NBA roundup: Spurs get last-second win in De'Aaron Fox's debut
Thu Feb 6 2:58am ET
Field Level Media
Victor Wembanyama made a go-ahead free throw with 2.9 seconds remaining and De'Aaron Fox shined in his Spurs debut as San Antonio escaped with a 126-125 win over the host Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night.
Fox, acquired from the Sacramento Kings on Monday as part of a three-team trade that also involved the Chicago Bulls, poured in 24 points on 11-of-22 shooting and dished out 13 assists. One of his misses led to a Wembanyama putback dunk that put the Spurs up 125-123 with 30.4 seconds left.
Atlanta's Trae Young sank a floater with 8.5 seconds remaining to tie the game, but Onyeka Okongwu fouled Wembanyama on the next possession. Wembanyama intentionally missed his second free-throw attempt, and Young followed with a 45-foot heave that was off the mark.
Wembanyama paired 24 points with 12 rebounds for the Spurs, who won despite getting outshot from the field (52.7 percent to 50.5 percent). Devin Vassell added 20 points and Jeremy Sochan supplied 15 off the bench as San Antonio won for just the third time in 10 games.
Young led all scorers with 32 points. He also had 12 assists but committed nine turnovers. Okongwu (30 points), De'Andre Hunter (22) and Dyson Daniels (19) also scored in double figures as Atlanta lost for the ninth time in its past 10 games.
Thunder 140, Suns 109
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 50 points to lead Oklahoma City to a home win over Phoenix.
It was the third 50-plus-point game of Gilgeous-Alexander's career, all of them coming over the past seven games. Oklahoma City got 17 points from Aaron Wiggins and 13 from Jalen Williams.
Bradley Beal, a big factor in Phoenix's early success, scored 25 off the bench to lead the Suns. Devin Booker added 19 points, and Royce O'Neale had 18.
Timberwolves 127, Bulls 108
Anthony Edwards scored 49 points and grabbed nine rebounds as Minnesota pulled away for a win over Chicago in Minneapolis.
Naz Reid recorded 22 points and 10 rebounds for Minnesota, which snapped a two-game skid. Rudy Gobert racked up 10 points and 15 rebounds, and Jaden McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker each put up 12 points.
Coby White scored 20 points to lead the Bulls, who played on short rest after beating the visiting Miami Heat one night earlier. Josh Giddey finished with 19 points, and Nikola Vucevic notched 10 points and 11 boards.
Wizards 119, Nets 102
Bilal Coulibaly's first career triple-double headlined a balanced showing as Washington cruised to its first three-game winning streak of the season with a rout of host Brooklyn.
Coulibaly finished with 11 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high 11 assists. He was one of seven Wizards players to score in double figures, led by Jordan Poole with 19 points. An astounding 40 of Washington's 44 field goals came off assists to facilitate the team scoring effort. Poole dished eight assists, and Bub Carrington doled out a career-best 10 assists to go with his 16 points.
The Nets had a three-game winning streak snapped and held all three of those opponents under 100 points. Keon Johnson led all scorers with 25 points, while Cameron Johnson added 17 points in his first action since Jan. 21 due to an ankle injury.
Jazz 131, Warriors 128
Jordan Clarkson scored 31 points, Keyonte George added 26 and Utah made a furious comeback to erase a late double-digit deficit and beat Golden State in Salt Lake City.
Playing under the shadow of a widely reported massive four-team trade, including these two, Golden State led 122-111 with three minutes left. However, the Jazz scored on 10 straight possessions and made a flurry of defensive plays to cap a wild night with an unlikely win.
Stephen Curry led all scorers with 32 points for the Warriors, who reportedly will receive Jimmy Butler from the Heat in the trade.
Nuggets 144, Pelicans 119
Michael Porter Jr. tied his career high with 39 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, Nikola Jokic finished with 38 points and 10 assists and host Denver routed New Orleans.
Christian Braun scored 23 points for the Nuggets, who tied their season high in points and swept the two-game home set against the Pelicans.
Zion Williamson put 28 points and Trey Murphy III had 25 points and nine assists, but New Orleans took its seventh loss in a row.
