On January 10th, Beijing time, the NBA regular season continued with several key matchups that significantly impacted the Western Conference standings. Here are the highlights and updates from the recently concluded games:
The Houston Rockets narrowly defeated the Memphis Grizzlies with a score of 119-115, securing their second-place position in the standings. The Dallas Mavericks also secured a close victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, winning 117-111 and extending their winning streak to two games. The Minnesota Timberwolves won their third consecutive game, defeating the Orlando Magic 104-89. Lastly, the Golden State Warriors managed a hard-fought win against the Detroit Pistons, with a final score of 107-104, ending the Pistons' five-game winning streak.
In the Rockets vs. Grizzlies game, Ja Morant returned to action for Memphis. Both teams engaged in an offensive battle in the first quarter, maintaining high shooting percentages and combining for a total of 81 points. The Rockets led with 45 points, with Sengun contributing 16 points on 7-of-6 shooting, and Green adding 13 points. In the second quarter, the Grizzlies managed to cut the lead by four points with a 27-23 run. The Rockets maintained their dominance in the third quarter, outscoring the Grizzlies 33-29. In the final quarter, the Grizzlies, led by Morant, reduced the deficit to just one point. However, VanVleet's jump shot gave the Rockets a three-point advantage, which they held onto until the end.
In the closing seconds of the game, both teams were involved in a free-throw battle. Bane made one of his two free throws, while Holiday sealed the game with two successful free throws. The Rockets ultimately won 119-115, extending their winning streak to three games. Sengun had an impressive performance with 32 points and 14 rebounds, Green scored 27 points, VanVleet added 22 points, and Tate contributed 12 points. Despite Morant's return, the Grizzlies have now lost three of their last four games. Morant struggled with his shooting, going 9-for-22 for 27 points, while Jackson scored 21 points on 9-of-15 shooting, and Bane added 16 points.
The Mavericks, despite missing several key players, managed to secure a victory against the Trail Blazers. Six players scored in double figures for the Mavericks, with three players scoring over 20 points. Hardy led the way with 25 points, Washington contributed 23 points and 14 rebounds, and Lively II added 21 points and 16 rebounds. This win improved the Mavericks' record to 22-16, tying them with the Denver Nuggets for fifth place in the standings, one game ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers' game against the Charlotte Hornets was postponed due to wildfires in California.
The Timberwolves' victory over the Magic marked their third straight win, bringing their record to 20-17 and elevating them to seventh place in the standings, tied with the Los Angeles Clippers. Edwards had a less-than-stellar shooting night, going 5-for-19 from the field and 4-for-11 from three-point range, but still managed to contribute 21 points and 7 assists, including a memorable dunk. Randle scored 23 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Gobert added 10 points and 12 rebounds.
The Warriors' win against the Pistons was crucial for their playoff hopes. No player on the Warriors scored more than 20 points, but six players scored in double figures. Hield led the team with 19 points, shooting 7-for-15 from the field and 5-for-11 from beyond the arc. Curry had an off night, shooting only 5-for-21 from the field but still managed to contribute 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Davis added 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Santos chipped in with 13 points and 5 rebounds. With this win, the Warriors improved to 19-18, placing them ninth in the standings, just one game behind the eighth-placed Clippers and one game ahead of the San Antonio Spurs and Sacramento Kings.