Celtics 102 (16-13), Hornets 89 (15-13)
Boston played a strong game, building their lead in the first and third quarters. Kelly Olynyk more than filled in for the injured Amir Johnson in the starting lineup, finishing with 20 points and a sky-walking putback dunk over Marvin Williams.
Knicks 84 (14-16), Cavs 91 (19-7)
The Cavs have won six straight heading into Friday’s highly anticipated matchup against the Warriors. Kyrie Irving is still getting his legs under him, shooting just 1-7 from the field in 19 minutes in his second game of the season.
Kings 108 (12-17), Pacers 106 (16-12)
It was a nice win for the Kings, but sadly, Rajon Rondo may be facing a fine or suspension for kicking a broadcast camera during the game. Paul George’s shooting slump continued, as he shot just 5-19 from the field.
Rockets 101 (15-15), Magic 104 (17-12)
Evan Fournier was once again clutch for Orlando. The forward hit a leaner with 14 seconds left to give Orlando a 1-point lead. With the win over Dwight Howard’s Rockets, the Magic are now off to their best start since Howard departed three years ago.
Grizzlies 91 (16-15), Wizards 100 (13-14)
With his team limited to just nine players by injuries, John Wall (14 points, 14 dimes) led the Wizards to victory. Washington is now 4-0 when Wall drops 13 or more assists this season.
Mavs 119 (16-13), Nets 118 (8-21) (OT)
Dirk Nowitzki (22 points) hit the game-winner on the night he passed Shaquille O’Neal for sixth on the all-time scoring list. JJ Barea scored a career-high 32 points and dished out 11 assists.
Dirk Nowitzki just passed Shaquille O'Neal for sixth on the all-time scoring list. pic.twitter.com/6zUvIfTfOq
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) December 24, 2015
Pistons 100 (17-13), Hawks 107 (19-12)
Atlanta employed the hack-a-Drummond strategy from early and forced the big man out of the game. Detroit rallied back, but couldn’t completely recover. Jeff Teague finished with 23 points, 6 rebounds and 9 assists to lead ATL.
76ers 100 (1-30), Bucks 113 (12-18)
Giannis Antetokounmpo made his first 11 shots to finish with 22 points. Michael Carter-Williams had 18 points and 9 assists against his former team. Jabari Parker provided the highlight of the game with a one-handed throw down over fellow former Duke star and Chicago native, Jahlil Okafor.
Spurs 108 (25-5), T-Wolves 83 (11-18)
San Antonio won their 12th game this season by a 20-plus point margin. Even their bench unit was playing mesmerizing basketball.
Blazers 89 (11-20), Pelicans 115 (9-19)
The Blazers faltered without their rock, Damian Lillard, who’s battling plantar fasciitis. Anthony Davis led the way for the Pels, who have gone 8-8 since their disastrous 1-11 start, with 28 points and 12 boards.
Nuggets 104 (12-17), Suns 96 (12-19)
Phoenix’s disappointing season continues. Danilo Gallinari was hurt and Jameer Nelson was out due to illness, but the Nuggets still were able to overcome the Suns in Phoenix. Things aren’t looking good for Jeff Hornacek.
Jazz 85 (12-15), Warriors 103 (27-1)
Golden State went on a 22-0 run to start the second halfgot the lead in the first quarter and never gave it up against the Jazz. Andrew Bogut returned from back spasms to add 10 points and 13 rebounds in 27 minutes of work.
Thunder 120 (20-9), Lakers 85 (5-24)
Last Saturday, the Thunder beat the Lakers by 40. This time, they won by 35. OKC opened the second half on a 22-0 run, effectively ending the game before the fourth quarter began.