Magic 130, Kings 111
Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero combined for 54 points and Orlando spoiled Zach LaVine's debut for host Sacramento.
Wagner had five 3-pointers to account for almost half his 31 points, while Banchero complemented 23 points with nine assists for the Magic, who snapped a four-game losing streak.
Domantas Sabonis had a 21 points and 13 rebounds for the Kings, who inserted LaVine into the starting lineup two days after acquiring him from the Chicago Bulls in a three-team deal. LaVine totaled 13 points, shooting just 4-for-13.
Bucks 112, Hornets 102
Damian Lillard poured in 29 points and Bobby Portis racked up 23 as visiting Milwaukee halted a four-game losing streak by drilling Charlotte.
Brook Lopez provided 14 points, Gary Trent Jr. came off the bench for 13 points and Taurean Prince had 11 points for the Bucks, who built an early double-digit lead. The Bucks, who shot 50.6 percent from the field, played again without star power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, their leading scorer (31.8 points per game) and rebounder (12.2).
The Hornets suffered their sixth consecutive loss despite 23 points from Nick Smith Jr. Miles Bridges and KJ Simpson each scored 15 points, while Moussa Diabate, who hauled in 13 rebounds, and Tidjane Salaun supplied 10 points apiece.
Cavaliers 118, Pistons 115
Darius Garland made a 3-pointer as time expired to allow visiting Cleveland to continue its dominance of Detroit.
Garland made his transition basket after Cleveland squandered an eight-point lead in the final minute. Garland finished with 25 points as Cleveland defeated Detroit for the 12th straight time. Evan Mobley led the Cavaliers with 30 points, nine rebounds, seven assists and four blocked shots. Craig Porter Jr. supplied 16 points, and Max Strus added 15.
Cade Cunningham carried the Pistons with 38 points, nine assists and seven rebounds. Tim Hardaway Jr. had 20 points and Ausar Thompson 12.
Grizzlies 138, Raptors 107
Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 14 of his 32 points in the second quarter as visiting Memphis defeated Toronto.
Ja Morant added 26 points for the Grizzlies, who have won four in a row and 10 of 11. Toronto-born rookie Zach Edey had 13 points and 15 rebounds for Memphis. GG Jackson added 17 points, Brandon Clarke scored 13 points and Scotty Pippen Jr. contributed 12 points.
Scottie Barnes produced 11 points and nine assists for the Raptors, who have lost two in a row. Ochai Agbaji, Jamal Shead and Ja'Kobe Walter each scored 14 points, Gradey Dick had 13 and Davion Mitchell and Jonathan Mogbo each scored 10.
Heat 108, 76ers 101
Tyler Herro scored 30 points and Nikola Jovic shined in a complementary role as Miami topped host Philadelphia amid a major roster shakeup.
ESPN reported during the first half that the Heat had agreed to trade disgruntled star Jimmy Butler to the Golden State Warriors as part of a multi-team deal. If the Miami players knew about the trade, it certainly didn't faze them as they held off Philadelphia for their fourth win in six games.
Jovic shot 8-of-9 from the field and finished with a season-high 23 points for Miami, which overcame 22 turnovers. Seven of those were committed by Herro and seven more by Bam Adebayo, who contributed 18 points and 13 rebounds. Tyrese Maxey scored 31 points to lead Philadelphia, which had won five of its previous seven games.
