In a thrilling showdown against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Terry Rozier showcased his clutch prowess, scoring nine points in the final 1:24 to secure a dramatic 107-104 victory for the Miami Heat.
Rozier’s heroics included a game-changing 4-point play followed by a pivotal 26-foot 3-pointer that propelled Miami to a 105-102 lead. Despite a late push from the Cavaliers, Rozier sealed the win with two clutch free throws in the closing seconds, denying Cleveland’s attempt to force overtime.
Jimmy Butler led the charge for Miami with a stellar 30-point performance, while Rozier’s 24-point contribution proved instrumental in narrowing the gap between Miami and the sixth playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Nikola Jovic and Patty Mills also made significant contributions, combining for 24 points and providing valuable support to Miami’s offensive efforts.
Patty Mills was also an unsung hero who led the team from the back with 10 points, 4 assists and 2 steals, guiding Erik Spoelstra’s men to an emphatic victory on the night.
Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, the Thunder delivered a commanding 119-107 victory over the Utah Jazz, fueled by Chet Holmgren’s dominant performance. Holmgren’s 35-point, 14-rebound showcase propelled the Thunder to victory, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander adding 31 points to the team’s tally.
Australian sensation Josh Giddey made his presence felt with an impressive all-around performance, tallying 11 rebounds, eight assists, and five points, underscoring his growing impact on the court.
However, not all Australian players enjoyed success on the night, as Duop Reath and the Portland Trail Blazers fell short against the LA Clippers, suffering a 116-103 defeat. Despite Reath’s contributions with eight points, the Trail Blazers were unable to overcome the Clippers’ offensive onslaught.
In San Francisco, Stephen Curry continued his record-breaking season, surpassing 300 3-pointers for an NBA-record fifth time while leading the Golden State Warriors to a dominant 137-116 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Curry’s remarkable shooting prowess, coupled with contributions from teammates like Chris Paul, propelled the Warriors to victory, further solidifying their status as contenders in the Western Conference.
Elsewhere, Grayson Allen’s stellar 32-point performance guided the Phoenix Suns to a commanding 115-102 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. Allen’s exceptional shooting display, highlighted by nine 3-pointers, proved too much for the 76ers to handle, with Kevin Durant and Devin Booker also making significant contributions to the Suns’ victory.
In a matchup marred by the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum’s 31-point outing propelled the Boston Celtics to a hard-fought 122-119 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite missing their MVP-caliber star, the Bucks put up a spirited effort, but ultimately fell short against a resilient Celtics squad, who capitalized on Antetokounmpo’s absence to secure their seventh consecutive victory.
Across the league, standout performances and thrilling matchups showcased the intensity and excitement of NBA basketball, as teams battled for supremacy on the hardwood.