Rudy Gobert Grabs 13 Rebounds in Timberwolves' Victory
Rudy Gobert contributed significantly on the boards, grabbing 13 rebounds to help the Minnesota Timberwolves secure a 94-88 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.
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Thursday, February 26
Michael Porter Breaks Out of Slump with 25 Points, 14 Boards for Nets
Michael Porter of the Brooklyn Nets is emerging from his worst shooting slump, attributed to rhythm, rust, and mentality after missing games and the All-Star break. He averaged 19.0 points and shot 10-of-55 from deep in his prior seven games. However, he showed signs of his old form against San Antonio, recording team-highs of 25 points and 14 rebounds. Coach Jordi Fernández noted his aggression but desired fewer than his six turnovers. Porter is adjusting to the Nets' rebuilding situation, emphasizing growth and chemistry for the team's future.
Royce O'Neale Hits Game-Winner, Lifts Short-Handed Suns Over Lakers
Royce O'Neale delivered a clutch performance for the short-handed Phoenix Suns, hitting a game-winning 3-pointer with 0.9 seconds left to secure a 113-110 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. O'Neale scored the Suns' final seven points, finishing with 13 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists. This crucial win, achieved without Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks, keeps the Suns in seventh place in the Western Conference, just one game behind the Lakers.
Austin Reaves Misses Buzzer-Beater as Lakers Fall to Suns, Extend Losing Streak
Austin Reaves missed a wide-open corner three-pointer at the buzzer, sealing the Los Angeles Lakers' 113-110 defeat to the Phoenix Suns, who secured the win with Royce O’Neale’s game-winner with 0.9 seconds left. This marks the Lakers' first three-game losing streak since early January, dropping their record to 34-24 and leaving them clinging to the No. 6 spot in the West. Despite the Suns missing key players, the Lakers struggled with tenacious rebounding and closing out shooters, contributing to their loss.
Naz Reid Returns to Game After Undisclosed Injury Scare
Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves initially went to the locker room during the third quarter of Thursday's game against the Clippers due to an undisclosed injury after a hard fall. However, he was later spotted back on the bench and checked back into the matchup with 7:19 remaining in the third period. Reid is not expected to face any restrictions in the second half of the game.
Maxey Breaks Iverson's 3-Point Record, Records 28 Points, 11 Assists
Tyrese Maxey delivered a strong performance in the 76ers' 124-117 win over the Heat, posting 28 points (9-26 FG, 5-12 3Pt, 5-5 FT), 11 assists, 5 steals, 4 rebounds, and 1 block in 38 minutes. He started hot, hitting five triples in the first quarter to score 20 points and surpassing Allen Iverson as the 76ers' all-time leader in three-point makes with 887 career 3s. This marked his seventh double-double and third game with at least five steals, despite struggling offensively after the first quarter.
Kelly Oubre Posts 21 Points, 8 Rebounds in Crucial 76ers Victory
Kelly Oubre contributed 21 points (8-14 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal in 34 minutes during the 76ers' 124-117 victory over the Heat. Showing increased aggression, Oubre hit key buckets late and finished with a team-best plus-12 differential, playing a pivotal role in securing the win. His efficient two-way play, especially with Embiid in the lineup, proved crucial for Philadelphia.
Embiid Returns from Rib Scare, Delivers 26 Points, 11 Rebounds in Win
Joel Embiid (shin, knee, ribs) returned to Thursday's game against the Heat after a brief rib injury scare in the second quarter. Despite favoring his side and struggling in the second half, he still posted 26 points (8-20 FG, 8-9 FT) and 11 rebounds, drilling a crucial three-pointer late to seal the 76ers' 124-117 win. He had been averaging 32.1 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.0 blocks in his last seven games, and his presence continues to be vital for the team.
Collin Gillespie Scores 21 Points, Key in Suns' Game-Winner
Collin Gillespie contributed 21 points for the Phoenix Suns in their 113-110 win over the Lakers, making four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter and six overall. He was involved in the game-winning play, receiving a pass from Grayson Allen before quickly swinging it to an open Royce O'Neale for the decisive three-pointer with 0.9 seconds remaining. Gillespie combined with Allen for 27 three-point shots, making six each.
