10.04.2025
Orlando Magic 96 - 76 Boston Celtics
The Orlando Magic secured the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference and the top spot in the play-in tournament by defeating the Boston Celtics 96-76. Franz Wagner led Orlando with 23 points, marking his 12th consecutive game with 20 or more points, while Cole Anthony and Paolo Banchero added significant contributions. Despite the Celtics resting their top six players, including stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, they struggled offensively, scoring a season-low 76 points. The Magic gained an early advantage, especially with a decisive 20-4 run in the third quarter, and secured their eighth win in ten games. The victory also ensured Orlando a home game in the play-in tournament and clinched the Southeast Division. Meanwhile, Boston is locked into the No. 2 playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.
Washington Wizards 103 - 122 Philadelphia 76ers
In an impressive performance, Jeff Dowtin Jr. spearheaded the Philadelphia 76ers to a 122-103 victory over the Washington Wizards, ending the Sixers' 12-game losing streak. Dowtin, a local from Washington D.C., scored a career-high 30 points in his first game for Philadelphia this month, making 11 of 15 field goals and four 3-pointers. Despite missing key players like Joel Embiid and Paul George, Lonnie Walker IV contributed 24 points to the win. The game, which was tightly contested at halftime with Philadelphia leading 53-50, saw the 76ers widen the gap with a decisive 12-3 run in the fourth quarter. Washington's Tristan Vukcevic also set a personal best, scoring 24 points. With this loss, the Wizards solidified their position at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, concluding a disappointing home season with an 8-32 record. Both teams are set to play again on Friday, with Philadelphia facing Atlanta and Washington traveling to Chicago.
Toronto Raptors 126 - 96 Charlotte Hornets
The Toronto Raptors cruised to a 126-96 victory over the depleted Charlotte Hornets, highlighted by rookie Jonathan Mogbo achieving his first triple-double of the season with 17 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds. Jared Rhoden contributed 23 points, and Scottie Barnes added 17 points and 11 rebounds, as the Raptors secured their ninth consecutive home win against the Hornets, matching their largest victory margin of the season. Despite strong performances from Nick Smith Jr. and Jusuf Nurkic, who scored 28 and 26 points respectively, the Hornets suffered their fifth consecutive loss and continued their road losing streak. Notably, Taj Gibson played in his 1,000th NBA game. Toronto's bench was particularly productive, outscoring Charlotte's bench by 44 points. Both teams are set to play again on Friday with the Hornets facing Boston and the Raptors visiting Dallas.
Dallas Mavericks 97 - 112 Los Angeles Lakers
Luka Doncic scored 45 points against his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 112-97 victory and securing a playoff spot. Doncic, who was traded to the Lakers two months prior, matched his season-high in points and added eight rebounds, six assists, and four steals. LeBron James played a crucial role in the win, scoring 13 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter, including a pivotal three-point play that broke an 87-all tie. James moved past Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become second in career regular-season games played, with only Robert Parrish ahead of him. The Mavericks, led by Naji Marshall's 23 points, are set for a losing season but remain in contention for the play-in tournament. Both the Lakers and Mavericks will conclude their regular-season home games on Friday.
Chicago Bulls 119 - 111 Miami Heat
Josh Giddey shone with a commanding triple-double performance, tallying 28 points, 16 rebounds, and 11 assists, as the Chicago Bulls defeated the Miami Heat 119-111. This victory carried significant playoff seeding consequences, positioning the Bulls in the ninth spot in the Eastern Conference, now a game ahead of Miami and just half a game behind Atlanta for the eighth seed. The win marked a season sweep against Miami and further highlighted Chicago's late-season surge, with eight victories in their last 11 games. Nikole Vucevic, Kevin Huerter, Coby White, and rookie Matas Buzelis also made notable contributions. Despite Tyler Herro's 30-point effort and the return of Andrew Wiggins to Miami's lineup, the Heat couldn't overcome Chicago's well-rounded attack. This game emphasized Giddey's growing impact, with his seven triple-doubles this season ranking second only to Michael Jordan's 15 in Bulls history. Looking ahead, the Heat will play in New Orleans while the Bulls finish their regular season at home against Washington.
