It was a busy eight-game play date for the Association on Saturday, and it featured the league’s two hottest teams—the Oklahoma City Thunder and New York Knicks—going at it. Somehow, someway, the Thunder’s 117-107 comeback win over the Knicks was overshadowed by these three matchups that saw standout performances all around:
Bulls Honor Derrick Rose, Rout Knicks
The Chicago Bulls honored franchise great Derrick Rose at halftime, then dominated the second half to beat the New York Knicks, 139-126, at United Center.
Coby White scattered 33 points on a career-high nine triples for the Bulls (16-19), who turned a 63-62 halftime lead into a 104-79 cushion with a 41-17 third quarter. Zach Lavine added 33 as well, while Josh Giddey chipped in 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Karl Anthony-Towns had 44 points and 16 rebounds for the Knicks (24-12), who have now lost back-to-back after winning nine straight. Jalen Brunson added 33 points and 8 dimes.
Up next:
- Bulls vs. San Antonio Spurs on January 7
- Knicks vs. Orlando Magic on January 7
Nuggets Beat Spurs as Nikola Jokic Gets Better of Wemby
Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama once again put on a show, only this time, the Joker got the last laugh as the Denver Nuggets (20-14) eked out a 122-111 overtime victory over the San Antonio Spurs (18-17) at Frost Bank Center.
Jokic scattered nine of his 46 points in OT to make sure Wemby and the Spurs won’t sweep the two teams’ home-and-home series. The Joker added 9 rebounds and 10 assists. Michael Porter Jr. finished with 28 points and 10 rebounds to help the Nuggets rally from a 92-81 deficit to start the fourth.
Wembanyama had 20 points, 23 rebounds, and 4 blocks but was a non-factor in OT. Harrison Barnes added 22 points, while Devin Vassell, who had the game-winning steal in the previous game, had 19 points and 8 boards.
Up next:
- Nuggets vs. Boston Celtics on January 8
- Spurs vs. Bulls on January 7
Clippers Welcome Back Kawhi Leonard with Win vs. Hawks
The Los Angeles Clippers (19-15) welcomed back former NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard with an emphatic 131-105 triumph over the Atlanta Hawks (18-17) at Intuit Dome.
Norm Powell led eight Clippers in double-figures with 20, with Ivica Zubac chipping in 18 points and 18 boards. James Harden added 10 points and 15 assists, while Leonard had 12 points in 19 minutes in his return.
Trae Young had 20 points and 14 dimes for the Hawks, who fell behind 74-54 after a disastrous 45-26 second quarter. De’Andre Hunter contributed 18 off the bench.
Up next:
- Clippers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves on January 7
- Hawks vs. Utah Jazz on January 8
