NBA roundup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander breaks Wilt's mark in Thunder win
Fri Mar 13 3:18am ET
Field Level Media
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 35 points, setting the NBA record for consecutive games with 20-plus points while lifting the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 104-102 home win over the Boston Celtics on Thursday.
The reigning MVP put up at least 20 points for the 127th consecutive time, surpassing Wilt Chamberlain's 63-year-old NBA record. In a tie game, Chet Holmgren made both free throws with 0.8 seconds left, and Payton Pritchard's long 3-point try at the buzzer came up short to give Oklahoma City the win, its seventh in a row.
The Celtics and Jaylen Brown (34 points, seven assists, six rebounds) didn't make it easy for the Thunder, though. Boston was playing short-handed. Jayson Tatum missed the game due to injury management after recently returning from a 10-month absence caused by an Achilles tear, and Derrick White sat out because of a right knee contusion.
In the third quarter, Gilgeous-Alexander picked up his dribble just inside the arc, guarded by Baylor Scheierman. As Scheierman reacted, Gilgeous-Alexander moved the ball from side to side before pulling up and draining a 20-foot jumper to tie the game, set the record and get a hearty cheer from the home crowd.
Nuggets 136, Spurs 131
Jamal Murray poured in 39 points and Nikola Jokic amassed a 31-point, 20-rebound, 12-assist triple-double as visiting Denver rallied from a 20-point deficit to beat short-handed San Antonio.
The Spurs played without Victor Wembanyama, who sat out with right ankle soreness. It was the first game Wembanyama has missed since Jan. 3. San Antonio is 10-5 without him this season. Stephon Castle led the Spurs with 30 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to produce his third career triple-double.
The weary Nuggets, playing the second game of a home-road back-to-back, did not arrive until the wee hours of Thursday but were ultimately the stronger team in the fourth quarter, outscoring San Antonio 42-25.
Lakers 142, Bulls 130
Luka Doncic scored 51 points, grabbed 10 rebounds and dished nine assists, Austin Reaves added 30 points and Los Angeles beat visiting Chicago for its fourth consecutive win.
Deandre Ayton produced 23 points and 10 rebounds as the Lakers won their sixth consecutive home game while moving into third place in the Western Conference. Doncic logged his eighth career game of at least 50 points and first as a member of the Lakers.
Josh Giddey amassed 27 points and 15 assists and Matas Buzelis added 22 points as the Bulls dropped to 3-3 following an 11-game losing streak.
Suns 123, Pacers 108
Devin Booker scored 43 points and Jalen Green added 36 as Phoenix extended its winning streak to four games with a victory over Indiana in Indianapolis.
Royce O'Neale had 15 points for Phoenix, which led by as many as 16 in the fourth quarter and moved a season-high 12 games over .500 after winning for the sixth time in its last seven games.
Indiana lost its 11th straight game and owns the NBA's worst record at 15-51. Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 23 points, while Jarace Walker added 12. Ethan Thompson scored 11 points, Jay Huff and Ben Sheppard had 10 apiece, and Jalen Slawson recorded career highs with 10 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
Pistons 131, 76ers 109
Duncan Robinson led seven players in double figures with 19 points as host Detroit manhandled depleted Philadelphia.
Javonte Green had 17 points, while Tobias Harris and Ronald Holland tossed in 15 apiece for the Eastern Conference leaders. Jalen Duren had 14 points with 10 rebounds and Isaiah Stewart supplied 13 points. All-Star Cade Cunningham added eight points and doled out 13 assists.
The Sixers also had seven players in double figures, topped by MarJon Beauchamp with 17 points. Jabari Walker contributed 16 and Cameron Payne had 15. Quentin Grimes added 14 points, but rookie VJ Edgecombe was limited to 10 on 3-of-14 shooting.
Magic 136, Wizards 131 (OT)
Jalen Suggs capped a 28-point performance with a tiebreaking 3-pointer with 1:27 to go in overtime, Tristan da Silva chipped in with a career-best 26, and Orlando withstood a fourth-quarter flurry by visiting Washington for a victory.
Desmond Bane contributed 22 points, while Wendell Carter Jr. had 19 and Paolo Banchero 18 as part of double-doubles for the Magic, who won their sixth in a row.
