The Wrap-Up: Christmas Day wins for OKC, CHI, MIA, HOU and GSW
Keith Firmin brings you The Wrap-Up on all of last night’s NBA games including OKC’s big win and Miami getting the best of the Lakers.
Chicago @ Brooklyn
The Bulls were not in the Christmas spirit when they faced the struggling Nets on Christmas Day, handing them a 95-78 defeat behind Taj Gibson’s team-leading 20 points. The Nets were within touching distance at the half but crumbled in the third period as they lost their fourth straight game. The Bulls have now won back-to-back games for the first time since Rose’s injury.
OKC @ New York
Carmelo Anthony was sidelined for their clash with the Thunder and it left the Knicks short-handed against the Thunder, going down 123-94. New York’s bench outscored their starters thanks to Stoudemire’s team-high 22 points from the pine but the OKC pairing of Durant and Ibaka combined for 53 points on 20-for-30 shooting to give the Thunder their 10th win in 11 games.
STAT get’s posterized by Reggie Jackson:
Miami @ Los Angeles Lakers
It took 23 points apiece from both Bosh and Wade for the Heat to finally overcome a determined Lakers side, 101-95. The Heat overcame a quick start by the Lakers to eventually take the lead heading into the half and from there on out, Miami did just enough to walk away with their sixth straight victory. Nick Young led the Lakers with 20 points off the bench.
LeBron with the sick alley-oop finish:
Wade off the glass to LeBron for the left-handed slam:
Houston @ San Antonio
The Rockets made light work of the Spurs despite Tim Duncan’s 11 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and six blocks. Houston’s 111-98 win was the second time this season that the Rockets have beaten San Antonio this season. Houston starters matched the entire scoring output of the Spurs, led by Dwight Howard’s 15 points and 20 rebounds.
Los Angeles Clippers @ Golden State
Harrison Barnes clinched the 105-103 win for the Warriors with a pair of free throws. Neither side scored in the final minute of the game which left the Warriors with the big win over their West Coast rival. Bogut and Thompson each finished with 23 points, while DeAndre Jordan finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds and six blocks for the Clippers. Blake Griffin was tossed out of the game after an altercation with Bogut in the 4th period.
Klay Thompson with the game-saving block on CP3: