Nets extend win streak to eight with statement win over Bucks, Doncic hits season-high 50 in Mavs win

Los Angeles, Dec 24: The Brooklyn Nets claimed a statement Eastern Conference victory over the Milwaukee Bucks to extend their win streak to eight games with a 118-100 triumph on Friday (December 23).

Kevin Durant top-scored for the Nets with 24 points along with five rebounds and six assists, while Nic Claxton starred with 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

All five Nets' starters reached double-figure scoring, achieving that feat for the sixth time this season. The Nets' eight-game win streak matched the franchise's most since their relocation to Brooklyn a decade ago.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 26 points with 13 rebounds and seven assists for the Bucks but did not have a shot in the fourth quarter, with Ben Simmons dulling his output

Simmons finished the game with 12 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and three steals.

The Nets have surged into contention this month, improving to a 21-12 overall record after a 9-1 December. The Bucks are second in the east with a 22-10 record.

Antetokounmpo hurt his hand in a fall but X-rays revealed no major damage, according to head coach Mike Budenholzer.

Final numbers from tonight's W pic.twitter.com/hRjBaMhpuY
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) December 24, 2022

Harden matches franchise assists record in 76ers win

James Harden matched the Philadelphia 76ers' franchise record for assists as part of a triple-double in their 119-114 win over the Los Angeles Clippers to sweep a seven-game homestand.

Harden finished the game with 20 points, 11 rebounds and 21 assists, matching Wilt Chamberlain and Mo Cheeks' franchise record for assists, as the 76ers rallied from a 20-point first-half deficit.

Joel Embiid top scored with 44 points with seven rebounds, while Kawhi Leonard continued his improved scoring form with 28 points and five assists for the Clippers.

20 PTS / 11 REB / 21 AST

let this be your reminder to go vote https://t.co/kNf5hhn7rX

presented by @palottery pic.twitter.com/RRie9hUFJR
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) December 24, 2022

Doncic scores season-high in Mavs win

Luka Doncic scored a season-high 50 points as the Dallas Mavericks overcame the Houston Rockets 112-106 with the Slovenian adding 17 in the fourth quarter.

Doncic shot 17-of-30 from the field including six three-pointers for his second career 50-point game, with his career best being 51 against the Clippers in February this year.

The Mavs point guard also had eight rebounds and 10 assists, while Jabari Smith Jr top scored for the Rockets with 24 points and 10 rebounds.

Luka Dončić had 50 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists tonight.

Dončić joins Dirk Nowitzki (2) as the only Mavs to record multiple 50-point games.

Tonight was also his 5th game with 45+ points, breaking a tie with Mark Aguirre (4) for the most 45-point games in franchise history. pic.twitter.com/jj8dgkTH0s
— Mavs PR (@MavsPR) December 24, 2022