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Thursday, January 29

Naz Reid Scores 18 Points Off Bench, Hits Four 3-Pointers for Wolves

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Naz Reid added 18 points off the bench for the Minnesota Timberwolves in their 123-111 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Thursday night. Reid was efficient from beyond the arc, connecting four times from 3-point range. His contribution helped the Timberwolves match a season high with 22 total 3-pointers, shooting 46.8% from deep. This performance was part of Minnesota's third consecutive victory, and the 22 three-pointers equaled the second-most surrendered by the Thunder this season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Drops 30 Points in Thunder's Loss

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander collected 30 points (12-18 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 5-5 FT), six rebounds, eight assists, and one steal over 31 minutes during the Oklahoma City Thunder's 123-111 loss to the Timberwolves. Gilgeous-Alexander put together a strong showing on the offensive end, marking his 33rd game with 30 or more points in 47 appearances this season. Despite his high-level play and strong production across the board, he was unable to single-handedly keep his team in the game in the second half, as OKC entered the fourth quarter down by 16.

Bam Adebayo Posts 20 Points, 12 Rebounds in Heat's Close Win

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Bam Adebayo contributed 20 points and 12 rebounds for the Miami Heat in their 116-113 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night. His double-double performance was crucial as the Heat held off a late rally from the Bulls, who trailed by 13 in the fourth quarter and were down 104-92 with 8:02 remaining. Adebayo's consistent play helped Miami secure the win in the second part of their back-to-back set against Chicago, despite the Bulls cutting the deficit to just three points late in the game.

Ayo Dosunmu Paces Bulls with 23 Points, Season-High 7 Rebounds

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Ayo Dosunmu led the Chicago Bulls with 23 points (8-16 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 6-6 FT), a season-high seven rebounds, and five assists in 31 minutes during Thursday's 116-113 loss to the Heat. This marked his best scoring performance since January 7th. Dosunmu capitalized on increased opportunities in the second half after Jalen Smith exited due to a calf injury, which could potentially lead to an uptick in his minutes. He was instrumental in the Bulls' late rally, making two layups and a 3-pointer to cut the deficit to three points with 2:05 remaining.

Norman Powell Cleared to Play, Scores 21 Points in Heat Victory

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Norman Powell was cleared to play Thursday against the Chicago Bulls despite earlier concerns about lower-back tightness, suiting up for the Miami Heat's back-to-back. He delivered a strong performance, scoring 21 points in their 116-113 victory. Over his last five appearances, Powell is averaging 18.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.2 assists. His last nine outings saw him average 20.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 2.2 three-pointers in 30.4 minutes per game, showcasing his consistent scoring and helping the Heat hold off a late Bulls rally.

Dillon Brooks Erupts for Career-High 40 Points in Suns' Victory

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Dillon Brooks propelled the Phoenix Suns to a 114-96 victory over the Pistons, tallying a career-high 40 points (13-22 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 10-12 FT), eight rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block across 33 minutes. Brooks was locked in offensively, drilling 59.1% of his field-goal attempts and securing a season-high eight rebounds. He demonstrated his capability to lead the team's offense, particularly in the absence of Devin Booker. This performance, achieved on his 'Dillon The Villain' T-shirt night, marks his best scoring output, surpassing his previous 37 points. He's averaging over 20 PPG this season.

Michael Porter Jr. Drops 38 Points, Double-Double in Nets' Close Loss

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Michael Porter Jr. rolled to a 38-point night for the Brooklyn Nets during Thursday's 107-103 loss to the Nuggets, recording 38 points (13-28 FG, 7-15 3Pt, 5-5 FT), 10 rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks across 37 minutes. Porter was highly effective from beyond the arc, scoring 21 of his 38 points from deep. He secured his first double-double since January 4th and has now posted 30 or more points in three of his last four matchups, helping the Nets stay competitive despite an early 19-point deficit.

Grayson Allen Adds 24 Points in Suns' Victory Over Pistons

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Grayson Allen added 24 points for the Phoenix Suns in their 114-96 victory over the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons on Thursday night. His scoring contribution helped the Suns maintain a comfortable lead through much of the fourth quarter, securing their fifth win in seven games. This victory also marked the first time this season the Suns are 10 games above .500, improving their record to 29-19 and showcasing a strong team performance alongside Dillon Brooks' career night.

Kevin Durant Ignites Rockets with 31 Points in Dominant Win

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Kevin Durant scored 31 points (12-22 FG, 3-8 3Pt, 4-4 FT), adding five rebounds and four assists over 34 minutes in the Houston Rockets' 104-86 victory over the Hawks. Durant got hot in the third quarter, scoring 16 points on 6-for-9 shooting, proving unstoppable. The Rockets dominated the second half after a narrow 43-42 halftime lead. The 37-year-old former MVP has been putting up top-20 numbers this season, averaging 26.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.4 triples, 0.7 steals, and 0.9 blocks per contest.

Jabari Smith Jr. Records Career-High 5 Blocks, 3 Steals in Rockets Win

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Jabari Smith Jr. stuffed the stat sheet for the Houston Rockets in their 104-86 win over Atlanta, posting 14 points (5-12 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds, three assists, a career-high five blocks, and three steals over 32 minutes. Smith was a defensive force, achieving his career-best block total without committing a single foul, and finished with a plus-15 differential. He joined Victor Wembanyama as the only players this season to record three-plus steals and five-plus blocks in a single game, contributing to the Rockets' dominant second-half performance.

