With no games on top for Christmas Eve in the US, the Association got busy today, with 26 of the 30 teams in action. We take a look at three games of note:
Depleted Magic Edge Celtics
Even with injuries, the Orlando Magic just keep finding ways to win, edging out the Boston Celtics, 108-104, at Kia Center on Tuesday even without four three of their best players.
Tristan da Silva, Trevelin Queen, and Jalen Suggs led a strong second half for the Magic (19-12), who were playing minus Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Moe Wagner. Da Silva and Queen had 18 and 17 points, respectively, while Suggs had 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists as Orlando 65-46 after intermission.
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics (22-7) with 35 points and 9 rebounds but was just 1-for-7 from long range. Boston, who played without Jayson Tatum, shot 8-for-32 from downtown as a team.
(Up next: Magic vs. Heat on December 27, Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers on December 26)
Sixers Top Spurs Despite Joel Embiid’s Ejection
The Philadelphia 76ers notched their fifth win in six games on Monday, topping the San Antonio Spurs, 111-106 at Wells Fargo Center.
Philadelphia (10-17) won despite main man Joel Embiid getting ejected in the second quarter after arguing an offensive foul. Tyrese Maxey paced the Sixers with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. He also made big plays down the stretch after San Antonio (15-14) took a 104-103 lead. Paul George added 19 points and 9 rebounds, while Guerschon Yabusele chipped in 17.
Victor Wembanyama once again led the Spurs with 26 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 8 blocks. Devin Vassell, Jeremy Sochan, and Julian Champagne had 15 apiece.
(Up next: Sixers vs. Celtics, Spurs vs. New York Knicks on December 26)
Pistons Repeat Over Lakers
Cade Cunningham scored 20 points and dished off 10 dimes as the Detroit Pistons completed a season sweep of the Los Angeles Lakers with a 117-114 triumph at crypto.com Arena.
Malik Beasley scored a team-high 21 points off the bench for the Pistons (13-17), who shot a blistering 51% from the field for their fourth win in six games. Jaden Ivey and Tim Hardaway Jr. added 18 and 15 points, respectively.
LeBron James had 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists for the Lakers (16-13), who saw their three-game winning streak snapped. Anthony Davis scattered 19 points and 10 boards.
(Up next: Pistons vs. Sacramento Kings, Lakers vs. Warriors on December 26)
