NBA (Basketball)

The Sacramento Kings’ well-rounded performance proved too strong for the depleted San Antonio Spurs

by Robert Jackson
written by Robert Jackson

DeMar DeRozan scored 23 points, and Domantas Sabonis added 22 points and 16 rebounds to help the Sacramento Kings secure a 140-113 victory over the struggling and shorthanded San Antonio Spurs on Friday.

The Kings were up by 10 points at halftime and then went on a 19-4 run in the third quarter to extend their lead to 18 points, finishing the quarter with a 14-point lead. Sacramento kept the Spurs at least 14 points behind in the fourth and earned their second win in three games.

Both teams were playing their second game in a back-to-back series.

Malik Monk and De’Aaron Fox each scored 22 points for Sacramento, while Keegan Murray added 17 and Kevin Huerter contributed 16 points off the bench.

Julian Champagnie led San Antonio with a career-high 30 points, but the Spurs lost their third straight game, which is their longest losing streak of the season. Stephon Castle scored 15 points, while Keldon Johnson and Jeremy Sochan each had 14. Chris Paul finished with 11 points and 13 assists in the loss.

DeMar DeRozan

DeMar DeRozan (NBA)

San Antonio played without star center Victor Wembanyama, who missed his second straight game due to a bruised back, and guard Devin Vassell, who is managing a right foot injury. The Spurs also lost Zach Collins, who was ejected just three minutes into the second quarter.

The Spurs started strong, leading by 13 points when Paul made a pull-up jumper with 2:37 remaining in the first quarter. The Kings responded with a 14-1 run to end the period, tying the game at 33.

Sacramento carried the momentum into the second quarter, taking a 12-point lead when Huerter made a running layup with 5:51 left. The Spurs cut the deficit to 59-53 with 3:24 remaining on a 3-pointer by Sandro Mamukelashvili, but that was as close as they would get. The Kings led 69-59 at halftime.

Champagnie scored 19 points for San Antonio in the first half, while DeRozan led Sacramento with 16 points.

San Antonio got within three points early in the third quarter after a 3-pointer by Castle, but that run only motivated Sacramento. The Kings led 93-76 after a layup by Sabonis with 4:14 remaining in the period.

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NBA (Basketball)

Tyrese Haliburton led the way as the Pacers defeated the Bulls, snapping their four-game losing streak

by Michael Smith
written by Michael Smith

Tyrese Haliburton scored 23 points, and Pascal Siakam added 21 to help the Indiana Pacers end their four-game losing streak with a 132-123 win against the Chicago Bulls on Friday.

Haliburton made 5 of 9 three-pointers and recorded eight assists. Siakam also hit 3 of 5 from beyond the arc. The Pacers had previously lost eight straight games on the road.

Obi Toppin and T.J. McConnell each scored 17 points off the bench in the victory.

Zach LaVine led the Bulls with 32 points, including 5 of 9 from three-point range. Coby White contributed 19 points and nine assists for Chicago.

The Bulls made 21 of 50 three-pointers, marking the fifth time this season they had attempted 50 or more in a game.

Indiana took control in the second quarter, outscoring the Bulls 36-19, and managed to hold their lead in the second half.

White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Matas Buzelis each made two three-pointers as the Bulls led 35-31 after the first quarter.

Pascal Siakam and Scottie Barnes in the 2nd half

However, the Pacers turned things around in the second quarter with a strong performance on both ends of the floor.

Indiana went on an 18-3 run, hitting eight straight shots without a miss, which gave them a 56-44 lead with 5:09 left in the half.

The Pacers extended their lead to 72-56 in the third quarter before LaVine sparked a Bulls comeback, scoring 16 points in the period.

Chicago cut the Pacers’ lead to 103-100 when they started the fourth quarter with a 7-0 run in less than a minute. Dosunmu stole the ball and assisted on Julian Phillips’ acrobatic dunk. After a timeout, the Pacers regained control, with Haliburton scoring eight points on 3-of-4 shooting in the final quarter.

