Anfernee Simons spearheaded the Boston Celtics in one of just three gutsy comeback victories on Friday’s nine-game NBA slate, joining the Magic and Pistons in the feat.
Klay Thompson reached a personal milestone on the same night the Orlando Magic celebrated their first-ever NBA regular-season win in Germany, with the Celtics and Pistons also staging thrilling comebacks.
KLAY PASSES DAME; MAGIC, CELTICS, PISTONS STAGE GUTSY COMEBACKS
- Dallas Mavericks (19-21) def. Utah Jazz (14-27), 144-122: Klay Thompson poured in 26 points and surpassed Damian Lillard for fourth place on the all-time career 3-pointers list, leading a dominant Mavericks performance over the Jazz.
[RELATED: NBA: Klay Thompson climbs to fourth on all-time 3s list as Mavs rout Jazz]
- Orlando Magic (23-18) def. Memphis Grizzlies (17-23), 118-111: In Germany’s first-ever NBA regular-season game, Franz Wagner shined before his home crowd after powering the Magic to stage a 20-point comeback over the Grizzlies.
[RELATED: NBA: Fit-again Franz Wagner shines in Berlin as Magic rally past Grizzlies]
- Boston Celtics (25-15) def. Miami Heat (21-20), 119-114: Anfernee Simons took over in the final frame, pouring in 18 of his season-high 39 points to lead the Celtics’ comeback from a 19-point deficit against the Heat.
- Detroit Pistons (29-10) def. Phoenix Suns (24-17), 108-105: Jalen Duren’s 16 points and 18 rebounds, coupled with Duncan Robinson’s 19-point effort, powered the Pistons as they erased a 16-point first-half deficit to frustrate the Suns.
- Golden State Warriors (23-19) def. New York Knicks (25-16), 126-113: Amid reports of Jonathan Kuminga’s trade demands, the Warriors handled business against the Knicks behind Jimmy Butler’s 32-point explosion.
[RELATED: NBA: Warriors handle Brunson-less Knicks amid Kuminga trade demand]
- Charlotte Hornets (14-26) def. LA Lakers (24-14), 135-117: LaMelo Ball fired 27 of his 30 points in the second half, tying his career-high with nine 3-pointers to outshine Luka Doncic’s 39 points and the Lakers.
- San Antonio Spurs (28-13) def. Milwaukee Bucks (17-24), 119-101: Shaking off a first-quarter injury scare, Victor Wembanyama tallied 22 points and 10 rebounds to help the Spurs secure a strong rebound victory.
- Portland Trail Blazers (20-22) def. Atlanta Hawks (20-23), 117-101: Even without star Deni Avdija, the Trail Blazers kept their hot streak alive, claiming their sixth win in eight games with a victory over the Hawks.
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Pao Ambat earned his journalism degree from Cavite State University in 2022.
Passionate about sports from a young age, he primarily covers the NBA for One Sports, while also assisting in reporting on the PVL, PBA, UAAP, and other leagues.