Welcome to another edition of The Morning Dunk, where we bring you the sizzling highlights from last night’s NBA action.
Lillard & Beasley Shine in Toronto
Tatum kisses the Philly fans goodnight after the 3-point dagger. 😘 pic.twitter.com/QSjKtl8iQg
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) November 16, 2023
Without the services of The Greek Freak, the Milwaukee Bucks showed their depth and resilience in a commanding 128-112 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Dame Lillard led the charge with a scorching 37 points on 50% shooting from the field, proving once again why he's one of the Association's elite scorers. Sharpshooter Malik Beasley chipped in with a hefty 30 points of his own, including eight 3’s that had the net singing all game long.
damian lillard tonight:
— sydney fink (@sydn3yfink) November 16, 2023
37 points
13 assists
50% fg
40% 3pt
30 minutes
malik beasley tonight:
30 points
4 rebounds
11-14 fg
8-11 3pt (career high)
30 minutes
no giannis pic.twitter.com/exUKtaza9Q
A strong performance from Scottie Barnes, who put up 29 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists wasn’t enough. Even with the loss the Raptors are 14-5 SU at home in their last 19 games.
Wednesday night’s win highlighted the Bucks ability to get the job done without Giannis Antetokounmpo, which has rarely been the case in years’ past. Adrian Griffin will use his team’s hot shooting night to build momentum as Milwaukee heads to Charlotte for an NBA In-Season tournament game on Friday.
Celtics Continue Winning Ways
Moving down to the City of Brotherly Love, there ain’t no love lost for the Boston Celtics.
Boston got out to a 37-22 lead in the first quarter before pulling away in the fourth for a 117-107 win. Spearheaded by MVP candidate Jayson Tatum (I told you to bet him at +750 two weeks ago) the Celtics are now 8-2 SU in their last 10 games. Tatum dropped an impressive 29 points on Philly. His ability to consistently deliver high-level performances is pivotal to Boston’s postseason endeavors. When he’s playing like this, there are few better players in the NBA.
Meanwhile, there’s little reason to fret in Philadelphia, as Nick Nurse’s 76ers are now 8-3 SU and ATS. Philadelphia is a sneaky pick to win the Eastern Conference at +600 odds.
D-Book’s Triumphant Return
The Phoenix Suns have been a mess to begin the year as both Devin Booker and Bradley Beal have missed time through injury. Entering Wednesday night at 4-6 and in 10th place in the Western Conference, the Suns needed a spark. D-Book delivered.
Scoring 18 points in the first half alone, Booker reminded everyone why he’s considered one of the top guards in the league. Phoenix is now 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
This is Devin Booker. pic.twitter.com/D1yRTrTYEm
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 16, 2023
Minnesota has to be disappointed to give up 76 points in the first half after heading into the game with the top-rated defense in the NBA. Anthony Edwards and co. looked sluggish after a hard-fought (literally) victory over the Golden State Warriors last night. At 8-3, the Timberwolves sit 4th in the Western Conference and are smack dab in the playoff race. Ant and his two towers may finally have figured things out. Unfortunately for the T-Wolves, they sit 7th in the NBA Western Conference odds at +1300.
