With the Warriors defeating the Hornets, the Timberwolves and Suns suffering heavy losses, and the Clippers securing their fifth consecutive win, the NBA Western Conference standings have been updated.

On January 1st Beijing time, the NBA regular season proceeded with several games finishing recently. The Warriors exploded in the last quarter to edge out the weak Hornets 132-125; the Timberwolves’ shots were cold as they suffered a heavy 102-126 defeat to the Hawks; the Suns, struggling with form, lost 113-129 to the Cavaliers; meanwhile, the Clippers’ offense was unstoppable, dominating the Kings 131-90. Consequently, the updated Western standings show the Timberwolves in sixth, Suns seventh, Warriors on a two-game winning streak in eighth, and the Clippers on a five-game winning streak but still third from the bottom!

Kings vs. Clippers. Currently missing Zubac, the Clippers have found their rhythm and are on a winning streak. Facing the very weak Kings this round, victory was almost guaranteed. The Clippers’ offense flowed smoothly, and with the Kings’ poor defense, Kawhi and Harden both exploded offensively. The Clippers steadily pulled away, the gap widening until garbage time. Ultimately, the Clippers crushed the Kings by a massive 41-point margin to claim their fifth straight win. Although their ranking remains unchanged, this marks a positive start for the Clippers!

Warriors vs. Hornets. This game featured a back-and-forth battle with both teams evenly matched, constantly responding to each other and keeping the score close. This tight contest lasted until the final quarter. In the last period, the Warriors showed their superior strength as Poole went on a scoring spree, helping the Warriors take control. The Hornets had no one stepping up to close the gap, and in the end, the Warriors defeated the Hornets to secure their second consecutive win!

Timberwolves vs. Hawks. The Hawks have been struggling with a dismal record, suffering seven straight losses. However, in this game against Western powerhouse Timberwolves, with Trae Young absent, the Hawks found their rhythm. The entire team erupted, delivering steady and smooth offense, dominating the Timberwolves throughout. Johnson was particularly lethal, scoring continuously. The point difference kept growing, and in the end, six Hawks players scored in double digits to overwhelm the Timberwolves!

Suns vs. Cavaliers. The Suns had been on a strong run recently, winning four straight games before facing the Cavaliers. The game started with the Cavaliers striking first, especially with their hot outside shooting, hitting shots repeatedly and opening a 37-21 lead in the first quarter. In the following quarters, both teams engaged in a scoring battle, but in the second and third quarters, Dillon and Booker took turns fueling the Suns’ offense, helping them close the gap. In the final quarter, the Suns continued to press and chip away at the lead. However, at the critical moment, the Cavaliers launched a powerful offensive surge, scoring in waves and completely extinguishing the Suns’ comeback attempt. Ultimately, the Cavaliers won decisively!

Written by / Sports Novel