Bulls the lead with a triple to start overtime. Jalen Brunson added 22 points and 12 assists, while Miles McBride finished with 22 points of his own as the Knicks played minus Josh Hart and OG Anunoby.
Giddey led the Bulls with 27 points and 16 rebounds, and Nikola Vucevic added 21 points and 9 rebounds However, his attempt to win the game was blocked by the Knicks’ Mikal Bridges.
Up next:
Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers on February 22
Bulls vs. Phoenix Suns on February 23
