The 2014-15 NBA regular season continued on Sunday, January 4 with 12 teams taking part in six games. A legend sank a game-winner, contenders battled in a lopsided affair and an under-the-radar team continued a stunning turnaround.
Here’s how it all transpired.
1. Six players scored in double-figures as the Dallas Mavericks went on the road to destroy the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-90. Kevin Love scored a season-high 30 points with 10 rebounds for the Cavaliers, but Kyrie Irving shot just 2-of-9 from the field to counter 20 points from Monta Ellis.
The Cavaliers drop to 1-4 in five games without LeBron James.
2. Brandon Jennings erupted for a season-high 35 points to lead the Detroit Pistons past the Sacramento Kings 114-95. Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe combined for 29 points and 25 rebounds on 12-of-21 shooting as Detroit picked up yet another lopsided win.
Since waiving Josh Smith, Detroit has won five consecutive games. Every single game has been decided by at least 10 points.
3. Eric Bledsoe put up 20 points, eight assists and three steals as the Phoenix Suns ran away with a 125-109 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Goran Dragic and Isaiah Thomas both added 18 points for Phoenix, while Jonas Valanciunas led all players with 21 points and 10 rebounds.
Toronto’s lost three straight games for the first time since December 6, 2013.
4. Chris Bosh scored 26 points and Dwyane Wade tallied 25 to help the Miami Heat get past the Brooklyn Nets 88-84. Deron Williams put up 13 points, eight assists and six rebounds, but Brooklyn ultimately fell short.
Hassan Whiteside recorded 11 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks for his first career double-double.
5. Kobe Bryant recorded 20 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to an 88-87 victory over the Indiana Pacers. Donald Sloan put up 16 points, nine assists, seven rebounds and a 3-point field goal, but it was Bryant who came through when it mattered most.
The 36-year-old sank the game-winning field goal with 12.4 seconds on the clock.
Bonus Fact: Behind 16 points and 12 rebounds from Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks won 95-82, thus sending the New York Knicks to their 11th consecutive loss.