The NBA’s all-time scoring list has been altered, tanking has been re-defined and a big man continued to establish himself as a well-rounded force. That was all in one night , as the Association came through with six important games.
Here’s everything that you need to know about last night’s action.
1. Mike Conley scored 19 points to help the Memphis Grizzlies hand the Philadelphia 76ers a 103-77 loss. The 76ers have lost 20 consecutive games, tying the franchise record that was set in 1972-73.
During this unbelievable stretch of inferiority, the 76ers have lost every single game by at least five points. That’s the longest stretch of its kind in NBA history.
2. Joakim Noah recorded 23 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, five blocks and three steals to lead the Chicago Bulls past the Sacramento Kings 94-87. DeMarcus Cousins countered with 25 points, 14 rebounds, four steals and a block, but the Kings’ dreadful season continued.
Chicago is 25-11 since January 1, which is the best record of any Eastern Conference team since that date.
3. Noah is the first player to post at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, eight assists, five blocks and three steals in the same game since Dwyane Wade on March 25, 2011. He’s the first center to do it since Shaquille O’Neal on March 23, 2001.
4. John Wall erupted for 33 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the floor to lead the Washington Wizards to a 101-94 win over the red-hot Brooklyn Nets. Wall has eight 30-point outings in 2013-14 after registering eight career 30-point performances entering this season.
As for his support, Drew Gooden stepped up with season-high marks of 21 points and nine rebounds on 8-of-11 shooting.
5. Paul Pierce finished with 15 points and thus passed Patrick Ewing to move into 18th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
6. Despite leading by seven points entering the fourth quarter, the Nets ended up losing by seven. It was just the second time this season that Brooklyn has lost a game after entering the fourth quarter with an advantage on the scoreboard.
Brooklyn is 31-2 in those scenarios.
7. The Indiana Pacers stormed back from 29 points down to shock the Detroit Pistons 112-104 in overtime at the Palace of Auburn Hills. Paul George ripped off 30 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals, while Evan Turner scored a big 20 points off of the bench.
That’s the second-largest comeback victory in any game this season.
8. Carmelo Anthony scored 23 points and Tim Hardaway Jr. posted 20 off of the bench to help the New York Knicks earn yet another win with a 115-94 decimation of the Milwaukee Bucks. Nate Wolters scored 15 points on 5-of-7 shooting, but it was an all-too-familiar setback for Milwaukee.
As for New York, it’s won a season-best six consecutive games.
9. Paul Millsap out-dueled Kenneth Faried as the Atlanta Hawks took down the Denver Nuggets 97-92. Millsap recorded 24 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, three assists and two blocks to zero turnovers, while Faried tallied 25 points and seven rebounds on 9-of-13 shooting from the floor.
After entering March with five 20-point games, Faried has ripped off six since March 1.
10. Between Feb. 1 and March 8, the Hawks went 1-14. Since March 8, the Hawks are 3-0.
Bonus Fact: Washington’s win over Brooklyn gives it a 1.0 game advantage for the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference.