By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Despite trade rumors dominating headlines ahead of the February 5 deadline, there was plenty of on-court excitement in a packed NBA schedule.
Luka Dončić and the Los Angeles Lakers earned a road win over the Brooklyn Nets, 125–109, with the Slovenian star once again among the top performers.
Dončić finished the game with 24 points, six rebounds, and five assists, trailing only LeBron James, who led the Lakers with 25 points and seven assists. For Brooklyn, Egor Demin scored 11 points, Nolan Traore added seven points along with five rebounds and four assists, while Ben Saraf contributed three points.
Nikola Jokić, however, didn’t enjoy the same success, as the Denver Nuggets fell 124–121 to Eastern Conference leaders Detroit Pistons.
The Serbian center, who has re-entered the MVP conversation after recently returning from injury, posted a double-double with 24 points and 15 rebounds, adding four assists, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. Jonas Valančiūnas also recorded a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds, yet the hosts prevailed behind Cade Cunningham’s standout performance of 29 points and 10 assists.
The Utah Jazz, who are set to get even stronger with the addition of Jaren Jackson Jr., defeated the Indiana Pacers on the road, 131–122. Lauri Markkanen led the way with 27 points, while Svi Mykhailiuk added 18.
Still awaiting the arrival of Nikola Vučević, the Boston Celtics earned a road win over the Dallas Mavericks, 110–100. Luka Garza scored 16 points, Neemias Queta posted eight points and eight rebounds, and Hugo González finished with two points and six boards.
With the situation surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo still unresolved, the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Chicago Bulls at home, 131–115. Matas Buzelis led the losing side with 22 points.
The Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the Orlando Magic, 128–92, as Isaiah Hartenstein recorded a triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. Paolo Banchero scored 17 points for Orlando, while Noah Penda added 11 and Mo Wagner finished with eight.
The Philadelphia 76ers picked up a road win over the Golden State Warriors, 113–94. Adem Bona had 11 points and seven rebounds, while Dutch center Quinten Post scored 10 points for the Warriors.
The Portland Trail Blazers fell to the Phoenix Suns, 130–125, despite Toumani Camara posting a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Sidy Cissoko added 12 points, five boards, and six assists.
The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Miami Heat on the road, 127–115. Zaccharie Risacher contributed seven points and seven rebounds, while Simone Fontecchio and Pelle Larsson each scored 18 points for Miami. Kasparas Jakučionis and Nikola Jović finished with five points apiece.
The New York Knicks routed the Washington Wizards, 132–101. OG Anunoby scored 19 points, Ariel Hukporti added 12 points and nine rebounds, while Mohamed Diawara contributed five points. Guerschon Yabusele did not play.
For Washington, Alex Sarr recorded 11 points and nine rebounds, while Bilal Coulibaly finished with three points in just over 24 minutes.
Detroit Pistons – Denver Nuggets 124–121
Indiana Pacers – Utah Jazz 122–131
Washington Wizards – New York Knicks 101–132
Brooklyn Nets – Los Angeles Lakers 109–125
Miami Heat – Atlanta Hawks 115–127
Dallas Mavericks – Boston Celtics 100–110
Milwaukee Bucks – Chicago Bulls 131–115
Oklahoma City Thunder – Orlando Magic 128–92
Golden State Warriors – Philadelphia 76ers 94–113
Portland Trail Blazers – Phoenix Suns 125–130
Eastern Conference
- Detroit Pistons 37–12
- New York Knicks 32–18
- Boston Celtics 32–18
- Toronto Raptors 30–21
- Cleveland Cavaliers 30–21
- Philadelphia 76ers 29–21
- Miami Heat 27–25
- Orlando Magic 25–24
- Atlanta Hawks 25–27
- Chicago Bulls 24–27
- Charlotte Hornets 23–28
- Milwaukee Bucks 19–29
- Brooklyn Nets 13–36
- Washington Wizards 13–36
- Indiana Pacers 13–38
Western Conference
- Oklahoma City Thunder 40–11
- San Antonio Spurs 33–16
- Denver Nuggets 33–18
- Houston Rockets 31–17
- Los Angeles Lakers 30–19
- Phoenix Suns 31–20
- Minnesota Timberwolves 31–20
- Golden State Warriors 27–24
- LA Clippers 23–26
- Portland Trail Blazers 23–28
- Memphis Grizzlies 19–29
- Dallas Mavericks 19–31
- Utah Jazz 16–35
- New Orleans Pelicans 13–39
- Sacramento Kings 12–39