Christmas Day in the NBA featured epic outings from several superstars, according to Totalsportek NBA. Luka Doncic and Joel Embiid posted huge statistics in their losing efforts, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. led his Heat to victory.
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Doncic’s Dazzling Show Can’t Lift Mavericks
Luka Doncic was brilliant for the Dallas Mavericks, pouring in 50 points while adding 14 assists in a matchup against the Phoenix Suns. But Doncic’s monster game wasn’t enough, as the Suns came back in the second half to beat the Mavericks 128-114, according to the Totalsportek NBA team.
Doncic now has over 10,000 career points at just 23 years old. But the young superstar couldn’t will his team to victory, even without injured Mavericks co-star Kyrie Irving. Phoenix got huge lifts from role players Grayson Allen (32 points) and Chimezie Metu (23 points, 19 rebounds) to key the comeback win.
Depleted 76ers Nearly Shock Heat
Despite playing without superstar big man Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers nearly took down the Miami Heat. Embiid sat out with an ankle injury, but Tobias Harris picked up the slack with 27 points. The 76ers led by 1 point with just over 3 minutes left before the Heat closed on a 12-2 run to secure a 119-113 win, as analyzed by Totalsportek NBA.
Rookie Jamal Jaquez Jr. had a breakout game for Miami, posting 31 points and 10 rebounds. Totalsportek NBA reveals the rookie’s emergence gives the Heat another key weapon alongside Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo.
Celtics Finally Solve Rival Lakers
The storied rivalry between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers wrote a new chapter on Christmas Day. The Celtics beat the Lakers 126-115, earning their first-ever win over LA on Christmas, according to the Totalsportek NBA experts.
Boston had a balanced effort led by Jayson Tatum’s 25 points. The Lakers got a big showing from Anthony Davis with 40 points but saw LeBron James held to just 16. The loss drops the Lakers further down the Western Conference standings.
Murray, Jokic Lead Nuggets Past Warriors
Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray powered the Denver Nuggets past the Golden State Warriors 120-114. Jokic struggled shooting but got to the line at will, making 18-18 free throws to finish with 26 points. Murray led Denver with 28 points.
The Warriors stayed close behind Andrew Wiggins’ 22-point outburst on his return from illness. But according to Totalsportek NBA, MVP frontrunner Jokic was too much down the stretch. The win pushes the surging Nuggets into first place in the West.
