14.04.2025
Atlanta Hawks 117 - 105 Orlando Magic
In an exciting finale, Keaton Wallace achieved his first career triple-double, recording 15 points, 15 assists, 11 rebounds, and five steals as the Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 117-105. This victory not only gave the Hawks a split in their four-game regular-season series but also built momentum for their upcoming play-in tournament encounter against the same opponent. Wallace made history as Atlanta's first two-way player to notch a triple-double. While most regular starters were rested, Terance Mann contributed 19 points, aiding Atlanta's conclusion of the regular season with three consecutive wins and snapping Orlando's five-game winning streak. With just a few regulars on the court, both teams prepared for their critical play-in match, which will determine who secures the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. Meanwhile, Hawks' Dyson Daniels led the league with 229 steals, the most since Gary Payton's 231 in the 1995-96 season.
Boston Celtics 93 - 86 Charlotte Hornets
In a regular-season finale featuring all reserves, Payton Pritchard shone with 34 points, leading the Boston Celtics to a 93-86 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Boston, which completed its second consecutive 60-win season, overcame squandering a 21-point first-half lead. Sam Hauser contributed 15 points to the win, while Pritchard notably scored 12 in the final quarter. Charlotte's Josh Okogie and Jusuf Nurkic both scored 14 points in the Hornets’ seventh straight loss. Neither team played their regular starters; Boston rested players ahead of their playoff defense next weekend, finishing the season with an NBA-record 1,457 three-pointers. Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown missed the last two games to rest a troublesome knee, and Seth Curry ended his season with the league's top three-point percentage at 45.6%, surpassing Zach LaVine. The Hornets closed out a disappointing season, losing 12 of their final 13 games and not reaching the playoffs since 2016. The Celtics, who had previously benched their top six players in a loss to Orlando, now await their playoff opponent.
Brooklyn Nets 105 - 113 New York Knicks
The New York Knicks defeated the Brooklyn Nets 113-105, with Landry Shamet scoring a season-high 29 points after stepping in for Mikal Bridges just six seconds into the game. Bridges maintained his consecutive games streak at 556 before committing a foul and exiting the match, making it his only appearance as the Knicks' usual starters, including Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, were rested ahead of the playoffs against Detroit. Cam Payne contributed 21 points while Precious Achiuwa added 18, as the Knicks secured their 10th consecutive win over the Nets and ended the season with a 51-31 record. The Nets closed their season at 26-56, with Tyrese Martin and Trendon Watford each scoring 20 points. This win put the Knicks ahead 111-107 in the all-time series as they await their playoff start, while the Nets look forward to the draft lottery.
Cleveland Cavaliers 118 - 126 Indiana Pacers
In an exhilarating finale to the regular season, the Indiana Pacers secured a 126-118 double-overtime victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, overcoming a daunting 23-point deficit with just 7:35 left in regulation. Quenton Jackson led Indiana with 21 points, while RayJ Dennis played a crucial role in the second overtime, scoring seven of his points and helping the Pacers seal the win. Despite missing several key players, Indiana achieved an impressive milestone of 50 wins, a feat last accomplished in the 2013-14 season, and secured the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Tony Bradley's decisive hook shot in double overtime gave Indiana its first lead since the early stages of the game. For Cleveland, Jaylon Tyson scored a career-high 31 points in a game where the team sat most of its regular roster, including four starters. Remarkably, Jarrett Allen became just the third player in NBA history to average at least 13 points while shooting over 70% across a season. The Cavaliers will enter the playoffs as the top seed despite ending the season on a three-game losing streak, awaiting their first-round opponent following the play-in tournament. Meanwhile, Indiana is set to face Milwaukee in the first round with the advantage of home court.
Miami Heat 118 - 119 Washington Wizards
In an exciting finale to the regular season, the Washington Wizards edged out the Miami Heat 119-118 with a dramatic game-winning shot from Bub Carrington as time expired. Carrington, who had an impressive night with 15 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds, made history as the first Wizards rookie to play all 82 games since 1981-82 and joined elite company with Luka Doncic by achieving 300 assists and 100 3-pointers before turning 20. Tristan Vukcevic led the Wizards with 28 points and 11 rebounds, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. delivered a career-high 41 points for Miami. Despite the loss, Miami remains in 10th place in the Eastern Conference and will face Chicago in an elimination game. With the season ending, the Wizards look forward to the NBA draft, where they have a strong chance of securing the first overall pick.
