25.10.2025
New York Knicks 105 - 95 Boston Celtics
Jalen Brunson's impressive 31-point performance led the New York Knicks to a 105-95 victory over the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden, giving them a 2-0 start to the season. The Knicks capitalized on a dominant second quarter, outscoring Boston 42-14 and securing a 64-44 halftime lead. Despite a shaky third quarter that allowed the Celtics to narrow the gap, Brunson's timely scoring helped the Knicks regain control. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 26 points and 13 rebounds, while Josh Hart made a notable season debut with 14 rebounds in just 19 minutes. Meanwhile, Jaylen Brown scored 23 points on his birthday for the Celtics, who suffered their second consecutive loss, highlighting their defensive struggles evident in previous games. The game also saw OG Anunoby exit due to a knee or upper thigh injury. The Knicks built momentum with crucial runs in the second quarter, including a pivotal 11-0 surge.
Los Angeles Lakers 128 - 110 Minnesota Timberwolves
In a game that revisited last season's playoff series, the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Los Angeles Lakers 118-114, showcasing a standout performance from Anthony Edwards who, despite back spasms, scored 41 points and made a crucial 3-pointer near the end. This victory came after Minnesota advanced to the Western Conference finals last season, while the Lakers struggled without LeBron James due to a sciatica injury. The absence of James and Maxi Kleber left the Lakers reliant on Austin Reaves, who delivered 26 points, but with Luka Doncic stepping up with 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists before facing a minor injury concern. However, he downplayed its severity. Los Angeles struggled with 3-point shooting and free throws, converting only 25% from range and 60.7% from the line. Adding to their woes, the Lakers couldn’t overcome an 18-4 scoring run by Golden State in the third quarter, highlighting a recurring issue they face after halftime, as noted by head coach JJ Redick.
Orlando Magic 107 - 111 Atlanta Hawks
In a tight contest, the Atlanta Hawks secured a 111-107 victory over the Orlando Magic, with Trae Young scoring six of his 25 points in the final 46 seconds to seal the win. The Magic had initially led by 12 points early in the fourth quarter but faltered with a 7-for-21 shooting performance in the final period. Franz Wagner led all scorers with 27 points for Orlando. Notably, the Hawks played without key players Zaccharie Risacher, due to injury, and Kristaps Porzingis, who was ill. Despite this, Nikeil Alexander-Walker and Onyeka Okongwu contributed significantly, with 19 and 17 points respectively. The Hawks overcame a late-game deficit with a 15-0 run and held off Orlando, who struggled from the three-point line, making only 28.1% of their attempts overall. Young's composure at the foul line in the last 21 seconds proved decisive, helping Atlanta maintain their lead after two ties in the final minute.
Brooklyn Nets 124 - 131 Cleveland Cavaliers
In a thrilling contest, Donovan Mitchell led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 131-124 victory over the Brooklyn Nets with an impressive 35-point performance. The Cavaliers, who secured their first win after a previous loss to the Knicks, saw strong contributions from Jarrett Allen with 22 points and Sam Merrill matching with another 22, while Evan Mobley added 13 points. Despite Cleveland's commanding 25-point lead in the third quarter, the Nets mounted a fierce comeback, led by Cam Thomas and Michael Porter Jr., who scored 33 and 31 points respectively. Key moments included a brief court invasion by a fan, and a dramatic 3-pointer by Brooklyn's rookie Egor Demin that narrowed the gap to one point with just under four minutes left. However, the Cavaliers capitalized on missed chances by the Nets, ultimately pulling away to secure the victory. Cleveland's shooting was notably efficient, hitting 44 of 82 shots from the field, with a particularly hot hand from beyond the arc in the third quarter.
Toronto Raptors 116 - 122 Milwaukee Bucks
In a thrilling game, Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Milwaukee Bucks to a 122-116 victory over the Toronto Raptors with a commanding performance, posting 31 points and 20 rebounds. Milwaukee managed to pull away in the fourth quarter, outscoring Toronto 36-30, aided by Cole Anthony, who contributed nine of his 23 points in the decisive period. Antetokounmpo's dominance in the paint was evident as he hit 11 of 14 shots, mostly inside, where his strength and speed were too much for Toronto's defense. Despite Brandon Ingram scoring 29 points and RJ Barrett adding 20 for the Raptors, the Bucks secured their second consecutive win to open the season. Notably, Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma exited early in the fourth quarter due to a sprained left ankle, adding a concern for Milwaukee as they prepare to face Cleveland next.
Houston Rockets 111 - 115 Detroit Pistons
In a thrilling matchup, the Detroit Pistons edged out the Houston Rockets 115-111, with Cade Cunningham scoring 21 points, including two crucial free throws with 5.5 seconds remaining. The victory marked Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff's milestone 300th career win, making him and his father Bernie the first father-son duo in NBA history to each achieve 300 career wins. Despite Kevin Durant's impressive 37-point performance for the Rockets, including a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc, Detroit managed to secure their first win of the season. The game featured a brotherly showdown as Detroit's Ausar Thompson outscored his twin, Houston's Amen Thompson, 19 to 10. The Pistons built a lead with a late 6-0 run after Durant had kept Houston in contention, but Cunningham's late free throws sealed the victory after a series of missed opportunities by both teams.
