12.04.2025
Detroit Pistons 119 - 125 Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks secured the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs with a 125-119 victory over the Detroit Pistons, highlighted by Giannis Antetokounmpo's impressive 32-point, 15-assist, and 11-rebound performance. This win sets up a first-round rematch with the Indiana Pacers, who eliminated them last season. Despite missing last year's playoffs due to a calf injury, Antetokounmpo has been dominant, recording a career-high 11 triple-doubles this season. Meanwhile, the Pistons made a remarkable turnaround by adding 30 wins to their previous season's low, earning their first playoff berth since 2019 as the sixth seed. Cade Cunningham showcased his talent with 36 points for Detroit, who will go up against the third-seeded New York Knicks. The game also saw notable contributions from Bobby Portis Jr., Malik Beasley, and Jalen Duren among others. The Bucks and Pistons will conclude the regular season in Milwaukee, with both teams looking ahead to their playoff matchups.
Indiana Pacers 115 - 129 Orlando Magic
In a game of benched starters, the Orlando Magic cruised past the Indiana Pacers 129-115, powered by Trevelin Queen's career-high 25 points and Anthony Black's impressive 21-point, six-rebound, and seven-assist performance. The Magic secured their fifth consecutive win after already clinching a spot in the play-in tournament. Notably, Orlando's explosive 17-4 run early in the second quarter, followed by a 14-0 surge, broke the game open as they shot a season-best 57.6% from the field. Indiana, having rested all its starters, saw their six-game winning streak end, locking them into the No. 4 seed for a playoff rematch against the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite an off-kilter night for the Pacers, Bennedict Mathurin's 20 points and eight rebounds stood out as Indiana struggled to find rhythm offensively under Coach Rick Carlisle's atypical rotations. Both teams witnessed eight players scoring in double figures, but it was Orlando who executed a perfect plan, emphasizing the impact of their bench players in the win.
Philadelphia 76ers 110 - 124 Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks secured the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference play-in tournament by defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 124-110. Trae Young was instrumental, hitting six 3-pointers and achieving a double-double with 36 points and 11 assists. Caris LeVert also contributed significantly with 31 points, while Mouhamed Gueye grabbed a career-high 18 rebounds. Noteworthy performances included Georges Niang scoring 16 points and Dyson Daniels amassing 10 rebounds, eight points, eight assists, three steals, and two blocks. With 229 steals, Daniels reached a milestone surpassing all players since Gary Payton's 231 in the 1995-96 season. Jared Butler led the 76ers with 25 points and seven assists, and Marcus Bagley impressed with career highs of 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists, hitting four 3-pointers in the first half. The victory was crucial for Atlanta as it strengthened their position against Chicago and Miami. Meanwhile, the 76ers, despite their loss, secured the fifth-best odds for the NBA draft lottery.
Boston Celtics 130 - 94 Charlotte Hornets
The Boston Celtics secured their 60th win of the season by defeating the Charlotte Hornets 130-94, with Payton Pritchard and Sam Hauser leading the charge with 22 and 20 points respectively. Derrick White added 19 points, while Jayson Tatum and Al Horford contributed significantly in rebounds and assists, emphasizing Boston's depth despite resting starters in the final quarter. Jaylen Brown's absence due to a sore knee could impact the Celtics' playoff aspirations, as he missed the game threshold for postseason awards. Meanwhile, the Hornets, enduring a challenging season, were led by Seth Curry's 17 points, which may make him the NBA's 3-point percentage leader. Notably, Tatum completed a four-point play in the third quarter, helping Boston extend a slim halftime lead. The Celtics, who recently set the league record for three-pointers in a season, have achieved 60 wins for the 15th time in franchise history and are aiming to defend their championship title.
New York Knicks 102 - 108 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers completed a season sweep over the New York Knicks with a thrilling 108-102 victory, despite missing All-Star Donovan Mitchell and key reserves. Darius Garland led the charge with 13 of his 26 points coming in the decisive fourth quarter, overturning a 23-point deficit. This game solidified the Knicks' struggles against top Eastern Conference teams, as they finished 0-8 against the Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics, who also swept them. Jalen Brunson's 27 points weren't enough for a Knicks team that rested key player Karl-Anthony Towns but otherwise had their regular lineup. The Knicks secured the No. 3 seed, unable to surpass the Indiana Pacers after their loss to Orlando, while the Cavaliers are riding high with a strong finish at Madison Square Garden, holding a 16-4 record in their last 20 regular season games there. The Cavaliers are preparing for a playoff run as Mitchell is expected to return, while the Knicks are set to face Detroit in the playoffs, acknowledging their challenges ahead.
