Despite putting forth just five games, the NBA provided its viewers with a high number of intriguing results. Three separate outings went to overtime, a superstar torched his former team and the Splash Brothers struck with another shooting clinic.
Here’s everything that you need to know about last night’s action.
1. LeBron James lit up the Quicken Loans Arena for 43 points to lead the short-handed Miami Heat past the Cleveland Cavaliers 100-96. Chris Bosh added 21 points, but the rest of the Heat combined to shoot just 30.0 percent from the field in Dwyane Wade’s absence.
The 43 points were LeBron’s most against Cleveland.
2. Jeff Teague matched his career-high with 34 points and Paul Millsap recorded his first career triple-double to lead the Atlanta Hawks past the Toronto Raptors 118-113. Millsap finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists to overcome 29 points and 10 rebounds from DeMar DeRozan.
Since losing 14 of 15, Atlanta has won a season-high five consecutive games.
3. Wesley Matthews stepped up with 26 points as the Portland Trail Blazers survived an overtime scare against the Milwaukee Bucks, 120-115. Ramon Sessions matched his season-high with 23 points for the Bucks, but Milwaukee continued its losing ways.
At 13-55, the Bucks have lost at least 55 games for just the second time since 1995-96.
4. Isaiah Thomas recorded 22 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists to lead the Sacramento Kings to a 117-111 overtime victory against the Washington Wizards. DeMarcus Cousins added 24 points and 14 rebounds, and Rudy Gay scored 24 points of his own.
It was Thomas’ first career triple-double. He’s a prime candidate for Most Improved Player of the Year.
5. The usual suspects stepped up to lead the Golden State Warriors to a convincing 103-89 victory over the Orlando Magic. Stephen Curry, David Lee and Klay Thompson combined for 63 points on 61.5 percent shooting from the floor.
The Magic have lost six consecutive games, while Golden State has won seven of nine.