Paul George delivered a brilliant performance against his former team, scoring 36 points as the Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 on Tuesday night to strengthen their position atop the Eastern Conference.
George, who joined Boston in July as part of the blockbuster Jaylen Brown trade, hit six three-pointers and scored 14 points in the final quarter.
Jayson Tatum contributed 21 points, while Payton Pritchard added 18 and Sam Hauser scored 12. Boston converted 22 three-pointers and improved to 9-2.
For Philadelphia, Tyrese Maxey led with 24 points, while Brown struggled against his former teammates, managing just 13 points and committing four turnovers. Joel Embiid added 16 points, while LeBron James finished with 11.
The Sixers dropped to 9-3 following the defeat.
Knicks Crush Bucks as Milwaukee’s Struggles Continue
The New York Knicks secured a commanding 117-85 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, powered by Karl-Anthony Towns’ 21 points and 16 rebounds.
Jalen Brunson added 23 points as New York dominated the second and fourth quarters, outscoring Milwaukee 32-13 in each period.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored 16 points for the Bucks, who suffered their seventh consecutive defeat and slipped to 1-10.
Giannis Leads Heat Past Jazz
Giannis Antetokounmpo produced 30 points and 11 rebounds as the Miami Heat defeated the Utah Jazz 115-109.
Davion Mitchell contributed 19 points and eight assists, while Bam Adebayo added 11 points.
Rookie Darryn Peterson scored 25 points for Utah, with Ace Bailey contributing 23, but the Jazz suffered their ninth straight defeat.
Lillard Inspires Portland Victory Over Thunder
Damian Lillard scored 25 points as the Portland Trail Blazers registered a convincing 123-103 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Deni Avdija contributed 24 points, eight assists and six rebounds, while Sidy Cissoko added 17.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 26 points, but the Thunder’s four-game winning streak came to an end.
Suns Overpower Clippers With Three-Point Barrage
The Phoenix Suns defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 133-110 after hitting a season-high 22 three-pointers.
Jordan Goodwin impressed with 18 points, converting six of seven attempts from beyond the arc, while Devin Booker added 17.
Darius Garland, Baba Miller and Rui Hachimura scored 13 points each for the Clippers.
Wagner Shines as Magic End Losing Streak
Franz Wagner scored a season-high 33 points as the Orlando Magic beat the Sacramento Kings 107-100.
Anthony Black added 26 points to help Orlando end a four-game losing streak.
Zach LaVine scored 31 points and Darius Acuff Jr. contributed 29 for Sacramento, but the Kings suffered their fourth consecutive defeat.
