Thursday, March 13, 2014 featured just three games of NBA action. Nevertheless, a superstar approached a feat last achieved by Michael Jordan, a contender further solidified its legitimacy and an embattled duo came together in style.
Here’s everything that you need to know about last night’s action.
1. The Chicago Bulls remained hot with a stunning 111-87 victory over the Houston Rockets. Mike Dunleavy was bloodied after an inadvertent elbow from Chandler Parsons, but managed to recover and post a game-high 21 points to lead the Bulls to victory.
Since January 1, the Bulls are 24-11. That’s the best mark of any team in the Eastern Conference.
2. Joakim Noah recorded 13 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists and two steals. While he may have fallen short of the triple-double, he’s second in the NBA with three this season.
Kevin Love is the only other interior player with one.
3. Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant both scored 29 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 131-102. Serge Ibaka finished with 15 points, 13 rebounds, seven blocks and two steals in yet another defensive clinic.
Ibaka joins Anthony Davis and Roy Hibbert as the only players this season to record at least 15 points, 10 rebounds and seven blocks in the same game.
4. Durant has scored at least 25 points in an NBA-best 30 consecutive games. The last player to do that: Michael Jordan in 1986-87, when he did it in 40 straight outings.
5. Jeff Teague posted 22 points and eight assists to lead the Atlanta Hawks past the Milwaukee Bucks 102-97. Ersan Ilyasova recorded 22 points and 10 rebounds for the Bucks, but it was yet another loss for a Milwaukee team that fell to 30-52.
After winning two total games in February, the Hawks have won two in a row in March.
Bonus Facts
- The Lakers’ loss drops them to 22-43. That’s tied with the Sacramento Kings for the worst record in the Western Conference.
- The Lakers are guaranteed to win less than 40 games. The last time that happened: 2004-05.