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I do know firsthand simply how badly playoff losses can sting — and the way long-lasting the sting might be. Getting revenge in an everyday season sport the next season won’t ever be sufficient to fulfill the bitterness from the ending prior, however that doesn’t cease it from being approach higher than the choice.
The Boston Celtics know that beating the Golden State Warriors in the midst of January isn’t going to make up for a misplaced ring from a summer season in the past, however particularly after 4 straight losses to Golden State — three to shut out the Finals earlier than dropping the primary common season assembly this yr — a win has to really feel good.
Talking of historic revenge, we begin with Chicago blowing away Detroit:
Bulls by no means path in second half of 126-108 win over Pistons
Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan mixed for 56 factors whereas 5 different Bulls reached double figures. Although the primary half was tightly contested, Chicago by no means trailed within the second, outshooting Detroit 54.8% to 38.6%.
Boston beats Golden State 121-118 in OT for eighth straight victory
Al Horford admitted after his 20-point, 10-rebound outing that this was a giant sport for Boston, in search of revenge after faltering in final summer season’s NBA Finals to this similar Golden State squad. It simply makes it all of the sweeter for the Celtics that they’re those who displayed extra resiliency on this contest.
Boston led by 10 about halfway via the second quarter for what ended up as the biggest lead by both workforce all through the sport, however trailed for the whole thing of the second half, apart from the 18 seconds tied on the finish of regulation following Jaylen Brown’s clutch three.
In extra time, Jayson Tatum scored 5 of the Celtics’ 15 factors and grabbed two rebounds, a part of his particular night time which completed with 34 factors (9-27 FG) and a career-high 19 rebounds. The win units Boston additional other than the remainder of the East with a 4.5-game lead over 2nd.
Wolves stun Raptors 128-126
After trailing by as a lot as 14 within the fourth, Minnesota went on to outscore Toronto 23-7 over the ultimate 9:45. D’Angelo Russell, who completed with 25 factors (8-15 FG), scored 16 of the 23 in the course of the closing run. Anthony Edwards added 23 factors of his personal for the Wolves, who’re tied with three different groups for all of the play-in slots within the West.
After averaging 36.3 factors per quarter over the primary three, Toronto’s offense fell aside within the fourth, together with a near-eight and a half minute stretch with simply two made area objectives. Scottie Barnes scored 12 of his 29 factors within the fourth, however other than his 4-7 capturing within the body, the Raptors shot simply 2-12 (16.7%) from the ground on their solution to a 17-point quarter.
Suns endure Nets’ late push in 117-112 win
The heavily-depleted Suns bought a much-needed increase as beginning ahead Cam Johnson made his return to the court docket for the primary time since Nov. 4 following meniscus surgical procedure. Johnson performed simply 22 minutes on a restricted foundation however completed with 19 factors, six rebounds, and two blocks in his return.
Along with Johnson, Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges each helped Phoenix get out to an 81-57 lead over the primary two and a half quarters. Kyrie Irving scored 21 of his 30 within the fourth quarter to assist Brooklyn outscore Phoenix 55-36 the remainder of the best way, giving the Suns all the things they may deal with down the stretch.
Sixers go wire-to-wire over Blazers, 105-95
Joel Embiid adopted up Tuesday’s 41-point outing by posting 32 factors (12-22 FG) and 9 rebounds to guide Philly in scoring whereas James Harden tallied his fourth triple double of the season with 16 factors (6-11 FG), 10 rebounds, and 14 assists.
Tyrese Maxey is now three video games into a brand new bench position; after scoring 15 to guide Philly’s bench on Thursday, he’s averaging 17.7 factors throughout that stretch and the Sixers are 3-0, now tied for second within the East.
Damian Lillard got here into the sport on his personal heater, having scored 40+ in three of his earlier 4. The Sixers have been in a position to include Portland’s franchise scoring chief, holding Lillard to simply 25 factors (6-21 FG), however he had his approach organising his teammates with 11 assists, one shy of a brand new season excessive.
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