NBA News Today: LeBron James caps off 38th birthday with 47-point performance, Gary Payton II receives his championship ring, and more
There were nine NBA games on December 30, with LeBron James capping off his 38th birthday with a throwback performance. James exploded for 47 points against the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night.
Meanwhile, Gary Payton II finally received his NBA championship ring from the Golden State Warriors. Payton, who signed with the Portland Trail Blazers in the offseason, were welcomed by the Warriors at the Chase Center.
On that note, here's the latest NBA news today (December 31) brought to you by Sportskeeda:
LeBron James caps off birthday with 47-point performance
LeBron James turned 38 on Friday night, and he capped it off with an amazing performance. James continued to defy Father Time by scoring 47 points against the Atlanta Hawks. He also added ten rebounds and nine assists to help the LA Lakers earn a 130-121 win.
James has aged like fine wine, especially this season, averaging 28.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.0 steals per game. "The King" is also shooting 50.6% from the field and 30.9% from beyond the arc. He revealed his secret to longevity after the game.
"Making sure my body stays fresh, but my mind more importantly," James said."As long as I keep my mind fresh, then my body will follow what it may. It's always good to come out here with my teammates. They worked their butts off tonight."
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Gary Payton II receives his championship ring
Gary Payton II spent just one season with the Golden State Warriors but left an indelible impact on the team. Payton left the Bay Area in the summer after signing a three-year deal with the Portland Trail Blazers.
The second-generation NBA player returned to the Chase Center on Friday night and received his well-earned championship ring. He also received a warm welcome from the Warriors fans in attendance.
Despite his big move in the offseason, Payton has not made his debut for the Blazers. He's still recovering from a core muscle injury that required surgery. He's expected to return sometime in January, as per Shams Charania of The Athletic.
Gary Payton II gets his championship 💍
#PhantomCam https://t.co/wwTs73kpkB
Watch: LeBron James' wife Savannah James left speechless after emphatic dunk from the 38-year-old
Golden State Warriors outlast Portland Trail Blazers for 4th straight win
The Golden State Warriors made a furious rally on Friday night to beat the Portland Trail Blazers. The Warriors have now won four straight games and improved their record to 19-18, which is good for ninth place in the Western Conference.
Jordan Poole had another big night with 41 points, five rebounds and six assists. Klay Thompson added 31 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Draymond Green had 10 points and 11 rebounds. The Warriors were still without Steph Curry, who's recovering from a shoulder injury.
Meanwhile, Damian Lillard had 34 points, eight rebounds and five assists for the Blazers. Anfernee Simons contributed 22 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Jerami Grant had 19 points. The Blazers are currently No. 8 in the West standings.
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Phoenix Suns slide down to 7th place following loss to Toronto Raptors
The Phoenix Suns have been ravaged by injuries this season, with Devin Booker expected to be out for a month due to a groin injury. Chris Paul missed time at the start of the season, while Cameron Johnson is still recovering from a knee injury.
On Friday night, the shorthanded Suns lost to the Toronto Raptors 113-104. Phoenix have now lost ten of their last 14 games. They're now seventh in the Western Conference standings, with a record of 20-17.
It won't get any easier for the Suns, as they have a really tough January schedule. They will face teams such as the Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets and Memphis Grizzlies to start 2023.
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Complete NBA scores for December 30
As mentioned earlier, there were nine games on the NBA schedule for December 30. The night was headlined by the Golden State Warriors' comeback win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
The Milwaukee Bucks, Washington Wizards, LA Lakers and Toronto Raptors also earned victories. Meanwhile, the Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat and Utah Jazz suffered defeats.
Here are the complete NBA scores for December 30:
- Washington Wizards def. Orlando Magic 119-100
- LA Lakers def. Atlanta Hawks 130-121
- Toronto Raptors def. Phoenix Suns 113-104
- Milwaukee Bucks def. Minnesota Timberwolves 123-114
- Chicago Bulls def. Detroit Pistons 132-118
- New Orleans Pelicans def. Philadelphia 76ers 127-116
- Denver Nuggets def. Miami Heat 124-119
- Sacramento Kings def. Utah Jazz 126-125
- Golden State Warriors def. Portland Trail Blazers 118-112
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