The Phoenix Suns set their new franchise record with 18 wins
So it’s official. The Phoenix Suns have set a new franchise-best 18-game winning streak after defeating the Detroit Pistons 114-103.
The Suns let their younger players do most of the heavy lifting early on, however the Pistons had a huge third quarter, outscoring the Suns 30-18, to bring the game to within 87-81 heading into the fourth quarter.
It’s unfortunate for the Suns that the Pistons made their third quarter run, because that meant less rest for their starters. They’ll be taking on the Warriors, who they defeated earlier this week, but this time will have Devin Booker unavailable for the whole game. It will be their second game of a back-to-back.
DeAndre Ayton had a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Chris Paul finished with his own double-double of 12 points and 12 assists.
The Suns bench came up big as well, with the Suns’ two Camerons and JaVale McGee combining for 48 points.
Jerami Grant was the Pistons’ leading scorer with 34 points and 6 rebounds. Cade Cunningham finished with 19 points and 5 assists.
The Memphis Grizzlies just set the new record for biggest win in NBA history.
I don’t need to say much about the Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder game. This should say enough:
Nine Grizzlies scored in double figures, led by Jaren Jackson Jr’s 27 points. Steven Adams narrowly missed the mark with 9 points. None of the Grizzlies starters played more than 21 minutes. Adams will probably be quite happy that he’s no longer part of this Thunder team.
Maybe now Sam Presti will have the inspiration to trade some of their picks to get a difference maker or two.
The previous record for worst losing margin was held by the Miami Heat, who lost 148-80 to the Cleveland Cavaliers on December 17, 1991. Only two Thunder players were alive then: Mike Muscala and Derrick Favors.
The Bulls hold on after almost blowing a 21-point lead against the Knicks
The Knicks were down 21 points at one point in the game, but went on a tear in the third quarter, outscoring the Bulls 32-20 and then pushed back to tie the game at 111-111 with a minute left in the game. That in itself was impressive, considering the Bulls finished the first quarter with a 37-19 lead. The Knicks even retook the lead at one point with 3:18 left in the game thanks to Julius Randle.
However, they weren’t able to complete the huge comeback, as Julius Randle turned the ball over with 56.4 seconds left, Derrick Rose missed a three with 40.5 seconds left, and Immanuel Quickley missed another triple with 14.7 seconds on the clock.
The Bulls made enough plays to finish with the 119-113 victory in a game that ended up far more entertaining than it looked like it was going to be.
Lonzo Ball had an off night from the field, shooting 3 of 14 while finishing with 8 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 blocks.
However, DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine combined for 88 points. None of the three shot less than 50% from the field. DeRozan continued to prove that the midrange game wasn’t dead, as he didn’t take a single three-pointer on the way to his game-leading 34 points.
Randle led the Knicks with 30 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists, and four of his teammates scored at least 15 points.
