Nightly Hoops: NBA updates & highlights from Feb. 23

Earlier this afternoon, Boston outplayed the Knicks, securing a solid 118-105 victory over the New York team.

⛹‍♂️Sunday hoops⛹

Knicks 105, Celtics 118 (

Final

)

Mavericks vs. Warriors (

Live on ABC/ESPN+

)

Clippers vs. Pacers (

Live on NBA League Pass

)

Pistons vs. Hawks (

6 ET, Live on NBA League Pass

)

Wizards vs. Magic (

6 ET, Live on NBA League Pass

)

Suns vs. Raptors (

6 ET, Live on NBA League Pass

)

Heat vs. Bucks (

6 ET, Live on NBA League Pass

)

Spurs vs. Pelicans (

7 ET, Live on NBA League Pass

)

Grizzlies vs. Cavaliers (

7 ET, Live on ESPN

)

Thunder vs. Timberwolves (

9:30 ET, Live on ESPN

)

Celtics win matinee

All five of the Celtics’ starters scored at least 14 points, with Jayson Tatum finishing an assist shy of a triple-double, and adding 25 points and 10 rebounds. Jaylen Brown stuffed the stat sheet as well, scoring 24 in addition to eight boards, two assists, and two steals.

The Knicks received their usual solid contribution from Karl-Anthony Towns in the loss, as he poured in 24 and added 18 boards. Brunson pitched in 22, while Josh Hart flirted with a triple-double, posting 20 with 11 boards, and nine dimes.

Top3️⃣stories

The streaking Pistons visit Atlanta looking to pick up their sixth win in a row. Detroit hasn’t accomplished winning that many consecutive games since their 2014-15 season. This game will feature a duel between two of the elite point guards in the NBA with Cade Cunningham and Trae Young dueling it out. The last time these teams squared off was a high-scoring 132-130 final, with Trae Young hitting a long-range fadeaway with 1.6 seconds left to deliver Atlanta a victory. 

The Grizzlies visit Cleveland for a showdown between the No. 1 team in the East and No. 2 in the West. These two teams are extremely similar on the surface, with these two squads tied for the league lead in points per game with 122.8. They’re also tied for seventh in the NBA with 111.0 defensive ratings. Each of these teams features an elite guard duo with Ja Morant and Desmond Bane in Memphis’ backcourt and Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland fueling the Cavaliers. Both teams also feature big men who are the favorites to take home the Defensive Player of the Year award, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Evan Mobley. 

Our nightcap features two more elite guards as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder visit Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves. Nothing has slowed down Oklahoma Cty this season, as they remain atop of the West, while Minnesota continues to tread water, hovering near the middle of the Western Conference standings throughout much of the season. The Timberwolves lost their first game in their return from the All-Star break, and sit at 5-5 in their last 10. A win over the Thunder could provide some much-needed momentum, as they look to catapult themselves up the standings down the stretch.