NBA roundup: Suns prevail on Devin Booker's late jumper
Tue Mar 25 2:34am ET
Field Level Media
Devin Booker knocked down a 20-foot jumper with 1.7 seconds remaining to give the Phoenix Suns a 108-106 victory over the visiting Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night.
Kevin Durant recorded 38 points, eight rebounds and five assists as the Suns (35-37) won their fourth consecutive game. Booker added 19 points and 12 assists, Ryan Dunn had 12 points and nine rebounds and Nick Richards contributed 10 points and 10 rebounds for Phoenix.
The contest marked the first time Phoenix's Mike Budenholzer coached against Milwaukee since the Bucks fired him after the 2022-23 season. Budenholzer guided the Milwaukee Bucks to the 2020-21 NBA title.
Giannis Antetokounmpo had 31 points, 10 rebounds and five assists for the Bucks (40-31), who dropped to 2-2 on a five-game road trip. Brook Lopez added 23 points and 10 rebounds but his 18-foot baseline jumper bounced off the rim as time retired.
Gary Trent Jr. scored 19 points off the bench and Kyle Kuzma scored 15 points for Milwaukee, which was without Damian Lillard (right calf strain) for the third straight game.
Bulls 129, Nuggets 119
Coby White scored 37 points, Josh Giddey had 26 points and nine assists, and visiting Chicago beat short-handed Denver.
Dalen Terry and Jalen Smith scored 14 points each, Nikola Vucevic had 13 points and Matas Buzelis contributed 10 for the Bulls, who finished 4-2 on their longest road trip of the season.
Jamal Murray scored 28 points and Peyton Watson added a career-high 24 for the Nuggets, who were without Nikola Jokic (ankle) and Aaron Gordon (calf).
Mavericks 120, Nets 101
Anthony Davis finished with 12 points in a 27-minute stint during his return from a left adductor strain as Dallas never trailed and took control early in a victory over Brooklyn.
In his first action since getting hurt against the Houston Rockets on Feb. 8, Davis played in short bursts, shot 6-of-9 and helped the Mavericks (35-37) win consecutive games for the first time in over a month. Naji Marshall led the way with 22 points off the bench as Dallas saw its reserves finish with 55.
Nic Claxton scored 19 points to lead the Nets (23-49), who lost their fourth straight and for the 15th time in 18 games. Cameron Johnson added 17 while Trendon Watford contributed 12 as the Nets shot 51.3 percent.
Magic 118, Lakers 106
Powered by 32 points from Franz Wagner and 30 from Paolo Banchero, Orlando blew past visiting Los Angeles.
The victory snapped a six-game home losing streak for the Magic.
Luka Doncic matched Wagner with 32 points for the Lakers, while LeBron James added 24 but the Lakers faltered on defense in the second half, allowing the Magic to take over. Orlando outscored the Lakers 34-18 in the third quarter.
Raptors 112, Wizards 104
Jakob Poeltl scored an efficient 21 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead Toronto to a win over host Washington.
Poeltl made nine of his first 10 attempts on the way to a 10-of-13 performance from the field, helping Toronto end its four-game losing streak. Immanuel Quickley added a less efficient 21 points, making five of his 16 attempts from the floor.
Jordan Poole finished with 23 points on 8-of-13 shooting to lead the Wizards, who took their fifth loss in a row. Alex Sarr added 16 points on 6-of-19 shooting, while fellow rookie AJ Johnson scored a career-high 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting off the bench.
Pelicans 112, 76ers 99
Rookie Karlo Matkovic matched his career-high 19 points to lead a balanced scoring effort as host New Orleans pulled away from Philadelphia.
Kelly Olynyk finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. Antonio Reeves scored 17, and Yves Missi added 16 for the Pelicans, who won for just the third time in 12 games.
Justin Edwards and Jared Butler scored 19 points each, and Jeff Dowtin Jr., Guerschon Yabusele, and Chuma Okeke added 12 each to lead the Sixers, who lost their fifth straight game and 20th in the past 23.
Pacers 119, Timberwolves 103
Tyrese Haliburton recorded a 24-point, 11-assist double-double, and Indiana scored its fifth consecutive win with a defeat of Minnesota in Indianapolis.
Haliburton's 11th consecutive double-double dating back to Feb. 23 paced Indiana offensively. Obi Toppin came off the bench to score 20 points, shooting 6-of-9 from outside. Aaron Nesmith shot 3-of-3 from 3-point range en route to 17 points. Bennedict Mathurin's 11 points extended his run of double-digit scoring performances to five games.
Anthony Edwards went 1-of-11 from deep, the same rate at which he shot in Indiana's 132-130 win at Minnesota on March 17. Edwards finished with 17 points. Julius Randle finished with nine points, less than half of his season average. Naz Reid's 20 points off the bench led the Timberwolves. Rudy Gobert posted a double-double with 16 points and 16 rebounds in the loss.