Memphis Grizzlies 114 - 146 Miami Heat
The Miami Heat cruised to a commanding 146-114 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, marking their first win of the season amidst the controversy of guard Terry Rozier's arrest on gambling-related charges. Bam Adebayo led Miami with 24 points, while Nikola Jovic contributed 20 points and Jaime Jaquez Jr. added a versatile performance with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists. Despite the absence of Rozier, whose gambling accusations have put both him and Portland coach Chauncey Billups on leave, the Heat dominated early, establishing a double-digit lead with a 17-point streak in the first quarter and shooting 65% by halftime. Memphis struggled as Ja Morant scored only 12 points following his strong opening performance against New Orleans. Jaren Jackson Jr. was Memphis' top performer with 19 points as Miami held an 86-47 advantage at the break, ensuring the game never felt competitive. The victory sets the stage for Miami's home opener against New York, while Memphis prepares to host Indiana.
New Orleans Pelicans 116 - 120 San Antonio Spurs
In a thrilling overtime clash, Victor Wembanyama led the San Antonio Spurs to a 120-116 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, amassing 29 points, 11 rebounds, and an impressive nine blocks before fouling out. Despite Zion Williamson's 27 points and 10 rebounds, and a critical free throw to tie the game at the end of regulation, the Pelicans couldn't capitalize after he missed a subsequent go-ahead attempt. The Spurs dominated in extra time, with Devin Vassell and Julian Champagnie hitting crucial 3-pointers to secure the lead. Luke Kornet contributed with a double-double, aiding San Antonio's 20 offensive rebounds and a significant 26 second-chance points. Both teams showcased strong rookie performances, but it was Wembanyama’s impactful plays, including a vital dunk and block in overtime, that carved out the Spurs' narrow victory in this nail-biting contest.
Dallas Mavericks 107 - 117 Washington Wizards
In a thrilling game, Kyshawn George led the Washington Wizards to a 117-107 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, scoring a career-high 34 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Despite a strong second-half comeback from Dallas, fueled by rookie Cooper Flagg's nine consecutive fourth-quarter points, the Mavericks couldn't overcome their turnover issues. Flagg, who had his first career 3-pointer and dunk in the game, finished with 18 points and five turnovers. Anthony Davis, struggling with his shooting, led Dallas with 27 points and 13 rebounds but missed crucial free throws and committed costly turnovers. Rookie Tre Johnson contributed 17 points for the Mavericks. The loss dropped Dallas to 0-2, as they continue their five-game homestand against Toronto, while the Wizards prepare for their home opener against Charlotte.
Portland Trail Blazers 139 - 119 Golden State Warriors
The Portland Trail Blazers faced significant challenges both on and off the court this week as they geared up to host the Golden State Warriors. After losing their season opener against the Minnesota Timberwolves 118-114, amid a fourth-quarter slump where they shot only 21.1%, they were further disrupted by the legal troubles of head coach Chauncey Billups. Billups was placed on leave after being charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering, leading Tiago Splitter to become the first Brazilian to serve as an NBA head coach. Despite these upheavals, Portland could take solace in the performance of Jerami Grant, who scored 29 points off the bench. Meanwhile, the Warriors extended their streak against the Blazers to nine consecutive wins, following a thrilling 137-131 overtime victory over the Denver Nuggets, where Stephen Curry dazzled with 42 points, including 35 after halftime. As the Warriors aim for a strong start to the season, they also anticipate the return of Moses Moody while Al Horford will rest against Portland. Curry underscored the importance of maintaining momentum as they prepare for a demanding Western Conference schedule.
Sacramento Kings 105 - 104 Utah Jazz
The Utah Jazz brought momentum into their game against the Sacramento Kings after a surprising and dominant 129-108 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, a stark turnaround from their previous 17-win season. In their win, the Jazz featured remarkable teamwork, posting 38 assists on 48 baskets, with Keyonte George leading the effort with nine assists. The Jazz, who struggled against the Clippers and Kings last season, will face a Sacramento team that blew a 20-point lead in their 120-116 loss to Phoenix. The Kings, dealing with injuries to key players Domantas Sabonis and Keegan Murray, will rely on home-court advantage, a strength emphasized by coach Doug Christie. They began the season featuring new talent, with Dennis Schroder leading the charge alongside free agent additions and holdovers. Meanwhile, the Jazz's notable offseason acquisition, Ace Bailey, played a supportive role in their recent win.
LA Clippers 127 - 99 Phoenix Suns
In their 2025-26 home opener at Intuit Dome, the Los Angeles Clippers are set to face the Phoenix Suns after a disappointing start to the season with a 129-108 loss to the Utah Jazz. The Clippers struggled defensively and offensively in that game, with James Harden contributing 15 points and 11 assists, and new acquisition Bradley Beal scoring only five points against his former team. Coach Tyronn Lue criticized the team's defensive mindset and highlighted offensive spacing issues. Meanwhile, the Suns, who traded Kevin Durant in the offseason, rely on Devin Booker, who led his team to a comeback victory over Sacramento with 31 points. Dillon Brooks, also new to the Suns, added 22 points despite poor 3-point shooting. As these two teams clash, the Clippers will hope to reverse their prior losses to the Suns at home, while the Suns aim to continue their winning momentum with Booker’s impactful performance and Grayson Allen’s strong 3-point shooting.