NBA News Today: Donovan Mitchell explodes for 71 points, Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis named Players of the Week, and more
It was a historic night in the NBA on Monday. Donovan Mitchell scored 71 points in the Cleveland Cavaliers' overtime win over the Chicago Bulls. Klay Thompson turned back the clock with a 54-point performance in the Golden State Warriors' double overtime victory.
Meanwhile, Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks and Kristaps Porzingis of the Washington Wizards were named the NBA Players of the Week. Doncic had the game of his life last week against the New York Knicks, while Porzingis was the catalyst in the Wizards' current surge.
On that note, here's the latest NBA news today (January 3) brought to you by Sportskeeda.
Donovan Mitchell makes history with 71 points in Cavaliers win
Donovan Mitchell became just the seventh player in NBA history score 70 or more points in a single game. He exploded for 71 points, eight rebounds and 11 assists against the Chicago Bulls.
"Spida" also hit seven 3-point shots and went 20-for-25 from the free-throw line. He forced overtime by missing a free throw and hitting a tough follow-up shot. He took over in the extra session by scoring 13 of the Cavaliers' 15 points to earn a 145-134 win.
The first six players to reach the 70-point mark in NBA history are Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor, David Thompson, David Robinson, Kobe Bryant and Devin Booker.
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Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis named NBA Players of the Week
Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks and Kristaps Porzingis of the Washington Wizards were named NBA Players of the Week for Week 11. Doncic led the Mavericks to a 3-0 record last week, while the Wizards were 4-0 with Porzingis at the helm.
Doncic had a surreal week, averaging 48.7 points, 13.0 rebounds and 10.7 assists. He had two 50-point games, including a 60-point triple-double in the win over the New York Knicks.
This man is on a tear.
For the second week in a row, @luka7doncic is your Western Conference Player of the Week! 🪄
@ModeloUSA | #ModeloMilestone https://t.co/OOKFnD1Pvk
Meanwhile, Porzingis was simply phenomenal for the Wizards. He averaged 24.5 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.5 blocks. Bradley Beal also went down with an injury last week, which made the Wizards' week even more amazing.
: on.nba.com/3ChpXEq
RT to congratulate @kporzee for earning Eastern Conference Player of the Week 🙌
📰: on.nba.com/3ChpXEq https://t.co/NAlv1uCTxh
Watch: Klay Thompson lifts Golden State Warriors past Atlanta Hawks with 54 point effort
Brooklyn Nets extend winning streak to 12 games
The Brooklyn Nets remain the hottest team in the NBA following their 139-103 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Monday. Kryie Irving had 27 points and eight rebounds to lead the Nets, while Kevin Durant added 25 points, three rebounds and 11 assists.
Brooklyn has now won 12 straight games to move up to second place in the Eastern Conference standings with a 25-12 record. The Nets are just one game behind the league-leading Boston Celtics for the best record this season.
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Klay Thompson scores 54, Kevon Looney hits game-winner in Warriors 2OT win
Klay Thompson had his first 50-point game since undergoing two major surgeries in 2019 and 2020. Thompson erupted for 54 points in the Golden State Warriors' double overtime win against the Atlanta Hawks.
Thompson stole the show by hitting ten 3-point shots, which was the seventh of his career. However, it was Kevon Looney who gave the Warriors the win. He hit the game-winning putback at the buzzer to hand the Warriors a 143-141 victory.
"My tank is on E (empty)," Thompson said after the game. "Thank God for Kevon Looney, man. Oh my goodness, Kevon-juwon strikes again."
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Complete NBA scores for January 2
There were 11 games in the NBA on Monday night. The day was headlined by the Miami Heat taking on the LA Clippers. The New York Knicks dismantled the Phoenix Suns to start the day, while the Indiana Pacers, LA Lakers and Philadelphia 76ers all earned wins.
The Minnesota Timberwolves surprisingly beat the Denver Nuggets. The Dallas Mavericks earned their seventh win in a row to climb up to fourth in the Western Conference standings. The Portland Trail Blazers also got an easy win against the Detroit Pistons.
Here are the complete NBA scores for January 2:
- New York Knicks def. Phoenix Suns 102-83
- Indiana Pacers def. Toronto Raptors 122-114
- Cleveland Cavaliers def. Chicago Bulls 145-134 OT
- LA Lakers def. Charlotte Hornets 121-115
- Philadelphia 76ers def. New Orleans Pelicans 120-111
- Brooklyn Nets def. San Antonio Spurs 139-103
- Minnesota Timberwolves def. Denver Nuggets 124-111
- Dallas Mavericks def. Houston Rockets 111-106
- Portland Trail Blazers def. Detroit Pistons 135-106
- Golden State Warriors def. Atlanta Hawks 143-141 2OT
- Miami Heat def. LA Clippers 110-100
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