The Chris Paul-less Clippers continued to inch their way back in the right direction Wednesday with a 115-106 victory over the Grizzlies.
Paul, who is expected to return Friday, was replaced by Austin Rivers. Coach Doc Rivers' son scored a season-high 28 points, while also dishing out seven assists.
Life without Paul hasn't been easy for the Clippers, who had dropped six of their last seven games before playing Memphis.
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With Blake Griffin also out of the lineup, Los Angeles had struggled to find a go-to guy on offense.
DeAndre Jordan did his part Wednesday. The towering center scored 18 points with 20 rebounds and two blocks. His dominance in the paint helped open the court for guys like Rivers and Jamal Crawford, who finished with 22 points.
The Clippers will be a dangerous team once Paul and Griffin return.
Stud of the night
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to a thrilling 105-104 win over the reeling Knicks by scoring 27 points on 10-of-18 shooting with 13 rebounds and four assists. The "Greek Freak" has been on a mission all season and should definitely be in the MVP discussion if his form continues.
BALL. GAME.
— NBA (@NBA) January 5, 2017
Giannis wins it for the @Bucks with the @TISSOT buzzer beater!
Final: MIL 105 - @nyknicks 104. pic.twitter.com/MMW6N22vVW
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Dud of the night
Russell Westbrook: Sure, 33 points is impressive, but it took him 31 shots to get there. Westbrook finished the 123-112 loss to the Thunder just 10 of 31 from the floor, marking the 20th game this season he's missed at least 20 shots in a game. The star point guard added 15 rebounds and eight assists, but his reckless style is starting to hurt the team.
Highlight
There is no stopping LeBron James in transition:
LeBron in transition!#NBARapidReplay pic.twitter.com/DtCEqa1MKR
— NBA (@NBA) January 5, 2017
James finished the 106-94 loss to the Bulls with 31 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving did not play.
The Cavaliers are now 0-8 in the last three seasons when multiple members of their big three sit out of a game.
What's next
Jazz (22-14) at Raptors (23-11), 7:30 p.m. ET — Everyone already considers the Raptors to be contenders in the East, but Utah's inspired play has come as a bit of a surprise thus far. Other than a trouncing by the Warriors last month, the Jazz have looked like a team to fear in the postseason. Their physical, defensive style is similar to San Antonio's. Which team will be able to impose their will in this matchup?