Around the League: Wednesday's top highlights, performers and storylines

James McKern
and others
• 5 min read
#Thursday

With seven games on deck Wednesday, we have plenty of NBA action to cover.

From stat sheet-stuffing performances, highlight reel plays to game-winners, there was no shortage of excitement. If you missed any of the night's action, catch up right here!

Box Scores

Detroit Pistons 119, Brooklyn Nets 120 | Indiana Pacers 107, New York Knicks 101

Denver Nuggets 108, Chicago Bulls 107 | Utah Jazz 125, Minnesota Timberwolves 128

New Orleans Pelicans 121, Golden State Warriors 131 | Dallas Mavericks 113, Los Angeles Lakers 114

San Antonio Spurs 120, Phoenix Suns 90

Top Storylines

A career-night from Rose

Without Jimmy Butler or Jeff Teague in the lineup, the Wolves needed someone to stand tall alongside Karl Anthony-Towns and Andrew Wiggins against the Utah Jazz.

Derrick Rose delivered in stunning fashion, dropping 50 points for the first time in his career!


Rose had it going from all over the floor as he finished shooting 19-31 from the field, which included going 4-7 from deep to go along with 8-11 from the free throw line.

His career night was topped off by knocking down two key free throws in the dying seconds before a clutch block on Dante Exum's last second 3-point attempt.

At 30 years and 27 days old, Rose is the oldest former MVP in NBA history at the time of his first career 50-point game.

The previous record holder was Oscar Robertson, who did it at 26 way back in 1964.

His performance led to a flood of reaction from current and past players on social media.

Dinwiddie returns to haunt the Pistons

After spending his first two seasons in the NBA in Detroit, Spencer Dinwiddie has made a name for himself in Brooklyn and he showed up his old squad.

Dinwiddie knocked down the game's two biggest shots and helped secure the Nets' third win of the season.

His first clutch bucket came in regulation, when he received the inbound pass and knocked down the open triple. But it was his second go-ahead 3-pointer in overtime — a sidestep dribble freed up enough room for him to shoot over the outstretched hand of Andre Drummond — that delivered the win.

Dinwiddie went scoreless in the first half, but he erupted in the second half with 25 points.


Perfection from Sabonis

Each team is hoping their bench can provide a spark and pile on when the starters sit down. The Pacers got that and more from Domantas Sabonis on Wednesday.

The power forward produced a masterclass display as he shot a perfect 12-12 from the field and torched the Knicks' defence.

Despite only playing 21 minutes, Sabonis finished the game with 30 points and nine rebounds. His game ended after picking up his sixth foul.


Best Performances

Derrick Rose - 50 points (19-of-31 FG), four rebounds, six assists

Tim Hardaway Jr. - 37 points (10-of-19 FG, 7-of-11 3PT)

Stephen Curry - 37 points (12-of-20 FG, 7-of-11 3PT), nine assists

Domantas Sabonis - 30 points (12-of-12 FG), nine rebounds in 21 minutes

LeBron James - 29 points (11-of-19 FG), five rebounds, six assists

Spencer Dinwiddie - 25 points (8-of-15 FG), four rebounds, four assists

Wendell Carter Jr. - 25 points (9-of-21 FG), eight rebounds, five assists

Andre Drummond - 24 points (8-of-14 FG), 23 rebounds - third 20/20 game of the season

Nikola Jokic - 22 points (9-of-20 FG), 12 rebounds, nine assists

Top Plays

Gary Harris throwing down the nasty jam


Derrick Rose getting fancy on the Jazz 


Spencer Dinwiddie knocks down the clutch go-ahead bucket in OT


Paul Millsap gets the putback to get earn the W


LeBron James showing off the fancy dribbles and step-back


Splash No. 7 for the NBA's rain man


Author(s)
James McKern