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NBA (Basketball)

Paul George and the 76ers defeat the Magic to even up the two-game series

by James Brown
written by James Brown

Paul George scored 21 points and added nine assists on Friday, helping the 76ers beat the Orlando Magic 102-94 to split their two-game series in Philadelphia.

The Sixers had lost 106-102 to the Magic on Wednesday without George (knee), but they played a sharper game in this matchup, even without Joel Embiid (knee) again.

KJ Martin stepped up with a season-high 20 points, making 9 of 10 shots off the bench for Philadelphia. Tyrese Maxey and Guerschon Yabusele each contributed 16 points as well.

Franz Wagner led Orlando with 30 points, while Jalen Suggs added 22 points. Moritz Wagner also chipped in with 12 points and nine rebounds. However, the Magic struggled with their shooting, making just 13 of 46 three-point attempts (28.3%) and turning the ball over 21 times.

The 76ers were ahead 59-57 with around three minutes left in the third quarter, but they finished the period with a 12-2 run.

Kelly Oubre, who had 13 points and 10 rebounds, started the run with a 3-pointer. Martin’s dunk made it a seven-point game, and Maxey and Jared McCain combined for the final seven points of the period. By the end of the third quarter, Philadelphia led 71-59.

Paul George warms up before the game

The Sixers pushed their lead to 78-61 early in the fourth, thanks to George’s contested 3-pointer. But Orlando went on a 10-point run, highlighted by back-to-back 3-pointers from Moritz Wagner and Cole Anthony.

Philadelphia responded with six straight points, four of them from George, pushing the lead back to 84-71.

Suggs kept Orlando in the game late, hitting three 3-pointers and two free throws in the final 4 1/2 minutes. However, he missed two tough three-point attempts in the last 35 seconds, and the Sixers closed out the win with free throws.

Franz Wagner had 15 of Orlando’s 27 points in the first quarter, giving the Magic a two-point lead. Philadelphia then scored the first 10 points of the second quarter and went into halftime ahead 50-41, despite 20 points from Franz Wagner. He shot 7-for-15 in the first half, while his teammates made only 7 of 28 shots.

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NBA (Basketball)

Karl-Anthony Towns leads the red-hot Knicks as they face the struggling Pistons

by Christopher Harris
written by Christopher Harris

The New York Knicks are aiming for their fifth consecutive win on Saturday night as they host the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden for the first time this season.

The Knicks have been dominant in their recent stretch, winning their last three games by an average margin of 24 points. They started this streak with a 99-98 win over the Charlotte Hornets on Nov. 29. New York then beat New Orleans 118-85, followed by a 121-106 victory over Orlando on Tuesday, ending the Magic’s six-game winning streak. Orlando had also won 12 of their last 13 games.

The Knicks kept the momentum going with a 125-101 win over Charlotte on Thursday, with Karl-Anthony Towns leading the way with 27 points. OG Anunoby added 25 points and Jalen Brunson chipped in 24 points. The Knicks have now won nine of their last 11 games, bouncing back from a 3-4 start to the season.

The Pistons and Knicks previously met on Nov. 1 in Detroit, where New York won 128-98. Brunson scored 36 points in that game, making 14 of his 22 shots and six of eight three-pointers.

Anunoby and Towns each scored 21 points, while Mikal Bridges had 15 points and Josh Hart contributed 13. The Knicks took a commanding 39-13 lead into the second quarter and maintained control throughout.

New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets

Towns, who was acquired in a major trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves on Oct. 2, has been one of the Knicks’ standout players this season. The four-time All-Star is averaging 25.2 points and 13.2 rebounds per game, both team highs. Brunson, playing at an All-Star level as well, is averaging 25.1 points and a team-leading 7.5 assists per game.

“Towns has always been a really good rebounder,” said Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau. “He’s always had great instincts. He’s long and much stronger now than when I had him in Minnesota. He’s got great hands, too. If the ball’s near him, he’s getting it. He’s going after everything, so he’s playing at a very, very high level, but he can do more.”

