13.12.2025
Charlotte Hornets 126 - 129 Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls ended their seven-game losing streak by rallying from a 13-point second-half deficit to defeat the Charlotte Hornets 129-126. Josh Giddey led the Bulls with 26 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds, while Zach Collins contributed 16 points off the bench. Coby White sealed the victory by scoring 20 points and making two crucial free throws with 8.2 seconds remaining. The Hornets, losing four of their last five games, were led by Kon Knueppel who achieved a career-high 33 points and nine assists, with Miles Bridges adding 32 points. A potential game-tying 3-pointer by Knueppel at the end was initially fouled by Collins, but the call was overturned upon review, awarding possession to the Bulls. Chicago overcame a strong 3-point shooting performance by Charlotte, who hit 16 threes on 43.2% shooting. The Bulls, in contrast, made 10 of 28 from beyond the arc. Josh Green made his season debut for Charlotte following offseason shoulder surgery. The Bulls next host the Pelicans, while the Hornets travel to Cleveland on Sunday.
Detroit Pistons 142 - 115 Atlanta Hawks
The Detroit Pistons secured their 20th win of the season by defeating the Atlanta Hawks 142-115, led by Isaiah Stewart's 17 points. This victory marked their fifth win in six games and was highlighted by seven Pistons players scoring in double figures, with 12 players contributing at least seven points—tying an NBA record. Cade Cunningham added to the effort with 15 points and seven assists. Jalen Johnson of the Hawks made history despite the loss, achieving his third straight triple-double with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, surpassing Bill Bridges' 1969-70 franchise record for triple-doubles in a season and equaling Mookie Blaylock's team record for career triple-doubles. Johnson also joined an elite group of NBA players by recording 15 consecutive games with at least seven points, rebounds, and assists. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the Hawks with 22 points, helping them stay close with Detroit at halftime. The Pistons took command in the third quarter, outscoring the Hawks 35-19 and shooting an impressive 58.3% from the field, while the Hawks struggled with a 27.3% shooting performance.
Philadelphia 76ers 115 - 105 Indiana Pacers
In a thrilling game against the Indiana Pacers, Joel Embiid delivered a standout performance, scoring a season-high 39 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 115-105 victory. Despite playing without Tyrese Maxey, Philadelphia capitalized on key moments, with Paul George adding 23 points. The Pacers, led by Pascal Siakam’s 20 points, initially held a lead but faltered with nine consecutive missed shots, allowing the 76ers to rally with a decisive 13-2 run. Embiid, recovering from knee issues, showed his MVP form, notably hitting a step-back 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer. Philadelphia benefitted from significant free-throw opportunities, attempting 43 to Indiana's 19, a disparity that led to technical fouls for Indiana coach Rick Carlisle and Siakam. The win marked a strong return for both Embiid and George, who each reached season highs in scoring, with the 76ers improving to 6-4 with Embiid in the lineup.
Washington Wizards 126 - 130 Cleveland Cavaliers
Donovan Mitchell's impressive performance, scoring 24 of his 48 points in the fourth quarter, was the catalyst for the Cleveland Cavaliers' 130-126 comeback victory over the Washington Wizards. Despite a poor collective shooting effort from beyond the arc, where they made just 15 of 53 attempts, Mitchell's timely shooting played a crucial role, including a three-pointer that tied the game and a decisive inside basket that secured the lead. With the Cavaliers ahead 124-122, Mitchell forced a key jump ball against a taller Marvin Bagley III, leading to Lonzo Ball gaining possession and hitting crucial free throws. The Cavaliers had a staggering 34 three-point attempts in the first half and led 62-60 despite their shooting woes. After falling behind by 17 points, Mitchell's early fourth-quarter surge rapidly reduced the deficit. Even after a brief exit due to a technical foul, Mitchell returned to steer Cleveland to victory, overshadowing notable performances by Bub Carrington and CJ McCollum for Washington.
Memphis Grizzlies 126 - 130 Utah Jazz
In a thrilling matchup, Keyonte George delivered a career-high 39 points to lead the Utah Jazz to a 130-126 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies in Memphis, where Ja Morant made his return after a 10-game absence. With the game tied at 126 in the final minute, George's 22-footer secured the lead for Utah, and his clutch free throws in the closing seconds sealed the win. George also contributed eight assists in the effort. Supported by Lauri Markkanen's 26 points and nine rebounds, as well as Kevin Love's 20 points, including 13 in a pivotal third quarter, Utah rebounded from a two-game losing streak. Despite being outscored by double digits in the third quarter, Memphis couldn't maintain their lead, with Santi Aldama scoring 22 points and Morant adding 21 points and 10 assists. Cam Spencer's perfect six-for-six from beyond the arc gave him 20 points, but Memphis, which was generally successful against sub-.500 teams, couldn't hold off the surging Jazz. Overall, it was a tight contest with no team leading by double digits in the first half, and Utah managed to overcome recent struggles with a resilient performance.
Dallas Mavericks 119 - 111 Brooklyn Nets
In a thrilling comeback, the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Brooklyn Nets 119-111, with Anthony Davis scoring 24 points, including 20 in the second half, and grabbing 14 rebounds, while Cooper Flagg added 22 points and eight assists. The victory marked the Mavericks’ fifth win in their last six games, as the team adjusted to notable injuries, with Davis stepping up as center. Meanwhile, Michael Porter Jr. dazzled for the Nets with a 34-point performance, his fourth straight game scoring at least 30, a personal career milestone. Despite Brooklyn's impressive 43.6% shooting from beyond the arc, the Mavericks dominated in the paint, outscoring the Nets 66-44. In the decisive fourth quarter, a crucial 3-pointer by Dallas’ Brandon Williams, following a rebound by Flagg, along with Davis's floater after a Porter turnover, sealed the Mavericks’ win. The game was notable for being the Mavericks' first since the announcement that Dereck Lively II will miss the rest of the season due to foot surgery.
Golden State Warriors 120 - 127 Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves spoiled Stephen Curry's anticipated return from a strained left quad as they faced off against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco. Curry, who had tormented the Timberwolves with 30-plus point performances in their previous meetings, was reuniting his on-court rivalry with Anthony Edwards, who boasts four 40-point games in his last nine outings. A significant defensive factor for the Timberwolves this season has been rookie Jaylen Clark, who helped lead the team to a 15-7 record in his appearances, including a key unbeaten streak when playing 14 minutes or more. Meanwhile, Minnesota leaned on veteran Mike Conley, who commended Clark's influence and team spirit. For the Warriors, the home game was marred by Draymond Green's absence due to personal reasons and Al Horford's ongoing injury struggles. The Warriors also faced internal challenges with Jonathan Kuminga, who, despite his potential, was benched for underperformance, a decision head coach Steve Kerr defended, emphasizing the need for consistency to reach stardom.