NBA news and highlights: Philly's demolition, real deal Luka, Wolves feast

James McKern

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NBA news and highlights: Philly's demolition, real deal Luka, Wolves feast image

Thursday saw ten games on the slate, with plenty of intriguing matchups and even more action on the hardwood.

If you missed any of the games, we've got you covered with all the top storylines, best fantasy performers, can't-miss highlights and box scores from everything around the Association.

Top Storylines

Luka Doncic the real deal

It should come as no surprise that Luka Doncic is going to be a star in the future.

The 19-year-old Maverick was a EuroLeague MVP and has shown just how comfortable he is within the NBA.

On Thursday he went up against the reigning MVP and while Harden stuffed the stat sheet, it was Doncic who walked away victorious.


Doncic ended the contest with 20 points and 6 rebounds along with several highlight plays to his name.

The teen has stepped into the floor general role and looks set to help the Mavericks climb the Western Conference standings in the years to come.

Philly's 48-minute performance

Through the early stages of the 2018/19 season, the Philadelphia 76ers despite their impressive record haven't shown a complete performance.

That all changed on Thursday when they burst out of the gates at home and never took their foot off the gas against the Knicks.

JJ Redick was on fire early with nine points in the opening quarter as the 76ers drained 41 points.


Behind the stellar play of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, the 76ers were simply far too strong for their opponents on the day.

The dynamic duo combined for 40 points, 22 rebounds and 14 assists. Star teammate Jimmy Butler was quiet on the day, adding even further promise to the rest of the 76ers' season.

Wolves feast on Spurs

Nobody stood out from the Minnesota Timberwolves, which makes their dominant display all the more impressive.

Instead they had seven players record double-digit scoring in a complete team showing against a lacklustre San Antonio Spurs.

Robert Covington led the way offensively with 21 points, while Karl Anthony-Towns recorded another double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Their defence continually stifled the Spurs and held their opponents to 39% from the field and 29% from deep.


The Wolves will welcome the Boston Celtics into their arena in what will be the second of a four-game home-stand.

Lillard breaks franchise record

Damian Lillard took OVER against the Orlando Magic, dropping 41 points in a thrilling 115-112 comeback win.

With the game in the balance in the third quarter, Lillard scored 23 of his 41, including seven threes to spark the Blazers comeback.


Lillard finished the game with 10 three-pointers, breaking his own franchise record for threes made in a game.

Best fantasy performers

Joel Embiid: 26 points (10-21 FG), 14 rebounds, 7 assists

James Harden: 25 points (7-15 FG), 11 rebounds, 17 assists, 6 steals

Giannis Antetokounmpo: 36 points (14-21 FG), 11 rebounds, 8 assists

Anthony Davis: 28 points (9-21 FG), 15 rebounds and three assists

Zach LaVine: 24 points (8-of-18 FG), nine rebounds and seven assists

Russell Westbrook: 23 points  (10-17 FG), 19 rebounds, 15 assists and two steals

Damian Lillard: 41 points (13-of-22 FG), eight rebounds, four assists and two steals

Can't-miss highlights

Embiid hitting the spin cycle


Okay Dennis


Luka with the Steph Curry range


Tricky Nicky getting it done


Box scores

Hawks at Hornets | Knicks at 76ers | Jazz at Nets | Mavericks at Rockets

Bulls at Bucks | Spurs at Wolves | Wizards at Pelicans

Cavaliers at Thunder | Magic at Blazers | Suns at Clippers

 

James McKern