Grayson Allen Leads Suns with 26 Points in Thrilling Win
Grayson Allen led the short-handed Phoenix Suns with 26 points and 6 assists off the bench in their thrilling 113-110 victory over the Lakers. He scored 28 points, including 16 in the third quarter with four 3-pointers, and combined with Collin Gillespie to make six threes each as the Suns relied heavily on the long ball, attempting 22 of 50 from deep. Allen also drove into the lane on the Suns' final possession before finding Collin Gillespie, leading to the game-winning shot.
Grant Leads Blazers with 27 Points in Win Over Bulls
Jerami Grant led the Portland Trail Blazers with 27 points (6-10 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 12-14 FT), 5 rebounds, and 2 assists in 35 minutes during Thursday's 121-112 victory over Chicago. This marks his third consecutive game with 20-plus points, with increased reliance due to teammates being sidelined. Grant's efficient offensive performance included nearly half his damage from the free-throw line, and he made a crucial 3-pointer to open the Blazers' 13-7 closing run, helping seal the win.
Saddiq Bey Erupts for 42 Points in Pelicans' Victory
Saddiq Bey erupted for 42 points on 14-of-20 shooting from the field, including 5-of-9 from three-point range and a perfect 9-of-9 from the free-throw line, leading the New Orleans Pelicans to a 129-118 victory over the Utah Jazz on Thursday night. This dominant performance opened a two-game set between the teams in Salt Lake City.
Zion Williamson Scores 20 Points in Pelicans' Win
Zion Williamson scored 20 points on 9-of-14 shooting from the floor for the New Orleans Pelicans in their 129-118 victory over the Utah Jazz on Thursday night, opening a two-game set. The Pelicans, who opened a six-game trip, have now won three straight and five of seven to improve to 18-42.
Toumani Camara Scores 16 Points, Helps Seal Blazers' Win
Toumani Camara scored 16 points for the Portland Trail Blazers in their 121-112 victory over Chicago on Thursday night. He contributed crucial free throws, including a pair that broke a Bulls' run and another pair that helped seal the win during the Blazers' 13-7 closing run.
All-Star Deni Avdija Sidelined with Back Injury
All-Star Deni Avdija was sidelined for the second consecutive game due to a back injury (back) during the Trail Blazers' 121-112 win over Chicago. His absence, along with Donovan Clingan (illness), led to increased offensive reliance on teammates like Jerami Grant, who had his third consecutive 20-plus point game.
Robert Williams III Posts Double-Double in Blazers' Win
Robert Williams III contributed a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds for the Portland Trail Blazers in their 121-112 victory over Chicago on Thursday night. He played a key role in the Blazers' effort to hold on for the win.
Maxime Raynaud Scores 22 Points in Kings' Victory
Maxime Raynaud scored 22 points for the Sacramento Kings in their 130-121 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night. The Kings (14-47) have now won two of their last three games following a franchise-record 16-game losing streak.
Precious Achiuwa Records Career-High 29 Points in Kings' Win
Precious Achiuwa delivered a career-high 29 points and added 12 rebounds, leading the Sacramento Kings to a 130-121 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night. He scored the Kings' final seven points, starting with a crucial putback off his own miss with the shot clock about to expire, helping Sacramento secure the win after Dallas cut a 17-point deficit to two.
Corey Kispert Explodes for Season-High 33 Points Off Bench
Corey Kispert delivered a season-high 33 points (11-19 FG, 6-11 3Pt, 5-5 FT), along with 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 block in 28 minutes off the bench during Thursday's 126-96 win over Washington. Despite coming off the bench, Kispert led his team in scoring, with 22 points in the first half, including going 5-for-5 from beyond the arc over a 10-minute stretch. His offensive opportunities may decrease once Nickeil Alexander-Walker (foot) and Jalen Johnson (hip) return to play.
Alperen Sengun Adds 16 Points, 6 Rebounds in Rockets' Rally
Alperen Sengun contributed 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists for the Houston Rockets in their 113-108 comeback victory over the Magic. He assisted a crucial layup by Kevin Durant that put Houston up for good, 101-100, with 3:07 remaining in the game.