The Pistons, after losing to the Knicks on Nov. 1, had a brief surge, winning six of their next nine games to get to just below .500 by Nov. 17. However, they’ve struggled since, winning only twice in their last nine games. Detroit now sits at 9-15, far from playoff contention in the Eastern Conference.

The Pistons have lost their last three games by double digits, including a 21-point loss at home to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Detroit lost 130-120 to the Boston Celtics in a game where they outscored Boston after the first quarter. However, their 15-point deficit was too much to overcome.

“If you look at the scores from the second through the fourth quarter, it was a different basketball game,” said Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff. “You just can’t put yourself in position to be down by 19 points to this team and expect to be able to claw your way back, turning the ball over and giving up offensive rebounds.”

Cade Cunningham has been the Pistons’ standout player this season. He’s averaging a team-high 23.6 points, 9.1 assists, and 7.2 rebounds per game. Jalen Duren leads the team with 9.2 rebounds per game. Jaden Ivey is contributing 17.7 points, while Malik Beasley has emerged as a key scorer, averaging 15.7 points despite starting just seven of Detroit’s 24 games this season.

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NBA (Basketball)

The top-ranked Oklahoma City Thunder are cautious as they prepare to face the struggling New Orleans Pelicans

by Ritik
written by Ritik

The Oklahoma City Thunder have won six of their last seven games.

The New Orleans Pelicans have only won five games this season.

Even so, both teams feel good about their upcoming game on Saturday night in New Orleans for different reasons.

The Thunder, leading the Western Conference, easily defeated Toronto 129-92 on Thursday. Meanwhile, the Pelicans broke a nine-game losing streak with a 126-124 home win over Phoenix on the same night.

“We’re having a lot of fun out there,” said Oklahoma City guard Luguentz Dort.

Oklahoma City won’t underestimate New Orleans, just as they didn’t overlook Toronto, one of the worst teams in the East, or Utah. The Jazz, who are struggling like the Pelicans, were beaten by the Thunder 133-106 on Tuesday.

“It’s the NBA,” said Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 30 points in 30 minutes and didn’t play in the fourth quarter against Toronto. “It’s the best league in the world, with the most talented players.

You can’t take any team lightly because they can beat you. I never play based on a team’s record. I give it my all, and my teammates do the same, which is why we have success.”

Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans

The Thunder led the Raptors by 22 points early in the second quarter and by 34 at the end of the third quarter.

“I thought we were really ready to play from the jump,” said Thunder coach Mark Daigneault. “The guys really came in with a business-like approach.”

Oklahoma City won the first meeting against the Pelicans 106-88 on Nov. 13. New Orleans was missing four starters and two other key players, but they are healthier now.

Guards CJ McCollum and Dejounte Murray missed the first game but have since returned. The Pelicans got a boost on Thursday when leading scorer Brandon Ingram (calf) returned after missing five games, and Herbert Jones (shoulder), their best perimeter defender, returned after an 18-game absence. The win was just the second in 17 games.

“I told my teammates we just needed to get one (win),” said McCollum. “It’s been a long season, with a lot of losses and frustrating games.”

“I know it’s been hard to watch for a while. But we competed and gave ourselves a chance. I liked how we fought. If we play like that every night, we’ll have a chance to win a lot of games.”

Ingram scored 21 of his 29 points in a big third quarter, where New Orleans scored a season-high 45 points in any quarter. McCollum added 13 points and three assists in the fourth quarter, and Jones blocked Devin Booker’s 3-pointer as time expired.

“Herb Jones is a leader,” said Pelicans coach Willie Green. “Even when he wasn’t playing, he was talking to coaches and teammates. He was watching film, helping others improve.

“He shows what our program is all about. Without him on the floor, we miss a lot. You could feel his presence from the time he stepped back on the court.”

