03.11.2025
Oklahoma City Thunder 137 - 106 New Orleans Pelicans
The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their perfect start to the season with a dominant 137-106 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, extending their record to 7-0. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led OKC with 30 points and seven assists, hitting all 13 of his free throws, and played only three quarters. Despite missing three starters from last season's championship team, including Lu Dort and Chet Holmgren, the Thunder thrived offensively, shooting 56% from the field and making an impressive 41.7% of their 3-pointers, a notable feat for a team ranked last in the league in 3-point percentage. Isaiah Hartenstein contributed a solid performance with 14 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists, while Jaylin Williams tied a career-high with four 3-pointers by halftime. The Thunder amassed an overwhelming 36-point lead by the fourth quarter, maintaining their dominance with eight players scoring in double figures. This win marks their 11th consecutive victory against the Pelicans, who remained winless at 0-6, despite a strong showing from Zion Williamson and rookie Jeremiah Fears. Oklahoma City became only the third team in NBA history to start 7-0 in consecutive seasons, matching both the Boston Celtics (1963-65) and Houston Rockets (1993-95).
Brooklyn Nets 105 - 129 Philadelphia 76ers
On Sunday night, the Philadelphia 76ers maintained their impressive early-season form with a commanding 129-105 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Kelly Oubre Jr. was a standout performer, scoring 29 points, including 22 in the first quarter, before leaving in the third quarter with an ankle injury. Despite being cleared to return, he did not re-enter the game. Tyrese Maxey contributed 26 points, and Quentin Grimes added 22 off the bench, while VJ Edgecombe scored 16. Notably, the 76ers achieved this convincing win without their All-Star center, Joel Embiid, who was resting his left knee. Philadelphia shot 52% from the field and built a lead as large as 28 points, showcasing their depth and resilience. Cam Thomas led the Nets with 29 points, but the team fell to 0-6, marking their worst start since the 2015-16 season. The 76ers will continue their road trip in Chicago, while the Nets host Minnesota next.
Charlotte Hornets 126 - 103 Utah Jazz
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Utah Jazz with a decisive 126-103 victory, snapping a three-game losing streak. Miles Bridges led the way with 29 points, while rookie Kon Knueppel found his rhythm, scoring a career-high 24 points and making 4 of 9 three-point attempts. High-energy play from backup center Moussa Diabate, who posted 17 points and 12 rebounds, and Sion James, who hit a career-high 15 points, further powered the Hornets. Despite missing key players Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball, Charlotte surged ahead early, leading 39-25 in the first quarter and never relinquishing control. Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George scored 29 and 25 points respectively for the Jazz, who have now lost three straight games. The Hornets, who started three rookies, were especially strong from beyond the arc, collectively making 18 three-pointers compared to the Jazz's 4 in the first half. Knueppel, the No. 4 overall pick, received a standing ovation as he left the game, solidifying his comeback performance after cooling off in recent games.
Cleveland Cavaliers 117 - 109 Atlanta Hawks
In a thrilling game, Donovan Mitchell led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 117-109 victory over the Atlanta Hawks by scoring a season-high 37 points, including eight 3-pointers, in his return after missing a previous game due to hamstring tightness. In his 200th game for the Cavs, Mitchell showcased his sharpshooting prowess, particularly in the second half where he netted 24 points. Cleveland's Jalen Tyson added a career-high five 3-pointers, while Atlanta was without their star guard Trae Young, who is sidelined for at least a month with a knee injury. Despite being shorthanded, missing key players like Jarrett Allen and Darius Garland, the Cavaliers maintained control in the fourth quarter, with Evan Mobley's crucial late 3-pointer helping to seal the win. The Hawks, playing their fourth consecutive road game, couldn't overcome the deficit despite Jalen Johnson's 23-point performance. Both teams now look ahead to their upcoming home games against the Orlando Magic and Philadelphia 76ers, respectively.