- NBA roundup: Spurs get last-second win in De'Aaron Fox's debut
- Pelicans ship Brandon Ingram to Raptors
- Bulls, Lonzo Ball agree to 2-year, $20M extension
- Warriors land Jimmy Butler, send players, pick to Heat
- Kings acquire Wizards C Jonas Valanciunas
- Rockets obtain G Jaden Springer from Celtics
- Pelicans trading C Daniel Theis to OKC
- Wolves' Julius Randle (adductor) to be out at least 2 weeks
- Bucks deal Khris Middleton to Wizards for Kyle Kuzma
- NBA roundup: Nets stun Rockets, halt 11-game home skid
- Speculation swirls around Suns' Kevin Durant as trade deadline arrives
- 76ers star Joel Embiid returns to action against Mavericks
- Mavs' Anthony Davis upon hearing of trade: 'I was shocked'
- Luka Doncic: 'Excited for this new journey' with Lakers
- Mavericks acquire Caleb Martin from 76ers
- NBA roundup: Hawks nip Pistons, end 8-game skid
- Devin Booker becomes Suns' all-time leading scorer
- Game between Grizzlies, Spurs delayed after fan's medical emergency
- Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) ruled out for game vs. Thunder
- Nuggets’ Peyton Watson (knee) out 4 weeks
Jazz's G Jordan Clarkson scored 31 points on 10-of-19 shooting in a 131-128 win over the Warriors on Wednesday, Feb. 5. Clarkson is owned in only 20.3% leagues.
Oklahoma City's G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 50 points on 18-of-29 shooting in a 140-109 win over the Suns on Wednesday, Feb. 5.
Timberwolves' G Anthony Edwards scored 49 points on 13-of-28 shooting in a 127-108 win over the Bulls on Wednesday, Feb. 5.
Wizards' F Bilal Coulibaly recorded a triple-double, finishing with 11 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds in a 119-102 win over Brooklyn on Wednesday, Feb. 5.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (quadriceps) won't play on Wednesday versus Sacramento. The 23-year-old missed 10 games because of a back injury before returning for the January 25 matchup with the Pistons. Unfortunately, he sustained a quad contusion and will now miss his fifth-straight game on Wednesday night. As a result, Cole Anthony, coming off a 26-point effort, should continue to benefit from Suggs' absence.
The Utah Jazz have acquired guard Dennis Schroder in a five-team trade on Wednesday. It looked like Schroder was going to end up with the Miami Heat, but instead he'll go to Utah. Schroder has moved around quite a bit this season, but this is a less than ideal landing spot for him. The Jazz are in the middle of a rebuild and really have no need for Schroder. Possibly, Schroder will get decent playing time right now with Collin Sexton (ankle) being sidelined. However, Schroder will probably get lost in the mix once Sexton is back. Fantasy managers who have Schroder rostered shouldn't get their hopes up.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Warriors are trading forward Andrew Wiggins to the Heat in a multi-team deal that will also send Jimmy Butler to Golden State. The 2014 No. 1 overall pick had a rough season in 2023-24. However, he's turned things around this season, averaging 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. It's unknown how head coach Erik Spoelstra will use Wiggins. But even if he doesn't start, he will likely take minutes away from Jaime Jaquez Jr., Haywood Highsmith, and Nikola Jovic. With that in mind, Wiggins might see a dip in production, especially with Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro in the equation.
Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball has signed a new deal with the organization on Wednesday. Ball has agreed on a two-year, $20 million extension with the team. It seemed increasingly likely that Ball was going to be moved ahead of the trade deadline. However, the Bulls have decided to keep the 27-year-old guard who has played very well this season. Ball has been sidelined throughout a majority of his time in Chicago, but is now finally able to contribute on the court. He'll likely see an increased role in the rotation with Zach LaVine being traded to the Sacramento Kings.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Wizards are trading center Jonas Valanciunas to the Kings in exchange for guard Sidy Cissoko and two second-round picks. Sacramento recently moved De'Aaron Fox to San Antonio and acquired guard Zach LaVine. However, the Kings will add a quality big man to bolster their depth chart. Valanciunas has averaged 13.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists throughout his career. While he's not as efficient on the defensive end, he provides double-double upside and can help take some pressure off Domantas Sabonis. Valanciunas isn't a lock to see consistent minutes with his new team. Still, fantasy managers should monitor him moving forward, especially if he gets some starts at the five moving ahead.