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NBA (Basketball)

The Washington Wizards will face the Denver Nuggets at home, hoping to avoid a place in franchise history for the wrong reasons

by Robert Jackson
written by Robert Jackson

The Washington Wizards will aim to avoid setting a new franchise record for consecutive losses when they face the Denver Nuggets on Saturday in Washington, D.C.

The Wizards have now lost 16 games in a row, matching a franchise record set in the 2009-10 season. They are currently in last place in the Eastern Conference, but coach Brian Keefe believes this is all part of the learning process for a young team.

“These guys believe in what we’re doing, they believe in the process,” Keefe said Thursday night after a 137-101 loss to the Dallas Mavericks. “We’re building some habits that are important and we have to build them when times are tough. Every team has their moments, it’s how you deal with those moments, but I’ve always believed in the character of our team.”

Out of the 16 losses, only one has been by less than 10 points, a nine-point loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Nov. 13. Three of the last four losses have been by 25 points or more.

This is the second straight season the Wizards have lost 16 games in a row, making them one of only six NBA teams to have such long losing streaks in consecutive seasons. The record for the longest losing streak in a single season is 28 games, set by the Detroit Pistons last year.

Wizards second-year forward Bilal Coulibaly has especially struggled. He was 0-of-10 from the field against the Mavericks, and in the past four games, he is 4-of-31 from the field and 1-of-12 from 3-point range.

Keefe remains confident in Coulibaly.

Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets

“I think he’s a little out of rhythm, sometimes different things can cause some of that,” Keefe said. “Sometimes you have to go through those things in a season and in your career. I have great faith in his character and who he is. He will get out of this.”

Jordan Poole leads the Wizards with 20 points and five assists per game. No. 1 pick Alexandre Sarr is averaging 10.6 points per game and playing 26.8 minutes per game. The Wizards also face the toughest schedule in the league this month, according to NBA.com.

“I embrace the challenges,” Keefe said. “The schedule is the schedule. You have to go after it and I think that’s what our group is about.”

The Nuggets have been alternating wins and losses over their past eight games and are ranked eighth in the Western Conference. They allowed 22 three-pointers in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night while making only six themselves.

Denver has yet to find the rhythm that made them an NBA powerhouse in the past two seasons.

“We’re a team that’s trying to find itself,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “I think everyone has to own where they’re at, where we’re at, and it starts with me as the head coach to look in the mirror and say what can I do better and how can I help this team more.”

Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic leads the Nuggets with 29.9 points and tops the NBA with 13.4 rebounds. Five different Nuggets are averaging at least 15 points per game, but defensively, the team ranks 24th in the NBA, allowing 116.8 points per game.

This will be the 101st matchup between the two teams. Denver has won the last six games in the series.

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Jaylen Brown
NBA (Basketball)

Celtics’ Jaylen Brown penalized $25,000 for gesture

by Ritik
written by Ritik

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown was fined $25,000 by the NBA on Friday for making an inappropriate gesture during a game.

Brown made a throat-slashing gesture after dunking over Isaiah Stewart with 12 seconds left in the first quarter of the Celtics’ 130-120 win over the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.

When asked about the gesture after the game, Brown acknowledged that he expected the league to take action.

Jalen Brunson falls back after fouling Jaylen Brown in the 2nd half

“Oh, yeah. I think the NBA and the PA (Players Association) are sensitive about the gestures, so I gotta be mindful of that,” said Brown, who is also the vice president of the NBPA.

Brown, 28, is currently averaging 25.2 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.6 assists in 17 games this season. A three-time All-Star, Brown has played 557 career games (450 starts) with the Celtics, contributing 18.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists.

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NBA (Basketball)

Cavs look to start a new winning streak as they take on struggling Hornets

by Christopher Harris
written by Christopher Harris

The Cleveland Cavaliers are hoping to extend their current winning streak. They will look to make it four wins in a row when they play the struggling Charlotte Hornets on Saturday afternoon.

