The NBA had nine games on tap on Thursday, and one of them was a showdown between the East’s top seed so far and its hottest team. Another matchup featured a league-leader looking to bounce back after coughing up a 25-point lead in a loss. We take a look at these two notable games plus another big game in today’s recap:
Pistons Make Statement with Win Over Celtics
The Detroit Pistons (33-26) rolled to a 117-97 rout of the Boston Celtics (42-17) at Little Caesars Arena for their season-high eighth straight win.
Malik Beasley led the way with 26 points on six triples off the bench, while Cade Cunningham added 21 points and 11 assists. Tobias Harris chipped in 16 points and 9 rebounds for the Pistons, who broke free from a 55-all halftime with a 35-24 third quarter. They poured it on the fourth to secure the dominant win over the defending champs.
Jayson Tatum fired a game-high 27 points for the Celtics, who lost despite making 21 triples. Derrick White and Payton Pritchard added 18 apiece.
Up next:
Pistons vs. Denver Nuggets on March 1
Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers on March 1
Thunder Turn It Up in Second Half to Stave Off Nets
The Oklahoma City Thunder (47-11) looked headed to back-to-back defeats as they trailed the lowly Brooklyn Nets (21-37) by 15 at halftime.
But the Western Conference leader turned things around in the second half, catching fire and clamping down on defense to pull out a 129-121 comeback at Barclays Center and avoid what would’ve been only their second losing streak of the season.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder’s furious fightback with 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. Chet Holmgren added 22 points, 17 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks as he looked like the emerging superstar big he was becoming before injuring his hip early in the season. Jalen Williams contributed 22 points as well to go with his 5 rebounds and 4 dimes.
Day’Ron Sharpe spearheaded the Nets’ superb effort with 25 markers, while Killian Hayes and Cameron Johnson each had 19. Zaire Williams chipped in 18 points and 10 boards. Sharpe, Hayes, Johnson, and Williams hit 15 of Brooklyn’s 23 triples.
Up next:
Thunder vs. Atlanta Haws on March 1
Nets vs. Portland Trail Blazers on March 1
Clippers Fend Off Bulls, Stop Three-Game Slide
James Harden fired 30 points and had 6 dimes to lead the Los Angeles Clippers (32-26) past the Chicago Bulls (23-36), 122-117, at United Center.
Harden made seven of the Clippers’ 19 triples as they did just enough to fend off the Bulls in the payoff period after taking the lead with a 39-33 third quarter. Ivica Zubac continued to play big with 10 points, 10 boards, and 2 blocks, while Kawhi Leonard chipped in 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals. MarJon Beauchamp provided a spark with 20 off the Clippers bench.
Josh Giddey led the way for the Bulls, continuing his post-All-Star tear with a 21-point, 12-assist double-double to go with his 8 boards. Zach Collins added 21 points and 17 boards. Chicago has now lost seven of its last eight.
Up next:
Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers on March 1
Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors on March 1
