Giannis ‘literally unstoppable’ in mega night; Tatum explosion wasted in OT upset: NBA Wrap
The Charlotte Hornets overcame a 45-point show from Jayson Tatum to finish Boston’s six-game successful streak in an extra time NBA thriller on Monday.
The Celtics arrived in Charlotte as the most well liked staff within the league after surging to the highest of the Eastern Conference with an 11-2 file.
Joe Mazzulla’s facet appeared to be cruising in the direction of a seventh straight victory after opening up an 18-point lead halfway by means of the second quarter earlier than taking an 11-point lead into halftime.
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But a resurgent Charlotte facet hit again within the last two quarters, outscoring Boston 54-43 within the second half to ship a pulsating conflict into extra time.
Miles Bridges then drained a 25-foot three-pointer to place Charlotte 119-116 up with seven seconds remaining.
Tatum earned three free-throws with 5 seconds left, however after sinking the primary two, he missed the third which might have tied the sport, earlier than Gordon Hayward made two free throws for Charlotte to seal victory.
“We just played physical,” Bridges mentioned after the Hornets win. “We know they’re the best team in the league so we knew we’d have to play physical to give us a chance.
“It feels like this could be the start of something for us,” added Bridges after what was solely Charlotte’s fourth win of the season.
Bridges completed with 14 factors whereas level guard LaMelo Ball led the Charlotte scoring with 36, together with 5 three-pointers from 11 makes an attempt. Hayward added 20 factors whereas Mark Williams had 18.
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Tatum’s 45-point haul included seven three-pointers and got here from 15-of-28 capturing from the sphere, with 13 rebounds and 6 assists. It was his eighth recreation with 40+ factors and 10+ rebounds, now the second-most Celtics franchise historical past behind LAary Bird.
Kristaps Porzingis added 17 for the Celtics, who stay high of the Eastern Conference at 11-3.
GIANNIS EXPLODES AGAIN
Elsewhere, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered one other monster efficiency, scoring 42 factors because the Milwaukee Bucks blew out the Washington Wizards on the highway, successful 142-129.
Antetokounmpo shot 20 of 23 from the sphere and completed with 13 rebounds and eight assists in a virtuoso particular person show which got here after a 40-point efficiency in Saturday’s win over Dallas.
His 87 % capturing made him the primary NBA participant since Dominique Wilkins in 1990 for Atlanta to shoot not less than 86 % on not less than 20 makes an attempt, per Basketball Reference.
Antetokounmpo has averaged 29.9 factors per recreation in November. Damian Lillard added 22 factors for Milwaukee, whereas Khris Middleton completed with 18. Six Milwaukee gamers posted double-digit factors totals.
Bucks coach Dr Adrian Griffin mentioned: “(Giannis) literally is unstoppable. You couple him with other special talent that we have. It really frees him up to do what he does best.
“You’re gonna have to send multiple bodies at him, and that’s going to leaves some really good shooters open. He was in his rhythm tonight. He’s unstoppable. You can’t stop him.”
JOKIC, MALONE EJECTED
In different video games on Monday, the Denver Nuggets overcame the ejection of two-time Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic and head coach Michael Malone to dig out a 107-103 highway win over the Detroit Pistons.
Jokic was tossed within the first half after giving up two technical fouls for disputing calls on separate incidents.
Malone was ejected after arguing a name late within the first quarter. With Jokic enjoying no half within the second half, it was left to Reggie Jackson to assist shepherd the NBA champions to victory.
Jackson led the Nuggets scoring with 21 factors whereas Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 20 factors.
WEMBY’S SPURS LOSE AGAIN
In Texas in the meantime, the San Antonio Spurs slumped to a ninth straight loss in a 124-99 defeat to the Los Angeles Clippers.
The defeat leaves San Antonio backside of the Western Conference. French No. 1 draft choose Victor Wembanyama was restricted to 9 factors, with Keldon Johnson main San Antonio’s scoring with 22.
Paul George’s 28-point show helped the Clippers bag their second straight win.
PELS FLYING HIGH
Elsewhere, the Pelicans proceed to show they’re an actual staff on the rise with a 129-93 win over the Sacramento Kings.
Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram are starting to gel and mixed for 57 factors, whereas Jonas Valanciunas had 10 factors, 13 boards and 7 rebounds. Herb Jones added 18 factors.
The Pelicans trailed on the first break however ran riot within the second and third quarters to cruise to victory.
Harrison Barnes led the Kings with simply 14 factors whereas Domantas Sabonis had 10 factors, 10 rebounds and eight assists.