Chicago Bulls 119 - 89 Washington Wizards
The Chicago Bulls secured the No. 9 seed in the Eastern Conference with a commanding 119-89 victory over the Washington Wizards. Julian Phillips led the Bulls with a career-high 23 points, while Nikola Vucevic contributed an impressive stat line of 15 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists. Matas Buzelis and Coby White added 20 and 16 points respectively, with White also grabbing nine rebounds. The win was Chicago's fifth in their last six games, and they will face the 10th-place Miami Heat in a do-or-die play-in game. Meanwhile, the Wizards, enduring an NBA-worst season, suffered another heavy loss, marking the eighth time they've been defeated by at least 30 points. Despite missing guard Josh Giddey due to a hand injury, the Bulls excelled from the free-throw line, making 20 of 22 attempts, and never looked back after taking the lead early in the second quarter. The Bulls look to build momentum as they face the Philadelphia 76ers in their final regular season game, while the Wizards wrap up their season against the Heat.
New Orleans Pelicans 104 - 153 Miami Heat
The Miami Heat delivered a dominating performance against the New Orleans Pelicans, winning 153-104, marking the Pelicans' most lopsided regular-season loss in their franchise history. Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 23 points and 12 rebounds in just 22 minutes, while Tyler Herro and Duncan Robinson added 22 and 21 points, respectively, with Herro's 3-pointer sparking a key 10-0 run. Despite their victory, the Heat secured the 10th seed for the Eastern Conference postseason and will face Chicago in the play-in game. Impressively, ten Miami players scored at least 10 points, tying an NBA record not achieved since 1994. The Pelicans, struggling with injuries, fielded only eight players, resulting in their sixth consecutive loss. The Heat outshot New Orleans significantly and dominated in the paint, ending with both teams set to conclude their regular-season games on Sunday.
Dallas Mavericks 124 - 102 Toronto Raptors
Anthony Davis delivered a stellar performance with 23 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists, and a season-high seven blocks, achieving his fourth career triple-double as the Dallas Mavericks triumphed over the Toronto Raptors 124-102. This victory snapped a three-game losing streak for the Mavericks and secured their spot in the Western Conference play-in elimination game against Sacramento. Key contributions came from reserves Max Christie and Brandon Williams, both scoring 17 points, as Dallas decisively outscored Toronto 31-13 in the pivotal second quarter, highlighted by a 16-0 run. Despite notable efforts from Scottie Barnes and Ochai Agbaji, who matched a career high with six 3-pointers, the Raptors struggled with a depleted lineup and poor shooting. Dallas capitalized on Toronto’s struggles, leading by as many as 38 points, and shooting 65% in the decisive quarter while the Raptors floundered at a mere 19.4%. Williams, having just signed a multi-year contract, rejoined the lineup and Dereck Lively II's alley-oop dunk from Davis helped cement the victory. The Mavericks will conclude the regular season against Memphis, while Toronto faces San Antonio next.
Minnesota Timberwolves 117 - 91 Brooklyn Nets
Rudy Gobert powered the Minnesota Timberwolves to a decisive 117-91 victory over the Brooklyn Nets, tying his career high with 35 points and securing 11 rebounds. This win puts the Timberwolves closer to avoiding the play-in games by finishing in the top six of the Western Conference. Julius Randle contributed 21 points to the Timberwolves' effort, which was overshadowed by Anthony Edwards' struggles; he scored only nine points and incurred his 18th technical foul, guaranteeing him a suspension for the crucial next game. The Nets, who are poised to end the season with their worst record in eight years, fielded a rookie-laden lineup, with Keon Johnson leading their scoring at 20 points. Missing key players Nic Claxton and Ziaire Williams, Brooklyn couldn't contain Gobert in the paint, as he capitalized on the open space. The Timberwolves' strong performance puts them in a favorable position to clinch a better playoff seed, while Brooklyn aims to conclude their season positively against New York.
Denver Nuggets 117 - 109 Memphis Grizzlies
In a significant NBA matchup, the Denver Nuggets secured a crucial 117-109 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, highlighted by Nikola Jokic making history as the third player ever to average a triple-double for an entire season, matching the feats of Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson. Jokic contributed 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists, clinching his 34th triple-double of the season. Jamal Murray returned from a six-game absence and made key contributions with 15 points, while Aaron Gordon topped Denver's scoring with 33 points. Despite a slow offensive start, Denver overcame a 15-point first-half deficit, finishing on a dominant 14-1 run. Desmond Bane and Ja Morant led Memphis with 24 and 21 points, respectively. The Nuggets' win bolstered their chances for home-court advantage in the playoffs with a 49-32 record, while the Grizzlies fell to 47-34. Both teams will continue their campaigns on Sunday, with Memphis hosting Dallas and Denver visiting Houston.
