On February 1st Beijing time, the NBA regular season continued with several intense games concluding today. The Pelicans, who are at the bottom of the Western Conference, lost 114-124 to the 76ers. The Timberwolves launched a fierce offense and dominated the Grizzlies 131-114, while the Mavericks narrowly fell 107-111 to the strong Rockets. As a result, the latest Western Conference rankings are out: the Rockets are fourth with two consecutive wins, the Timberwolves fifth with four straight victories, and the Pelicans second to last!

Pelicans vs. 76ers. In the previous round, the Pelicans defeated the Grizzlies to climb out of the Western Conference basement. This round, they faced the 76ers. The game started with the Pelicans in great form, engaging in a high-scoring battle with the 76ers, taking a 2-point lead by the end of the first quarter. However, in the second quarter, the Pelicans’ offensive efficiency dropped sharply, while the 76ers launched a relentless attack, outscoring the Pelicans 36-21 for the quarter and taking a 12-point lead at halftime. In the second half, the Pelicans ramped up their offense and quickly narrowed the gap. In the final quarter, both teams resumed their scoring duel with intense action. In the closing moments, the 76ers hit a barrage of three-pointers, sealing the game and ultimately reversing the outcome against the Pelicans!

Timberwolves vs. Grizzlies. Facing a Grizzlies team on a five-game losing streak, the Timberwolves played with dominant efficiency on the road. Their offense was highly effective, continuously breaking through defenses to score. They led 30-21 after the first quarter, building a 9-point advantage. The second quarter turned into a tug-of-war, ending in a 28-28 tie, keeping the margin steady. In the second half, the Timberwolves maintained their pressure and further extended their lead. In the final quarter, both teams exchanged scoring runs again, but the Grizzlies’ comeback came too late to reduce the deficit. Ultimately, four Timberwolves players scored 20+ points as they handed the Grizzlies their sixth consecutive loss!

Mavericks vs. Rockets. The Rockets displayed excellent offense in the first half, slightly overpowering the Mavericks and finishing the half with an 8-point lead. After halftime, the Mavericks greatly improved their offensive efficiency, scoring 30+ points in the third quarter to close the gap. In the final quarter, the Mavericks kept pressing, mounting a strong attack to narrow the score and reignite suspense. In the decisive moments, Kevin Durant delivered a precise assist to Eason for a layup that sealed the win, performing a clutch game-winner. Thus, the Rockets narrowly defeated the Mavericks!
Written by / Sports Novel