The Association’s penultimate playdate in 2024 delivered some great action—including another scuffle, a game-winner, and a masterclass from one of the NBA’s best teams. Let’s review some of the daily notables:
Devin Booker Return Not Enough as Suns Fall to Grizzlies
Not even the return of Devin Booker from a five-game absence could spur on the Phoenix Suns as they fell to the Memphis Grizzlies, 117-112, at Footprint Arena.
The Grizzlies (23-11), led by Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 38 points and 12 rebounds, rode a strong first half to build as much as a 14-point lead before fending off the Suns’ (15-17) second-half comeback. Desmond Bane added 31 for Memphis, who was playing without Ja Morant.
Booker had 16 points and 9 dimes in his return. Kevin Durant led Phoenix with 29 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Up next:
Grizzlies vs. Sacramento Kings on January 4
Suns vs. Indiana Pacers on January 5
Bucks Win as Giannis Antetokounmpo Returns
Giannis Antetokounmpo returned with a vengeance, posting 30 points and 12 rebounds in the Milwaukee Bucks’ 120-112 triumph over the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Antetokuonmpo, who missed three games due to illness, sparked a furious second-half rally for the Bucks (17-14), pouring in 26 of his 30 after intermission. Brook Lopez had 16, while Khris Middleton chipped in 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Benedict Mathurin led the Pacers (16-18) with 25 points and 9 boards, while Pascal Siakam finished with 20 markers and 7 rebounds.
Up next:
Bucks vs. Brooklyn Nets on January 3
Pacers vs. Miami Heat on January 3
‘Unguardable’ Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Rallies Thunder Past Wolves
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scattered 40 big points to help the Oklahoma City Thunder rally past the Minnesota Timberwolves for a 113-105 victory at Paycom Center.
SGA added 4 steals for the Thunder (27-5), who poured in 43 points in the third as against 23 from the Wolves to turn the game around. Isaiah Hartenstein continued his strong play for OKC with another double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds. Jalen Williams and Lu Dort had 14 each.
Anthony Edwards, who later on described SGA as “unguardable,” finished with 20 points and 7 boards for the Wolves. Naz Reid had 19.
Up next:
Thunder vs. Los Angeles Clippers on January 3
Wolves vs. Boston Celtics on January 3
Cavs Spoil Austin Reaves’ Big Night in Season Sweep of Lakers
The Cleveland Cavaliers (29-4) completed a season sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers (18-14) with a 122-110 win at the crypto.com Arena.
Jarrett Allen led the Cavs’ balanced attack with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks, with Donovan Mitchell scattering 26 points of his own. Evan Mobley added 20 points while guarding LeBron James for stretches.
James finished with 23 points and 7 assists for the Lakers, who also got 35 points, 9 rebounds, and 10 assists from Austin Reaves and 28 points and 13 boards from Anthony Davis.
Up next:
Cavs vs. Dallas Mavericks on January 4
Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers on January 3
