“`html
Celtics Dominate Pacers with Record-Breaking Three-Point Performance, NBA Roundup
The Boston Celtics showcased an offensive masterclass, sinking a remarkable 20 three-pointers en route to a commanding 140-122 victory over the Indiana pacers on Friday night. This performance headlined a busy night of NBA action, which also saw wins for the Washington Wizards, Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Memphis grizzlies, and Phoenix suns.
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 30 points, efficiently shooting 13 of 20 from the field, while also contributing two three-pointers. Payton Pritchard added 29 points, connecting on three shots from beyond the arc, and securing nine rebounds.The Celtics’ sharpshooting display was a team effort, with sam Hauser contributing a stellar 7-for-8 performance from three-point range for 23 points, and Derrick White adding 21 points with three three-pointers.
“We just found a rhythm tonight,” a senior team official stated. “The ball was moving, guys were hitting shots, and we were able to capitalize on our opportunities.”
The celtics (19-11) have now won four consecutive games and are looking like serious contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Wizards Upset Raptors Behind McCollum and Coulibaly
The Washington Wizards pulled off a surprising 119-113 victory over the Toronto Raptors, supported by 21 points each from CJ McCollum and Bilal Coulibaly. The Wizards shot a remarkable 59.3% from the field and dominated the boards, outrebounding the Raptors 46-33.
Despite the win,the Wizards remain at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 6-23 record. The raptors, who entered the game with the NBA’s fourth-best defensive rating, struggled to contain the Wizards’ offense, falling to 9 losses in their last 13 games. Brandon Ingram led Toronto with 29 points, while Immanuel quickley added 25.
Heat Hand Hawks Fifth Straight Loss
The Miami Heat handed the Atlanta Hawks their fifth consecutive defeat with a 126-111 victory.Norman Powell led the Heat with 25 points, while Pelle Larsson scored a career-high 21. Kel’el Ware stepped up with 16 points and 13 rebounds in place of the injured Bam Adebayo. The Heat, who had lost eight of their previous nine games, improved to 16-15 on the season. Trae Young led the Hawks with 30 points and seven assists.
Hornets Edge Magic Despite Injury to Rookie Knueppel
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Orlando Magic 120-105, despite losing promising rookie forward Kon Knueppel to a right ankle injury in the first half. LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with 22 points and seven rebounds, while Miles Bridges contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds. The Hornets shot 19 of 39 from three-point range.X-rays on Knueppel’s ankle were negative, and he will be re-evaluated upon the team’s return to Charlotte.
Bulls Extend Winning Streak to Five
Jalen Smith’s emphatic dunk on Joel Embiid sparked a game-ending run as the Chicago Bulls secured their fifth straight win, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 109-92. smith’s dunk ignited a 10-0 run to close out the game. Embiid led the 76ers with 31 points, but Philadelphia struggled to maintain momentum, losing for the fourth time in as many games with their star trio in the lineup.
Grizzlies Continue Dominance Over Bucks
The Memphis grizzlies continued their dominance over the Milwaukee Bucks, securing a 125-104 victory. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Grizzlies with 24 points, while Ja Morant, returning from a four-game absence, added 17 points and 10 assists. This marks the Grizzlies’ eighth consecutive win against the Bucks, all by double digits. Milwaukee continues to play without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who remains sidelined with a calf strain.
Suns Outlast Pelicans in New Orleans
Devin Booker scored 30 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 115
