Eppe Franklyne –
Jayson Tatum Leads Celtics to Comeback Victory
Jayson Tatum delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 35 points and providing 11 assists, as the Boston Celtics mounted a dramatic comeback to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 118-110. After trailing by 26 points in the second half, the Celtics outscored Philadelphia 54-20 over the final 14 minutes to seize control of the game. Jaylen Brown contributed 21 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Kristaps Porzingis added 18 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Boston’s success from beyond the arc played a significant role, as they made 21 three-pointers, including 14 out of 22 attempts in the second half. For Philadelphia, Tyrese Maxey led with 34 points, and Guerschon Yabusele and Kelly Oubre Jr. chipped in with 21 and 18 points, respectively.
Cavaliers’ Blowout Win Over Mavericks
Sam Merrill came off the bench to hit nine 3-pointers, recording a career-high 27 points, as the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Dallas Mavericks 144-101. Cleveland’s shooting dominance in the first quarter, where they made 9 of 11 three-pointers, helped them build a commanding 50-19 lead by the end of the frame. This impressive start set the tone for the blowout victory. The Mavericks were in disarray following a blockbuster trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis. Davis, however, was inactive for the game due to a pending trade and an abdominal muscle strain.
Pistons Beat Bulls in High-Scoring Affair
The Detroit Pistons secured a 127-119 victory over the Chicago Bulls with a well-rounded performance, led by Cade Cunningham’s 22 points and 15 assists. Jalen Duren provided a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds, while Malik Beasley added 19 points and 5 assists. Despite strong performances from Coby White, who scored 22 points, and Nikola Vucevic, who recorded a triple-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, Chicago was unable to overcome Detroit. The Bulls had won 18 of their last 20 matchups against the Pistons before this defeat.
Raptors Use Big Third Quarter to Defeat Clippers
The Toronto Raptors used a dominant third quarter to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 115-108. Toronto outscored the Clippers 31-16 in the period, thanks in part to 19 fastbreak points, breaking a halftime tie and securing the win. RJ Barrett led the Raptors with 20 points and 7 assists, while Gradey Dick added 18 points, and Scottie Barnes contributed 15 points and 7 rebounds. James Harden paced the Clippers with 25 points in the loss, as Los Angeles concluded their road trip with a 2-2 record.
Grizzlies Secure Seventh Straight Win Over Bucks
Jaren Jackson Jr. delivered a stellar performance, scoring 37 points and hitting 7 three-pointers, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a 132-119 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Desmond Bane added 22 points, and Santi Aldama contributed 23 points and 8 rebounds. Despite a strong showing from Giannis Antetokounmpo, who recorded 30 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, Milwaukee couldn’t prevent their fourth loss in the last five games. The Grizzlies extended their dominance over the Bucks, securing their seventh consecutive win against them.
