In a furious top game, the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Miami Heat with an impressive final sprint. James Harden celebrates an acclaimed debut in Philadelphia. Franz Wagner plays big for Orlando, the Magic only have to admit defeat in extra time.
Cleveland Cavaliers (36-26) – Charlotte Hornets (31-33) 98:119 (BOXSCORE)
- Both teams have been struggling a bit recently, with the Hornets in particular having lost eleven of their 13 games and clearly lost ground. The victory was all the more important for Charlotte. And this largely succeeded without LaMelo Ball, who had foul problems the entire game and was only on the field for 8 minutes (2, 0/3, 4 assists).
- However, the services of the All-Stars were not needed either, because the guests initially benefited from the Cavs’ casual defense and later remained red-hot. Terry Rozier recorded 29 points (9/19 FG), 7 rebounds and 7 assists, coming off the bench Kelly Oubre Jr. (19, 5/11 threes) netted his first five shots before the forward cooled off a bit.
- All-Star Darius Garland’s comeback didn’t help Cleveland, although the point guard showed no rust with 33 points (13/22) and immediately delivered a season-high. Jarrett Allen (18, 11 rebounds) recorded a double-double, Evan Mobley (9, 4/9) remained completely pale. Cavs coach JB Bickerstaff was ejected in the third quarter after he slammed a refs decision.
- Charlotte hit 51 percent from field and sunk 45 percent from the line of three (17/38). Isaiah Thomas, who signed a ten-day contract just a few hours before tip-off, also had a small part in this. The 33-year-old contributed 7 of his 10 points (4/11) in the third quarter and helped keep the Cavs from making a comeback in the second half. Miles Bridges (15, 7 rebounds, 6 assists) tormented the ring in the familiar manner.
Orlando Magic (15-48) – Indiana Pacers (22-42) 114:122 OT (BOXSCORE)
- Cheerful duel between two basement children in the east, in the end the Pacers had the staying power and ran hot at the right moment. Three-pointers from Buddy Hield and Tyrese Haliburton put the visitors on course for victory in overtime, while Orlando only managed a meager 4 points.
- Orlando ultimately gambled away an 18-point lead from the third quarter while wasting a strong performance by Franz Wagner. The Berliner scored 12 of his 28 points (10/18 FG, 6 rebounds) in the third section, and he also grabbed 6 rebounds. The rookie sank four of his six attempts from the line of three, including self-created stepbacks. In extra time, however, he also remained without points.
- After three quarters, the Pacers had hit just four of their 22 three-pointers before converting eight of 15 to turn the game around. Malcolm Brogdon was the best player among the guests with 31 points (8/18 FG, 12/15 FT), 11 rebounds and 8 assists, and Haliburton (21, 7/16) also indicated his potential again. Jalen Smith delivered 15 points and 15 rebounds as a reserve.
- Orlando saved himself in overtime when Brogdon missed a free throw and Mo Bamba (19, 12 rebounds) missed a shot by Jalen Suggs (14) tapped into the basket just before the end. There was also a double-double for Wendell Carter Jr. (13, 18 boards), while Markelle Fultz scored 11 points (5/6) in 15 minutes in his second game after a long break. Moe Wagner missed again with a rib injury.