CJ McCollum Scores 23 Points with Five Treys in Hawks' Loss

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CJ McCollum supplied 23 points (9-19 FG, 5-11 3Pt), five rebounds, and two assists across 31 minutes during Thursday's 104-86 loss to the Rockets. With Jalen Johnson (calf) sidelined, McCollum took on a heavier offensive role and saw increased minutes. He has been performing well for the Atlanta Hawks, currently averaging 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 2.6 triples, and just 1.7 turnovers per contest.

Reed Sheppard Adds 13 Points, Fuels Rockets' Second-Half Surge

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Reed Sheppard contributed 13 points for the Houston Rockets in their 104-86 victory over the short-handed Atlanta Hawks on Thursday night. His crucial 3-pointer gave the Rockets their first 20-point lead, 90-70, as Houston dominated the second half after leading by only one point at halftime. Sheppard's scoring helped the Rockets end the Hawks' four-game winning streak with a strong offensive push, showcasing the team's ability to stretch the lead in the final period.

Myles Turner Records Strong Double-Double with 21 Points, 14 Rebounds, 6 Blocks

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Myles Turner posted a strong double-double for the Milwaukee Bucks, tallying 21 points (8-16 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 14 rebounds, one assist, and six blocks in 39 minutes during Thursday's 109-99 loss to the Wizards. This marked his third double-double of the season and his first game with double-digit rebounds since November 24th. Turner also recorded six blocked shots for the second time in three games. He is expected to continue seeing significant opportunities without Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) available.

Alex Sarr Dominates with 16 Points, 17 Rebounds in Wizards' Win

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Alex Sarr delivered a strong performance for the Washington Wizards despite feeling under the weather, recording 16 points (6-13 FG), 17 rebounds (7 offensive), 2 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks in 32 minutes during their 109-99 win over Milwaukee. This secured his second consecutive double-double. The sophomore center, averaging 17.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.0 triples, and 2.2 blocks this season, is viewed by the Washington Wizards as their next franchise player. Sarr's late runner helped seal the victory, contributing to Washington's second straight win.

Tyrese Maxey Explodes for 40 Points, Sinks Game-Winner for 76ers

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Tyrese Maxey delivered a spectacular performance for the Philadelphia 76ers, posting 40 points (12-18 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 12-13 FT), 8 assists, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal in 41 minutes during their 113-111 comeback win over the Kings. He sealed the victory with a game-winning and-one layup with 1.3 seconds remaining. This marks his fifth 40-plus-point game of the season. Since January 1, Maxey has been averaging 26.9 points, 6.5 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 2.9 threes, 2.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks over 37.9 minutes per game, showcasing his consistent high-level play and ability to close out games.

Paul George Available, Contributes 15 Points in 76ers' Comeback Win

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Paul George (knee) was available for Thursday's game against the Sacramento Kings, playing a key role in the Philadelphia 76ers' 113-111 comeback victory. He contributed 15 points, shooting 7-of-15 from the floor, and had moments with the second unit, including two quick baskets to start the fourth quarter. The 76ers forward is averaging 16.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.5 triples, and 1.5 steals per game this season. He previously tied a Philadelphia single-game record with nine 3-pointers in Tuesday's win, continuing to be a key contributor.

Joel Embiid Scores 37 Points, Assists Game-Winner Despite Knee Issue

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Joel Embiid delivered a stellar performance for the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring 37 points (13-21 FG, 10-13 FT), adding 8 assists, 5 rebounds, and a block in 36 minutes during their 113-111 comeback win over the Kings. He scored 10 points in the fourth quarter and assisted Tyrese Maxey's game-winning layup. Despite ongoing left knee injury management, Embiid has been phenomenal, extending his streak of 29+ point games to six. Over this span, he's averaged 33.2 points, 9.0 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.5 threes, shooting 54.0% from the field.

Kyshawn George Leads Wizards with 23 Points in Win Over Bucks

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Kyshawn George scored 23 points, adding 5 rebounds and 5 assists, leading the Washington Wizards to a 109-99 victory over the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night. George's performance was key in Washington's second straight win, which saw them secure a 61-43 rebounding advantage. This win moved the Wizards from the worst record in the NBA to only fourth-worst, improving their standing in the league and showcasing a strong team effort against a Bucks squad missing Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Bub Carrington Scores 13 Points, Helps Wizards Secure Win

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Bub Carrington added 13 points for the Washington Wizards in their 109-99 victory over the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night. Carrington, along with Bilal Coulibaly, sank a pair of free throws late in the game, helping the Wizards hold the Bucks scoreless on their final four possessions. His contribution was part of Washington's second straight win, which saw them secure a 61-43 rebounding advantage and overcome an early injury to rookie Tre Johnson, who rolled his left ankle in the second quarter.

Khris Middleton Scores 13 Points for Wizards in Win Over Bucks

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Khris Middleton added 13 points for the Washington Wizards in their 109-99 victory over the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night. Middleton contributed to Washington's second straight win, which saw them hold a significant 61-43 rebounding advantage. The Bucks were playing without their two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed his second straight game with a calf strain amidst intensifying trade rumors, highlighting the struggles Milwaukee faced in his absence.