Toronto Raptors 117 - 104 Memphis Grizzlies
The Toronto Raptors secured their first back-to-back wins of the season by defeating the shorthanded Memphis Grizzlies 117-104, led by impressive performances from RJ Barrett with 27 points and Brandon Ingram with 26. Scottie Barnes contributed a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds, alongside 8 assists and 5 blocks, while rookie Collin Murray-Boyles added 15 points. Memphis struggled without star player Ja Morant, who was suspended for conduct detrimental to the team, and despite Jaren Jackson Jr.'s 20-point effort, the Grizzlies experienced consecutive losses for the first time this season. Toronto capitalized on fast break opportunities, outscoring Memphis 25-11 in that category, and built a solid lead by the end of the third quarter. Both teams had challenges with three-point shooting, with Toronto going 11 for 37 and Memphis 11 for 35. Toronto will face Milwaukee next, while Memphis is set to host Detroit.
New York Knicks 128 - 116 Chicago Bulls
In an impressive display of shooting, the New York Knicks defeated the previously unbeaten Chicago Bulls 128-116, ending a three-game losing streak. Jalen Brunson led the charge with 31 points, and the Knicks scored a season-high in points, narrowly avoiding their first four-game losing streak since 2024. Karl-Anthony Towns contributed significantly with a double-double, earning 20 points and 15 rebounds, while Josh Hart added 14 points and nine rebounds. Despite entering the game as the NBA's leaders in defensive 3-point percentage, the Bulls couldn't contain New York's long-range proficiency, as the Knicks hit 20 of 42 three-pointers, including a sizzling 61.9% in the first half. Chicago’s Josh Giddey recorded a triple-double with 23 points, 12 assists, and 12 rebounds, but it wasn't enough to prevent their first loss of the season. The game also highlighted New York's bench support, which provided 46 points, a marked improvement from their recent performances. The Knicks capitalized on a strong third quarter to build a substantial lead, with Chicago struggling to catch up.
Phoenix Suns 130 - 118 San Antonio Spurs
In a high-scoring clash, the Phoenix Suns defeated the San Antonio Spurs 130-118, marking the Spurs' first loss of the season. Devin Booker led the Suns with 28 points and 13 assists while shooting an impressive 10 of 15 from the field. Grayson Allen and Ryan Dunn each contributed 17 points, and the Suns' bench added 50 points, notably with Collin Gillespie scoring 15. Phoenix demonstrated sharp shooting, making 14 of their first 20 3-pointers and holding a commanding 31-point lead in the third quarter. Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs had an off night, scoring just nine points on 4-of-14 shooting, marking the first time he was held to under 10 points since October 2024. The Suns secured their first consecutive wins of the season, despite missing key players Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks. Meanwhile, Spurs’ Stephon Castle led his team with 26 points, and Keldon Johnson added 19 off the bench. The game highlighted the Suns' offensive prowess and the end of the Spurs' unbeaten run.
Los Angeles Lakers 130 - 120 Miami Heat
In a thrilling matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a 117-112 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, bolstered by Luka Doncic’s remarkable 44-point performance upon his return from injury. Doncic became just the second player in NBA history, alongside Wilt Chamberlain, to score at least 40 points in each of his first three games of a season. Even without LeBron James, yet to play due to sciatica, the Lakers rallied from a 69-55 halftime deficit. Austin Reaves has been a key contributor, averaging 32.0 points through six games and hitting a game-winning buzzer-beater against the Timberwolves. Although the Miami Heat struggled with injuries, missing key players like Tyler Herro and Kasparas Jakucionis, they put up a commendable fight in their 107-101 loss to the Spurs. Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 31 points and 10 rebounds, and the team nearly overcame a late-game deficit before the Spurs’ decisive run. While the Heat’s scoring fell short of their season average, head coach Eric Spoelstra emphasized resilience and competitive spirit. The game served as a precursor to a challenging matchup against the Lakers in Los Angeles.