The Cavaliers believe this is a good time to keep improving and become a more dominant team.

“When you have a team like this, what are our strengths and how can we double down on our strengths?” said Cleveland coach Kenny Atkinson.

Cleveland just finished a 3-0 homestand, including a 126-114 win over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night.

One positive development for the Cavaliers has been forward Evan Mobley’s increased aggressiveness. He has started taking more shots, including hitting three 3-pointers against Denver, finishing with 20 points.

“I like him having that mentality,” Atkinson said. “I think it’s a big key for us.”

Mobley explained that he has been preparing to take more shots further from the basket.

“I was confident out there, so I just kept letting them fly,” Mobley said.

Earlier this season, Cleveland beat the Hornets 128-114 on November 17, when Charlotte’s LaMelo Ball scored a game-high 31 points and had 12 assists. Four players from Cleveland scored more than 20 points, with Darius Garland leading the way with 25.

LaMelo Ball’s Foul Issues Keep Undermining His Potential and the Charlotte Hornets’ Late-Game Success

LaMelo Ball’s Foul Issues Keep Undermining His Potential and the Charlotte Hornets’ Late-Game Success

That game was unusual, as the Hornets took 26 more shots than Cleveland. However, Cleveland outscored them 27-10 at the free-throw line and overcame 20 turnovers. This win was part of Cleveland’s season-opening 15-game winning streak, but since then, they have gone 5-3.

The Hornets have now lost seven games in a row after a 125-101 loss to the New York Knicks on Thursday night. Charlotte coach Charles Lee said his team didn’t play with the necessary physicality in the second half.

Brandon Miller continued his strong play, scoring 26 points against the Knicks. He has been the primary scorer for Charlotte in the absence of Ball, who is out with a left calf strain. Miller has scored at least 20 points in nine straight games.

Guard Seth Curry could also give Charlotte a boost after scoring a season-high 18 points in the loss to the Knicks.

The Hornets are trying to work center Mark Williams back into the rotation after his return to action. He has played an average of 9.5 minutes per game in two games this season.

In the long run, this may mean fewer minutes for Moussa Diabate, who has been strong defensively and on the boards but has not been a big factor on offense. Diabate, in his first season with Charlotte, is averaging 3.1 points in 20 minutes per game.

“Very confident with his work ethic and has a very smart, curious mind,” Lee said. “He’s going to continue to grow. Minutes will be tough for him as we get bigs back and their minutes start to grow, but he’s been a true pro.”

Charlotte’s injury problems could worsen, as rookie Tidjane Salaun injured his ankle early in Thursday night’s game.

The Cavaliers have won four of their last five games in Charlotte.

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NBA (Basketball)

Warriors aim to have two key players return for matchup against Timberwolves

by Ritik
written by Ritik

Golden State coach Steve Kerr left open the possibility that Stephen Curry and Draymond Green could return to the lineup on Friday in San Francisco when the Warriors play the Minnesota Timberwolves.

This game is the first of a two-game series that will continue with a rematch on Sunday, also in San Francisco. The teams haven’t faced each other yet this season but played a similar doubleheader last November, which the Timberwolves swept. The second game was memorable for Green putting Rudy Gobert in a headlock, leading to a five-game suspension for Green.

On Thursday, Curry rested his sore knees, and Green sat out due to a painful left calf when the Warriors defeated the Houston Rockets 99-93 at home.

Jonathan Kuminga had a career-best 33-point performance, and Andrew Wiggins contributed 23 points and nine rebounds, helping the Warriors end a five-game losing streak. Kerr mentioned before the game that Curry and Green’s injuries were not serious, though they could last longer.

While they couldn’t play in consecutive games, both were set to be re-evaluated on Friday.

De’Anthony Melton, Stephy Curry, and Trayce Jackson-Davis after the win

Before the game, Kerr thanked Wiggins for his effort in the win, despite playing with a sore right ankle. “I don’t even know if he should have played,” Kerr said. “But he knew Steph and Draymond were out, and he knew how important this game was, and he gutted it out. Ironman. He’s been that ever since he’s been here.”

