Monday's NBA scores, highlights and top performers: Giannis drops triple-double, Lakers' struggles continue

NBA.com India Staff

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Monday's NBA scores, highlights and top performers: Giannis drops triple-double, Lakers' struggles continue image

Monday's schedule featured seven games with the league's best teams and talent on display.

MORE: CURRENT NBA STANDINGS  

If you missed any of the NBA action, don't sweat it because we've got you covered with all of the can't-miss highlights, top performers and biggest storylines!

Top Storylines

Giannis erupts for triple-double

The Milwaukee Bucks sit second in the Eastern Conference at 8-1 after a big 144-109 win over the Sacramento Kings.

Giannis Antetokoumpo recorded his second triple-double of the season, with 26 points (8-11 FG), 15 rebounds and 11 assists. Eight Bucks scored in double figures as their new-found free-flowing offence continues to impress. They connected on a franchise record 22 three-pointers on 56 ATTEMPTS.

They also got 30 points from the free throw line on 33 attempts, putting in a wildly efficient performance.


 Aussies Thon Maker and Matthew Dellavedova saw limited minutes, with Delly impressing in his short cameo, finishing with two points, five assists, three rebounds and a steal in seven minutes.


Devin Booker calls game

The Phoneix Suns snap their seven-game losing streak with a 102-100 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, thanks to a clutch bucket from Devin Booker.

With 1.7 seconds left on the clock, Booker iced the jumper from mid-range to take the lead.

Booker scored  14 of his game-high 25 points in the fourth quarter to lead the Suns back from a 12-point deficit.

Trevor Ariza added 16 points and nine rebounds, while rookie Mikal Bridges scored 14 points, including nine in the fourth quarter.

Raptors' depth stands tall against Lakers

The Toronto Raptors were without Kawhi Leonard, but they didn't skip a beat, cruising to a comfortable 121-107 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on the road.

Serge Ibaka was the star of the show, finishing with 34 points on 15-of-17 shooting and 10 rebounds. He kick-started the Raptors with 26 of his points coming in the first half as Toronto took a 71-49 lead into half-time.

The Lakers went into the half on an 11-2 run and took plenty of momentum into the third quarter, cutting the lead to 10 points with 2:14 remaining in the fourth. The Lakers won the quarter 27-20, but it was all too late as the Raptors' lead held strong.

Kyle Lowry continued his strong start to the season, recording 21 points and 15 assists, while Pascal Siakam posted an energetic 16-point, 13-rebound double-double.


Kyle Kuzma led the Lakers with 24 points. LeBron James added 18, Brandon Ingram 16 and Lonzo Ball 12 points and nine rebounds.

Again the Lakers struggled shooting the ball from deep, connecting on just 6-of-24 three-point attempts.

Turnovers plague 76ers

Taking care of the ball has been an issue for the 76ers and today it cost them against the Brooklyn Nets.

Philly turned the ball over a season-high 28 times, which the Nets turned into 39 points. Brooklyn themselves only turned the ball over nine times in the 122-97 win at Barclays Center.

On the second night of a back-to-back and their fifth game in seven days, the Sixers' tired legs look to have caught up with them as they struggled to find any rhythm shotting from deep. They hit just 4-of-20 from the three-point line with Brooklyn's defense zoning in on the perimeter.

More concerningly, the Nets (50-105 FG, 47%) shot 40 more field goals than the 76ers (31-65 FG, 47%), thanks to a host of turnovers and 15 offensive rebounds creating extra posessions.

Ben Simmons posted 20 points and 12 rebounds, while Joel Embiid finished with 16 points and 15 rebounds.


D'Angelo Russell and Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the Nets with 21 points each.

Wizards snap losing streak

The Wizards limped into today's game against the Knicks on a five-game losing streak, where their defense has been the worst in the league.

John Wall scored 26 points and Bradley Beal added 22 to end the rut, beating the Knicks 108-95. Markieff Morris had 16 points and Jeff Green added 14, 

Encouragingly, it was their defence down the stretch that won them the game. After the Knicks stormed back into the game in the fourth quarter, the Wizards clamped down to go on a 16-2 run to take a 102-88 lead late in the quarter.


Best performers

Giannis Antetokounmpo: 26 points, (8-11 FG) 15 rebounds and 11 assists.

Bradley Beal: 22 points (7-of-14 FG), eight rebounds, three assists and four blocks. 

John Wall: 26 points (9-of-16 FG, 3-of-6 3PT), seven assists, five steals.

Aaron Gordon: 26 points, (11-of-20 FG, 4-of-10 3PT) and eight rebounds.

DeMar DeRozan: 25 points (9-of-16 FG), seven rebounds, five assists and two steals.

Devin Booker: 25 points (7-of-17 FG) and seven assists.

Serge Ibaka: 34 points (15-of-17 FG), 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals

Kyle Kuzma: 24 points (10-of-16 FG), five rebounds and two assists. 

Can't-miss highlights

Giannis put on a dunk-fest today!


Casspit took it to the playground with this one.


Wolves rookie Josh Okogie rocks the rim!


That's how you beat the half-time buzzer!!!


Simmons is a problem in transition


Josh Jackson jams it HARD


Mo Bamba with the ferocious finish!


Box scores

Sacramento Kings at Milwaukee Bucks | Philadelphia 76ers at Brooklyn Nets 

New York Knicks at Washington Wizards | Orlando Magic at San Antonio Spurs 

Memphis Grizzlies at Phoenix Suns | Minnesota Timberwolves at Portland Trail Blazers

Toronto Raptors at Los Angeles Lakers

 

NBA.com India Staff