New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado (illness) has been ruled out ahead of Wednesday's game against the Denver Nuggets. The Pelicans have been leaning more on Alvarado with Dejounte Murray (Achilles) done for the season. His absence means that the Pelicans will likely need to use a committee approach at the guard spot. Jordan Hawkins, Javonte Green, and Antonio Reeves should all see increased roles. None of them have great streaming appeal, but Hawkins is probably the best choice of the three.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (calf) is available ahead of Wednesday's game against the Utah Jazz. As expected, Green is cleared to play after being listed as probable coming into this contest. Green missed seven games in a row due to a calf injury before being cleared to play on Monday. He wasn't limited on Monday, so Green should have his full workload on Wednesday. Possibly, Green plays more than normal considering the Warriors just finalized a five-team trade that will shorthand them for this game.
Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (calf) is available ahead of Wednesday's game against the New Orleans Pelicans. Gordon sat out of Monday's game due to a calf issue, but appears to be feeling good enough to play now. Zeke Nnaji saw an increased role with Gordon sidelined, but figures to go back to the bench now. Fantasy managers should expect Gordon to have his normal workload on Wednesday following a one-game absence. Both Nnaji and Gordon could possibly see a few more minutes with Peyton Watson (knee) still sidelined.
Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler has been traded to the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. It seemed that Butler had burned his bridge to Golden State a few days ago, but that doesn't appear to be the case. Butler will head over to the Warriors in exchange for Andrew Wiggins, Dennis Schroder, Kyle Anderson, and a first-round pick. The Warriors are attempting to go all-in here by adding a superstar in the hopes of possibly getting one more ring before maybe heading into a rebuild. Butler has talked his way off multiple teams, but he is a legitimate difference maker when he's on the court. He hasn't played since late January due to a suspension, but Butler is a top-50 contributor when he's available.
Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson (ankle) will play against the Wizards on Wednesday night. He has had the best year of his career. However, an ankle injury has kept him off the floor for Brooklyn's previous six games. With that in mind, Johnson is a must-start in all fantasy setups. But his presence could mean less production from Ziaire Williams, Keon Johnson, and Tosan Evbuomwan.
Philadelphia 76ers forward Paul George (finger) will suit up versus the Heat on Wednesday night. The veteran has been banged up all season. However, a finger injury has kept him off the floor for Philadelphia's last five contests. With Joel Embiid (knee) sidelined, George could be more productive than usual, although his presence could mean less scoring opportunities for Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre Jr.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Marcus Smart (finger) will play on Wednesday versus Toronto. The veteran hasn't been on the court since December 23, so he'll likely operate under a minutes restriction. But with Desmond Bane (ankle) ruled out, Smart could see enough minutes to justify his presence in fantasy lineups against one of the worst teams in the NBA.
Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (back) will play against the Hornets. The veteran missed his first game of the 2024-25 campaign on Monday versus OKC due to back soreness. But the Bucks also didn't have Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee), Bobby Portis (personal), and Damian Lillard (groin). However, with Lopez, Antetokounmpo, Portis, and Lillard all available, guys like Chris Livingston, Ryan Rollins, AJ Johnson, and Tyler Smith can be removed from fantasy lineups.
Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (personal) will play on Wednesday against Charlotte. He missed the last six games due to a personal matter. But he was upgraded to probable on Tuesday night, so fantasy managers had hope he would be back. Portis will likely head back to the bench, considering Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee), Damian Lillard (groin), and Brook Lopez (back) are good to go. But with a favorable matchup versus the Hornets on the agenda, Portis deserves a spot in any fantasy lineup.
According to Serena Winters of FanDuel Sports Network Ohio, Cleveland Cavaliers guardDonovan Mitchell(shoulder) will not play on Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons. Mitchell is dealing with a right shoulder injury and will be out of action for only the third time during this year's campaign. With the Cavs' best player out, fantasy managers could possibly see Ty Jerome, Caris LeVert, or Max Strus help lead the team's backcourt Wednesday night.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (groin) will play against Charlotte. The former Trail Blazer missed Monday's loss to the Thunder because of a groin injury. He was listed as questionable for this contest as of Tuesday night. However, Lillard was upgraded to probable on Wednesday afternoon. The Bucks will also have Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee), Brook Lopez (back), and Bobby Portis (personal) back, meaning players like AJ Johnson, Ryan Rollins, and Tyler Smith can be removed from fantasy lineups.