Utah Jazz 111 - 145 Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder's reserves, led by Aaron Wiggins' 35 points and Isaiah Joe's 32 points with a career-high 10 three-pointers, powered their team to a dominant 145-111 win over the struggling Utah Jazz. Jaylin Williams contributed a triple-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking the Thunder's 31st road victory this season, second only to Boston. The Jazz, who have now lost 20 of their last 22 games, were paced by Svi Mykhailiuk's career-high 27 points and Brice Sensabaugh's 25 points. After a brief 10-2 run narrowed the deficit to 48-44 in the second quarter, the Thunder's sharp perimeter shooting—hitting 13 three-pointers for a 45% success rate in the first half—helped them secure a comfortable lead. Joe, rebounding from a recent shooting slump, sealed the first half with a buzzer-beating three-pointer, part of their season-high 46-point first quarter. Despite missing top scorer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder maintained control, leading by 26 in the third quarter. Both teams are set to play their next games on Sunday.
Phoenix Suns 117 - 98 San Antonio Spurs
The Phoenix Suns snapped their eight-game losing streak with a 117-98 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in their home finale. Ryan Dunn led the Suns with 26 points, while Bradley Beal contributed 21, helping Phoenix recover from a sluggish start despite missing key players Kevin Durant and Nick Richards. The Suns turned the game around with a decisive 21-3 run, taking control and leading by 28 points after three quarters, allowing Beal and Devin Booker, who scored 18 points, to rest in the fourth quarter. Despite recent struggles and being eliminated from playoff contention, the win provided Suns fans with a positive note in a season that began with optimism but faltered. The Spurs, led by Julian Champagnie's 23 points, started strong but faltered defensively, while the Suns showcased their shooting prowess with 19 three-pointers. The season finale for both teams will see the Spurs hosting Toronto and the Suns visiting Sacramento.
Portland Trail Blazers 86 - 103 Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are in playoff mode as they prepare for a crucial regular-season game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite a tough 114-111 loss to the San Antonio Spurs on a last-second 3-pointer by former Warrior Harrison Barnes, the Warriors remain in the hunt for a higher playoff seed. They've clinched a playoff spot and could finish as high as fourth in the Western Conference. Since acquiring Jimmy Butler, who scored 28 points against the Spurs, the Warriors have had a 23-8 record. Stephen Curry also shone, scoring 30 points against San Antonio. Historically, Golden State has dominated Portland, having won their last eight meetings and 12 of the last 13. In contrast, the Trail Blazers, who are out of playoff contention, have struggled with injuries but have seen individual growth, such as Shaedon Sharpe's career-high 37 points in a recent game. Portland coach Chauncey Billups emphasized learning from the close losses and addressing issues such as turnovers and free-throw shooting. Despite their current record, it's been a season of growth for the young Blazers squad.
Sacramento Kings 100 - 101 LA Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers extended their winning streak to six games with a commanding 134-117 victory over the Houston Rockets, bolstered by Ivica Zubac's first career triple-double and Kawhi Leonard's impressive scoring run. This victory accentuates their late-season momentum, as the Clippers have won 13 of their last 15 games and are edging towards securing a top seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Despite missing Norman Powell, who is expected back soon, the Clippers continue their Northern California road trip against the Sacramento Kings. The Kings, on the other hand, saw their three-game winning streak end with a 124-116 loss to the Denver Nuggets, despite Zach LaVine's 27 points and a strong scoring performance by their backcourt. As they aim to solidify their position for the play-in tournament, Sacramento is buoyed by LaVine finding his rhythm following his mid-season trade. Both teams are striving to maintain momentum as the season concludes.
Los Angeles Lakers 140 - 109 Houston Rockets
The Los Angeles Lakers secured their playoff spot with a decisive 112-97 win over the Dallas Mavericks, as they aim to clinch the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference. Currently holding a 49-31 record, they are closely trailed by teams like the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Clippers, both at 48-32. Lakers coach JJ Redick emphasized the achievement given the competitiveness in the West this year. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets, having already secured the No. 2 seed, rested key players in their recent 134-117 loss to the Clippers. Rookie Reed Sheppard shone with a career-best six 3-pointers and 20 points, earning praises from his teammates. In a notable personal triumph, Jalen Green aims to complete all 82 games for the second season in a row, a feat last achieved by Luis Scola over a decade ago. The Lakers and Rockets have split their previous matchups this season, with Luka Doncic playing a pivotal role in Los Angeles' victory. Doncic's first game back in Dallas since his February trade was marked with a 45-point performance and an emotional homecoming, garnering a warm reception from Mavericks fans.