In a thrilling defensive showdown, the Lakers edged out the Raptors 72-68 in a nail-biting contest. Trey Mcwilliams led the charge for L.A. with an impressive 24 points and 13 rebounds, while Nick Riley added 19 points, including two crucial three-pointers. Isaiah Rose IV shone for Toronto with 21 points, but it wasn't enough as the Raptors struggled to convert key opportunities. With a solid team effort, the Lakers took control in the final minutes, securing a tense victory. In a defensive showdown, the Miami Heat edged the San Antonio Spurs 73-64, thanks largely to an explosive performance from Jaxon James Ridel Jr., who dropped 30 points on an efficient 14-of-19 shooting. Alongside him, Nick Brewer added a solid 24 points and 8 rebounds, cementing the Heat's offensive edge. Despite Leo Gagnon's 35 points for the Spurs, it wasn't enough to overcome Miami's stingy defense and ball control, ensuring a hard-fought victory for the Heat.
Rank | Team | Games | Wins | Losses | Differential | Tiebreakers |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Phoenix Suns | 18 | 14 | 4 | 171 | > Minnesota Timberwolves > Los Angeles Clippers > Toronto Raptors > Washington Wizards > Miami Heat |
2 | Los Angeles Clippers | 18 | 12 | 6 | 90 | > Los Angeles Lakers > Minnesota Timberwolves > Miami Heat > Toronto Raptors > Washington Wizards |
3 | Los Angeles Lakers | 18 | 11 | 7 | 57 | > Toronto Raptors > Minnesota Timberwolves > San Antonio Spurs |
4 | Minnesota Timberwolves | 18 | 9 | 9 | -13 | > Washington Wizards > San Antonio Spurs > Toronto Raptors |
5 | Miami Heat | 18 | 9 | 9 | -31 | > Los Angeles Lakers > Washington Wizards > Minnesota Timberwolves > San Antonio Spurs |
6 | San Antonio Spurs | 18 | 6 | 12 | -34 | > Los Angeles Clippers |
7 | Washington Wizards | 18 | 6 | 12 | -165 | > San Antonio Spurs > Toronto Raptors |
8 | Toronto Raptors | 18 | 5 | 13 | -75 | > San Antonio Spurs > Miami Heat |