The Association’s penultimate playdate in 2024 delivered some great action—including another scuffle, a game-winner, and a masterclass from one of the NBA’s best teams. Let’s review some of the daily notables:
Pacers Get Revenge on Celtics in Home-and-Home
Tyrese Haliburton scored 31 points and dished off 7 assists to help the Indiana Pacers (16-17) deal the Boston Celtics (23-9) a 123-114 defeat at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Andrew Nembhard returned with 17 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists, while Pascal Siakam had 17 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 31 points and 6 dimes, while Jayson Tatum finished with 22 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals.
(Up next: Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks, Celtics vs. Toronto Raptors on January 1)
Thunder Make Statement with Win Over Grizzlies
Monday’s battle between the West’s top two teams—the Oklahoma City Thunder (26-5) and Memphis Grizzlies (22-11) turned into a laugher real quick as the Thunder raced out to a big 26-point first-half advantage en route to a 130-106 triumph at Paycom Center.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander flashed his MVP form once more with 35 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 4 blocks for the Thunder, who outscored Memphis 42-19 in the second. Jalen Williams added 14 points, 10 boards, and 8 dimes. Desmond Bane had 22 points and 9 boards for the Grizzlies, who also got 17 and 16 off the bench from Jay Huff and Luke Kennard, respectively.
(Up next: Thunder vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns on January 1)
Magic Stun Shorthanded Nets with Huge Comeback
Cole Anthony hit a lay-up with 1.3 seconds left to complete the Orlando Magic’s 21-point comeback and beat the Brooklyn Nets, 102-101, at Kia Center.
Anthony finished with 10 points off the bench for the Magic, who outscored Brooklyn 34-18 in the final canto for the furious rally. Tristan da Silva continued his inspiring run for Orlando with a game-high 21 points on top of 6 rebounds and 7 assists, while Goga Bitadze had 19 points and 11 boards. Cam Thomas had 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists but missed his game-winning try for the Nets, who had traded Shake Milton and Dorian Finney-Smith earlier in the day.
(Up next: Magic vs. Detroit Pistons, Nets vs. Raptors on January 2)
