Atlanta Defeats Cleveland, Secures Eastern Conference Playoff Spot

CJ McCollum led all scorers with 29 points, while teammate Dyson Daniels added 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists, propelling Atlanta to a victory over the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers in a regular-season NBA matchup. The Hawks secured a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference, with Jalen Johnson contributing 18 points and 9 rebounds for the winners, who will finish fourth, fifth, or sixth in the East.

Atlanta had missed the direct playoff qualification in the previous two seasons. McCollum's impressive performance included 25 points scored in the first half alone.

For Cleveland, James Harden finished with 20 points, and Tyrese Proctor chipped in with 15 points. The Cavaliers are set to face either Atlanta or Toronto in the first round of the playoffs.

Victor Wembanyama made a triumphant return to action, scoring 40 points in San Antonio's 139-120 home victory against Dallas in another NBA game. The Spurs' star also tallied 13 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks, despite sustaining a rib injury on Wednesday against Philadelphia. The 22-year-old forward missed the game against Portland but successfully returned to the court for the win over the Mavericks.

Wembanyama played his 65th game of the campaign and is a strong contender for the league's most valuable individual awards.

Cooper Flag was the top scorer for Dallas with 33 points. The Texas team is currently on a three-game losing streak.

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated Phoenix 101-73 at home. LeBron James finished with 28 points and 12 assists. The Lakers' superstar now has over 12,000 career assists, placing him fourth all-time in NBA history, a list led by John Stockton.

Luke Kennard added 19 points to the California team's victory. The Lakers are guaranteed to finish no lower than fourth in the Western Conference.

Dillon Brooks contributed 12 points for the Suns, who played without Devin Booker due to an ankle injury.

Philadelphia secured a 105-94 road win against Indiana. Tyrese Maxey scored 32 points, while his teammate Andre Drummond came off the bench to record a double-double with 10 points and 16 rebounds.

The visitors snapped a three-game losing streak and kept their playoff hopes alive.

Jareyce Walker stood out for the Indianapolis squad with 17 points. The Pacers have now lost four of their last five games in the league.