Celtics 113, Kings 95
Jayson Tatum poured in a game-high 25 points before spraining his left ankle, Payton Pritchard came off the bench to contribute 22 points and Boston ran away from host Sacramento for its sixth straight win.
Tatum also had seven rebounds and eight assists in 26 minutes before he came down on Domantas Sabonis' foot after a 3-point attempt with 3:35 left in the third period. Tatum shot 8-for-15 overall and Pritchard 8-for-18 as Boston avenged a 114-97 shellacking at home by the Kings in January.
DeMar DeRozan and Sabonis put up double-doubles for the Kings, DeRozan with a team-high 20 points and game-high 10 assists, Sabonis with 16 points and a game-high 17 rebounds.
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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
Cleveland Cavaliers guard/forward Max Strus (foot) returned for his season debut Sunday and finished with 24 points, eight rebounds, and one assist in 23 minutes against Dallas. The veteran wing looked comfortable immediately, knocking down six three-pointers on efficient shooting and potentially earning a larger role as his conditioning improves. His return could squeeze minutes for Keon Ellis and Jaylon Tyson, while Sam Merrill may also face added competition once healthy. Strus shapes up as a three-point streaming option with upside if his workload climbs during the fantasy playoffs.
Golden State Warriors guard Seth Curry (adductor) will be re-evaluated in about a week after suffering a mild left adductor strain, an injury that is expected to keep him out multiple games. The veteran sharpshooter has appeared in only four contests this season and has not held a consistent role, so his absence is unlikely to shift the rotation. Brandin Podziemski and De'Anthony Melton (knee) should continue handling most of the backcourt minutes, while Pat Spencer, Will Richard, and Gary Payton II remain deep-league options only if injuries thin the guard group further.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (ankle) is doubtful for Monday's game against the Spurs after turning his left ankle late in Saturday's contest. If the two-time Finals MVP sits, Bennedict Mathurin could see more scoring chances after producing 24 points with six rebounds and one block in 35 minutes off the bench last game. Darius Garland may also shoulder more offensive responsibility, while Derrick Jones Jr. could absorb extra wing minutes. Mathurin looks like a points streamer with some upside, though his minutes and role could still shift depending on how the Clippers set their rotations.
Golden State Warriors forward/center Al Horford (calf) will miss at least the next week after imaging revealed a minor right calf strain, with a recheck scheduled before a potential return. Quinten Post could remain in the rotation after starting and posting 22 points with four three-pointers and three blocks in 36 minutes in his last outing, though his role may shrink once Draymond Green (back) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) are fully available. Post is more of a deep-league flier for blocks and occasional threes, while Gui Santos could continue seeing steady frontcourt minutes while Horford is out.
Memphis Grizzlies forward/center Santi Aldama (knee) will undergo a season-ending arthroscopic procedure to address lingering right knee discomfort after missing extended time down the stretch. The 25-year-old enjoyed a career year, producing 14.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 27.9 minutes across 43 appearances. Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Taylor Hendricks should continue seeing expanded roles, with Prosper recently scoring 17 points with three three-pointers in 22 minutes and Hendricks adding five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks in 30 minutes. Both profile as deep-league streamers, while GG Jackson II (foot) could also factor in once healthy.
Utah Jazz guard Isaiah Collier (knee) did not return to Sunday's game against the Sacramento Kings after suffering a right knee contusion, finishing with 21 points, five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block in 24 minutes. With the second-year guard likely to miss time on a shorthanded, development-focused roster, Bez Mbeng could see a steady run after logging 33 minutes with modest counting stats in his last outing. Brice Sensabaugh and Cody Williams may also see added usage. Collier remains a hold in deeper leagues, while Mbeng profiles as a speculative deep-league assist and steals streamer if he draws a start
Sacramento Kings center Drew Eubanks (thumb) is set to undergo surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb, and he is likely to miss most of the remaining schedule. Maxime Raynaud should continue handling starting duties after delivering eight points and 12 rebounds in 29 minutes last game, putting him on the radar as a rebounds streamer. Dylan Cardwell chipped in seven rebounds in 16 minutes and could earn a larger role as he ramps up following his recent return. Raynaud is the safer add for now, while Cardwell is a name to watch in deeper leagues if his minutes climb.
Jazz's F Cody Williams scored 34 points on 12-of-20 shooting in a 111-116 loss to Sacramento on Sunday, Mar. 15. Williams is owned in only 15.8% leagues.
Kings' F DeMar DeRozan recorded a double-double, scoring 41 points with 11 assists in a 116-111 win over the Jazz on Sunday, Mar. 15.
