07.01.2025
Detroit Pistons 118 - 115 Portland Trail Blazers
In a thrilling contest, the Detroit Pistons edged out the Portland Trail Blazers 118-115, reaching a .500 record for the first time after New Year's since 2019. Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 32 points and nine assists, while Tim Hardaway Jr. contributed 26 points and Jalen Duren recorded a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Despite Portland leading by 22 points in the first half, propelled by Anfernee Simons' remarkable 36 points and nine assists, the Pistons mounted a comeback. Tim Hardaway Jr. sparked the rally with crucial late-game shots, and Malik Beasley hit a decisive 3-pointer. The Pistons capitalized on their advantage at the free-throw line, going 19 of 22, compared to Portland's 3 of 5, and dominated the offensive boards with a 17-7 advantage. The game featured a tribute to Blazers coach Chauncey Billups for his contributions to Detroit's 2004 championship team and recent Hall of Fame induction.
Philadelphia 76ers 99 - 109 Phoenix Suns
In a notable shift, Bradley Beal came off the bench for the first time in nine years, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 109-99 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, snapping a four-game losing streak. Beal's 25-point performance, including 20 points in the second half, was instrumental as the Suns overcame an early 12-point deficit. Kevin Durant added 23 points and Ryan Dunn contributed 15, helping Phoenix secure just their second win in nine games. The 76ers, missing the injured Joel Embiid, relied on Tyrese Maxey, who delivered 31 points and 10 assists, and Kelly Oubre, who scored 26 points, but it was not enough. With Embiid's absence for the 21st game this season, Philadelphia's struggles continue, as they fall to 7-14 without him. Phoenix coach Mike Budenholzer's decision to bring Beal and Jusuf Nurkic off the bench paid off, with the Suns' reserves outscoring Philadelphia's bench 54-7. The Suns also excelled from beyond the arc, hitting 46.7% of their three-point attempts, including three 3-pointers each from Durant, Beal, and Dunn. Phoenix will conclude their three-game road trip in Charlotte, while Philadelphia hosts Washington next.
Brooklyn Nets 99 - 113 Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers defeated the Brooklyn Nets 113-99, with Tyrese Haliburton leading the scoring with 23 points, while Bennedict Mathurin and Pascal Siakam added 20 and 19 points, respectively. Indiana's victory marked their third consecutive win and helped them maintain a strong record of nine wins in their last twelve games. The Pacers built a commanding 24-point lead in the third quarter, despite a Nets rally that reduced the gap to eight points late in the quarter. The Pacers responded with a decisive 14-2 run in the fourth, highlighted by Obi Toppin's dunk and 3-pointer, which stretched their lead to 105-83. The Pacers shot 53% from the field in the first half, contributing to a 55-39 halftime lead, the Nets' lowest-scoring first half of the season. The Nets, who have struggled with 10 losses in their last 13 games, were limited to 30.3% shooting from three-point range.
New York Knicks 94 - 103 Orlando Magic
In a surprising turn of events, the Orlando Magic, despite being severely undermanned due to injuries to their top four scorers, managed to stun the New York Knicks with a 103-94 victory. Cole Anthony led the charge with 24 points, supported by Wendell Carter Jr.'s season-high 19 off the bench. The Magic's defense was particularly impressive, holding the Knicks to a dismal 4-for-22 from beyond the arc, and not allowing a successful three-pointer in the second half until the closing seconds. The Knicks, without their star Karl-Anthony Towns who sat out with knee pain, struggled offensively despite 24 points each from Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges, culminating in their lowest scoring game of the season and their third consecutive defeat. Orlando's bench outperformed New York's significantly, contributing a 50-18 advantage in points, at a game in which the underdog Magic avoided being swept and maintained a slight edge in the all-time series. The Knicks will aim to bounce back against Toronto while the Magic prepare to host Towns' team, the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Toronto Raptors 104 - 128 Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks secured a commanding 128-104 victory over the Toronto Raptors, highlighted by Giannis Antetokounmpo's fourth triple-double of the season with 11 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds. Despite needing stitches for a cut on his pinkie, Antetokounmpo returned to finish strong, marking his third career triple-double against the Raptors. Damian Lillard led the scoring with 25 points, while Bobby Portis contributed 20 points off the bench, which outscored Toronto's reserves 63-24. The Bucks, who were coming off a rough patch with four losses in five games, built a significant lead of 33 points in the fourth quarter. In contrast, the Raptors, who have now lost 13 of their last 14 games, struggled with three-point shooting, hitting only 9 of 35 attempts. RJ Barrett and Scottie Barnes were bright spots for Toronto, scoring 25 and 21 points respectively. As the Bucks improved their record, the teams prepare for their next games against different opponents mid-week.
