NBA Friday Recap: Powerhouse Wins for Miami, LA, Milwaukee, and Clippers

Post by : Mara Rahim

Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat delivered a stellar performance with 24 points, including 18 in the first quarter. Miami set a franchise record for most points allowed by a Memphis team in regulation, culminating in a 146-114 blowout. They shot 57.7% from the field and scored an impressive 86 first-half points, leading by 39 at the break. Nikola Jokic added 20 points alongside six rebounds, while Kel’el Ware made a solid contribution with 19 points and nine boards. Jaime Jaquez Jr. achieved a double-double with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Memphis had a tough night, despite Jaren Jackson Jr.'s 19 points, rookie Cedric Coward's 16 points, and Santi Aldama’s 13 points and eight rebounds. Ja Morant managed only 12 points on 4-of-16 shooting, playing limited minutes in the second half.

The Trail Blazers put forth a strong showing against Golden State, winning 139-119. Deni Avdija led the charge with 26 points while also dishing out six assists and grabbing five rebounds. Jerami Grant came off the bench to score 22 points, and Toumani Camara added 19 points along with seven rebounds. Interim coach Tiago Splitter filled in for Chauncey Billups. For the Warriors, Stephen Curry shone with 35 points, making seven three-pointers, while Jonathan Kuminga chipped in with 16 points and eight rebounds.

Luka Doncic led the charge for the Los Angeles Lakers in a decisive 128-110 victory over Minnesota, scoring 32 of his 49 points in the first half while also collecting 11 rebounds and eight assists. Austin Reaves supported with 25 points and 11 assists, while Rui Hachimura contributed 23 points. Minnesota's Anthony Edwards scored 31 points, and Julius Randle produced 26 points and nine rebounds, but their shooting at 46.6% fell short against the Lakers’ 59.2% efficiency.

In another thrilling matchup, Milwaukee edged past Toronto 122-116, thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo's standout 31 points and 20 rebounds. Gary Trent Jr. added 20 points for Toronto, while Cole Anthony provided 23 points off the bench. Brandon Ingram led the Raptors with 29 points, supported by RJ Barrett's 20 points and Immanuel Quickley’s 19.

Trae Young spearheaded Atlanta's comeback, scoring 25 points and hitting two crucial free throws late in the game, lifting Atlanta to a 111-107 win over Orlando after trailing by 14 points. Nickeil Alexander-Walker contributed 19 points, and Onyeka Okongwu added 17. For Orlando, Franz Wagner was the standout with 27 points, while Tristan da Silva and Desmond Bane each scored 15.

Cade Cunningham sealed the game with two late free throws, leading Detroit to a 115-111 road victory over Houston. Cunningham registered 21 points alongside seven rebounds and nine assists. Paul Reed added 13 points and nine rebounds, while Ausar Thompson scored 19 points and Duncan Robinson hit 17 points with four three-pointers. Meanwhile, Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 37 points.

The Knicks secured a 105-95 victory against the Celtics, propelled by a dominating second quarter, outscoring them 42-14. Karl-Anthony Towns recorded a double-double with 26 points and 13 rebounds while Jalen Brunson topped the game with 31 points. Boston's Jaylen Brown led with 23 points, followed by Sam Hauser with 18.

Donovan Mitchell netted 35 points as the Cavaliers staved off a late Nets rally to win 131-124. Jarrett Allen also made significant contributions with 22 points, while Sam Merrill added another 22 points. Brooklyn saw Cam Thomas score 33 points, while Michael Porter Jr. contributed 31 points.

Victor Wembanyama's impressive 29 points, 11 rebounds, and nine blocks led San Antonio to a thrilling 120-116 overtime win over New Orleans. Devin Vassell scored 23 points, and Luke Kornet recorded 14 points with 12 rebounds, while Zion Williamson was the standout for the Pelicans with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists.

Domantas Sabonis secured the win for Sacramento with a clutch basket with 6.4 seconds remaining, giving them a 105-104 victory at home. Zach LaVine was prolific with 31 points, followed by Malik Monk with 20 and Dennis Schroder with 17. Lauri Markkanen from Utah scored 33 points, while Keyonte George contributed 18 points and 10 assists but missed a last-second shot.

Kyshawn George achieved personal bests with 34 points and 11 rebounds as Washington triumphed over Dallas with a 117-107 win. Anthony Davis added 27 points and 13 rebounds for the Mavericks despite coming up short. Tre Johnson contributed 17 points off the bench.

James Harden's explosive 30 points, including 26 in the first half, propelled the Clippers to a 129-102 victory. Kawhi Leonard supported with 27 points, while the defense effectively constrained Phoenix's Devin Booker to just 18 points.