What's up, everybody? Welcome back for another FANtastic night of NBA action.
The Magic cooled down the red-hot Knicks, who were playing without Kristaps Porzingis, while the Pistons continued their strong start to the season, moving to 8-3 with a victory against the Pacers.
Later on, the Celtics picked up their 10th win in a row, knocking off their ancient rivals, the Lakers, and the Warriors cruised to a 125-101 victory against the visiting Timberwolves.
NBA scores for Wednesday, Nov. 8
All times Eastern
- Magic 112, Knicks 99 (Box Score)
- Pistons 114, Pacers 97 (Box Score)
- Celtics 107, Lakers 96 (Box Score)
- Heat 126, Suns 115 (Box Score)
- Warriors 125, Timberwolves 101 (Box Score)
Garden crowd honors Pierce
Celtics legend Paul Pierce was back in Boston, as the Lakers-Celtics matchup was broadcast by ESPN. During a break in the action, the Celtics crowd honored their longtime hero with a standing ovation.
TD Garden gave @paulpierce34 a shoutout during the commercial break in Boston. ☘️ pic.twitter.com/aF2qQZCcBb
— ESPN (@espn) November 9, 2017
Celtics win 10th in a row
After losing Gordon Hayward for the season only a few minutes into opening night, and starting out 0-2, the Celtics have reeled off 10 victories in a row. They picked up No. 10 against the Lakers on Wednesday night 107-96 despite also being without Al Horford. This is the Celtics' first 10-game winning streak since 2010.
The @celtics win their 10th straight game, 107-96 over the Lakers.
— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 9, 2017
It's their longest winning streak since Nov/Dec of 2010. ☘️ pic.twitter.com/yEaP3S7Jhw
Kyrie Swerving
The Celtics guard has one of the slickest handles in the game, and he showed it off early against the Lakers, weaving around nearly the entire Lakers defense. At one point, he lost control of the ball but still managed to get past multiple defenders and score a bucket.
Cheat code activated pic.twitter.com/HTMeIvE8vh
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 9, 2017
Drummond's big night pushes Pistons to 8-3
Detroit continued its impressive start to the season on Wednesday night, moving to 8-3 with a 114-97 victory against the visiting Indiana Pacers. Andre Drummond lead the way with 14 points, 21 rebounds and four assists. He did, however, have his first really bad night from the free-throw line, going 0 for 7.
#DetroitBasketball
— NBA (@NBA) November 9, 2017
The @DetroitPistons win their fourth straight home game; defeat the @IndianaPacers, 114-97.
Drummond: 14 PTS, 21 REBS pic.twitter.com/iWtuvoqrIs
Porzingis might need elbow procedure in offseason
After coming up clutch once again in the Knicks' victory against the Hornets on Tuesday night, Kristaps Porzingis sat out the second night of a back-to-back on Wednesday in Orlando. The Knicks' do-everything big man is dealing with a combination of an ankle and elbow injuries. For as good as K.P. and the Knicks have been, this is a wise move by the team. He has been injury-prone throughout his career -- a night off on a back-to-back will help in the long run, even if the Knicks essentially sacrifice this game.
Porzingis (sprained left ankle/contused right elbow) is unavailable
— NY_KnicksPR (@NY_KnicksPR) November 8, 2017
Porzingis said that the elbow problem, which Jeff Hornacek noted is bursitis, might require a procedure after the season to properly address.
Celts' Tatum in walking boot
Celtics rookie Jayson Tatum has had a tremendous start to his first season, but he left Wednesday night's game with an ankle injury. The team announced Tatum is in a walking boot as a precaution, and will undergo tests Thursday.
#NEBHInjuryReport Jayson Tatum left tonight’s game with a sore right ankle. He’s in a walking boot to be safe tonight, will have tests tomorrow.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 9, 2017
Whiteside with massive rejection
Miami's Hassan Whiteside is no stranger to big blocks, and he got another Wednesday night. As Mike James drove baseline and rose toward the rim, Whiteside appeared to pin the ball against the backboard with both hands. Then, he made sure James knew what happened. Whiteside finished with 22 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks in the Heat's victory against the Suns.
😂 RT @rex_rexchapman: #SmotheredChicken @MiamiHEAT pic.twitter.com/Jo97eO8a9B
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) November 9, 2017
Durant sits out vs. Wolves, Dubs win easily anyway
The Warriors were without the reigning Finals MVP for their big national TV test against the young Timberwolves, as Kevin Durant is dealing with a thigh contusion. It apparently stemmed from a number of hard landings in the Warriors' victory against the Heat on Monday night.
Kevin Durant (left thigh contusion) will be inactive for tonight's game vs. Minnesota.
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) November 8, 2017
Kevin Durant has a thigh contusion and some general soreness after gm vs #Heat. He landed on the floor, several times hard, no fewer than five times during that game. He won't be with #Warriors tonight vs Timberwolves.
— Monte Poole (@MontePooleNBCS) November 8, 2017
Durant's absence was no problem for the Warriors, however. They blew past the Wolves in the second half, winning 125-101 behind 50 combined points from the Splash Brothers.