The NBA kicked off the New Year with just two games, but both were of an incredible caliber. Each were decided by five points or less, with late-game heroics and career-best performances ultimately saving the day.
Here’s how it all transpired.
1. Jimmy Butler continued his MVP campaign with 26 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, two steals and one block as the Chicago Bulls took down the Denver Nuggets 106-101. Pau Gasol added 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and nine blocks, while Derrick Rose scored 17 points on 7-of-25 shooting.
Gasol’s nine blocks set a new career-high.
2. Kenneth Faried finished with 18 points, 19 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and two steals. It was the third time in four games that Faried recorded at least 17 points and 19 rebounds.
3. Nuggets rookie Jusuf Nurkic had 10 points and 10 rebounds for his first career double-double.
4. Andrew Wiggins went off for 27 points, nine rebounds, two assists and four steals, but the Minnesota Timberwolves ultimately fell 110-107 to the Sacramento Kings. Darren Collison had 21 points and six assists, Rudy Gay recorded 21 points and four steals, and DeMarcus Cousins put up 19 points and seven rebounds in 27 minutes.
Wiggins has scored at least 20 points in four of his past five games. He did it four times in his first 26 appearances.
5. Minnesota has lost 10 consecutive games. That’s the longest active losing streak in the NBA.
Bonus Fact: Denver has lost seven consecutive road games.