Bilal Coulibaly was the game's leading scorer with a career-high 29 points for the Wizards, who never led until overtime, were 17 down in the first minute of the final period before Coulibaly forced the extra session with a game-tying 26-footer with 5.8 seconds left.
Heat 112, Bucks 105
Pelle Larsson scored a career-high 28 points and added six rebounds and six assists as host Miami won its season-high seventh straight game, defeating Milwaukee.
Miami's Bam Adebayo, who posted 83 points Tuesday, the second-highest single-game total in NBA history, had just eight points through three quarters before finishing with 21. Rookie Kasparas Jakucionis had a strong game for the Heat, scoring 18 points while shooting 5-for-11 on 3-point attempts.
The Bucks never led en route to their third loss in a row and seventh in eight games. Giannis Antetokounmpo led Milwaukee with a game-high 31 points, and Bobby Portis came off the bench to score 19.
Hawks 108, Nets 97
Jalen Johnson had 21 points, nine rebounds and nine assists to help lead Atlanta to its eighth straight victory, beating visiting Brooklyn.
Zaccharie Risacher added 19 points and nine rebounds off the bench for Atlanta, which notched the franchise's longest win streak since an eight-game stretch in March 2021. Nickeil Alexander-Walker scored 18 points, CJ McCollum totaled 14 and Onyeka Okongwu finished with 13 for the Hawks, who briefly trailed in the fourth quarter.
Josh Minott's 24 points off the bench led Brooklyn, followed by Drake Powell's 11. Ben Saraf and Noah Clowney chipped in 10 apiece for the Nets, who dropped their 12th game in 14 tries.
Mavericks 120, Grizzlies 112
Khris Middleton scored 22 of his season-high 35 points in the fourth quarter and Daniel Gafford added 22 points and 14 rebounds to lead visiting Dallas over Memphis to snap an eight-game losing streak.
Cooper Flagg contributed 13 points and seven assists for the Mavs and Max Christie also had 13 points. Playing the final game of a six-game road trip, Dallas had lost 18 of its previous 20 games and the previous three matchups against Memphis.
Jaylen Wells led the Grizzlies with 23 points, GG Jackson scored 20 and Javon Small finished with 19 points and nine assists.
- NBA roundup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander breaks Wilt's mark in Thunder win
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- Warriors' Stephen Curry (knee) out at least 10 more days
- NBA roundup: Bam Adebayo's 83-point effort ranks 2nd all time
- 76ers’ Tyrese Maxey (finger tendon) out at least 3 weeks
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- NBA roundup: James Harden scores 29,000th point in Cavs' win over 76ers
- NBA cancels Hawks' controversial strip club promotion
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- 76ers All-Star G Tyrese Maxey (finger) to miss at least 2 games
- Bucks star PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) sitting out vs. Magic
- Lakers star LeBron James (elbow, foot) ruled out vs. Knicks
- NBA roundup: Down 23, Nets stun Pistons to halt 10-game skid
- Mavericks F Khris Middleton fined $25K for mouthpiece incident
- Celtics C Nikola Vucevic (finger) sidelined 3-4 weeks
- NBA roundup: Jayson Tatum thrives in return as Celtics beat Mavs
- Lakers star LeBron James (elbow) sitting out vs. Pacers
- Suns F Dillon Brooks arrested on suspicion of DUI
- NBA roundup: LeBron James sets record, gets hurt in Lakers' loss to Nuggets
- Lakers' LeBron James hurts elbow in loss to Nuggets
Utah Jazz point guard Keyonte George (hamstring) will be re-evaluated in two weeks, ESPN's Tim Bontemps reports. The talented guard was injured in Wednesday's loss to the New York Knicks and has been diagnosed with a Grade 2 right hamstring strain. George looks set to miss at least seven games, but considering the Jazz's approach to the season, it wouldn't be surprising if he were shut down for the rest of the campaign. Isaiah Collier will move into the starting point guard spot and is expected to make a big impact. Across his previous 16 starts this season, Collier has produced 15.3 points, 8.8 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
Chicago Bulls forward Isaac Okoro (knee) will miss a second consecutive game on Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers. The 25-year-old was initially listed as questionable on the injury report. With Okoro unable to return to the lineup, Leonard Miller will make another start. He had a good outing with 17 points and 11 rebounds on Tuesday night against Golden State. Okoro will get his next chance to return on Friday night against the Clippers.
