Nine games were on tap on Tuesday around the Association, including a marquee matchup between the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks (Orlando won, 103-94) and a surprisingly entertaining game between the Portland Trail Blazers and Detroit Pistons (Detroit won, 118-115).
For this roundup, though, we are picking these three games for different reasons:
Kings Beat Heat, Win Fifth Straight
The Sacramento Kings (18-19) are rolling in the Dough Christie era, coming back from 10 points down entering the fourth to stun the Miami Heat (17-17) in overtime, 123-118, at Golden 1 Center.
DeMar DeRozan scattered 11 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter to help the Kings’ furious fight back. Keon Ellis added three triples in the rally and finished with 17 markers. Domantas Sabonis did it all for Sacramento with 21 points, 18 rebounds, and 11 assists—while also hitting the trey that gave the home team the lead for good, 111-110, in OT.
Tyler Herro led the Heat with 26 points and 7 rebounds but missed the potential game-winning jumper in regulation. Jamie Jaquez Jr. also had a triple-double, finishing with 16 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists.
Up next:
- Kings vs. Boston Celtics on January 11
- Heat vs. Golden State Warriors on January 8
Wolves Edge Out Clippers in Thrilling End Game
Anthony Edwards scored a game-high 37 points and hit a dagger trey to helm the Minnesota Timberwolves edge out the Los Angeles Clippers, 108-106, at Target Center.
Naz Reid added 18 points and 7 rebounds off the bench for the Wolves (18-17), who fell behind early but came roaring back with an explosive third quarter. Donte DiVincenzo added 15 points, while Mike Conley chipped in 11, also off the bench.
Norm Powell had 25 points and 6 rebounds for the Clippers (20-16), who were playing their second game with Kawhi Leonard back. Leonard finished with 8 points in just 21 minutes. Ivica Zubac continued his strong play with 17 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 blocks.
Up next:
- Wolves vs. New Orleans Pelicans on January 8
- Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets on January 9
Bulls Overcome Wemby, Spurs Behind Big Night from Zach Lavine
A huge night from Zach Lavine—35 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists—propelled the Chicago Bulls (17-19) to a 114-110 triumph over the San Antonio Spurs (18-18) at United Center.
Lavine also led the Bulls’ strong fourth quarter, where they outscored the Spurs 32-15 to turn a 95-82 disadvantage into a win. Nikola Vucevic provided the inside muscle for Chicago, scoring 24 points and grabbing 11 boards. Coby White added 23 markers.
Victor Wembanyama once again spearheaded the Spurs’ attack with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 blocks. Chris Paul had 18 points and 9 assists.
Up next:
- Bulls vs. Indiana Pacers on January 9
- Spurs vs. Milwaukee Bucks on January 9