While the Warriors have usually dominated the Rockets, it’s been a while since they’ve beaten the Timberwolves. Minnesota swept the three-game season series last year, extending their winning streak against Golden State to four games.

The Timberwolves have been on a winning streak against Pacific Division teams, beating the Los Angeles teams three times in six days. They are in the middle of facing seven consecutive teams from the Pacific Division. This streak started with a loss to the Sacramento Kings on Nov. 27 and continues after the Warriors with a game against the Lakers on Dec. 13.

Minnesota has held their last three opponents to 92 points or fewer. They beat the Lakers 109-80 on Monday and followed that with a 108-80 win over the Clippers on Wednesday.

Minnesota guard Donte DiVincenzo praised the team for bouncing back after a tough start to the season, saying, “We’re not worried about what other people are saying. We’re focused on ourselves and staying together. Stack a few wins and everybody’s energy changes. So we just got to stay with it.”

DiVincenzo will be returning to San Francisco for the second time since leaving the Warriors as a free agent after the 2022-23 season. He had a strong performance in his first return last March with the Knicks, scoring 18 points in New York’s 119-112 win.

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NBA (Basketball)

Spurs uncertain about Victor Wembanyama’s availability for upcoming game against the Kings

by James Brown
written by James Brown

The San Antonio Spurs are hoping to have their star player, Victor Wembanyama, back in action as they look to end a two-game losing streak when they host the Sacramento Kings on Friday.

This game will be the second part of a back-to-back for both teams.

The Spurs lost 139-124 at home to the Chicago Bulls on Thursday without Wembanyama, who was out with a sore back. Sacramento also lost, 115-110, to the Memphis Grizzlies on the road, marking their third loss in the last four games.

San Antonio struggled in the first half, allowing 73 points and trailing by 16 at halftime. They made a late comeback, cutting the lead to eight points with 3:18 remaining, but then gave up nine straight points, running out of time and energy.

Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 28 points off the bench, and Jeremy Sochan contributed 16 points and 14 rebounds. The Spurs, who never led, lost their third game in the last four.

“Lethargic would be the word — just a lack of energy in the early going,” said acting coach Mitch Johnson. “Once we got going, we made a game of it. But giving up 73 points in the first half and 68 points in the paint are difficult to come back from. We have to do a better job.”

Wembanyama is expected to be listed as questionable for the Friday game but should return for the Spurs’ home game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday.

Victor Wembanyama reacts in the game

Sacramento led for much of their game against Memphis, even going up by 12 points in the second quarter. However, Memphis pulled ahead in the end after a 6-0 run. Despite another strong effort by Malik Monk, who scored 23 points, the Kings couldn’t hold on.

Monk moved into the starting lineup this week, and Sacramento is still trying to find the right rotation. On Thursday, their bench was outscored 60-15 by the Grizzlies’ reserves.

“With Malik, I just looked him in the eye and told him what I think and listened to him about how he feels about the switch to the starting lineup because I need to listen to him,” said Sacramento coach Mike Brown. “I need to hear him out, and then I need to make the best decision, not for him, but for the team, while keeping him in mind.”

The Spurs have won both games in their season series so far, including a two-point victory in Sacramento on Sunday, where Wembanyama recorded his first triple-double of the season with 34 points, 14 rebounds, and 11 assists.

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NBA (Basketball)

The Pacers aim to reduce errors in their game against the Bulls

by Ritik
written by Ritik

The Indiana Pacers are focusing on reducing turnovers as they try to end their four-game losing streak against the Chicago Bulls on Friday.

In their 99-90 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday in New York, the Pacers committed 12 turnovers in the first half and 16 overall, which contributed to their defeat. This followed a 122-111 loss to the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday, where they gave the ball away 21 times.