Philadelphia 76ers 102 - 122 Chicago Bulls
In a dominant performance, the Chicago Bulls secured a 122-102 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers as they prepared for the Eastern Conference play-in tournament. Kevin Huerter sparked the Bulls with five 3-pointers, contributing 18 points, while Talen Horton-Tucker added 17 in a game that held little significance for both sides regarding playoff positioning. Despite missing key players, the Bulls rallied with a 37-19 third quarter to overcome a halftime deficit. Looking ahead, they will face the Miami Heat in an elimination game. Meanwhile, the 76ers ended a dismal season, marred by injuries to stars Paul George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey, who played only 15 games together. The Sixers finished with only 24 wins, earning them a promising spot in the NBA draft lottery with a 10.5% chance at the top pick.
Milwaukee Bucks 140 - 133 Detroit Pistons
In a thrilling regular-season finale, Pat Connaughton delivered a career-high 43 points and a season-high 11 rebounds to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 140-133 overtime victory against the Detroit Pistons. The Bucks secured their win with an impressive rally, closing the regular season on an eight-game winning streak despite the absence of stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Cade Cunningham. Kyle Kuzma briefly shone for Milwaukee, netting 22 points in the first quarter, while Tyler Smith and Pete Nance added 20 and 19 points, respectively. Although Malik Beasley led the Pistons with 23 points and recorded a personal best with 319 three-pointers for the season, he fell just one short of the NBA lead, as Minnesota's Anthony Edwards surpassed him with 320. Highlighting further career achievements, several players recorded personal bests, including the Bucks' Jamaree Bouyea and the Pistons' Bobi Klintman, who scored his first NBA points. Both teams eagerly anticipate their first-round playoff matchups, with Milwaukee set to face Indiana and Detroit up against New York.
Houston Rockets 111 - 126 Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets clinched the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference with a decisive 126-111 victory over the Houston Rockets, securing homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Michael Porter Jr. led the Nuggets with 19 points, while Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic each contributed 18. Jokic's performance solidified his status alongside Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson as one of the few players to average a triple-double for the season. This win marks Denver's third consecutive victory under interim coach David Adelman, who stepped in after a recent coaching change. The game was notable as Houston, already locked into the No. 2 seed, rested their starters early and allowed Denver to cruise to an easy win. Despite the loss, Houston ended their regular season with a strong 52-30 record and will face the No. 7 seed in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Nuggets prepare to host the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round.
Memphis Grizzlies 132 - 97 Dallas Mavericks
In a game dominated by bench players due to starters resting for the play-in tournament, the Memphis Grizzlies secured a commanding 132-97 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Lamar Stevens led the Grizzlies with a career-high 31 points, while Marvin Bagley III added 25 points and 11 rebounds. Despite a spirited second-quarter rally by Dallas, Memphis pulled away after halftime, outscoring Dallas 65-43. Notable moments included Yuki Kawamura's impressive assists, showcasing his playmaking skills. In the absence of key players like Ja Morant, the Grizzlies gave their reserves extended playing time, resulting in standout performances from Cam Spencer and Jay Huff. Dallas, led by Daniel Gafford's efficient 20 points, wrapped up the regular season with four losses in their last five games. Both teams are now set to compete in the Western Conference play-in tournament, with Dallas set to face Sacramento and Memphis heading to Golden State.
Minnesota Timberwolves 116 - 105 Utah Jazz
The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 116-105 victory over the Utah Jazz, clinching a top-six seed and avoiding the play-in games for the playoffs. Anthony Edwards delivered a stellar performance with 43 points, including 18 in the crucial third quarter, and also achieved an NBA-leading 320 made three-pointers for the season, surpassing his former teammate Malik Beasley by one make. Rudy Gobert contributed significantly with 19 points and 18 rebounds, while Donte DiVincenzo added 16 points. The Timberwolves, boasting a 17-4 record since March, now sit as the sixth seed in the Western Conference and will face the third-seeded Los Angeles Lakers in the first round. The Jazz, who finished the season with the worst record in the NBA and franchise history at 17-65, can find solace in having the best odds for the top pick in the upcoming draft lottery. A key moment in the game came when Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s backcourt steal led to a fast break, ending with a Gobert dunk and giving Minnesota a 50-49 lead just before halftime.
