Boston Celtics got a sixth win on the trot in convincing fashion against the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA while the Golden State Warriors lost top spot in the Western Conference and Denver Nuggets got humbled by the Brooklyn Nets and New York Knicks respectively.
Kristaps Porzingis marked a long-awaited return for the Celtics and posted a decent 16 points and 6 rebounds at the TD Garden, but the highlight of the night was the Celtics ending the first half with 78 points after scoring 51 points in the second quarter.
The 29-point lead at the half was cut by eight points in the third quarter by the Clippers, but the best efforts of Ivica Zubac and James Harden was for nothing as the reigning champions rallied to end the night 126-94 to seal a 32-point blowout win.
Meanwhile at the Chase Center, Dennis Schroeder posted 31 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists to see the Brooklyn Nets get a surprise 128-120 win at Golden State Warriors. Steph Curry led the scoring for the Dubs with 28 points while Buddy Hield managed 9 points and 3 rebounds in 17 minutes of action.
Elsewhere, the Knicks inflicted a 27-point thumping on the Denver Nuggets with OG Anunoby starring for the New York franchise with 40 points at the Ball Arena.
Karl-Anthony Towns complemented Anunoby’s night with 30 points and 15 rebounds while Jalen Brunson posted 23 points and 17 assists on an unforgettable night for the Knicks, who played to the potential their roster has given fans and pundits in the NBA.
In other results, Detroit Pistons edged the Toronto Raptors 102-100, Kyrie Irving scored 32 points and carried the Dallas Mavericks in Luka Doncic’s absence to a 129-119 win over Atlanta Hawks at the State Farm.
OKC scored a 130-109 win at Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies thrashed Portland Trail Blazers 123-98, Orlando Magic came away from Charlotte with a 95-84 win over the Hornets, and the Pacers edged the Pelicans 114-110 with Tyrese Haliburton posting 34 points and 13 assists.