Only three games were on tap around the NBA on Wednesday, with the Los Angeles Lakers going up against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Washington Wizards taking on the Atlanta Hawks, and the Orlando Magic facing off with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Let’s check out all three games, shall we?
Lakers Show Out vs. Clippers for Fifth Straight Victory
The Los Angeles Lakers (13-4) used a strong finish to fashion out a 135-118 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers (5-13) at Crypto.com Arena.
Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James proved too much for the Purple and Gold’s in-state rivals, with Doncic finishing with a near triple-double of 43 points, 9 rebounds, and 13 assists. Reves added 31 points and 9 rebounds, while James put up 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists in his highest-scoring game since his return. The Lakers have now won five straight and 11 of their last 13.
James Harden had 29 points and 9 assists for the Clippers, who have lost 11 of their last 13. Kawhi Leonard and Kris Dunn added 19 markers, while John Collins chipped in 18.
Wizards Shoot Down Pelicans Behind CJ McCollum’s Season-High
CJ McCollum dropped a season-high 46 points to lead the Washington Wizards (2-15) to a 132-113 rout of the Atlanta Hawks (11-8) at Capital One Arena.
McCollum made 10 of his 13 3-point attempts and shot 17-for-25 overall. He also had 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Sophomore Alex Sarr backed up the veteran guard with 27 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks. Corey Kispert added 19 and another four treys for the Wizards, who were 19-for-38 from downtown overall and seized control with a 45-23 first quarter.
Kristaps Porzingis led the Hawks with 20 points and 8 rebounds, while Zaccharie Risacher added 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 3 blocks. Jalen Johnson, though, had an off-night, finishing with just 7 points on 3-for-12 shooting. He did have 7 rebounds and 7 assists.
Magic Dazzle Sixers Behind Anthony Black’s Career Night
Anthony Black fired 27 of his career-best 31 points in the first half to help the Orlando Magic (11-8) build an early cushion on their way to a 144-103 triumph over the Philadelphia 76ers (9-8) at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
Black came off the bench to go 12-for-17 from the field on his way to his career high. Franz Wagner backed him up with a 21-point, 5-rebound effort. Desmond Bane added 15, Wendell Carter Jr. chipped in 12, and Tristan da Silva, Noah Pineda, Goga Bitadze, and Tyus Jones each had 10.
Tyrese Maxey had 20 for the Sixers, who were without Joel Embiid (right knee injury management), Paul George (right ankle sprain), and rookie VJ Edgecombe (left calf tightness). The Sixers were actually tied with the Magic after one quarter before the latter exploded for 51 in the second canto.