New Orleans Pelicans 100 - 115 Oklahoma City Thunder
In a game marking the end of their best regular season ever, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 115-100. Rookie Branden Carlson impressed with a season-high 26 points, along with 10 rebounds and three blocks, while Andrew Wiggins led all scorers with 28 points. Despite resting all their regular starters, the Thunder led by as many as 23 points, showcasing their depth as Kenrich Williams contributed 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Dillon Jones added 13 points and 10 rebounds in just his third start. With the victory, Oklahoma City concluded the season with a league-best 68-14 record, securing a strong finish by winning 16 of their last 17 games. For the Pelicans, who ended on a seven-game losing streak and finished with a 21-61 record—their worst since 2004-05—rookie Antonio Reeves led with 20 points. Oklahoma City will open the playoffs at home, while the Pelicans face an offseason likely involving significant changes.
San Antonio Spurs 125 - 118 Toronto Raptors
The San Antonio Spurs orchestrated an impressive comeback from a 22-point deficit to defeat the Toronto Raptors 125-118, with Keldon Johnson scoring 23 points and Stephon Castle contributing 20 alongside eight rebounds and six assists. Scottie Barnes shone for Toronto with 35 points, and Jamison Battle added 25, while Jonathan Mogbo narrowly missed a triple-double. Despite the victory, both teams concluded their seasons outside playoff contention, marking Toronto's third consecutive postseason miss and San Antonio's absence since 2019. Spurs veteran Chris Paul, at 39, joined Michael Jordan and John Stockton as the second-oldest player to participate in all 82 regular-season games. Highlights included Johnson's layups and Blake Wesley's critical steal that tied the game late in the third quarter. The Raptors ended the season 30-52, ranking 11th in the Eastern Conference, and the Spurs finished 34-48, 13th in the Western Conference.
Golden State Warriors 119 - 124 LA Clippers
In a thrilling regular-season finale, the Los Angeles Clippers secured the fifth seed in the Western Conference playoffs by defeating the Golden State Warriors 124-119 in overtime. James Harden was pivotal for the Clippers, scoring 39 points and dishing out 10 assists, including two crucial 3-pointers in overtime. Kawhi Leonard also contributed significantly with 33 points, despite a late missed free throw. For the Warriors, Stephen Curry put up a strong fight with 36 points, hitting a crucial 3-pointer in overtime, but was ultimately unable to secure the win. Buddy Hield had a last chance to tie the game but missed a 3-pointer. Jimmy Butler scored 30 points and facilitated with nine assists. The Warriors, now seeded seventh, are set to face the Memphis Grizzlies in a play-in game. Ivica Zubac's 22 points and 17 rebounds were also key to the Clippers' victory, setting up a first-round playoff matchup against the Denver Nuggets.
Portland Trail Blazers 109 - 81 Los Angeles Lakers
In the final game of the season, the Portland Trail Blazers secured a commanding 109-81 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, who were without stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James. Portland's Dalano Banton led his team with 23 points, while the Lakers' rookie Dalton Knecht scored 27 points. Despite the Lakers having already secured the third seed in the Western Conference, key players like James and Doncic were rested due to minor injuries. Meanwhile, Portland, eliminated from playoff contention for the fourth consecutive year, ended the season with a 36-46 record, outperforming expectations with one of the league's youngest rosters. On the day of the game, Portland announced a multi-year contract extension for coach Chauncey Billups. The Blazers dominated throughout, extending their lead to as much as 33 points and outscoring the Lakers 31-18 in the third quarter. As the Lakers prepare to face the Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs, the Trail Blazers look ahead to the offseason.
Sacramento Kings 109 - 98 Phoenix Suns
The Sacramento Kings secured the No. 9 seed and homecourt advantage for their first play-in game by defeating the Phoenix Suns 109-98. Domantas Sabonis and Jonas Valanciunas both recorded double-doubles, with Sabonis contributing 20 points and 12 rebounds and Valanciunas adding 22 points and 10 rebounds. Zach LaVine chipped in 20 points, helping the Kings end a two-game losing streak. The Suns, who rested their top players and finished their season with a 36-46 record, were led by Grayson Allen's 20 points. Phoenix's longest postseason streak since 2020 ended as they missed out this time. Notably, Sacramento outperformed Phoenix's bench, scoring 50-33, and capitalized on a crucial missed layup by Allen in the fourth quarter. The Kings will now face the Dallas Mavericks in a loser-out play-in game on Wednesday.