22.02.2025
Cleveland Cavaliers 142 - 105 New York Knicks
In a dominant performance, the Cleveland Cavaliers overpowered the New York Knicks with a 142-105 victory, showcasing their elite status in the Eastern Conference. Donovan Mitchell shined with 27 points, while Evan Mobley contributed 21 as the Cavaliers extended their winning streak to six games and maintained the NBA's best record at 46-10, with 34 of those wins by double digits. Despite a valiant 26-point effort from Jalen Brunson and 23 points from Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks suffered their worst defeat of the season. All-Star Darius Garland gave the Cavs a scare when he hit his head on the floor, but continued to play, while Jarrett Allen left the game with a hand injury, with X-rays showing no fracture. Cleveland also benefited from the return of Dean Wade, adding depth to their defense. Mitchell's impressive first-half performance, including three rapid 3-pointers, helped establish a substantial 27-point lead at halftime. Both teams face challenging games ahead, with the Knicks visiting Boston and the Cavaliers hosting the high-scoring Memphis Grizzlies.
Orlando Magic 104 - 105 Memphis Grizzlies
In a thrilling game, the Memphis Grizzlies rallied to defeat the Orlando Magic 105-104, thanks to Ja Morant, who scored 10 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter, and Jaren Jackson Jr., who made a decisive block on Paolo Banchero’s potential game-winning shot in the final second. Desmond Bane contributed with 16 points and secured the win after hitting a crucial free throw with 45.2 seconds left. Despite struggles from the three-point line, Memphis overcame a 19-point deficit with a significant 19-0 run in the third quarter spurred by GG Jackson II's three critical three-pointers. The Magic's Franz Wagner led all scorers with 25 points, while Banchero, despite a 5-for-21 shooting night, and Cole Anthony, with 17 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists, also posted crucial numbers for Orlando. The Magic's woes were compounded by missed free throws, including four in the decisive fourth quarter. This win prevented Memphis from their first three-game losing streak of the season, while Orlando, still missing Jalen Suggs, suffered a narrow defeat to begin their seven-game homestand.
Washington Wizards 101 - 104 Milwaukee Bucks
In an exciting matchup, the Milwaukee Bucks narrowly defeated the Washington Wizards 104-101, overcoming Giannis Antetokounmpo's foul troubles. Kyle Kuzma scored 19 points in his return to Washington after being traded to Milwaukee, while Khris Middleton made his debut for the Wizards, contributing 12 points. Despite playing in limited minutes due to foul issues, Antetokounmpo managed 18 points before fouling out late in the game. Rookie Alex Sarr stood out for Washington with a career-high 22 points. The Bucks missed Damian Lillard due to a hamstring injury, and Bobby Portis Jr. after his suspension, which added to their struggles on the court. In the final moments, Brook Lopez's crucial free throws helped seal the victory for Milwaukee. Despite poor shooting performances from Kyshawn George and Jordan Poole, the Wizards remained competitive but fell short when Middleton's last-second three-point attempt missed its mark.
Toronto Raptors 111 - 120 Miami Heat
In an intense matchup, the Miami Heat, led by Tyler Herro's pivotal 10 points in the fourth quarter and overtime, secured a 120-111 victory against the Toronto Raptors, snapping a four-game losing streak. Herro finished with 28 points while Andrew Wiggins added 25, and Bam Adebayo contributed 19 points and 12 rebounds. The game marked a significant win for Miami as they became the first road team to triumph in the season series against Toronto. Despite a strong effort from RJ Barrett, who scored 29 points for the Raptors, and a late comeback in regulation, the Raptors fell short in overtime. The game also witnessed Erik Spoelstra surpass Red Auerbach with his 886th win, placing him third for most NBA wins with a single team. The Heat will next face Milwaukee, while the Raptors will host Phoenix on Sunday.
Houston Rockets 121 - 115 Minnesota Timberwolves
In a closely contested game, the Houston Rockets narrowly defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, with the latter dealing with significant injury concerns affecting key players. Anthony Edwards, the Timberwolves’ star averaging 27.5 points per game, was questionable for the matchup due to hip soreness, adding to a long list of Minnesota's injury woes, including Rudy Gobert and Mike Conley. Despite their short-handed roster, the Timberwolves entered the All-Star break with a morale-boosting victory over Oklahoma City, largely thanks to Naz Reid's impressive performance. Meanwhile, the Rockets, who had been struggling with a string of losses, particularly felt the absence of Fred VanVleet, their floor leader sidelined with an ankle injury. Aaron Holiday filled in admirably, matching his career-high with 25 points. Despite their recent struggles, the Rockets' Jalen Green and center Alperen Sengun have been standout performers this season. The Timberwolves have dominated recent matchups against the Rockets, but this game demonstrated both teams' resilience in facing adversity.
