NBA fans were treated to an exciting night on Thursday as several teams showcased impressive performances. The live blog on NBA.com provided fans with updates on notable moments, highlights, and scores from around the league.
The Toronto Raptors continued their upward trajectory, defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 126-113. Scottie Barnes was instrumental in the victory, delivering a stellar performance with 28 points, 10 rebounds, 8 assists, 5 blocks, and a steal. This win marked the Raptors’ sixth in their last seven games, solidifying their presence as a competitive force in the Eastern Conference.
In Atlanta, the Hawks triumphed over the Utah Jazz in a thrilling 132-122 game. Jalen Johnson made history with an extraordinary stat line of 31 points, 18 rebounds, 14 assists, and 7 steals, becoming the only player in NBA history to achieve such a feat. The Hawks matched their franchise record by sinking 15 threes in the first half and finished with a total of 24, setting a new single-game record for the season. Onyeka Okongwu also shone, recording a career-high 32 points, showcasing the team’s depth and talent.
The Phoenix Suns routed the Indiana Pacers 133-98, propelled by a combined 65 points from Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks. Booker led the scoring with 33 points, while Brooks added 32 points. This latest victory was the Suns’ fifth in a row, improving their record to 8-5 and placing them in the competitive confines of the Western Conference.
Among individual performances, Lauri Markkanen of the Jazz was a standout despite the loss, scoring a remarkable 40 points, while rookie Ace Bailey from Utah contributed a career-best 21 points in a solid showing during his third start. The Pacers struggled further, sinking to 1-11 on the season, which included a sixth consecutive loss.
Thursday’s games highlighted not just the competitive nature of the league but also the potential for emerging talents to shine. The Raptors, Hawks, and Suns all demonstrated their capabilities, making the remainder of the season an exciting prospect as they vie for playoff contention.