01.12.2025
Utah Jazz 101 - 129 Houston Rockets
In a dominant performance, the Houston Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 129-101, fueled by Kevin Durant's 25 points in his return after a two-game absence. Alperen Sengun contributed significantly with 27 points, leading the Rockets to their fifth consecutive road victory. Off the bench, Steven Adams added a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Amen Thompson showcased his playmaking with nine assists. The Rockets' defense was formidable, forcing 17 turnovers and converting them into 22 points, while outpacing the Jazz 21-8 in fastbreak points. Notably, the Rockets restricted Utah’s Keyonte George to zero points and forced him into eight turnovers. A key moment came in the first quarter when Houston limited Utah to a single basket over six and a half minutes, initiating a 19-4 run for an early lead. Despite a brief Jazz rally in the second quarter, the Rockets surged ahead with multiple significant runs, including a 24-3 streak in the third. The teams are set to face off again in Salt Lake City on Monday night.
Cleveland Cavaliers 115 - 117 Boston Celtics
In a thrilling matchup, Payton Pritchard led the Boston Celtics to a narrow 117-115 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, scoring a season-high 42 points. Jaylen Brown achieved his fourth career triple-double with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, further cementing his recent performance streak after scoring 41 points in a loss against Minnesota. Despite Boston's dominant third-quarter 21-point lead, the Cavaliers, with Evan Mobley's 27 points and 14 rebounds, staged a fierce comeback. Donovan Mitchell, who had been relatively quiet until the game's closing moments, sparked hope with crucial late-game 3-pointers, finishing with 18 points. However, Pritchard's critical free throws in the final seconds solidified the win for the Celtics. Both teams were battling injuries, with Boston missing star Jayson Tatum all season and resting key players Derrick White and Neemias Queta, while Cleveland played without Jarrett Allen and Lonzo Ball, among others. The Celtics will face the Knicks next, while the Cavaliers are set to play the Pacers.
New York Knicks 116 - 94 Toronto Raptors
The New York Knicks secured their fourth consecutive win by defeating the Toronto Raptors 116-94 at Madison Square Garden. Josh Hart delivered an impressive performance with 20 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed 22 points and eight rebounds. Jalen Brunson also stood out with 18 points, seven assists, and six rebounds. Notably, the Knicks have maintained a perfect home record since Hart joined the starting lineup last week. Despite facing a challenge when the Raptors cut a 24-point deficit to just three, the Knicks regained momentum with a crucial 16-1 run led by Hart and Mikal Bridges, who combined for key plays including Hart's three-pointers. This victory sets the stage for their upcoming NBA Cup Eastern Conference semifinals clash in Toronto on December 9. Meanwhile, Immanuel Quickley and Scottie Barnes led Toronto's efforts, but the Raptors fell short, marking their second consecutive loss after a nine-game winning streak.
Philadelphia 76ers 134 - 142 Atlanta Hawks
In a thrilling double-overtime game, Jalen Johnson led the Atlanta Hawks to a 142-134 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, highlighted by his consecutive late 3-pointers, rounding out his stellar performance with 41 points and 14 rebounds. Joel Embiid returned for the 76ers after missing nine games due to injury, contributing 18 points in 30 minutes of play, although it was Tyrese Maxey who starred for Philadelphia with 44 points, including critical shots that extended the game into overtime. Despite Maxey's efforts, his two missed free throws loomed large, while a late foul by Dominick Barlow allowed Nickeil Alexander-Walker to tie the game at the first overtime's end. Embiid's return marked the first game where Philadelphia fielded their All-Star trio of Embiid, Paul George, and Maxey together, with George adding 16 points and Quentin Grimes scoring 28 for the 76ers. This win marked Atlanta's fourth in five games, showcasing their resilience and strategic plays in clutch moments.
Portland Trail Blazers 115 - 123 Oklahoma City Thunder
The Oklahoma City Thunder secured their 12th consecutive win by defeating the Portland Trail Blazers 123-115, advancing their season record to 20-1, with their only defeat coming from Portland earlier in the season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 26 points, while Chet Holmgren added 19 points and narrowly missed a double-double with nine rebounds. Jalen Williams, in his second game back from wrist surgery, contributed 16 points and eight rebounds. Despite a strong triple-double performance from Portland's Deni Avdija, with 31 points, 19 rebounds, and 10 assists, the Trail Blazers couldn't close the gap. The Thunder maintained composure, especially in a crucial fourth quarter where Holmgren returned after foul trouble to help secure the victory, assisted by key plays from Kenrich Williams and Gilgeous-Alexander. The game was notable for its high scoring and efficiency, with both teams shooting impressively, particularly in the second quarter. The Thunder overcame the absence of Isaiah Hartenstein and Alex Caruso, with both teams set for upcoming games on Tuesday.
Minnesota Timberwolves 125 - 112 San Antonio Spurs
In a spirited NBA matchup, Anthony Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 125-112 victory over the San Antonio Spurs in Minneapolis, scoring 32 points to become the franchise's all-time leader in games with 30 or more points. Edwards overcame early struggles, including committing six turnovers in the first half, to help his team pull away decisively in the fourth quarter. Julius Randle contributed a well-rounded performance with 22 points, 12 assists, and six rebounds. Donte DiVincenzo and Naz Reid added timely three-pointers in the final quarter, while De'Aaron Fox led the Spurs with 25 points despite the absence of Victor Wembanyama. Edwards's record-breaking night ensured the Wolves' second consecutive home win after a challenging road stretch, and the Spurs split their four-game road trip despite holding a lead entering the final quarter.
Sacramento Kings 107 - 115 Memphis Grizzlies
Zach Edey delivered a standout performance with a career-high 32 points and 17 rebounds, leading the Memphis Grizzlies to a 115-107 victory over the Sacramento Kings. Edey showcased remarkable efficiency, shooting 16 of 20 from the field in just 29 minutes, and he played a pivotal role down the stretch, scoring six key points in the final minutes to secure the win. Despite playing without star Ja Morant, the Grizzlies maintained control for most of the game and navigated a late Kings rally, highlighted by Edey's near double-double performance by halftime. Other notable contributions came from Cam Spencer with 16 points and Jaylen Wells with 15, while the Kings' DeMar DeRozan led his team with 23 points, supported by Malik Monk and Zach LaVine with 21 and 19 points respectively. The Grizzlies marked their fourth consecutive road victory, setting their sights on their next game in San Antonio, while the Kings will face Houston next.
Los Angeles Lakers 133 - 121 New Orleans Pelicans
The Los Angeles Lakers clinched their seventh consecutive win with a 133-121 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, led by Luka Doncic, who scored 20 of his 34 points in the first quarter. Doncic's well-rounded performance included 12 rebounds and seven assists, helping the Lakers achieve their 13th win in 15 games. Austin Reaves contributed 33 points and eight assists, while Deandre Ayton delivered a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Despite missing LeBron James, who sat out to rest a sore foot after recently returning from sciatica, the Lakers dominated early, tallying 46 points in the first quarter, the highest for them this season, and maintaining a commanding lead of 77-57 at halftime. The Pelicans, missing key players Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III due to injuries, have now lost 11 of their last 12 games. Saddiq Bey and Bryce McGowens were bright spots for New Orleans, scoring 22 and 23 points, respectively, but could not overcome the deficit despite a third-quarter surge. The Lakers' upcoming challenge is hosting Phoenix, while the Pelicans will face Minnesota in their next two games.