NBA Digest — Dec 27, '24: FOUR game-winners

• Australian Jock Landale (Houston Rockets) plays nine minutes off bench
• Australian Patty Mills (Utah Jazz) was a DNP coaches decision
• Australian Matisse Thybulle (Portland Trail Blazers) is injured
• Australian Duop Reath (Portland Trail Blazers) was a DNP coaches decision

There were two big-time last second game winners in the NBA on Friday, December 27. First it was Miami's Tyler Herro to beat Orlando and then Detroit's Jaden Ivey's four-point play to beat the Sacramento Kings.

Below is today's NBA Digest.

Oklahoma City Thunder @ Indiana Pacers

Oklahoma City Thunder rallied from a 10-point deficit to defeat the Indiana Pacers 120-114 (Game Centre) at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put on a masterclass, pouring in 45 points to lead the Thunder to their fourth straight victory and solidify their position atop the Western Conference standings at 24-5

The Pacers came out firing, building a 29-19 lead after the first quarter behind strong play from Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard. Indiana maintained control through much of the first half, taking a 61-53 advantage into the break. However, the Thunder slowly chipped away at the lead in the third quarter before Gilgeous-Alexander took over down the stretch.

With Oklahoma City trailing 84-83 entering the fourth, Gilgeous-Alexander scored 16 points in the final frame to fuel the comeback. He carved up Indiana's defence with an array of drives, pull-up jumpers and threes.

The stats tell the story of Gilgeous-Alexander's dominance. He shot an outstanding 15-from-22 from the field, including 4-from-5 from three-point range, while converting all 11 of his free throw attempts. Perhaps most impressively, he did not commit a single turnover in his 38 minutes of action. As a team, the Thunder took excellent care of the ball, finishing with just 3 turnovers compared to 11 for Indiana.

While Gilgeous-Alexander stole the show, he received key contributions from his supporting cast. Jalen Williams added 20 points and five assists, while Luguentz Dort chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds. Isaiah Hartenstein was a force on the glass, pulling down 13 rebounds to go with 11 points.

For Indiana, Nembhard led the way with 23 points and seven assists in a losing effort. Siakam finished with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Bennedict Mathurin added 18 points off the bench. All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton struggled, he had just four points on 2-from-6 shooting.

The victory improves Oklahoma City's record to 24-5, giving them a 3.5 game lead over the surprising Houston Rockets for the top spot in the Western Conference. They'll look to keep rolling when they visit the Charlotte Hornets on December 29, 2024. Meanwhile, the loss drops Indiana to 15-16 as they continue to battle for playoff positioning in the competitive Eastern Conference. The Pacers will aim to bounce back when go on the road to Boston to face the reigning champion Celtics on December 28, 2024.

Miami Heat @ Orlando Magic

Miami Heat shooting guard Tyler Herro splashed a deep mid-range jumper with just 0.7 seconds to beat the Orlando Magic 89-88 (Game Centre) in Orlando on Friday, December 27, 2024.

Miami Heat snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with game-winner capping off a furious fourth-quarter comeback, silencing the raucous Kia Center crowd, dropping the Magic to 191-13 on the season.

The Heat, who had struggled mightily on offence for much of the night, seemed destined for their 14th loss as they entered the final frame trailing 71-61. Orlando, buoyed by Jalen Suggs' career-high 29 points, appeared to be in complete control.

Sparked by the defensive intensity of Jaime Jaquez Jr., who finished with a career-high five steals, the Heat slowly chipped away. Alec Burks provided a much-needed offensive spark off the bench, pouring in 14 points in just 29 minutes of action. As the Magic's offence sputtered, managing just 17 points in the fourth quarter, Miami seized the opportunity.

Herro finished 8-from-17 but both teams shot poorly from beyond the arc, with Orlando managing a dismal 16.7% (5-from-30) from three-point range. Miami's ability to force turnovers proved crucial, as they converted 21 Magic miscues into 23 points. The Heat's bench also outscored Orlando's reserves 41-12, providing a vital boost on a night when the starters struggled to find their rhythm.

While Herro's heroics will rightfully grab the headlines, it was a complete team effort that propelled Miami to victory. Bam Adebayo, despite scoring just four points, made his presence felt with a monstrous defensive performance. The All-Star centre swatted away five shots and pulled down nine rebounds, anchoring a Heat defence that tightened the screws when it mattered most.

