Image Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

NBA Daily Recap, Feb. 3: Devin Booker’s historic achievement, Trey Murphy III shines amid Pelicans’ struggle, and more

Here, we have a look at the major highlights of various matches that took place in the NBA last night.

Image Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images

It was another exciting night in the NBA as 20 teams locked horns against each other in ten exciting matches, where majority of matches were close contests, adding to the thrill. The day saw the Suns’ star Devin Booker achieving a historic feat as the Pelicans recorded a close 121-119 win over them.

Not only this, but during the first game of the night played between the Hawks and the Pistons, Trae Young changed the entire outcome, yet again proving why it is one of the most thrilling sport ever. Young came up with a 23-foot fadeaway in the final seconds of the fourth quarter, helping the Hawks record a win.

While the Pelicans lost to the Nuggets, Trey Murphy III had a night to remember as he finished with his career high of 41 points. There was a lot that was served to fans on Monday, Feb. 3. Let us have a look at the major highlights of various matches that took place in the NBA last night.

Hawks 132-130 Pistons

The Atlanta Hawks took down the Detroit Pistons 132-130 in a close-contested match, owing to Trae Young’s 23-foot fadeaway in the final seconds of the fourth quarter. Young’s 17 of 34 points came in the final quarter, which helped the side snap their eight-game losing streak.

Apart from him De’Andre scored 20 points while rookie Zaccharie Risacher had 17 points. On the other hand, Detroit’s Tobias Harris finished the night with 22 points while Jalen Duren had 18 points and Malik Beasey chipped in 18 points.

Up next, the Pistons will be up against the NBA best Cleveland Cavaliers and the Hawks are scheduled to lock horns with the San Antonio Spurs.

Wizards 124-114 Hornets

The Washington Wizards handed a big 124-114 loss to the Charlotte Hornets, making it their fifth straight defeat. The game saw Bilal Coulibaly scoring 26 points while Corey Kispert coming up with 25 points.

Not only this, but Miles Bridges came up with the first triple-double and finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists, for the short-handed Hornets. Moreover, Nick Smith Jr. scored 24 points and Mark Wiliams finished with 23 points and 14 rebounds.

In the next game, the Wizards are set to be up against the Nets, while the Hornets will host the Bucks on Wednesday night.

Knicks 124-118 Rockets

Jalen Brunson recorded 42 points and 10 assists to help the Knicks edge past the Rockets 124-118. Brunson is now on the third spot of the franchise list with his 18th 40-point game for the team. His 17 points came in the fourth quarter which brought New York back into the game they were trailing by 11 points.

During the game, Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges each added 22 points for the Knicks.

On the other hand, Amen Thompson finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists in his third career triple-double for the Rockets.

The Rockets will be up against the Nets while the Knicks will be up against Toronto.

Kings 116-114 Timberwolves

The Sacramento Kings edged out the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-114 after DeMar DeRozan scored 33 points. Apart from him, Malik Monk came up with 26 points for the side, while Keegan Murray added 19 points.

On the other hand, Naz Reid led Minnesota with his season-high 30 points which included 16 points in the first quarter. Jaden McDaniels added 22 points while Anthony Edwards chipped in 21 points.

Minnesota will be up against Chicago in the next game while the Kings will be against the Magic.

Thunder 125-96 Bucks

The table-toppers Oklahoma City Thunder took down the injury-ridden Milwaukee Bucks 125-96. The Bucks were without stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander came up with another notable performance and finished with 34 points in 22 minutes. Ousmane Dieng added 21 points and seven rebounds while Isaiah Joe added 18 points.

For the Bucks, Ryan Rollins led the charts with 16 points.

In the next game, the Bucks will visit Charlotte while the Thunder will be up against the Suns.

Grizzlies 128-109 Spurs

The Memphis Grizzlies recorded their ninth win in ten matches as they defeated Spurs 128-109. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 31 points while GG Jackson finished with his season-high of 27 points. Not only this, but Ja Morant, who made his comeback after a two-game absence scored 25 points and 11 assists.

On the Spurs’ side, Victor Wembanyama led the side with 27 points and 10 rebounds. On the other hand, Stephon Castle finished with 21 points.

In the next game, the Spurs will meet Atlanta while the Grizzlies will visit the Raptors.

Pacers 112-111 Jazz

It was an exciting night for the Indiana Pacers as they recorded their fourth straight win as they defeated the Utah Jazz 112-111. The game saw Pascal Siakam finishing with 22 points, followed by Tyrese Haliburton’s 18 points. Obi Toppin and Aaron Nesmith had 13 points each for the side.

For the Jazz, John Collins and Jordan Clarkson both scored 21 points.

In the next game, the Pacers will clash against Portland while the Jazz will be up against the Warriors.

Nuggets 125-113 Pelicans

Nikola Jokic recorded his 23rd triple-double of the season and ninth in the last 11 games to help the Denver Nuggets beat the Pelicans 125-113. While Jokic finished with 27 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists, Michael Porter Jr. scored his season-high 36 points.

Jamal Murray scored 20 points and eight assists while Julian Strawther added 15 points on the board.

On the rivals’ side, Trey Murphy III scored his career high of 41 points, but it didn’t prove enough as the Pelicans went down. CJ McCollum scored 30 points while Zion Williamson had 14 points.

Both sides will have a rematch on Wednesday.

Warriors 104-99 Magic

The Golden State Warriors recorded a 104-99 win over the Orlando Magic, as Andrew Wiggins scored 25 points while Stephen Curry had 24 to add. Moses Moody contributed 17 points while rookie Quinten Post had seven points and seven rebounds.

On the opposite side, Cole Anthony had 26 points and five rebounds while Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero scored 21 and 18 points, respectively.

In the next game, the Magic will be up against the Kings while the Warriors will clash against the Jazz.

Trail Blazers 121-119 Suns

In the final game of the day, Trail Blazers recorded a close 121-119 win over the Phoenix Suns. Deandre Ayton scored 25 points and 20 rebounds while Deni Avdija had 24 points to add.

While it might not be a fruitful beginning of the week for the Suns, Devin Booker achieved a historic milestone as he became the franchise’s leading scorer. He finished with 34 points, while Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal finished with 27 and 25 points, respectively.

Up next, the Suns will visit the Thunder while the Trail Blazers lock horns with the Pacers.

Devin Booker

Trae Young

Trey Murphy III

Garima Ranawat

Garima is a sports writer with around two years of experience in Indian sports and a newfound interest in the NBA. Inspired by the leadership of cricketing legend MS Dhoni, she wishes to bring in newer perspectives to the NBA fanatics with her writing.