Luka Doncic erupted for 32 factors, whereas Tim Hardaway Jr. dazzled with a scorching 26-point efficiency, together with a career-high 16 within the third quarter, because the Dallas Mavericks cruised to a 124-115 overcome the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.
Christian Wood added 30 factors and tied a profession excessive with seven assists because the Mavericks completed off a celebration of Dirk Nowitzki’s statue unveiling by successful simply the second Christmas Day dwelling sport in franchise historical past.
Dallas took its first lead throughout a 51-point third quarter, the highest-scoring quarter on Christmas in NBA historical past and a league-best this season. Golden State and Orlando have every had a 50-point quarter.
LeBron James scored 38 factors, one shy of his season excessive, and the Lakers led by 12 early within the third earlier than the Mavericks took over.
Donci additionally had 9 assists.
Celtics 139, Bucks 118
Jayson Tatum sizzled within the third quarter, scoring 20 of his game-high 41 factors to maintain Boston forward, whereas Jaylen Brown knocked down his photographs and Giannis Antetokounmpo within the fourth quarter to seal the victory in an exhilarating matchup between the NBA’s prime two groups.
Brown scored 13 of his 29 factors within the fourth, and Antetokounmpo misplaced his mood after a tough choose despatched him to the ground and retaliated by shoving the Boston All-Star. Antetokounmpo, who fell exhausting on his hand Friday night time however was cleared to start out, was given a technical foul and went to the bench; the groups performed the final 3:41 with out additional incident.
Antetokounmpo had 27 factors and had 9 rebounds for Milwaukee, and Jrue Holiday had 23 factors.
76ers 119, Knicks 112
Joel Embiid scored 35 factors, James Harden had 29 factors and 13 assists and Philadelphia blew by New York within the ultimate quarter, extending its successful streak to eight video games,
Georges Niang hit 4 3-pointers in Philadelphia’s fourth quarter surge and completed with 16 factors. De’Anthony Melton added 15 because the 76ers acquired off to a superb begin on a four-game journey after sweeping a seven-game homestand.
The Sixers by no means led by three quarters, then outscored the Knicks 24-9 to open the fourth, turning a one-point deficit right into a 116-102 lead.
Julius Randle scored 35 factors for New York, and Jalen Brunson had 23 factors and 11 assists. The Knicks have misplaced three straight following an eight-game successful streak.
Warriors 123, Grizzlies 109
Jordan Poole scored 32 factors – highlighted by an emphatic one-handed slam off a move from Draymond Green within the third – to outduel Ja Morant earlier than being ejected, and the Warriors beat Memphis in a rematch of the Western Conference semifinals received in 5 video games by Golden State.
Morant scored 36 factors whereas debuting his first Nike signature “Ja 1” shoe for the Grizzlies’ first Christmas Day sport.
Klay Thompson had 24 factors and 9 rebounds for Golden State. The Warriors have been with out Stephen Curry for the fifth straight sport due to a shoulder damage.
Facing a Grizzlies crew that’s wholesome eventually and utilizing its common lineup, tensions have been excessive similar to that playoff spherical seven months in the past. Poole was tossed for the primary time in his profession with 9:20 left and Golden State had six technicals.