If the Pacers repeat this mistake against the fast-paced Bulls, it could cause big problems, as the Bulls are known for thriving in open-floor situations.

“Turnovers have been a problem for us,” said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. “We have real clean quarters and then we have real dirty quarters with turnovers. It bit us again. … Those are controllable things. We’ve got to keep working on it. Really no excuses for it.”

Part of the issue may be the challenging schedule.

“We’re back-to-back — it’s a lousy travel situation,” Carlisle said, referring to the games in Toronto and Brooklyn. “It’s hell getting in and out of New York, we got to the hotel at 2:30 (Wednesday morning). That contributes a little bit to it, but our guys kept fighting.”

Brooklyn Nets (NBA)

Despite the losses, Tyrese Haliburton scored 17 points against Brooklyn, and T.J. McConnell added 14 points, contributing to the team’s strong bench play. Both will be crucial against Chicago, although Andrew Nembhard may be out due to left knee tendinitis.

The Bulls are looking for their third consecutive win and will be finishing their own back-to-back set. They won 139-124 against the San Antonio Spurs on Thursday. Ayo Dosunmu had a career-high 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Nikola Vucevic scored 39 points on 16-of-22 shooting, taking advantage of Victor Wembanyama’s absence.

“He has been great all year and he played a great game tonight,” said Bulls coach Billy Donovan. “With Wembanyama being out, they (Spurs) didn’t have the same kind of length at the rim.

They tried to do some things to switch some of his pick-and-rolls, but he’s such a smart player, he can figure out where mismatches are. (He can) post up, he shot threes, he played in the pocket — I thought his game was great.”

The Bulls led throughout their game in San Antonio, scoring 73 points in the first half, matching their best first-half effort of the season. Their total of 139 points was their highest since December 2022.

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NFL (American Football)

The Packers are still struggling with slow starts in games against divisional rivals

by Michael Smith
written by Michael Smith

The Green Bay Packers’ ongoing difficulties in games against NFC North teams are making it less likely that they will win the division title this season.

After losing 34-31 to Detroit on Thursday night, the Packers’ record in divisional games dropped to 1-3. Their only win in the division was a 20-19 victory over Chicago on November 17, which they only managed thanks to Karl Brooks blocking a 46-yard field goal attempt at the end of the game.

The Packers are now three games behind Detroit (12-1) and 1 ½ games behind the Minnesota Vikings (10-2) in the NFC North. Detroit also has the advantage in tiebreakers over the Packers, having won both of their regular-season matchups.

Despite this, the Packers are still in a good position to earn a wild-card playoff spot, with a strong 8-1 record against teams outside the NFC North.

“The main thing is getting into the dance for sure,” said center Josh Myers. “Would we like to be higher up? Absolutely. But we’ll live with where we’re at and we’ll make the most of it.”

If the Packers make the playoffs, their route to their first Super Bowl appearance since their 2010 championship could require them to go on the road and beat the Lions or Vikings in the postseason. The Packers lost 31-29 to the Vikings at home on September 29 and will face them again in Minnesota on December 29.

Green Bay Packers celebrates after a field goal in the 2nd half

On Thursday, the Packers came back from a 17-7 halftime deficit and briefly took the lead. However, Jake Bates’ 35-yard field goal on the final play gave Detroit the win.

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said, “I thought we just started, especially on the offensive side of the ball, too slow.”

The Packers have consistently fallen behind early in NFC North games, something that hasn’t happened in their other matchups.

In their four NFC North games, the Packers have trailed at halftime every time and have been outscored 72-24 in the first half. In their other nine games, they’ve outscored opponents 151-86 before halftime.

With the loss, the Packers have now dropped six of their last seven games against the Lions, with the only win being a 29-22 victory on Thanksgiving Day last year. However, they remain confident that they could succeed if they meet Detroit again in the playoffs.

“I think we could beat them,” linebacker Isaiah McDuffie said. “And I think at the end of the day, I hope we see them again and I hope we prove ourselves and we do beat them.”

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