Luka Doncic delivered a spectacular performance, scoring 50 points and surpassing the 10,000-point milestone in the Dallas Mavericks’ 128-114 victory over the Phoenix Suns.
Doncic, at 24, became the sixth-fastest player to reach 10,000 points in terms of age and tied for the seventh-fastest in games played at 358.
Despite Doncic’s milestone achievement, the Suns put up a strong fight, rallying from a 15-point deficit to lead by six in the fourth quarter. However, a 17-4 scoring run by Dallas in the final quarter secured the win, with Doncic contributing 15 assists, six rebounds, four steals, and three blocked shots.
In another Christmas clash, the Boston Celtics emerged victorious over the Los Angeles Lakers with a score of 126-115. Kristaps Porzingis scored 28 points, and Jayson Tatum added 25 for the Celtics, while Anthony Davis scored 40 points for the Lakers. LeBron James had a quieter night, scoring 16 points on five-of-14 shooting.
The day started with the New York Knicks halting the Milwaukee Bucks’ seven-game winning streak with a 129-122 victory at Madison Square Garden. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 38 points.
In a battle of the last two NBA champions, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Golden State Warriors 120-114. Jamal Murray scored 28 points, and Nikola Jokic finished with 26 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists for the Nuggets.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr expressed frustration with the officiating, criticizing what he perceived as a lack of defense in the game.
Rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. had a career-high 31 points and 10 rebounds, leading the Miami Heat to a 119-113 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, who played without NBA Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid. Bam Adebayo contributed 26 points and 15 rebounds for Miami.
Overall, Christmas Day in the NBA showcased thrilling matchups, individual milestones, and competitive clashes between some of the league’s top teams.
Source: AFP
