Atlanta Downs Cleveland, Secures 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 visiting Cleveland in a regular-season NBA matchup. The Hawks secured a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference, with Jalen Johnson contributing 18 points and 9 boards for the winners, who will finish fourth, fifth, or sixth in the East.

Atlanta had missed the direct elimination rounds in the past two championships. McCollum scored 25 of his points in the first half of the game.

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

Victor Wembanyama returned to action with a stellar 40-point performance, leading San Antonio to a 139-120 home win against Dallas in another NBA contest. 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 made a triumphant return to the court for the victory 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' star 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 for the California team's victory, ensuring they will not finish 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.

Jareese Walker stood out with 17 points for the Indianapolis squad, which has lost four of its last five league games.