NBA Scores & Takeaways: Everything To Know From Wednesday’s Action

Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, NBA News
NBA Analysis Network

The NBA had no shortage of excitement for fans during Wednesday night’s epic action. Between James Harden making his home debut as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers and the reigning NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks taking on the top-seeded Miami Heat, it was an action packed night.

Here’s a look at all of the NBA scores from Wednesday night’s loaded slate with some key takeaways from each matchup:

Malcolm Brogdon Leads Indiana Pacers To Epic 122-114 OT Win vs. Orlando Magic

Despite facing a 15-point deficit in the fourth quarter, the Indiana Pacers managed to rally back to force overtime—ultimately defeating the Orlando Magic 122-114. Malcolm Brogdon led the way with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists with 14 of those points coming in the final period. The new backcourt of Brogdon and Tyrese Haliburton has continued to thrive as Haliburton also provided 21 points, six assists, and three steals.

Charlotte Hornets Stomp Cleveland Cavaliers 119-98

It has been a struggle for the Cleveland Cavaliers as of late, who have now lost five of their last six games. Darius Garland played in his first game since the NBA All-Star break and poured in 33 points and four assists, but a hot shooting night from the Charlotte Hornets was too much to overcome. Led by Terry Rozier (29 points) and Kelly Oubre Jr. (19 points), the Hornets shot 17/38 (44.7 percent) from deep.

Philadelphia 76ers Win 123-108 In James Harden’s Home Debut vs New York Knicks

The Philadelphia 76ers played their first home game with James Harden in the lineup and it was a comfortable 123-108 win over the New York Knicks as the final result. Joel Embiid (27), James Harden (26), and Tyrese Maxey (25) each totaled over 25 points on the night and combined for 78 points. It was an admirable effort from RJ Barrett, who was the game’s leading scorer (30) in part of a recent impressive run from him.

Utah Jazz Avoid Major Scare In 132-127 OT Win Over Houston Rockets

Despite holding a 14-point lead with around six and a half minutes remaining in the game, the Utah Jazz allowed the Houston Rockets to pull off a run to force OT. It was a shockingly hot shooting night from the Rockets as they went 21/51 (41.2 percent) from beyond the arc. They even received 20-point nights from Jalen Green (27), Christian Wood (24), and Kenyon Martin Jr. (20). The stardom of Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert proved to be too much in the end as Mitchell finished with 37 points and 10 assists while Gobert provided 27 points and 17 boards.

Milwaukee Bucks Grind Out 120-119 Win Against Miami Heat

Using a 21-6 run to close out the game, the Milwaukee Bucks managed to take down the Miami Heat, who entered the game on a four-game winning streak and sit atop the Eastern Conference standings. There was controversy surrounding the final moments with Giannis Antetokounmpo forcing a jump ball that some felt could have been a foul call. Regardless, the Heat couldn’t close. Antetokounmpo (28), Khris Middleton (26), and Jrue Holiday (25) each finished with over 25 points while Tyler Herro led all scorers with 30.

New Orleans Pelicans Coast By Sacramento Kings In 125-95 Win

The Sacramento Kings were outscored 29-13 in the fourth quarter by the New Orleans Pelicans to ultimately end what was a disappointing outing against another team competing for a Western Conference play-in spot. Brandon Ingram was incredible with 33 points while CJ McCollum (17), Naji Marshall (17), Jonas Valanciunas (17), Herbert Jones (14), and Jaxson Hayes (13) all reached double-figure scoring. De’Aaron Fox led the Kings with 25 points but the team shot 8/35 (22.9 percent) from deep.

OKC Thunder Shock Denver Nuggets With 119-107 Win

Despite being viewed as as massive underdog in this game, the Oklahoma City Thunder outscored the Denver Nuggets 64-50 in the second half to win 119-107. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was brilliant down their stretch and finished with 29 points, seven rebounds, and five assists. It was a rough shooting night for the Nuggets, to say the least, as they went 12/46 (26.1 percent) from deep—finished with four fewer makes than the Thunder despite 17 more attempts. Nikola Jokic finished with 22 points, 16 boards, and four dimes, but it wasn’t enough.

Phoenix Suns Win 120-90 Without Devin Booker, Chris Paul vs. Portland Trail Blazers

The Phoenix Suns took care of business against the Portland Trail Blazers in their lopsided 120-90 win despite Chris Paul and Devin Booker both sidelined. Despite not having their star backcourt, the Suns overcome with a balanced scoring effort that featured six players reaching double-figures; Cameron Johnson (20, Deandre Ayton (18), Mikal Bridges (15), Jae Crowder (15), Torrey Craig (13), and Landry Shamet (12).

LAKERS COACH FRANK VOGEL ON HEAT SEAT: The Los Angeles Lakers have sorely underachieved throughout the 2021-22 NBA season as they find themselves well below a .500 record despite holding title aspirations.

Facing limitations in regards to how they can actually make changes, the simplest option for the Lakers would be to fire coach Frank Vogel to see if it can be a spark for the team to buy in and turn things around. READ MORE

MOST IMPORTANT WARRIORS PLAYER?: The Golden State Warriors rely a lot on Draymond Green for his leadership and versatility on defense. His playmaking out of the short-roll and DHO synergy with Steph Curry should be understated, either. The NBA veteran’s absence while he works toward making his return to the lineup.

During an appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio, former Warriors center Festus Ezeli called Draymond Green “the most important key to this team.” READ MORE

JA MORANT IN NBA MVP RACE: The NBA’s MVP race is very close right now with Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic leading the way at the center position, but plenty of other names have entered the conversation in the past month for the award. 

In his third NBA season with the Memphis Grizzlies, Ja Morant has elevated himself from a Rookie of the Year award recipient with a lot of potential to a “household” name across the NBA that has now crossed the line of “superstar status” in this league. READ MORE

Paul George Being Monitored By Eastern Conference Teams

The Los Angeles Clippers are a team that many people are going to be keeping an eye on in the coming weeks as we approach

Knicks’ Miles McBride Has Career Game in Win vs. Warriors

The depth of the New York Knicks has been tested throughout the 2023-24 NBA regular season. They have had to deal with injuries to several

New York Knicks Duo Has NBA First In 2023-24 Season

The New York Knicks picked up one of their more impressive victories of the 2023-24 NBA season on Monday night. They went in the Chase