Minnesota Timberwolves guard/forward Ayo Dosunmu (thumb) is considered questionable for Friday night's action against the Golden State Warriors. The former Bull is listed on the injury report with a right thumb sprain and could be absent for a second consecutive contest. Since moving to Minnesota, Dosunmu has averaged 11.0 points and 2.5 assists in 25.3 minutes per game. Kyle Anderson and Terrence Shannon Jr. saw their workload increase when Dosunmu sat out Wednesday's loss to the Clippers. Despite receiving more minutes, the duo failed to make a significant impact, making them poor fantasy options at present.
Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (ankle) has been downgraded from doubtful to out for Thursday's contest against the Los Angeles Lakers. Williams was trending in the wrong direction throughout the day, having been listed as questionable on the initial injury report. The 24-year-old hasn't been able to build any momentum this season and will be sidelined for the sixth time in seven games. Chicago begins a back-to-back set, and it's unclear whether Williams will be in contention to play on Friday against the Clippers.
Chicago Bulls forward/center Guerschon Yabusele (foot) will miss Thursday's encounter with the Los Angeles Lakers. He has been ruled out for the contest after being downgraded to doubtful on the injury report earlier on Thursday. Meanwhile, Jalen Smith (calf) has been cleared to play and will anchor the frontcourt with Nick Richards. Bulls head coach Billy Donovan has already announced that Smith is likely to be held out of Friday's matchup with the Clippers, which would allow Yabusele to take on a significant role again if he's ready to return.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (foot, hip) will return to action on Thursday night against the Chicago Bulls, ESPN's Dave McMenamin reports. The veteran superstar has dealt with several health issues recently, missing three games. Rui Hachimura has been a starter during James' absence and will likely drop back to the bench for Thursday's tilt. James had a 24-point outing in his first meeting with the Bulls this season. He has averaged 19.0 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.1 steals since making his 22nd All-Star appearance.
Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (ankle) will suit up on Thursday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Due to an ankle injury, Buzelis was initially listed as probable for the game. The 21-year-old sophomore is fresh off a career night against the Warriors and should be full of confidence ahead of Thursday's matchup. Since the All-Star break, Buzelis has produced averages of 19.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.
Golden State Warriors guard/forward Moses Moody (wrist) will be out for a fifth straight game on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Warriors announced earlier this week that Moody has resumed on-court activities. According to head coach Steve Kerr, the 23-year-old could be an option during the team's upcoming six-game road trip, which begins on Sunday in New York. Gary Payton II and Will Richard will continue to enjoy extra playing time until Moody returns.
Chicago Bulls forward/center Jalen Smith (calf) has been upgraded from questionable to available for Thursday's matchup against the Lakers. Smith recently logged 12 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, one block, and two 3-pointers in 34 minutes as a starter and should continue seeing meaningful frontcourt minutes if his workload remains intact. His availability could cut into Nick Richards' playing time, lowering Richards' short-term streaming appeal. Smith's mix of boards, blocks, and some floor spacing keeps him on the radar as a deeper league hold, especially if he continues to see stable playing time.
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (ankle) has received the green light to play on Thursday night against the Los Angeles Lakers. He was listed as probable on the initial injury report. Despite dealing with a right ankle sprain, Giddey logged 43 minutes in Tuesday's overtime against Golden State, so he doesn't appear to be limited in any way. Giddey produced a 21-13-17 line against the Warriors and will head out for his third consecutive triple-double on Thursday.
Golden State Warriors center Quinten Post (foot) is listed as questionable for Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Dutch big man is managing a foot injury and could be out for the third time in four games. Post has delivered some fine performances during his sophomore campaign, but the Warriors won't miss him as long as Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis are healthy. Both veterans are expected to play on Friday night.
