NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
The Milwaukee Bucks seized a prime opportunity to recover at Crypto.com Arena following two consecutive defeats, as the Los Angeles Lakers were significantly weakened with multiple star absences.
With LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Dorian Finney-Smith all sidelined, the Lakers struggled against Giannis Antetokounmpo. Despite Damian Lillard being out, the Bucks easily triumphed over the Lakers with a score of 118-89 in California.
Giannis delivered a stunning performance, netting 28 points along with seven rebounds and four assists in only 29 minutes of play, shooting 60% from the field and an impressive 83% from the free-throw line. The shorthanded Lakers had no effective strategy to counter him.
Amidst the Lakers’ challenges, Alex Len took advantage of his chance, nearly achieving a double-double with 10 points and nine rebounds. However, the highlight of the game for the Lakers was the performance of LeBron’s son, Bronny James, who led the team with a career-best 17 points and five assists.
In another matchup in California, the Sacramento Kings faced off against the Chicago Bulls, ultimately falling 128-116. In a clash featuring European big men, Nikola Vučević outperformed Jonas Valančiūnas.
The Montenegrin center concluded the game just two assists away from a triple-double, finishing with 24 points and 14 rebounds. Interestingly, only Artis Gilmore and Michael Jordan have recorded more 20-10 matches in Bulls history. Valančiūnas contributed six points and five rebounds for the losing Kings, while his fellow countryman Matas Buzelis added five points for Chicago.
The Charlotte Hornets delivered an unexpected blow to the New York Knicks at home with a decisive 115-98 victory. Jusuf Nurkić contributed nine points and seven rebounds, while Moussa Diabaté added seven points and five boards.
On the Knicks’ side, British swingman OG Anunoby was particularly impressive offensively, scoring 25 points, and Karl-Anthony Towns supported with 24 points and 10 rebounds.
Darko Rajaković and his Toronto Raptors came close to pulling off an upset against the Golden State Warriors, but Steve Kerr’s squad edged out a win at Chase Center, finishing 117-114.
Dutch center Quinten Post led the Warriors with 18 points, while Jimmy Butler notched a triple-double, posting 16 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds. Post also had an engaging matchup with Austrian Jakob Pöltl, who scored 18 points and grabbed eight rebounds for the Raptors.
NBA Game Results: Charlotte Hornets defeated New York Knicks 115-98; Indiana Pacers overpowered Brooklyn Nets 105-99 (OT); Golden State Warriors beat Toronto Raptors 117-114; Sacramento Kings lost to Chicago Bulls 116-128; Milwaukee Bucks triumphed over Los Angeles Lakers 118-89.
