NBA Highlights: Hawks, Heat, Lakers, Suns, and Thunder Claim Key Wins

Post by : Mara Rahim

The NBA weekend was filled with gripping contests, as various teams celebrated notable victories. The Atlanta Hawks edged out the Charlotte Hornets 113-110, powered by Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s 23 points and pivotal defensive maneuvers in the closing moments. Alexander-Walker’s layup with 1:42 remaining secured a narrow lead for Atlanta, and a crucial steal from rookie Kon Knueppel ensured their victory. Jalen Johnson shone with 28 points, 11 assists, and eight boards, while Dyson Daniels contributed 22 points and nine rebounds. Onyeka Okongwu also added 20 points and seven rebounds. For the Hornets, Knueppel netted 28 points, Collin Sexton scored 22, and Miles Bridges accounted for 21 points.

Meanwhile, the Miami Heat triumphed over the Philadelphia 76ers 127-117, thanks to Norman Powell's impressive 32 points. Kel’el Ware contributed 20 points and 16 rebounds, while Bam Adebayo recorded 18 points and 13 boards. Davion Mitchell also stepped up with eight points, 12 assists, and eight rebounds, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 22 points from the bench. For the 76ers, Tyrese Maxey led with 27 points, while Trendon Watford provided 19 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, and Andre Drummond amassed 14 points with 23 rebounds. Joel Embiid and Paul George were either sidelined or limited due to injuries.

The Toronto Raptors clinched their seventh consecutive victory with a 119-109 win against the Brooklyn Nets. Immanuel Quickley tallied 13 points, including two crucial 3-pointers in the final minutes. Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 17 points, while RJ Barrett scored 16 before facing a knee injury. For the Nets, Tyrese Martin had 26 points, Michael Porter Jr. contributed 25, and Noah Clowney added 22 points.

In Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell propelled the Cavaliers to a 120-105 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers with a remarkable 37 points, adding eight rebounds and six assists. Evan Mobley supported with 18 points, while De’Andre Hunter added 17, and Darius Garland offered eight points along with eight assists. For the Clippers, Ivica Zubac shone with 33 points and 18 rebounds; however, Kawhi Leonard tallied 20 points, and James Harden struggled without hitting any three-pointers. This loss leaves L.A. with a disappointing record of 2-10 in November.

The Boston Celtics narrowly avoided back-to-back home losses by defeating the Orlando Magic 138-129. Jaylen Brown contributed 35 points, supported by 23 bench points from Anfernee Simons and 19 from Payton Pritchard. The Magic’s Jett Howard led his team with 30 points from the bench, while Franz Wagner notched 15 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.

The Oklahoma City Thunder extended their impressive winning streak to nine games with a triumphant 122-95 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 37 points, adding seven assists and five rebounds. Ajay Mitchell came off the bench to contribute 20 points, while Isaiah Hartenstein secured 15 rebounds. Jerami Grant led the Trail Blazers with 21 points.

The Phoenix Suns overcame the San Antonio Spurs 111-102, with Dillon Brooks scoring 25 points and Devin Booker adding 24. Jordan Goodwin achieved his first double-double of the season with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Mark Williams contributed 14 points and 11 boards. From the Spurs, De’Aaron Fox recorded 26 points, Devin Vassell added 17, and Julian Champagnie tallied 10 points and 12 rebounds.

In a close finish, the Los Angeles Lakers edged past the Utah Jazz 108-106, led by Luka Doncic’s impressive 33 points, alongside 11 rebounds and eight assists. Austin Reaves supported with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while LeBron James supplied 17 points and eight assists in his second game back from a sciatica injury. Keyonte George topped the Jazz with 27 points, while Lauri Markkanen contributed 20.

This weekend's NBA games showcased stellar performances, nail-biting finishes, and exceptional athletes from multiple teams, igniting excitement as the season continues.