Chicago Bulls guard Collin Sexton (leg) has been ruled out for Thursday's game against the Lakers after initially being listed as questionable due to a left leg injury. His absence should continue to open minutes for Tre Jones, who delivered 22 points, five assists, four rebounds, one steal, and two 3-pointers across 34 minutes off the bench in the last game. Second-year guard Rob Dillingham also saw 20 minutes with five points and four assists, making him a deeper league streamer. Jones profiles as the safer short-term fantasy play, while Dillingham remains a riskier upside option.
Golden State Warriors guard De'Anthony Melton (adductor) is questionable to play on Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Melton has been a regular on the injury report this season while managing a knee injury, but he has now hurt his left adductor muscle. This issue could sideline him for a second consecutive game. Will Richard started in Melton's absence on Tuesday against Chicago and may keep his spot for Friday's game. The 23-year-old rookie had eight points, four rebounds, one assist, and three steals in an overtime defeat. Pat Spencer, who contributed 17 points and six assists, and Gary Payton II, who had a 12-point, 11-rebound double-double, are also in a position to see more action without Melton.
New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) is listed as questionable for Friday's meeting with the Indiana Pacers. The six-time All-Star has landed on the injury report with bilateral knee soreness. If Towns sits out the action, the Knicks are expected to promote Mitchell Robinson to the starting lineup. While moving into the first unit would boost Robinson's fantasy appeal, he has averaged only 3.7 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 19.1 minutes as a starter this season. Ariel Hukporti's role would also increase if Towns doesn't play.
Brooklyn Nets center Day'Ron Sharpe (thumb) will miss the rest of the season after being diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb that requires surgery. Sharpe had carved out a steady reserve role, averaging 8.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals across 62 appearances. Danny Wolf should see the biggest opportunity increase after posting 13 points, eight rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in 28 minutes last game. Josh Minott and Chaney Johnson could also see deeper rotation minutes, though both profile as risky deep-league streamers.
New York Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart (knee) is considered questionable for Friday's tilt against the Indiana Pacers. He is bothered by a sore left knee and missed Wednesday's win over Utah after being questionable. It remains to be seen whether the same happens on Friday night. While Landry Shamet moved into the first unit to replace Hart, Jordan Clarkson benefited the most from his absence against Utah. He reappeared as a regular in the rotation and popped off for a season-high 27 points against his former team. Shamet had a quiet night with seven points, three rebounds, four assists, and one steal.
San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (ankle) will rejoin the lineup on Thursday against the Denver Nuggets. The veteran made 364 consecutive appearances before missing the last five games due to an ankle problem. Barnes might have extra responsibilities on Thursday with Victor Wembanyama (ankle) out of the lineup, though he will once again come off the bench. As a reserve, Barnes has averaged 7.9 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists this season.
Utah Jazz guard Keyonte George (hamstring) is out for Friday's game against the Trail Blazers after suffering a right hamstring strain during Wednesday's loss to the Knicks. With Utah likely to be cautious this late in the season, George could remain sidelined beyond one game. Isaiah Collier should see an expanded role after posting nine points, two rebounds, five assists, and one 3-pointer in 19 minutes last game. With fantasy playoffs already underway in many leagues, Collier is trending toward must-roster status. Brice Sensabaugh and Ace Bailey could also see modest usage bumps.
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (knee) will join Jayson Tatum (Achilles) on the sidelines on Thursday night against the Oklahoma City Thunder. White has been downgraded from questionable to out ahead of tip-off. Boston also had Payton Pritchard (neck) on the initial injury report, but he has been cleared to play. With White unavailable, Pritchard will play a huge role in the backcourt and is expected to lead the offense with Jaylen Brown. Meanwhile, there are minutes available for Sam Hauser, Baylor Scheierman, and Hugo Gonzalez.
Los Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland (toe) is out for Friday's game against the Bulls for injury management in the first leg of a back-to-back. Kobe Sanders is expected to move into the starting lineup, while Kris Dunn could also see added ballhandling duties. Dunn produced five points, two rebounds, six assists, and four steals in 24 minutes during his last start and offers short-term streaming appeal for assists and defensive stats. Sanders remains a deeper league flier after playing just six minutes last game, while Kawhi Leonard could take on more offensive responsibility.
