Tyrese Maxey scored the game-winning layup to finish off a 40-point night, lifting the Philadelphia 76ers to a comeback win over the Sacramento Kings.
From late-game heroics to career-scoring performances, the nine-game offering saw Dillon Brooks and Kon Knueppel steal the spotlight, while the Minnesota Timberwolves made a statement against the defending champions OKC Thunder.
BROOKS, KNUEPPEL DROP CAREER-HIGHS; TWOLVES OVERWHELM THUNDER
- Phoenix Suns (29-19) def. Detroit Pistons (34-12), 114-96: Dillon Brooks poured in 38 of his career-high 40 points through the first three quarters, taking full command of a stellar Suns performance against the East-leading Pistons.
[RELATED: NBA: Dillon Brooks fires career-high 40 as Suns roll past East-leading Pistons]
- Charlotte Hornets (21-28) def. Dallas Mavericks (19-29), 123-121: Kon Knueppel made two free throws with 4.1 seconds left for a career-high 34 points, helping the Hornets spoil former Duke teammate Cooper Flagg’s 49 points and his Mavericks.
Knueppel also knocked down eight three-pointers, setting a new Hornets franchise record for most threes by a rookie in a single game as Charlotte secured its fifth straight win.
[RELATED: NBA: Hornets survive Cooper Flagg’s 49 points to post first five-game win streak in three years]
- Minnesota Timberwolves (32-16) def. OKC Thunder (38-11), 123-111: Anthony Edwards dropped 26 points as the Timberwolves drilled a season-high 22 three-pointers and never trailed, turning a West Finals rematch with the defending champion Thunder into a one-sided rout.
- Houston Rockets (29-17) def. Atlanta Hawks (24-26), 104-86: Kevin Durant continued his scoring tear, pouring in 31 points for his fourth 30-point game in five outings as the Rockets cooled off the Hawks.
MAXEY GAME-WINNER RESCUES SIXERS; NUGGETS SPOIL MPJ’S DENVER RETURN
- Philadelphia 76ers (26-21) def. Sacramento Kings (12-37), 113-111: Tyrese Maxey drilled the game-winner to cap a 40-point explosion, taking charge in the Sixers’ gutsy 11-point fourth-quarter comeback to frustrate the Kings.
[RELATED: NBA: Tyrese Maxey caps off 40-point explosion with game-winner vs Kings]
- Denver Nuggets (32-16) def. Brooklyn Nets (12-34), 114-96: Jamal Murray poured in 27 points as the Nuggets spoiled Michael Porter Jr.’s Denver homecoming after brushing off the visiting Nets.
[RELATED: NBA: Nuggets edge Nets to give Michael Porter Jr. a rude welcome back in Denver]
- Washington Wizards (12-34) def. Milwaukee Bucks (18-28), 109-99: The Wizards capped the John Wall celebration night with a solid home win over the struggling Bucks.
Alex Sarr delivered a strong double-double of 16 points and 17 rebounds as Wall was honored with a tribute video at halftime.
- Miami Heat (26-23) def. Chicago Bulls (23-25), 116 -113: Leading a balanced attack, Norman Powell scored 21 points while seven teammates also reached double digits in a narrow Heat road win over the Bulls and extended Chicago’s losing streak to three.
—
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.