Save for a couple of close games—the Miami Heat winning over the Cleveland Cavaliers, 122-113, and the Orlando Magic nipping the Phoenix Suns, 115-110—Monday’s matchups did not particularly have a lot of oomph. There were, however, some notable performances, and a milestone was reached.
Here is a recap:
Chris Paul Moves Up Assists List in Spurs Win Over Pelicans
Chris Paul on Monday dished out 10 dimes to lead the San Antonio Spurs (12-12) to a 121-116 triumph over the New Orleans Pelicans (5-20) at Frost Bank Center.
With his 10 assists, Paul now has 12,099 dimes in 1,296 games in his storied career—good enough to move him to second in the NBA’s all-time assists lists. CP3 actually moved ahead of erstwhile second placer Jason Kidd in the first half on an assist to Victor Wembanyama for his 12,092nd dime—ahead of Kidd’s 12,091. Next up is John Stockton, who has 15,806.
Wembanyama chipped in 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Trey Murphy III led New Orleans with 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. CJ McCollum added 19.
(Up next: Spurs vs. Portland Trailblazers on December 14, Pelicans vs. Sacramento Kings on December 13)
Joel Embiid Plays, Helps Sixers Beat Bulls
Oft-injured Joel Embiid played his best game yet for the Philadelphia 76ers (7-15) on Monday, scoring 31 points and grabbing 12 boards to lead the Sixers to a 108-100 victory over the Chicago Bulls (10-15) at United Center.
Tyrese Maxey added a 25-point, 11-rebound, 14-assist triple-double for the Sixers, who have struggled this season with Embiid playing just his fourth game. Paul George added 12 points and 7 boards, while Kelly Oubre Jr. had 12 points and 10 boards.
The Bulls, who have been struggling as well, got 30 points from Zach Lavine.
(Up next: Sixers vs. Indiana Pacers, Bulls vs. Charlotte Hornets on December 14)
Nikola Jokic Delivers Another Masterclass as Nuggets Rout Hawks
Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic delivered another masterclass on Monday, dropping 48 points, 14 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals to lead the Denver Nuggets (12-10) to a 141-111 rout of the Atlanta Hawks (13-12).
Jokic’s masterpiece came a day after his 56-point explosion went for naught against the Washington Wizards. This time, the Nuggets made sure not to waste their big man’s superlative effort, with Michael Porter Jr. chipping in 26 markers and Christian Braun adding 17.
De’Andre Hunter had 20 points off the bench for the Hawks, who had won six straight prior to falling to the Nuggets. Dyson Daniels added 18 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals.
(Up next: Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers on December 14, Hawks vs. New York Knicks on December 12)
