The Association had a seven-game slate that was largely… just okay. But this slate of games did produce some noteworthy performances.
We break them down for you:
Mavs, Warriors Set Record in Wild West Shootout
Klay Thompson’s second trip back to the way produced a record-breaking night as the Dallas Mavericks and Golden State Warriors drilled an NBA-record 48 combined triples in the Mavs’ 143-133 decision over the Dubs at Chase Center.
Thompson was 7-for-11 from downtown, including two late triples that helped the Mavs ice the game—their 17th of the season against 9 losses. Luka Doncic led Dallas with a season-high 45 points on top of 11 rebounds and 13 assists for his 80th career triple-double. Kyrie Irving added 21 points and 8 dimes. The Mavs shot 21-for-41 from the arc.
Steph Curry scored 28 points and had seven of the Dubs’ 28 triples (on 54 tries). Andrew Wiggins chipped in 29 markers for the Warriors, who have dropped to 14-11.
(Up next: Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers, Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies on December 20)
LeBron James Returns, Helps Lakers Beat Grizzlies
Out for personal reasons the past eight days, LeBron James finally returned to the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday to help them beat the Memphis Grizzlies, 106-100, at crypto.com Arena.
James had 18 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists in his return. Anthony Davis finished with 40 points and 16 rebounds for the Lakers (14-12), who built a 64-46 halftime lead and did just enough in the second half to hold off the Grizz (18-9). Austin Reaves added 19 points and 8 dimes.
Jaren Jackson Jr. paced the Grizzlies with 25 points and 5 rebounds. Ja Morant chipped in 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
(Up next: Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings, Grizzlies vs. Warriors on December 20)
Knicks Beat Magic Behind Karl-Anthony Towns’ 20-20
Karl-Anthony Towns scored 22 points and grabbed 22 rebounds to lead the New York Knicks to a big win over the Orlando Magic, 100-91, at Kia Center.
Jalen Brunson paced the Knicks with 31 points and 5 assists, while Miles Bridges added 17. Moritz Wagner top-scored in this game with a career-high 32 points on top of 6 rebounds and 2 steals off the bench. Tristan da Silva also had a career game with 20 points.
This was the Magic’s first loss this season at Kia Center.
(Up next: Knicks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, Magic vs. Oklahoma City Thunder on December 20)