Chicago Bulls 114 - 110 San Antonio Spurs
The Chicago Bulls mounted a thrilling comeback to secure a 114-110 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Trailing by 19 points in the fourth quarter, Coby White delivered a crucial go-ahead layup with just 47 seconds left, followed by a spectacular dunk over Victor Wembanyama that electrified the United Center crowd. Zach LaVine led Chicago with 35 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, while Nikola Vucevic added a double-double with 24 points and 11 boards. White contributed significantly with 23 points. For the Spurs, Wembanyama showcased his talent with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and a notable eight blocks. Despite holding a 13-point lead entering the final quarter, San Antonio struggled as Chicago's perimeter shooting surged, hitting five of eight 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, compared to the Spurs' single success from nine attempts. This victory marked Chicago's fourth win in five games and followed another thrilling comeback against the New York Knicks. Both teams are set to play again on Wednesday, with San Antonio facing Milwaukee and Chicago visiting Indiana.
Memphis Grizzlies 119 - 104 Dallas Mavericks
In a commanding performance, Jaren Jackson Jr. led the Memphis Grizzlies to a 119-104 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, racking up 35 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists. Despite missing their starting backcourt duo, Memphis secured their 10th win in the last 11 home games, aided by strong efforts from Scotty Pippen Jr. and Jaylen Wells. The Mavericks, struggling without key players Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving due to injuries, extended their losing streak to five games. P.J. Washington paced Dallas with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Naji Marshall, Klay Thompson, and Jaden Hardy each added solid contributions. Memphis overcame an early deficit through improved offensive control and sealed the game with a decisive 10-2 run in the final minutes, maintaining their dominance in the paint with 52 points and 13 offensive rebounds. The Grizzlies will next face Houston, while Dallas looks to bounce back against the Lakers.
Minnesota Timberwolves 108 - 106 LA Clippers
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 108-106 in a thrilling comeback victory, overcoming a significant 19-point deficit. Anthony Edwards was the standout player, scoring 28 of his 37 points in the second half, including two crucial late 3-pointers, marking his eighth 30-plus point game this season. Despite a career-high 53 points in a previous game against Detroit, Edwards delivered again to help end Minnesota's three-game losing streak. Naz Reid contributed 18 points off the bench, while Rudy Gobert made a significant impact with 18 rebounds. The Clippers, who have now lost three of their last four games, were led by Norman Powell's 25 points, with James Harden adding 22. Kawhi Leonard, in just his second game back from a knee injury, struggled with eight points in limited minutes. The Timberwolves seized the lead late in the fourth quarter, with Edwards' performance being the key difference-maker in the tightly contested game.
Sacramento Kings 123 - 118 Miami Heat
The Sacramento Kings are riding a wave of momentum as they prepare to face the Miami Heat without Jimmy Butler, who has been suspended for conduct detrimental to the team. Butler had scored 27 points in their previous encounter, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a narrow 111-110 loss to the Kings, who benefited from a buzzer-beating jumper by Domantas Sabonis. Since parting ways with head coach Mike Brown, the Kings have found success under interim coach Doug Christie, evidenced by an impressive 129-99 victory against the Golden State Warriors, even without De'Aaron Fox due to injury. Malik Monk and Sabonis spearheaded the offense against Golden State, while Christie's satisfaction lies in his team's solid defensive efforts in recent games. The Heat, seeking to change their fortunes on a tough six-game road trip, will look to Tyler Herro and others for leadership in Butler's absence. Meanwhile, the Kings aim to continue their positive trend and solidify their defensive identity, with DeMar DeRozan emphasizing the team's united and competitive spirit in overcoming past struggles.