With eight games on the schedule, including Carmelo Anthony's return to New York, it was an exciting night in the Association.
Let's get into it.
NBA scores for Saturday, Dec. 16
- Trail Blazers 93, Hornets 91 (Box Score)
- Knicks 111, Thunder 96 (Box Score)
- Cavaliers 109, Jazz 100 (Box Score)
- Suns 108, Timberwolves 106 (Box Score)
- Rockets 115, Bucks 111 (Box Score)
- Heat 90, Clippers 85 (Box Score)
- Spurs 98, Mavericks 96 (Box Score)
- Celtics 102, Grizzlies 93 (Box Score)
Knicks honor Carmelo Anthony in return to MSG, but Thunder lose badly
For the first time since the 2010-11 season, Melo entered MSG as an opponent on Saturday night. Heading into the game, Carmelo said he expected it to be an emotional night, and the Knicks wasted no time making sure that was the case. Before introducing Carmelo, the Knicks honored him with a tribute video.
The @nyknicks introduce @carmeloanthony at Madison Square Garden for the first time since he joined the @okcthunder. pic.twitter.com/YgZSFXsSCg
— NBA TV (@NBATV) December 17, 2017
Carmelo finished with just 12 points, however, as the Thunder -- likely worn down from their triple-overtime win against the Sixers on Friday night -- lost to the Knicks by 15. After the game, Melo took some time to catch up with his old teammates.
Carmelo catches up with his former @nyknicks post game! #ThisIsWhyWePlay pic.twitter.com/hb7uzEmj6x
— NBA (@NBA) December 17, 2017
LeBron finishes an incredible lefty alley-oop, then gets 60th career triple-double
Late in the first quarter against the Jazz, the Cavaliers got out on a fast break, but things weren't looking so good. LeBron was struggled to get the ball under control at first, and then he looked to have overrun Jeff Green's lob. However, LeBron hung in the air, then reached his left hand out and flushed home the alley-oop in incredible fashion.
Even @KingJames 👑 couldn't believe it... 😳 pic.twitter.com/gF7LpY0NRj
— NBA TV (@NBATV) December 17, 2017
The dunk was good for two of LeBron's 29 points on the night. He also finished with 11 rebounds and 10 assists, giving him his second-straight triple-double, and the 60th triple-double of his career. With it, he moved into sole possession of sixth place all-time for triple-doubles, ahead of Larry Bird.
Rockets win 13th in a row
The Houston Rockets continued to their brilliant run of form, winning their 13th game in a row on Saturday night, beating the Bucks 115-111. It moved their league-best record to 24-4. As per usual, it was James Harden and Chris Paul leading the way. The dynamic duo combined for 56 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists.
In addition to a 13th straight win, CP3 also stayed undefeated as a Rocket. The team has won all 14 games in which he's suited up for them. According to Elias Sports, Paul is the first player to accomplish such a feat since starters were noted in the box score.
Chris Paul is the first player to start and win his first 14 games with a new team since starters were first indicated on box scores (1970-71), according to @EliasSports.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) December 17, 2017
Manu Ginobili's game-winner caps amazing Spurs comeback
The Spurs went on a 13-0 run to close the game against the Mavericks, finally pulling ahead in the closing seconds thanks to a game-winning layup from Manu Ginobili. The ageless one had 12 points in the victory, and was one of seven different Spurs to finish with at least nine points.
G I N O B I L I ‼️
— NBA (@NBA) December 17, 2017
He wins it for SAS.@spurs close out on 13-0 run, beat @dallasmavs 98-96. pic.twitter.com/l14yghfaXW
Russell Westbrook hammers one home
Westbrook attacked the rack with ferocity in the third quarter against the Knicks, hammering home one of his patented ferocious dunks.
On @NBATV...
— NBA (@NBA) December 17, 2017
Russell Westbrook punishes the rim! pic.twitter.com/z58Kyo9xzz
Giannis soars for the slam
There aren't many players who can do the things Giannis Antetokounmpo does on the court. And he made that clear again on Saturday night, taking off from the dotted circle inside the free-throw line to soar for a one-hand slam.
Giannis taking FLIGHT!! 🚀#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/SZ2YABTfSS
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 17, 2017
Michael Beasley goes off for 30 points to lead Knicks over Thunder
The Knicks were without Kristaps Porzingis on Saturday night, but that was no problem, even with the Thunder in town. That's because Michael Beasley was ready to put on a show. He was a truly a "walking bucket" in this one, pouring in a game-high 30 points.
Josh Richardson drops career-high 28 in Heat win over Clippers
The Heat squeaked out a five-point victory over the Clippers thanks to a big performance from Richardson. The young guard put up a career-high 28 to lead the Heat to the win. He went 10-16 from the field, including 6-8 from 3-point land.
The @MiamiHEAT take it at home behind 28 points from Josh Richardson! pic.twitter.com/UdrZlR17uC
— NBA (@NBA) December 17, 2017
Montrezl Harrell throws it down with authority
The young Clippers big man went careening down the lane against the Heat, and then powered his way to the rim for a rim-rocking slam.
Grown man dunk from Montrezl! pic.twitter.com/BBDVetBKqH
— NBA (@NBA) December 17, 2017
And-ones:
- Steven Adams will not play in the Thunder's game against the Knicks. He sustained a concussion on Friday night against the Sixers.
- Kristaps Porzingis (knee) will miss the Knicks' game against the Thunder.
- Clint Capela is out for the Rockets against the Bucks.
- The Grizzlies will be without Chandler Parsons against the Celtics. The oft-injured forward is taking the game off for rest.
- Orlando's Aaron Gordon has a strained calf, and will not play on Sunday against the Pistons. He will, however, be with the team for their two-game road trip.
- Stephen Curry, who has been out with a sprained ankle, went through shooting drills at 75 percent on Saturday. According to a report from Anthony Slater, he had "no noticeable hitch" on his ankle.