What We Know After Saturday’s Games
-Pistons Defeat Timberwolves on ABC/ESPN: Detroit has one of the best defenses in the NBA, and it was on full display in this matchup. The Pistons shot 52 percent from the field and 39 percent from 3-point range while holding the Timberwolves to 32 percent from the field and 21 percent from long range.
-Sixers back in full force: Philadelphia has been shorthanded all season, but Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre returned to the lineup tonight. They also got Joel Embiid and Paul George back earlier in the week, helping them snag a road win against the surging Charlotte Hornets.
-Hawks Remain Hot: Atlanta grabbed a 123-113 win over the Sacramento Kings. They now have 15 wins over their last 17 outings and are within 0.5 games of the Toronto Raptors for fifth in the Eastern Conference. Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and CJ McCollum all scored over 20 points.
Top Performers
-Victor Wembanyama had 23 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists in a win over the Milwaukee Bucks.
-Stephon Castle collected 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in that win.
-Joel Embiid had 29 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in a road victory against the Charlotte Hornets.
-Paul George provided 26 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, and four steals while Tyrese Maxey totaled 26 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists in that win.
-Nickeil Alexander-Walker accrued 27 points, five rebounds, eight assists, and four steals in a win over the Sacramento Kings.
-Jalen Johnson generated 26 points, five rebounds, and 10 assists in that win.
-Matas Buzelis had 29 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and three blocks in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
-Josh Giddey finished with 18 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals, and three blocks as well.
-Jalen Green generated 31 points, six rebounds, and three assists across three quarters in a blowout win over the Utah Jazz.
-Devin Booker had 26 points, three rebounds, and eight assists in that victory.
Suns Defeat Jazz, 134-109
Phoenix ripped off a 21-2 run early in this game and held a double-digit lead for all but a handful of minutes.
The Suns shot 50 percent from the field in their victory.
Jalen Green led the way with 31 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
Devin Booker had 26 points, three rebounds, and eight assists.
Brice Sensabaugh and Kyle Filipowski led Utah with 26 points apiece.
