NBA News Today: Zion Williamson's dunk causes scuffle at end of the game, players react to Brittney Griner's release from Russian prison, and more

Zion Williamson broke an unwritten NBA rule in the New Orleans Pelicans' win over the Phoenix Suns on Friday. Williamson's 360 windmill dunk caused a scuffle toward the end of the game.

Meanwhile, on Thursday, the NBA and WNBA players reacted to Brittney Griner's release from a Russian penal colony. Griner spent ten months in Russian custody before the United States government pulled off a prisoner swap.

Here is the latest NBA news today, December 10, brought to you by Sportskeeda.

The Lakers score 10 points in 30 seconds to force OT but still lose to Sixers

The LA Lakers forced overtime against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. The Lakers went on a 10-1 run in the final 30 seconds. However, the Sixers regained their composure to score a 133-122 victory.

Joel Embiid led the Sixers with 38 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists, while De'Anthony Melton had 33 points, four rebounds, and two assists. James Harden added 28 points, four rebounds, and 12 assists.

Meanwhile, Anthony Davis had another double-double for the Lakers with 31 points and 12 rebounds. LeBron James scored 23 points, while Austin Reaves had 25 points off the bench. Russell Westbrook added 12 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.

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Zion Williamson's dunk causes a scuffle at the end of the game

Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans

A new rivalry might be brewing out West between the New Orleans Pelicans and Phoenix Suns. With the game already out of reach, Williamson hit a 360 windmill dunk, much to the chagrin of the Suns. It resulted in a scuffle at the end of the game.

The Pelicans famously put up a fight against the Suns in the first round of the 2022 NBA Playoffs. New Orleans now owns the best record in the Western Conference at 17-8. The Phoenix Suns have now lost three straight games and fell to third in the standings.

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Rudy Gobert powers Timberwolves past Jazz in return to Utah

Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves

Rudy Gobert made his return to Utah on Friday night. Gobert received a tribute video from the Jazz, while fans inside the Vivint Smart Home Arena gave him a nice ovation. The big Frenchman spent the first nine years of his career in Utah before getting traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the offseason.

Gobert led the Timberwolves to a 118-108 win. He had 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Kyle Anderson put up 15 points, seven rebounds, and 12 assists. Malik Beasley led the Jazz with 23 points, but that wasn't enough.

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NBA players react to Brittney Griner's release from Russian prison

Brittney Griner was finally released on Thursday after the United States government made a prisoner swap with Russia. In exchange for Griner, the Americans traded a Russian weapons dealer, Viktor Bout, nicknamed the "Merchant of Death." Griner was in Russian custody for almost ten months.

Here are some of the best reactions from around the NBA:

"BG is coming home! 🙏🏾 Amazing news. Much love @Brittneygriner #WeAreBG"

BG is coming home! 🙏🏾 Amazing news. Much love @Brittneygriner #WeAreBG twitter.com/nytimes/status…

"Welcome home BG!!"

Welcome home BG!! 🙌🏿 🙏🏿

"Welcome Home BG! Thank you for exemplifying what a true Warrior spirit looks like. You're forever loved by so many unconditionally."

Welcome Home BG!

Thank you for exemplifying what a true Warrior spirit looks like. You’re forever loved by so many unconditionally. 🤞🏾♾

"FREED BG"

FREED BG🙏🏽

🙏🏾 twitter.com/potus/status/1…

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Complete NBA scores for December 9

A total of ten games were played on Friday, headlined by the Milwaukee Bucks taking on the Dallas Mavericks. The Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets got close wins, while the Philadelphia 76ers survived in overtime against the LA Lakers.

The New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, and Memphis Grizzlies also earned victories. Rudy Gobert was triumphant in his return to Utah, while the New Orleans Pelicans now have the best record in the Western Conference.

Here are the complete NBA results for December 10:

New York Knicks def. Charlotte Hornets 121-102
Indiana Pacers def. Washington Wizards 121-111
Orlando Magic def. Toronto Raptors 113-109
Brooklyn Nets def. Atlanta Hawks 120-116
Philadelphia 76ers def. LA Lakers 133-122 OT
Sacramento Kings def. Cleveland Cavaliers 106-95
Memphis Grizzlies def. Detroit Pistons 114-103
New Orleans Pelicans def. Phoenix Suns 128-117
Minnesota Timberwolves def. Utah Jazz 118-108
Milwaukee Bucks def. Dallas Mavericks 106-105

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