For Orlando, the loss is a bitter pill to swallow. Suggs was sensational, showcasing his ability to score the ball while Tristan da Silva continued his impressive rookie campaign with 18 points and six rebounds. Goga Bitadze dominated the glass with 14 rebounds.

The victory moves Miami to 15-13 on the season, keeping them firmly in the playoff hunt in a tightly contested Eastern Conference. Orlando falls to 19-13, but remain in a strong position as they continue to exceed preseason expectations.

Both teams face quick turnarounds. The Heat stay on the road to face the Atlanta Hawks (Game Centre) on December 29, 2024 in a key conference matchup, while the Magic host the New York Knicks (Game Centre) on December 28, 2024.

Toronto Raptors @ Memphis Grizzlies

In a dazzling display of offensive firepower, the Memphis Grizzlies utterly dismantled the Toronto Raptors 155-126 (Game Centre) at FedExForum on Friday, December 27, 2024.

The Grizzlies' 155 points marked a franchise record, as they shot a blistering 53.2% from the field and 40% from three-point range to deliver a devastating blow to the struggling Raptors.

From the opening tip, Memphis seized control and never relented. They jumped out to a 43-35 lead after the first quarter behind a balanced attack, with five players scoring at least eight points in the period. The Grizzlies continued to pour it on in the second quarter, taking a 78-70 advantage into halftime.

Any hopes of a Toronto comeback were swiftly extinguished in the third quarter, as Memphis exploded for 43 points to blow the game wide open. The Grizzlies' lead ballooned to as much as 36 points in the fourth quarter as they cruised to the emphatic victory. The win improved Memphis to 21-10 on the season and 14-4 at home, while Toronto fell to a dismal 7-24 overall and 1-14 on the road.

The stats painted a clear picture of Memphis' dominance. They out-rebounded Toronto 63-40, including a staggering 24-13 edge on the offensive glass. The Grizzlies also dished out 36 assists to just 17 turnovers, consistently finding the open man for quality looks. Perhaps most impressively, Memphis had seven players score in double figures, showcasing their incredible depth and firepower.

At the centre of it all was 7-foot-4 rookie sensation Zach Edey, who turned in a monstrous performance with 21 points, 16 rebounds, and 2 blocks in just 27 minutes. The former Purdue star was a force on both ends, dominating the paint and altering countless Toronto shots at the rim.

Jaren Jackson Jr. matched Edey's 21 points while adding 11 rebounds and six assists, showcasing his ever-expanding offensive repertoire. Desmond Bane chipped in 19 points on efficient 8-from-13 shooting, while Jaylen Wells caught fire from deep, knocking down five three-pointers en route to 17 points.

For Toronto, RJ Barrett led the way with 27 points and 10 assists. Scottie Barnes added 26 points, eight assists and six rebounds, but it wasn't nearly enough to keep pace with the Grizzlies' offensive onslaught.

The 21-10 Grizzlies will look to keep rolling as they host the 5-26 New Orleans Pelicans (Game Centre) on December 28, 2024. Meanwhile, the reeling 7-24 Raptors return home to face the Atlanta Hawks (Game Centre) on December 30, 2024, desperate to snap their current nine-game losing streak and salvage what's quickly becoming a lost season.

Houston Rockets @ New Orleans Pelicans

In a dazzling offensive showcase, the Houston Rockets torched the New Orleans Pelicans 128-111 (Game Centre) on Friday, December 28, 2024 with Jalen Green leading the charge with a scorching 30-point performance.

The Rockets' sharp-shooting guard put on a clinic from beyond the arc, draining 6-from-11 threes as Houston cruised to their 21st victory of the season.

The Rockets wasted no time asserting their dominance, racing out to a 39-22 lead in the first quarter. Their blistering pace and efficient scoring never relented, as they maintained a double-digit advantage throughout the contest. Houston's balanced attack proved too much for the struggling Pelicans, who have now lost 26 of their first 31 games this season.

The Rockets connected on 47.4% of their field goals and an impressive 38.3% from three-point range, knocking down 18 triples on the night. Their proficiency from deep was epitomised by championship veteran Fred VanVleet, who buried 7-from-12 attempts from beyond the arc en route to 25 points.

