It was another busy day in the NBA on Saturday as the league had nine games on tap. But we’ll highlight the games featuring the teams with the best record at this point of the season. Here’s a recap of the action:
Cavs Rout Knicks for NBA-Best 46th Win
Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley combined for 48 points to lead the East-leading Cleveland Cavaliers (46-10) to a 142-105 domination of the New York Knicks (37-19) at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.
Mitchell topscored for the Cavs with 27 points on 10-for-15 shooting, while Mobley put up 21 markers, 8 boards, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Ty Jerome, De’Andre Hunter, and Craig Porter Jr. chipped in 19, 16, and 13 off the bench for the Cavaliers, who built a 77-50 first half lead and were never threatened. With the win, the Cavs now how 46 wins, which is tops in the NBA.
Jalen Brunson had 26 for the Knicks, while Karl-Anthony Town added 23. But New York’s other starters—OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Precious Achiuwa—went a combined 11-for-29 from the field for 26 measly points.
Up next:
Cavs vs. Memphis Grizzlies on February 24
Knicks vs. Boston Celtics on February 24
Thunder Dominate Jazz Behind Complete Team Effort
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led a complete team effort to help the Oklahoma City Thunder (45-10) to a 130-107 rout of the Utah Jazz (13-42) at Delta Center.
SGA finished with 21 points and 8 assists as 12 Thunder scored. Chet Holmgren added 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks, while frontcourt partner Isaiah Hartenstein had 8 points and 13 rebounds. Jalen Williams chipped in 18 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals and Isaiah Joe fired 15 off the bench.
John Collins scored a game-high 26 points, while Keyonte George put up 20 off the Jazz bench.
Up next:
Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves on February 24
Jazz vs. Houston Rockets on February 23
Grizzlies Escape Magic with Endgame Block
Jaren Jackson Jr. proved he belongs in the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year conversation with a game-sealing block to help the Memphis Grizzlies (37-19) pull out a 105-104 thriller against the Orlando Magic (28-30) at Kia Center.
Jackson finished with 16 points and 3 blocks, the last one off a Paolo Banchero drive for the potential game-winner with a second left. Ja Morant provided the firepower for the Grizzlies, scoring 10 of his team-high 23 in the fourth. Desmond Bane added 16, including the go-ahead free throw that game Memphis the lead, 105-104.
Banchero had 21 points but was just 5-for-21 overall. Franz Wagner led all scorers with 26 points on top of 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks.
Up next:
Grizzlies vs. Cavs on February 24
Magic vs. Washington Wizards on February 24