San Antonio Spurs 110 - 125 Detroit Pistons
In a commanding performance, the Detroit Pistons secured their fifth consecutive win by defeating the San Antonio Spurs 125-110 in Austin, Texas. Cade Cunningham was pivotal, contributing 25 points and 12 assists, including spearheading a decisive 19-0 run that extended from the end of the first half into the second. Jalen Duren also shone for Detroit with 21 points and 15 rebounds, while Tobias Harris added 22 points. Malik Beasley continued his impressive three-point shooting streak, netting four triples in this game, part of a 29-shot stint over five games. Despite Keldon Johnson's 28 points and De'Aaron Fox's 27 for the Spurs, San Antonio struggled without their star Victor Wembanyama, sidelined for the season due to a blood clot in his shoulder. The Pistons dominated in rebounding, outmatching the Spurs 52-33 and capitalizing on size and shooting, particularly in the paint, where they extended their streak to 12 games of either beating or tying their opponents in points scored. The Pistons' next challenge is hosting Atlanta, while the Spurs are set to face New Orleans.
Dallas Mavericks 111 - 103 New Orleans Pelicans
In a thrilling matchup, the Dallas Mavericks defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 111-103, securing their third consecutive victory. Kyrie Irving led the charge with an impressive 35-point performance, connecting on 11 of 22 shots, including five three-pointers, and flawlessly converting all eight free throw attempts. P.J. Washington Jr. contributed significantly with 24 points, 20 of which came in the first half, marking his return after an ankle sprain. Despite Zion Williamson scoring 29 points for the Pelicans, his team continues to struggle, having lost 11 of their last 12 games. Notably, Williamson surpassed 5,000 career points in just 203 games, making him the third-fastest to reach this milestone behind Luka Doncic and LeBron James. The Mavericks’ victory was propelled by superior shooting from beyond the arc, hitting 16 of 44 three-pointers compared to the Pelicans’ 8 of 27. The game also marked Kelly Olynyk’s debut for New Orleans, where he contributed four points, three rebounds, and three assists. The Mavericks' winning streak is their longest since a seven-game streak earlier in the season. Dallas will face Golden State next, while New Orleans will host San Antonio.
Utah Jazz 107 - 130 Oklahoma City Thunder
In a decisive matchup, the Oklahoma City Thunder never trailed and defeated the Utah Jazz 130-107 in Salt Lake City, marking their eighth win in nine games. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 21 points, while Chet Holmgren contributed 20 points. Key factors in Oklahoma City's dominance included a 15-4 run in the first quarter and a strong defensive performance that converted 19 Utah turnovers into 37 points. The Thunder's defense facilitated easy transition baskets, resulting in a 66-41 lead by halftime. Despite a brief Jazz comeback that narrowed the gap to four points, the Thunder maintained control, aided by Jalen Williams’ crucial three-pointer. For Utah, John Collins scored 26 points, and Walker Kessler had 19 rebounds, while newcomer Jaden Springer debuted with seven points. The Thunder's solid team effort will be tested in their upcoming game in Minnesota, while the Jazz will face Houston.
Sacramento Kings 108 - 132 Golden State Warriors
In a battle of familiar rivals, the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings, both hoping for a boost from their recent trade deadline acquisitions, will face off as they sit tied for ninth place in the Western Conference. The Warriors have been invigorated by the addition of Jimmy Butler, who has averaged 21.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in his four games, revitalizing their free-throw opportunities and boosting team morale. Draymond Green expressed championship confidence thanks to Butler's influence. Meanwhile, the Kings have seen promising performances from newcomer Zach LaVine, who averaged 23.5 points and 6.5 assists in recent games, contributing to the Kings’ improved scoring average despite a recent overtime loss to New Orleans. The Kings will be adjusting to changes, as key players from their January wins over the Warriors, Kevin Huerter, and De'Aaron Fox, have been traded.