Houston recorded nine blocks as a team, with Amen Thompson swatting away five shots in a stellar all-around performance. The rookie filled the stat sheet with nine points, 10 rebounds, three assists, and a steal to complement his shot-blocking prowess.

Australian centre Jock Landale played nine minutes off the bench but had three turnovers without getting himself a bucket.

Jalen Green's explosive night was the standout individual performance. The third-year guard showcased his improved efficiency, shooting 12-of-21 from the field while adding 2 rebounds and 2 assists. Green's ability to create his own shot and punish the Pelicans' defence from all areas of the court was on full display.

For the Pelicans, Trey Murphy III led the way with 21 points, but it was far from enough to keep pace with Houston's firepower. CJ McCollum and Dejounte Murray chipped in 13 and 17 points respectively, but New Orleans' offence sputtered for long stretches, particularly in the first half when they managed just 43 points.

The Rockets will try to continue their solid start to the season when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves (Game Centre) on December 28, 2024. While New Orleans, the loss further cements their place at the bottom of the Western Conference standings. The Pelicans will need to regroup quickly as they host the red hot Memphis Grizzlies (Game Centre) on December 28, 2024.

Utah Jazz @ Portland Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers delivered a 122-120 victory (Game Centre) against the Utah Jazz, powered by a late surge and standout performances from their young stars.

The Blazers overcame a double-digit fourth-quarter deficit to secure a crucial win in front of a raucous home crowd at the Moda Center.

Australian Boomers Olympic bronze medallist and Utah point guard Patty Mills was a DNP coaches decision.

Australian Boomers and Portland Trail Blazers centre Duop Reath was a DNP coaches decision.

The game was a back-and-forth affair for three quarters, with neither team able to establish a commanding lead. Utah seemed to seize control in the third, outscoring Portland 34-26 to build a 88-81 advantage heading into the final frame. However, the resilient Blazers refused to concede, mounting a furious comeback in the closing minutes.

Portland's resurgence was spearheaded by the dynamic duo of Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija. Sharpe, the second-year guard, caught fire from beyond the arc, draining five three-pointers en route to a team-high 27 points. Avdija matched Sharpe's 27-point output and showcased his all-around game with eight rebounds and six assists.

Both squads shot more than 47% from the field, with Portland holding a slight edge at 50.6%. The Blazers' balanced attack was evident in their assist total, matching Utah's 26 despite the Jazz's reputation for unselfish play. Perhaps most crucially, Portland won the turnover battle 13-11, converting those extra possessions into vital points down the stretch.

While the Blazers' youth movement stole the show, Utah's Lauri Markkanen reminded everyone why he's considered one of the league's most versatile forwards. The Finnish star poured in a game-high 25 points, including a perfect 4-from-4 from three-point range.

The victory brings Portland's record to 10-20, while Utah falls to 7-22. Both teams remain outside the playoff picture.

Detroit Pistons @ Sacramento Kings

In a thrilling comeback win, the Detroit Pistons stunned the Sacramento Kings 114-113 (Game Centre) on Friday, December 27, 2024, overcoming a 16-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

Cade Cunningham led the charge with a masterful 33-point performance but it was Jaden Ivey's extraordinary four-point play with just three seconds left that won the road team the ball game. Ivey was fouled by superstar De'Aaron Fox after a pump fake in the corner. He stepped up and hit the free throw to win the game.

The Kings seemed to be in control for much of the contest, building a comfortable lead through the first three quarters. Fox was electric, pouring in 26 points and orchestrating the Sacramento offence with precision. Trey Lyles provided a spark off the bench, knocking down four three-pointers en route to 20 points.

However, the Pistons refused to go quietly into the night. Trailing 91-77 entering the fourth quarter, Detroit unleashed a furious rally. The Pistons outscored Sacramento 37-22 in the final frame, shooting a blistering 61% from the field while holding the Kings to just 35%. Detroit's bench proved crucial, outscoring Sacramento's reserves 39-38 and providing the energy needed to complete the improbable comeback.

Cunningham's connected on 9-from-24 field goals, including 4-from-11 from three-point range. Most importantly, he was near-perfect from the charity stripe, sinking 11-of-12 free throws. His 10 assists rounded out a brilliant all-around performance.

The Pistons have now won four of their last five, including road wins against the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers.