In-Season Tournament roundup: Lopez turns back clock to keep Bucks atop Group B
The inaugural In-Season Tournament continued Friday with 10 group-play matchups as teams looked to join the Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers in the knockout round. For an explanation of how the tourney works, including the breakdown of the groups, tap here.
To see what happened during Tuesday's action, tap here.
Friday's results
- Celtics 96-113 Magic (Recap)
- Suns 110-89 Grizzlies (Recap)
- Heat 98-100 Knicks (Recap)
- Bulls 108-121 Raptors (Recap)
- Pistons 113-136 Pacers (Recap)
- Nuggets 86-105 Rockets (Recap)
- Wizards 128-131 Bucks (Recap)
- Kings 124-111 Timberwolves (Recap)
- Spurs 112-118 Warriors (Recap)
- Pelicans 116-106 Clippers (Recap)
Top performers
Devin Booker (Suns): With Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal out of the lineup, Booker took charge versus the Memphis Grizzlies with a masterful 40-point performance on 15-of-21 shooting. The All-Star guard fueled the Suns' 21-point win, which gave the club a crucial plus-34 point differential in the race for the West's lone wild card.
Brook Lopez (Bucks): Lopez still has it at age 35. The big man turned back the clock Friday evening against the Washington Wizards, tying a career high with 39 points and adding five boards, three blocks, and two steals to help the Bucks hold on for a three-point win. Lopez last scored 39 points as a member of the New Jersey Nets in April 2011.
De'Aaron Fox (Kings): The Sacramento Kings are in the driver's seat of Group C thanks to a 36-point, 12-assist, seven-rebound showing from Fox. It was the fourth time the All-Star guard has cracked the 35-point plateau this season, trailing only Giannis Antetokounmpo and Durant.
Highlight of the night
Golden State Warriors guard Gary Payton II made an instant impact in his return to the lineup, hustling back in transition to send Victor Wembanyama's shot into the crowd.
Tweet of the night
Speaking of Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs phenom has quickly gained popularity thanks to his unique abilities at his towering size. However, many people are still trying to figure out how to spell Wembanyama's last name - apparently including the team's equipment manager.
Stat of the night
You'd think a sharpshooter like Buddy Hield would be inclined to get to the charity stripe, but that hasn't been the case early this season for the Pacers forward.
What's next?
Group play concludes Tuesday with eight matchups. With no teams clinching their respective groups on Friday evening, six spots in the knockout rounds remain up for grabs. Tap here for current group standings.