It's going to be a chaotic week in the NBA as the trade deadline fast approaches. Before that day comes, though, let's revisit all of the action which took place on Sunday as The Morning Dunk highlights the news, highlights, and betting odds you need.
Bucks Fall Again As New Era Commences
Replacing former head coach Adrian Griffin with Doc Rivers wasn't going to solve all of the Milwaukee Bucks' problems overnight. Perhaps there was a touch more optimism on that front from their end.
A 123-109 loss to the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center dropped Milwaukee's record to 1-3 since Rivers took over coaching duties. Utah had seven players score in double figures to overcome the 33 points and 13 assists produced by Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Bro realized Doc Rivers ain’t it 💀 pic.twitter.com/vMRXaOSeZY
— BrickMuse (@BrickMuse) February 5, 2024
The Bucks rank 19th in the Association in offense and 20th in defense with Rivers over four games. They're five games behind the Boston Celtics for the top seed in the Eastern Conference and just half a game ahead of the Cleveland Cavaliers who are right on their tail.
Beal's Return To Nation's Capital Brings Victory
Bradley Beal spent the first 11 years of his career as a member of the Washington Wizards, which explains why he was so familiar with the rims on Sunday.
The three-time All-Star dropped a season-high 43 points on 16-of-21 shooting at Capital One Arena to lead the Phoenix Suns past Washington in convincing fashion, 140-112.
What a return to D.C. for Bradley Beal ‼️
— NBA (@NBA) February 4, 2024
🔥 43 PTS
🔥 16/21 FGM
🔥 4/5 3PM
The Suns put up 140 points and get the W. pic.twitter.com/WkP4x8bwQ5
Despite torching the hometown team, Washington faithful still gave Beal a rousing ovation as he exited the game for the final time.
Bradley Beal gets a standing ovation in Washington as he checks out for the final time today pic.twitter.com/ThxQSocbSJ
— Shane Young (@YoungNBA) February 4, 2024
The win for Phoenix marked the first time its covered the spread on a Sunday in its last seven tries.
Thunder Survive Raptors In Double OT Thriller
The Oklahoma City Thunder needed an extra 10 minutes of basketball to get the job done, but that they did.
Trailing by as many as 23-points, Oklahoma City rallied to force two extra periods and ultimately prevail against a game Toronto Raptors squad, winning 135-127.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored fewer than 30 points for the first time since Jan. 16, but still finished with an impressive 23 points, nine rebounds, 14 assists, two steals, and three rejections in 48 minutes.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander cements the win with a SLAM 🔥
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 5, 2024
pic.twitter.com/isrTGYqSnO
Oklahoma City maintains its tie with the Minnesota Timberwolves for the best record in the Western Conference at 35-15 SU. Its lost just once at Paycom Center over 11 games.