Utah Jazz 133 - 126 Portland Trail Blazers
The Utah Jazz ended a nine-game losing streak with a 133-126 overtime win against the Portland Trail Blazers in Salt Lake City. Kyle Filipowski was instrumental in the victory, scoring 30 points, including a pivotal dunk that sent the game into overtime, and securing 18 rebounds. Brice Sensabaugh contributed 22 points, while Keyonte George added 18, with eight in overtime. Shaedon Sharpe led Portland with 37 points but faltered in crucial moments, missing three free throws in the final minute of regulation. Both teams were missing key players due to injuries or illness, with the Jazz missing nine players, including John Collins and Lauri Markkanen, and the Blazers without Anfernee Simons and Deni Avdija. Despite both teams being out of playoff contention, the game was marked by competitive spirit as the Jazz aim to avoid the league's worst record. The victory brings them level with Washington for the league's worst record at 17-63. The Jazz and Trail Blazers finished their season series tied at 2-2, with the Jazz dominating the boards, outrebounding Portland 56-42.
Golden State Warriors 111 - 114 San Antonio Spurs
In a significant win for the Golden State Warriors, Harrison Barnes hit a game-winning three-point shot that complemented his 24-point performance, as the Warriors defeated the San Antonio Spurs 133-95. This victory came amid a challenging stretch of nine games in 18 days, where Golden State managed a commendable 6-3 record, positioning themselves in a four-way tie for fourth place in the Western Conference as they aim for playoff positioning. With the schedule softening ahead, including games against lottery-bound teams like the Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers, coach Steve Kerr took advantage of the situation by keeping key players' minutes low and involving bench players more. Meanwhile, Chris Paul, who previously played for the Warriors, contributed nine points in his quest to play all 82 games this season, illustrating his dedication to the sport despite contemplating his future in basketball. The Spurs, on the other hand, are heading towards the draft lottery, almost ensuring their eighth-worst record in the league after their eighth loss in nine games, despite competitive performances against teams like the Los Angeles Clippers.
Phoenix Suns 112 - 125 Oklahoma City Thunder
In a crucial showdown, the Phoenix Suns faced off against the Oklahoma City Thunder with their postseason hopes hanging by a thread, trailing the Dallas Mavericks by three games for the final play-in spot in the Western Conference. The Suns, desperate to break a seven-game losing streak, were reeling from a demoralizing 133-95 defeat to the Golden State Warriors, their longest losing stretch since December 2019. Phoenix was struggling without Kevin Durant, sidelined with an ankle injury, and was on the brink of missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020. On the other end, the Thunder, with a 65-14 record, were gearing up for the postseason, having secured the top seed in the conference following a 136-120 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault emphasized the importance of recent challenging games to prepare his young team for playoff intensity. Notably, Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a leading MVP contender, highlighted the significance of building strong habits for playoff success. The Thunder had already triumphed over the Suns twice this season, the last being a commanding 140-109 win in February.
Sacramento Kings 116 - 124 Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets snapped a four-game losing streak under interim coach David Adelman following the dramatic removal of head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth. As the team battles for playoff positioning in the tight Western Conference, they faced further challenges with key player Jamal Murray sidelined. Amidst this uncertainty, Nikola Jokic continues his pursuit of a fourth MVP award, boasting impressive stats and historical performances. Meanwhile, the Sacramento Kings aim to capitalize on the Nuggets' turmoil, bolstered by Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan's strong recent performances, although they face their own issues with Malik Monk's injury. The Kings recently acquired LaVine in a trade that significantly changed their lineup dynamics.
LA Clippers 134 - 117 Houston Rockets
The Los Angeles Clippers extended their winning streak to six games with a 122-117 victory over the short-handed San Antonio Spurs, boosting their chances to secure home-court advantage in the playoffs. Ivica Zubac's standout performance, with 24 points, 20 rebounds, and five assists, placed him alongside Elton Brand in Clippers history for achieving such a feat in the last 40 years. The win entrenched the Clippers in the Western Conference's No. 4 spot, fortified by a key third-quarter 37-26 run, despite playing without Kawhi Leonard, who was resting. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets, secure in their No. 2 spot after the Lakers' loss, are gearing up to face the Clippers. They arrive fresh off a demanding 106-96 win over the Golden State Warriors, where Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green excelled, and Amen Thompson effectively guarded Stephen Curry. The Warriors' loss was highlighted by a brief but heated exchange between Rockets coach Ime Udoka and Curry, illustrating the intensity of the matchup, which hints at a possible first-round playoff confrontation.