NBA Thursday was a small night with only four games on the slate. However, that just gave everybody a chance to focus on the good stuff.
Let's get into it.
NBA scores for Thursday, March 1
- Los Angeles Lakers 131, Miami Heat 113 (Box Score)
- Philadelphia 76ers 108, Cleveland Cavaliers 97 (Box Score)
- Sacramento Kings 116, Brooklyn Nets 111 -- OT (Box Score)
- Portland Trail Blazers 108, Minnesota Timberwolves 99 (Box Score)
Lonzo Ball keeps hot streak going
Lonzo Ball returned to the Lakers' starting lineup on Thursday in his third game back from a knee injury, and he didn't miss a beat. Ball put up eight points, seven assists, six rebounds and six steals in 33 minutes to lead the Lakers to their fourth straight win.
Another Lonzo steal, this time leading to a fastbreak slam for Kuzma! #LakeShow (📺: @SpectrumSN & @spectdeportes) pic.twitter.com/wU0LkZwgh7
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 2, 2018
Lillard takes over in crunch time
Damian Lillard had a rough start on Thursday, but he turned it on when it counted. He ended up with 35 points, and made some clutch shots down the stretch to help the Blazers beat the Wolves.
What time is it, @Dame_Lillard? ⌚ pic.twitter.com/G9ueI4v8OD
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 2, 2018
LeBron does the impossible
We're not saying LeBron James tried to dribble the ball through his own teammate's legs, but you can't put anything past the King. Either way, this move is ridiculous.
Just watch the replay... 😳 pic.twitter.com/wl32SrA7sT
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 2, 2018
Clarkson ejected for throwing ball at Saric
Dario Saric decided to throw down a wide-open dunk instead of running out the clock at the end of the Sixers' win over the Cavs, and Jordan Clarkson wasn't too happy about it. Clarkson was tossed after throwing the ball at Saric in retaliation.
The Cavs were maaaaad. 😡 pic.twitter.com/WXDdxJRdFN
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 2, 2018
Wade from behind the basket
Dwyane Wade knows every inch of American Airlines Arena, and he proved it with this impossible shot from behind the backboard.
Dwyane Wade from behind the backboard!#HeatCulture pic.twitter.com/vYGBR5WXmL
— NBA (@NBA) March 2, 2018
Isaiah throws it up for Zubac
At first this didn't look like the best pass from Isaiah Thomas, but you can't argue with the results. Ivica Zubac went through traffic to throw it down.
Isaiah picks out Zubac for the oop! #LakeShow pic.twitter.com/QCgvcUPR6u
— NBA (@NBA) March 2, 2018
J.R. Smith suspended
The Cavs announced just two hours before Thursday's tip-off that guard J.R. Smith had been suspended one game for conduct detrimental to the team. He served the suspension on Thursday against the 76ers.
#Cavs G JR Smith has been suspended by the team for one game for detrimental conduct.
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) March 1, 2018
MORE: https://t.co/IokWrzPBRw
Tyronn Lue said “something happened after shootaround” today that led to JR Smith’s one-game suspension. Lue said Smith will be back at practice Friday and be back in the starting lineup on Saturday. Rodney Hood will start tonight.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 1, 2018
And Ones
- The Timberwolves have reportedly agreed to a buyout with forward Shabazz Muhammad, who is expected to sign with the Milwaukee Bucks.
- Lakers rookie Josh Hart will have surgery on his broken left hand, and will be re-evaluated every couple of weeks, according to head coach Luke Walton.
- Forward Ersan Ilyasova played on Thursday after signing with the 76ers following a buyout from the Atlanta Hawks.
- Heat guards Tyler Johnson and Wayne Ellington were both out Thursday with quad injuries.
- Jonathan Isaac (ankle) is expected to make his return for the Magic on Friday night.
- Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge is day to day with an ankle injury.