20.11.2025
Cleveland Cavaliers 104 - 114 Houston Rockets
The Houston Rockets extended their winning streak to five games with a 114-104 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, driven by Alperen Sengun's impressive 28 points and 11 rebounds. Kevin Durant contributed 20 points, while Aaron Holiday added 14 of his 18 points in the decisive fourth quarter. The Rockets, now 10-1 after losing their first two games, saw notable performances from Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson. The Cavaliers, led by De'Andre Hunter's 25 points and Donovan Mitchell's 21, struggled despite closing a significant gap during a third-quarter surge. Evan Mobley's 18 points were overshadowed by missed free throws, and the Cavaliers fell to 2-2 on their six-game homestand, further hindered by injuries to key players like Darius Garland and Jaylon Tyson. Technical fouls and flagrant fouls marked a tense first half, which saw Houston take a commanding lead that they held throughout the game.
Indiana Pacers 127 - 118 Charlotte Hornets
Bennedict Mathurin's standout performance led the Indiana Pacers to a 127-118 victory over the Charlotte Hornets, ending an eight-game losing streak. Mathurin tallied 24 points and 12 rebounds, contributing significantly to the Pacers' decisive second-quarter surge, where he scored nine of the team's last 11 points, establishing a 70-54 halftime advantage. Despite a tough start to the season due to injuries, with Mathurin making a strong return after a ten-game absence, Indiana showcased depth with six players reaching double digits in scoring. Pascal Siakam added 22 points, while Jay Huff chipped in 20 off the bench. The Pacers shot effectively from three-point range, hitting 16 of 38 attempts. Kon Knueppel was a bright spot for Charlotte with 28 points and five three-pointers, but the Hornets struggled on the road, falling to a 1-7 away record. Upcoming games see the Hornets hosting the L.A. Clippers and the Pacers visiting Cleveland.
Miami Heat 110 - 96 Golden State Warriors
The Miami Heat pulled away in the fourth quarter to secure a 110-96 victory over the depleted Golden State Warriors. Norman Powell led the scoring for Miami with 25 points, while Bam Adebayo, returning from a six-game absence due to a toe injury, added 20 points. The Warriors struggled without their top players, including Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, due to injuries and illness, leaving them with Brandin Podziemski as their lead scorer with 20 points. A critical factor in the Heat's win was their ability to capitalize on the Warriors' 23 turnovers, converting them into 34 points. Both teams struggled with their shooting, combining for a low 38.4% field goal percentage, marking it as one of the least accurate games in the NBA this season. The Heat managed to overcome an early deficit, helped by a strong finish that included a decisive 21-4 run.
Philadelphia 76ers 112 - 121 Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors secured their fifth consecutive victory by overcoming the Philadelphia 76ers 121-112, thanks to strong performances from Brandon Ingram and RJ Barrett, each scoring 22 points. The Raptors surged in the third quarter, outscoring the 76ers 44-28, and were significantly boosted by seven points from Ingram during an 18-7 run that turned the game in their favor. Toronto managed a remarkable turnaround from their poor 3-point shooting in the first half, going 5 for 6 from deep in the pivotal third quarter. Jakob Poeltl added 19 points, and Immanuel Quickley's late-game three-pointers were crucial in maintaining their lead. Despite Tyrese Maxey's 24-point effort, the 76ers struggled without center Joel Embiid, who missed his fourth consecutive game due to knee injury management, along with missing Paul George and Kelly Oubre Jr. The Raptors continue to impress with a 7-3 road record and a strong 9-2 mark against Eastern Conference teams.
Minnesota Timberwolves 120 - 109 Washington Wizards
In a thrilling game, Julius Randle led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 120-109 victory over the Washington Wizards with a standout performance of 32 points and 10 rebounds. Despite the absence of forward Jaden McDaniels, who missed his first game in almost two years due to a sprained wrist, the Timberwolves managed to secure their sixth win in the last seven games. Naz Reid contributed significantly with 28 points off the bench. The Wizards, who have now lost 12 consecutive games, narrowed a 27-point deficit to just five at one point, thanks in part to Kyshawn George's 23 points. However, Minnesota maintained their lead, with Randle's critical plays and a clutch 3-pointer from Donte DiVincenzo sealing the victory. The Wizards' poor performance has led to speculation about coach Brian Keefe's future, amid reports of potential coaching changes following Willie Green's dismissal by the New Orleans Pelicans. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves and the Wizards are set to face the Phoenix Suns and the Toronto Raptors, respectively, in their upcoming games.
