NBA Scores: Jokic and Giannis throw MVP haymakers

If there’s one lesson I’ve discovered in overlaying the NBA extra broadly this season than I ever have, it’s that the late video games are nearly at all times price staying up for. Late-night Thursday viewers had been handled to 2 of our greatest MVP candidates exhibiting why they’re on high of the dialog.

Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo are each two-time MVP’s and each are 7-foot offensive hubs, although each function in utterly completely different manners. It’s a testomony to the NBA’s evolution that two guys can succeed at such excessive ranges with such completely different approaches.

We’re additionally persevering with to observe the scenario with the Lakers as LeBron strikes ever-closer to the all-time scoring file, and he finds himself only a couple video games away following Thursday’s exhibiting:

Lakers cut up season collection with Pacers after escaping with a 112-111 win

LeBron James had a hand in seven of the Lakers’ ultimate 11 factors, together with scoring 5 of the ultimate seven. He scored 26 factors on the night time, bringing the countdown to his all-time scoring file to simply 63 extra factors, properly inside attain over the following couple video games. Anthony Davis contributed a 31-point, 14-rebound double double, the sport’s chief in every class.

The Pacers had an opportunity to drag forward late — similar to they did within the first assembly when Andrew Nembhard hit a 3 within the Nov. 28 assembly to beat the buzzer and the Lakers. Buddy Hield couldn’t money from the deep nook on a double-covered circus shot. LA got here by means of for the win after being down as a lot as 14 within the fourth.

Cavs win 128-113 as Grizzlies’ struggles proceed

Darius Garland scored 32 factors and dished out 11 assists, each of which had been game-highs, as Cleveland improved to 22-6 at house on the yr. Memphis, who was with out Jaren Jackson Jr., has now misplaced seven of their final eight, and are nearer to #3 than #1 within the West standings now.

Knicks cling on for 106-104 win over Warmth

Miami by no means led within the fourth regardless of a late push that included six straight Miami factors accounted for by Tyler Herro to drag inside three with simply 71 seconds remaining. Quentin Grimes responded with back-to-back assists to ice the sport.

Julius Randle and RJ Barrett mixed for 53 factors, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists whereas Bam Adebayo and Herro totaled 57 factors, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists. Jimmy Butler, seen by many as an All-Star snub, completed with simply 10 factors on 3-13 FG.

Bulls beat Hornets 114-98 behind 32-21 third quarter

Dallas withstands late New Orleans surge in 111-106 win

The Mavericks received the primary half 70-43, giving them a little bit little bit of room to cruise within the second half. and cruise they did. Within the second half, New Orleans out-shot Dallas 55.8% to 30.2% whereas out-rebounding them 28-18 for an general rating of 63-41. Most groups win after profitable the second half by 20+, however most groups don’t quit 70 within the first half.

Brandon Ingram and Luka Doncic every scored 31 factors within the recreation, although Ingram scored most of his (18) within the second half whereas Doncic shined brighter within the first half (26). Spencer Dinwiddie was the one Maverick to attain double-digit factors within the second half, although he did so on tough effectivity — 13 factors on 2-11 FG.

Nuggets beat Warriors 134-117 behind one other Jokic triple double

Nikola Jokic had 22 factors (9-13 FG), 14 rebounds, and 16 assists for his seventeenth triple double of the season and eighth over his final 10 video games. Following up Tuesday’s 32-point recreation, Jamal Murray scored a game-high 33 to earn his first time this season with back-to-back 30’s.

Denver’s win was fueled by a 35-22 third quarter during which Murray scored 17 of his 33. Jordan Poole scored 10 within the body for the Warriors and was the one member of Golden State with greater than 5 within the subpar offensive interval.

Giannis, Bucks full comeback over Clippers 106-105

With slightly below 20 minutes to play, Milwaukee trailed by 21 factors. Giannis Antetokounmpo had a hand within the subsequent eight Bucks factors as a part of an enormous MVP statement-type of recreation. For the sport, the Greek Freak completed with 54 factors (21-39 FG) and 19 rebounds with 20 of his factors coming in a fourth quarter that Milwaukee received 28-18.