In the NBA’s six-game slate today, the Los Angeles Lakers booked their first win thanks to efficient scoring outings from Kyle Kuzma and LeBron James.
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Lakers 119, Magic 112
The Los Angeles Lakers banked on an early double-digit lead after the opening period as they booked their first scrimmage win in the bubble. Kuzma waxed hot from deep as he compiled a 5-7 clip from three-point territory, and finished with a game-high 25 markers. James had 20 points and 7 assists, while starting shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 17 points. Veteran guard D.J. Augustin led the Orlando Magic with his 21 points and 5 dimes.
Nets 124, Spurs 119
In this offense-powered ballgame, it was the Brooklyn Nets who came out on top thanks to 27 points from young budding star Caris LeVert. Another pair of young guns showed out for the Nets as Jarrett Allen came up with a double-double outing of 10 points and 11 boards, while Rodions Kurucs came off the bench to chip in 17 markers. Derrick White topscored for the San Antonio Spurs with his 22 points, but it was not enough to stop the team from sustaining their second straight loss.
Clippers 105, Wizards 100
The Los Angeles Clippers used a balanced offensive attack as they came back from an eight-point third quarter deficit to beat the Washington Wizards. Despite star Kawhi Leonard only scoring 6 points, the team’s supporting cast stepped up as Patrick Patterson poured in 16 markers off the bench, with three more second unit players contributing 13 points apiece. Isaac Bonga and Rui Hachimura reinforced the Wizards with 15 points apiece.
Jazz 101, Heat 99
Rudy Gobert almost went on a perfect shooting game as he led the Utah Jazz to a two-point victory over the Miami Heat. Gobert produced 21 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks, while missing only one of his nine field goal attempts. Veteran point guard Mike Conley and sixth man Jordan Clarkson both chipped in 17 markers. The Heat got 27 points from Kelly Olynyk and 20 from rookie Tyler Herro as they split their first two scrimmages at the bubble.
Bucks 131, Kings 123
It was a three-point party for the league-leading Milwaukee Bucks as they made 20 triples to dismantle the Sacramento Kings. Veteran sharpshooter Kyle Korver hit five triples on his way to a game-high 22 markers, while Brook Lopez added 21 points on four hits from deep. Giannis Antetokounmpo displayed his versatility once again as he finished with 15 points, 9 boards and 6 assists. Buddy Hield led the Kings with 19 points off the bench.
Pelicans 119, Nuggets 104
Without stars Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, the New Orleans Pelicans turned to their supporting cast to defeat the Denver Nuggets. Rookie guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker had another brilliant game, stuffing the stat sheet with his 21 points, 4 boards, 5 dimes, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Frank Jackson chipped in 16 markers, while Zylan Cheatham contributed 14 points and 8 rebounds. Mason Plumlee put in a double-double performance of 18 points and 13 boards for the Nuggets.
