The NBA’s busy slate on Friday was notable for several standout performances. But the ones who truly stood out for the day were these three:
Lakers Top Blazers as LeBron James Ties Michael Jordan Record
LeBron James erupted for 38 points to help the Los Angeles Lakers edge out the Portland Trail Blazers, 114-106, at crypto.com Arena.
With his 38 points, James is now tied with Michael Jordan for most 30-point games in the NBA regular season with 562. He added 8 assists and 4 rebounds. Max Christie continued his fine play for the Lakers (19-14), dropping a season-high 28 points.
Anfernee Simons led the Blazers (11-22) with 23 points and 5 dimes. Shaedon Sharp and Deni Avidja added 19 apiece to help Portland stay in the game.
Up next:
- Lakers vs. Atlanta Hawks on January 4
- Blazers vs. Milwaukee Bucks on January 5
Warriors Rout Sixers Behind Steph Curry’s Hot Shooting
A hot-shooting Stephen Curry carried the Golden State Warriors (17-15) to a 139-105 rout of the Philadelphia 76ers (13-19) at Chase Center.
Curry fired 30 points on 8-for-8 shooting from downtown while adding 6 boards and 10 dimes. Jonathan Kuminga added 20 off the bench for the Warriors, who roared to a 35-19 start and never looked back. Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, and Dennis Schroder each had 15.
Joel Embiid paced the Sixers with 28 points and 14 rebounds, while Paul George fired 19.
Up next:
- Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies on January 5
- Sixers vs. Brooklyn Nets on January 5
Pacers Beat Heat as Tyrese Haliburton Nets Milestone
Tyrese Haliburton made history on Friday to help the Indiana Pacers (17-18) post a 128-115 victory over the Miami Heat (17-15) at Kaseya Center.
Haliburton finished with 33 points and 15 assists with no turnovers to become the only player in NBA history to have multiple games of at least 30 points and 15 assists without a single turnover. Myles Turner had 21 points for the Pacers, who built a 107-87 cushion after three.
Kel’el Ware paced the Heat with 25 points off the bench, while Bam Adebayo finished with 20 points and 8 boards. Jimmy Butler, who has requested for a trade out of Miami, had just 9.
Up next:
- Pacers vs. Phoenix Suns on January 5
- Heat vs. Utah Jazz on January 5
