NBA news and highlights: Murray takes over late, Simmons adds another record, Wall scores 40 points vs Lakers

NBA.com India Staff

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NBA news and highlights: Murray takes over late, Simmons adds another record, Wall scores 40 points vs Lakers image

Missed some of Monday's NBA action? We have you covered.

Ben Simmons entered the record books alongside Oscar Robertson with another triple-double while the high-flying Nuggets and Raptors played out thriller. We've got all your top storylines, best fantasy performers and can't-miss highlights from Monday's slate of games.

Top Storylines

Simmons joins Oscar Robertson with another triple-double

Ben Simmons was at his attacking best against the Cavs, dishing out 14 assists, to go with his 22 points and 11 rebounds, his third triple-double of the season and 15th of his career. 

The Aussie joins Oscar Robertson as the only players to have 15 triple-doubles through 111 games and is now also tied with Chris Paul with the seventh-most triple doubles among active players.


“Honestly, just come in and win,” Simmons said post-game, of his mindset coming into the game. “Playing aggressive, sticking with our defence, and, offensively, run through our stuff.”

“I just like to play the game the right way,” he added. “You know: find my teammates if they’re open, hit them; if I can get an easy bucket, get it; just trying to play the game the right way.”


With the 128-105 win, the 76ers move to 20-11 on the season, for fourth place in the Eastern Conference.

Nuggets roar home to pull of big comeback against Raptors

The #1 team from the East took on the #1 team from the West, with the Denver Nuggets pulling off a huge comeback to win 96-85 at the Pepsi Center.

Toronto started the game well, taking a commanding 13-point lead in the third quarter, before the Nuggets found an extra gear on their home court, going on a monstrous 23-2 run to snatch the W and complete the 2-0 season sweep over Toronto.


Nikola Jokic was everywhere for Denver, scoring 26 points on 11-of-19 shooting, adding nine rebounds and four assists. Jamal Murray started the game quiet, missing seven of his first eight shots, but the Canadian came to life down the stretch, scoring 15 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, outscoring the entire Raptors team by 1 in the period.

The win marked their third in a row and the third-straight game holding their opponent to under 100 points, as they continue to impress on the defensive end. Denver currently boasts the fourth best defence in the NBA.

Kawhi Leonard was the star for the Raptors with 29 points on 12-of-21 shooting, adding 14 rebounds and four assists. Toronto remains at the top of the Eastern Conference standings at 23-9, despite losing their past two games.

Wall's big night sparks Wizards to victory over Lakers

Coming off a great win the day before against the Charlotte Hornets, the Lakers looked out of sorts today against the Washington Wizards, thanks largely to John Wall's stat-stuffing night.

The Wizards point guard totalled a season-high 40 points, 14 assists and six rebounds in 42 minutes of action to help snap their four-game losing streak.


Washington raced out of the gates, scoring 33 points in the first quarter and controlled the game the rest of the way. The Lakers cut the lead to 15 in the fourth quarter after an 8-0 run, but it was all too late as the Wizards cruised home comfortably.

In what was an off night for the Lakers, LeBron James finished with 13 points, six rebounds and three assists, with Kyle Kuzma the only starter to score more than LeBron with 20. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope was the lone bright spot for the Lakers, scoring a season-high 25 points on 9-of-12 shooting.

Pacers stretch win streak to SEVEN games

The hottest team no-one is talking about - the red-hot Indiana Pacers just keep on winning, making it seven straight after a 110-99 win over the New York Knicks

Victor Oladipo led the way with 26 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, while Myles Turner finished with 24 points, six rebounds and two blocks.


The game stayed close, with Indiana leading by three at half-time and with the scores ties at 81-81 with nine minutes remaining, they made their move going on a 7-0 run to take control. The Pacers are now 20-10 on the season, sitting third in the Eastern Conference standings.

Enes Kanter led the Knicks with 20 points and 15 rebounds, his 20th double-double of the season, while. Tim Hardaway Jr. added 19 points and Emannuel Mudiay 18.

Best fantasy performers

Ben Simmons:  22 points (9-of-15 FG), 14 assists, 11 rebounds and 1 steal

D'Angelo Russell:  32 points (13-of-19 FG, 5 3PT), 7 assists, 6 rebounds and 2 steals

Dewayne Dedmon: 24 points (13-of-19 FG), 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block

Victor Oladipo:  26 points (7-of-13 FG, 5 3PT), 8 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals

John Wall:  40 points (16-of-27 FG, 4 3PT), 14 assists, 6 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks

Luka Doncic:  28 points (9-of-15 FG), 9 assists, 6 rebounds and a steal

Anthony Davis:  27 points (10-of-19 FG), 12 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals and 3 blocks

Kawhi Leonard:  29 points (12-of-21 FG), 14 rebounds and 4 assists

Nikola Jokic:  26 points (11-of-19 FG), 9 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals 

Cant-miss highlights

Lonzo with the big block


That Doncic step back is too real


Delly getting fancy in Cleveland


Simmons goes into bulldozer mode 


Did Wade call bank?


Fox denies Doncic at the rim


Wall goes between the legs


Dallas gave Dirk Nowitzki a huge ovation in his first home game of the season


Box Scores

Hawks at Nets | 76ers at Cavs | Knicks at Pacers

Lakers at Wizards | Kings at Mavericks 

Heat at Pelicans | Raptors at Nuggets

 

NBA.com India Staff