Friday in the Association began with some sobering news as tragedy continued to blanket the state of California. Elsewhere, it was business as usual. Here is a quick recap of the notables:
Lakers-Hornets Postponed Due to Wildfires in California
The NBA canceled the matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers (20-16) and Charlotte Hornets (8-27) that was supposed to take place at crypto.com Arena on Friday due to the raging wildfires in California.
Lakers coach JJ Redick and his family are among those affected, with their rental home in Pacific Palisades burnt to ashes, along with many others. The childhood home of the Golden State Warriors’ Steve Kerr is said to have been burned down as well.
“We’re heartbroken for Los Angeles,” the Lakers said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this unimaginable situation. Our gratitude is with the first responders and all of you who come together when we need each other the most. Tonight’s game will be rescheduled to focus on what matters most today.”
The NBA is yet to announce when the game will be played.
Up next:
- Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs on January 12
- Hornets vs. Los Angeles Clippers on January 12
Cavs Escape Raptors a Day After Massive Win Over Thunder
Darius Garland dropped a season-high 40 points on Friday—and the Cleveland Cavaliers needed every one of them to upend the Toronto Raptors, 132-126, at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Garland added 9 dimes for the Cavs (33-4), who had to climb back from several double-digit deficits before putting the Raptors (8-30) away in the fourth. Evan Mobley had 21 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists as he continues what could well be an All-Star season. Jarrett Allen and Caris LeVert added 18 apiece for Cleveland, who rested guard Donovan Mitchell.
Scottie Barnes led Toronto with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, while RJ Barrett chipped in 20 points, 5 boards, and 5 dimes.
Up next:
- Cavs vs. Indiana Pacers on January 13
- Raptors vs. Detroit Pistons on January 12
Rockets Outlast Grizzlies in Battle of Two of the West’s Best
The Houston Rockets (25-12) dominated the paint early and held off the Memphis Grizzlies (24-14) just enough in the fourth quarter to score a 119-115 victory at the FedEx Forum.
Alperen Sengun typified the Rockets’ early domination inside, finishing with 32 points and 14 rebounds. Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet provided additional power with 27 and 24 markers, respectively.
Ja Morant returned for the Grizz with 27 points but was just 9-for-22 from the field. Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 6 blocks in a do-it-all tour de force that fell just short.
Up next:
- Rockets vs. Atlanta Hawks on January 12
- Grizzlies vs. Minnesota Timberwolves on January 12
