Are the NBA’s nightly slates getting busier and busier, or is it just me? It feels like there is more basketball to watch than ever — perhaps that’s just because the product is so unbelievably entertaining, more often than not. Tilts between teams like the 15-51 Detroit Pistons and the 31-34 Washington Wizards are worthy of a national audience because of said game’s competitive nature; the Orlando Magic are taking the Milwaukee Bucks to the figurative brink, for crying out loud.
In short: Basketball is beautiful. Now, let’s get to Tuesday’s games, shall we?
Hornets halt Knicks hot streak, 112-105
Of COURSE it would be the 14th-place Charlotte Hornets to bring the New York Knicks’ red-hot run to an end. I had a feeling this might be the result of tonight’s game; I even almost bet on it. But I refrained, and for that, I’m a fool. Kelly Oubre Jr. (27 points) and Terry Rozier (25, seven assists, and five boards) are probably laughing in my face as we speak.
The Knicks did practically everything right in pursuit of their 10th consecutive victory: RJ Barrett tied Oubre’s game-high in points with 27, yet despite having five other players finish in double-figures, they couldn’t hold off those feisty Hornets — who, mind you, had lost three in a row entering this contest.
Sports are baffling. This result just carves another notch into that notion’s belt.
Thunder top Warriors, 137-128
The Oklahoma City Thunder have all the makings to be a genuinely terrifying postseason out in a matter of years. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one thing (he had 33 to lead the Thunder in scoring). But then there’s Josh Giddey, who dropped a 17-11-17 triple-double on Tuesday to push OKC past Steph Curry (40 points in defeat) and the Warriors, who are now 7-25 on the road.
OKC has won three in a row and now finds itself tied with the Pelicans for the 10th spot in the Western Conference standings. Maybe this plucky group will be a tough out even earlier than expected.
Giannis-less Bucks hold off Magic, 134-123
Without Giannis Antetokounmpo, it stands to reason that the Milwaukee Bucks could be vulnerable. Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton should still be counted as two of the NBA’s 25-to-40 best players, but neither one can replicate what Giannis brings to the table on a nightly basis.
Kyrie and Luka combine for 62, Mavs stave off Jazz, 120-116
Dallas has one of the better duos in the NBA, and as long as those two are playing efficient basketball together, they’ll be tough to beat — no matter the headaches one of them may cause overall. On Tuesday, Kyrie Irving was the main hero, hitting a clutch triple late in the game to put Dallas ahead for good; he scored 17 of his 33 points in the fourth quarter, while Luka Doncic finished with 29 points and 10 boards.
Lauri Markannen — who else — led the way for the Jazz, scoring 33 points in defeat. Utah has lost four in a row and continues to spiral toward the lottery. Perhaps it’s for the best.