New Orleans Pelicans 118 - 125 Denver Nuggets
In an exciting match, the Denver Nuggets defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 125-118, with Nikola Jokic achieving a triple-double of 28 points, 12 assists, and 11 rebounds. The standout performance came from Peyton Watson, who achieved a career-high 32 points, helping Denver secure their eighth win in nine games. Despite Zion Williamson's return to action for the Pelicans after an eight-game absence due to a hamstring injury, contributing 14 points in 29 minutes, New Orleans suffered their seventh consecutive loss and remain winless under interim coach James Borrego. Pelicans rookie center Derik Queen put up an impressive 30 points, causing Jokic some trouble with nine turnovers and eventually fouling him out late in the game. Jonas Valanciunas, a former Pelican, contributed key shots for Denver in the final moments, despite a late push from New Orleans to cut the deficit. The Pelicans started strong, building a significant early lead, but Denver's resilience, highlighted by Watson's scoring surge and Jokic's decisive play, ultimately turned the game in their favor.
Oklahoma City Thunder 113 - 99 Sacramento Kings
The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their impressive start to the season, defeating the Sacramento Kings 113-99 to secure their seventh consecutive win, improving their record to 15-1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 33 points, while Chet Holmgren added 21 and Lu Dort contributed significantly in the second half with 14 points, including 11 in the final quarter. The Thunder's strong performance marked their third victory over the Kings this season, despite Sacramento missing Domantas Sabonis due to knee soreness. The Thunder have been dominant since their sole loss to Portland, winning all subsequent games by double digits, with an average victory margin of 20.3 points. Noteworthy wins during this streak include significant triumphs over the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers. The game also featured the return of former Thunder star Russell Westbrook, who received a warm welcome and delivered a solid performance. Despite Zach LaVine's thrilling shot from beyond half-court at halftime being discounted, the Thunder maintained control throughout, particularly with Gilgeous-Alexander's impactful play late in the third quarter.
Dallas Mavericks 111 - 113 New York Knicks
In a closely contested game, the New York Knicks fell to the Miami Heat 115-113, marking their continued struggle on the road with an 0-4 away record, despite an impressive 8-1 home start. The Knicks, adjusting to injuries with key players Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby sidelined, were led by a season-high 25 points from Miles McBride and 23 points from Mikal Bridges. They struggled defensively, allowing Miami to shoot 40% from the three-point range. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks, plagued by injuries throughout the season, are still without point guard Kyrie Irving and have recently played without Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and Anthony Davis. The Mavericks' struggles were evident in their recent 120-96 loss to the Timberwolves, further exacerbated by 20 turnovers. Despite these setbacks, Dallas coach Jason Kidd and forward P.J. Washington emphasized the team's resilience amidst lineup changes and injury woes. On the Knicks' side, coach Mike Brown highlighted the need to improve defensive efforts, particularly against three-point shooting, and noted Mitchell Robinson's progressing return as his minutes have been gradually increased post-ankle surgery.
Portland Trail Blazers 121 - 122 Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls snapped their losing streak with a narrow 130-127 victory against the Denver Nuggets, thanks to standout performances from early-season star Josh Giddey and the impressive bench, which outscored Denver's reserves 66-9. Giddey, averaging nearly a triple-double this season, praised the team's perseverance through adversity, citing the importance of maintaining unity during their recent struggles. Ayo Dosunmu led Chicago's bench scoring with 21 points, highlighting the team's depth as they prepare to face the Portland Trail Blazers. Meanwhile, Portland is experiencing its own difficulties, having lost to the Phoenix Suns with Shaedon Sharpe's 29 points being a rare bright spot. The Trail Blazers are also dealing with injuries to key players like Jrue Holiday and Jerami Grant, leading to increased roles for developing talents like rookie Caleb Love. Scoot Henderson, Portland's primary point guard and third overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, remains unable to play due to a lingering hamstring injury.