Pacers' F Aaron Nesmith scored 32 points on 10-of-14 shooting in a 123-134 loss to Milwaukee on Sunday, Mar. 15. Nesmith is owned in only 14.3% leagues.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (illness) is questionable for Monday's game against the Mavericks and could miss time depending on how he responds at shootaround. If he sits, rookie guard Jeremiah Fears could see more minutes after posting nine points with three three-pointers and one rebound in 13 minutes off the bench last game. Fears is a speculative deep-league streamer for managers needing points and threes. Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson would likely take on more playmaking responsibilities.
Houston Rockets forward/center Alperen Sengun (back) is questionable for Monday's matchup against the Lakers and could miss a second straight game due to low back pain. His absence would open frontcourt minutes, with Dorian Finney-Smith logging 27 minutes as a spot starter last game, finishing with four rebounds, two assists, two steals, and one block, while Clint Capela produced nine points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal, and four blocks in 22 minutes. Capela looks like a solid defensive streamer for managers needing blocks, while Finney-Smith is more of a deep-league option due to his limited offensive role. Kevin Durant could also see a slight usage bump if Sengun sits, with more scoring responsibility likely falling on his shoulders.
Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (ankle) has been ruled out for Monday's game against the Trail Blazers, marking his third straight absence as he continues to recover from a right ankle sprain. Danny Wolf should continue seeing a larger role after producing 15 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and one three-pointer in 27 minutes as a starter in the last game. Wolf looks like a solid streaming option. Ziaire Williams and Josh Minott could also see more opportunities after combining for 23 points and five three-pointers, though both remain riskier fantasy plays due to fluctuating roles.
New York Knicks forward/center Jeremy Sochan (illness) is available for Sunday's matchup against the Warriors after sitting out Friday. The 22-year-old has played only limited reserve minutes recently, including a three-minute outing March 11 against Utah when he posted four points, one rebound, and one steal. With Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, and Mitchell Robinson healthy, Sochan remains buried in the frontcourt rotation. His limited role caps his fantasy value, making him a low-impact option outside of very deep leagues.
Golden State Warriors center Quinten Post (ankle) is available for Sunday's game against the Knicks and could see a larger role with Draymond Green (back), Al Horford (calf), and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) all sidelined. Post logged seven points, three rebounds, and one three-pointer in 12 minutes last game and may see additional frontcourt opportunities alongside Omer Yurtseven. The opportunity is there, but Post remains a low-end fantasy option best suited for deeper leagues needing rebounds or blocks. Gui Santos should also continue seeing heavy minutes with the shorthanded Warriors.
Sacramento Kings guard Devin Carter (calf) will remain sidelined Sunday against the Jazz, leaving the Kings thin at point guard with Russell Westbrook (foot) and Malik Monk (ankle) also unavailable. That should keep Killian Hayes in line for extended minutes as Sacramento's only healthy traditional point guard. Hayes posted 11 points, four assists, and one three-pointer in 31 minutes two games ago and could see a similar opportunity again. He remains a low-end fantasy streamer, but the available minutes make him worth consideration in deeper formats. DeMar DeRozan could also see more on-ball creation.
Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk (ankle) will miss Sunday's game against the Jazz, marking his third straight absence as he continues to deal with ankle soreness. With Monk, Russell Westbrook (foot), and Devin Carter (calf) all unavailable, Killian Hayes and Nique Clifford should continue seeing backcourt minutes. Hayes remains a low-end fantasy streamer due to inconsistent production, while Clifford has been contributing across multiple categories despite inefficient shooting, including 11 points, four rebounds, four assists, and two steals in 35 minutes last game.
Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (foot) will not play Sunday against the Jazz as he sits out the second game of a back-to-back, though he is expected to return Tuesday. His absence should open more minutes for Killian Hayes, who could handle primary point guard duties with Malik Monk (ankle) and Devin Carter (calf) also sidelined. Hayes had 11 points, four assists, and one three-pointer in 31 minutes two games ago and profiles as a low-end fantasy streamer with opportunity on his side. DeMar DeRozan may also take on more ball-handling responsibility.
New York Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart (knee) is available for Sunday's game against the Warriors after missing the team's previous two contests. His return should push Landry Shamet back into a reserve role while restoring Hart's usual workload on the wing. Hart has remained a steady fantasy contributor when active, averaging 12.0 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.0 steals across his last five games. His rebounding from the wing and across-the-board production make him a solid hold in category leagues, while Shamet likely loses most of his short-term streaming appeal.
New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (knee) will rejoin the lineup on Sunday against the Golden State Warriors. He didn't play in Friday's matchup with Indiana due to knee soreness, but the Knicks haven't listed him on the injury report for Sunday's game. Mitchell Robinson made a massive impact as a starter on Friday night, finishing with 12 points, 22 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. He will return to a reserve role on Sunday, and fantasy managers shouldn't expect him to repeat his effort from Friday's game. In the teams' earlier meeting this season, Towns racked up 17 points and 20 boards, and with the Warriors set to play without Draymond Green (back), Al Horford (calf), and Kristaps Porzingis (illness), he might be in for another dominant outing.
