The latest NBA action delivered thrilling performances, dramatic upsets, and standout individual efforts. The Atlanta Hawks handed the Cleveland Cavaliers their first home loss of the season, James Harden lit up the scoreboard for the Clippers, and the Houston Rockets edged out the Philadelphia 76ers in overtime. Here’s a detailed roundup of the key games and performances from an electrifying night in the NBA.
Hawks Stun Cavaliers as Trae Young Shines
Eastern Conference leaders Cleveland Cavaliers suffered their first home defeat of the season in a 135-124 loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Atlanta’s second-half dominance was led by a career-high 22 assists from Trae Young, who also contributed 20 points, including a clutch 39-foot three-pointer that sealed the win with just 1:43 left on the clock.
De’Andre Hunter stepped up off the bench with 26 points, while Jalen Johnson added 22 points, showcasing Atlanta’s depth and versatility. Young’s performance drew praise from his teammates, with Johnson emphasizing his overlooked playmaking ability.
“He was really getting off the ball and finding everyone,” Johnson said. “A lot of people don’t necessarily talk about him even though he’s leading the league in assists, but they don’t talk about him as the playmaker.”
Despite Donovan Mitchell’s 30-point effort and Evan Mobley’s 22 points and 13 rebounds for Cleveland, the Cavaliers missed the opportunity to secure a historic 18-1 start to the season. The Hawks improved to 8-11, showing glimpses of their potential to challenge top-tier teams in the East.
Rockets Edge 76ers in Overtime
The Houston Rockets needed overtime to secure a hard-fought 122-115 victory over the struggling Philadelphia 76ers. Alperen Şengün delivered a standout performance with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists, half of his points coming in the extra period.
The Rockets, now 14-6 on the season, showcased their resilience in clutch moments. Şengün’s dominance in overtime proved decisive as Houston capitalized on Philadelphia’s inability to close out the game.
Philadelphia, now 3-14, continues to struggle despite flashes of promise, as the Rockets extended their impressive form with another gritty win.
James Harden Dominates as Clippers Cruise Past Wizards
James Harden produced a vintage performance, scoring 43 points to lead the Los Angeles Clippers to a commanding 121-96 win over the Washington Wizards. Harden was unstoppable early, putting up 23 points in the first quarter alone and exiting the game in the third quarter with the Clippers firmly in control.
James Harden was FEELING IT tonight in DC!
43 PTS (59.1 FG%)
7 3PM
7 AST
3 STL
W pic.twitter.com/q0VUJcwfz7— NBA (@NBA) November 28, 2024
The Wizards, who have now suffered 13 straight losses, had no answer for Harden’s scoring spree. The Clippers’ win improves their record to 13-8, while Washington’s woes deepen as they fall to 3-15 on the season.
Heat Hold Off Hornets Despite Jimmy Butler Injury
The Miami Heat secured a narrow 98-94 victory over the Charlotte Hornets in a game that saw Jimmy Butler leave with a back injury in the third quarter. Tyler Herro led Miami’s scoring with 27 points, while Duncan Robinson drained six three-pointers to provide crucial support.
Bam Adebayo added a double-double with 10 rebounds and 10 assists, anchoring the Heat’s efforts on both ends of the floor. Despite LaMelo Ball’s impressive 32-point, 10-rebound outing for Charlotte, the Hornets fell short in the final moments.
NBA STANDINGS UPDATE ‼️
▪️ OKC wins to remain atop West
▪️ HOU wins to move into 2nd in West
▪️ ORL, MEM both win 4th in a rowDownload the NBA App for more: https://t.co/wV1YsrFUXw pic.twitter.com/HGMbDBgiyH
— NBA (@NBA) November 28, 2024
With 10 seconds remaining and Charlotte threatening to take the lead, Herro intercepted Ball’s attempted pass to Brandon Miller, sealing the win for Miami. The victory moves the Heat to 12-8, while Charlotte drops to 5-15.
Key Performances Around the League
- Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks
- Trae Young (Hawks): 20 points, career-high 22 assists, clutch 39-foot three-pointer.
- De’Andre Hunter (Hawks): 26 points off the bench.
- Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers): 30 points in a losing effort.
- Houston Rockets vs. Philadelphia 76ers
- Alperen Şengün (Rockets): 22 points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists, dominant in overtime.
- Philadelphia 76ers: Fall to 3-14 despite fighting effort.
- Los Angeles Clippers vs. Washington Wizards
- James Harden (Clippers): 43 points, including 23 in the first quarter.
- Clippers Record: Improved to 13-8 as Wizards slump to 3-15.
- Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Hornets
- Tyler Herro (Heat): 27 points, game-sealing defensive play.
- LaMelo Ball (Hornets): 32 points, 10 rebounds in a valiant effort.
What’s Next?
The Atlanta Hawks’ win over the Cavaliers demonstrates their potential to compete with the best in the Eastern Conference when firing on all cylinders. Trae Young’s ability to lead both as a scorer and a playmaker will be critical as Atlanta looks to climb the standings.
Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets and Los Angeles Clippers continue to impress in the Western Conference. The Rockets’ overtime resilience and the Clippers’ dominance behind James Harden highlight their ambitions for deeper playoff runs.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards must regroup to halt their downward spirals. Injuries and defensive lapses have plagued both teams, making adjustments essential for any hope of a turnaround.
As the NBA season progresses, the stakes will only grow higher, and teams like Cleveland, Miami, and Atlanta will need to maintain consistency to remain competitive in their respective conferences.
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