27.12.2025
Atlanta Hawks 111 - 126 Miami Heat
The Miami Heat snapped a slump by defeating the Atlanta Hawks 126-111 in Atlanta, with Norman Powell scoring 25 points and Pelle Larsson achieving a career-high of 21. The Heat capitalized on Bam Adebayo's absence due to a back injury, with Kel'el Ware stepping up with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Despite entering the game struggling, Miami improved their record to 16-15, while the Hawks endured their fifth consecutive loss. Andrew Wiggins contributed 18 points, including a standout play where he saved the ball after a steal and completed a reverse layup, helping extend Miami's lead. The Heat's defensive pressure forced 21 turnovers, aiding in a significant advantage in field goal attempts. Trae Young led the Hawks with 30 points, and Jalen Johnson nearly recorded a triple-double with 24 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds. The loss highlighted Atlanta's peculiar record as they continued to struggle at home with a 5-10 record, despite having a winning record on the road.
Orlando Magic 105 - 120 Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets secured a 120-105 victory over the Orlando Magic, with standout performances from LaMelo Ball, who posted 22 points and seven rebounds, and Miles Bridges, who contributed a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Despite losing promising rookie Kon Knueppel to a right ankle injury in the first half, after he delivered an impressive 16 points and perfect shooting from beyond the arc, the Hornets maintained their strong offensive momentum, shooting 48.7% from 3-point range. Collin Sexton's three 3-pointers late in the third quarter helped extend the Hornets’ lead to 24 points. Orlando's Anthony Black led his team with 24 points, but the Magic struggled without injured starters Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, dropping four of their last six games. The Hornets out-rebounded the Magic 53-42, highlighting their dominance on the boards and marking their fourth win in six games.
Washington Wizards 138 - 117 Toronto Raptors
The Washington Wizards achieved their highest-scoring game of the season by defeating the Toronto Raptors 138-117, with Keyshawn George leading the charge by scoring 23 points on an efficient 9-of-13 shooting. The Wizards, despite holding the NBA’s worst record at 6-23, snapped a four-game home losing streak as they overpowered the Raptors in the final quarter, outscoring them 36-17. CJ McCollum and Bilal Coulibaly each contributed 21 points to this effort. Notably, the Raptors, who boasted the league's fourth-best defensive rating prior to this game, struggled to contain Washington's offense, especially in the absence of key players RJ Barrett and Jakob Poetl due to injuries. Brandon Ingram and Immanuel Quickley led Toronto with 29 and 25 points, respectively, but their efforts were overshadowed by the Wizards' strong finish, highlighted by crucial three-pointers from Justin Champagnie and Bub Carrington, extending Washington's lead decisively.
Indiana Pacers 122 - 140 Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics, propelled by Jaylen Brown's 30-point performance, defeated the Indiana Pacers 140-122, marking their fourth consecutive win. Brown, shooting 13 of 20 and adding two 3-pointers, was instrumental in the Celtics' strong showing from beyond the arc, as the team made 20 out of 39 3-point attempts. Payton Pritchard contributed significantly with 29 points and nine rebounds, sinking three 3-pointers, while Sam Hauser was impressive off the bench, scoring 23 points and making 7 of 8 3-point shots. Derrick White also added 21 points with three 3-pointers. Although the Celtics initially trailed by 15 points halfway through the first quarter, they surged ahead thanks to a dominant 47-point second quarter in which they hit six 3-pointers, taking a 75-61 lead into halftime. Andrew Nembhard led the struggling Pacers with 18 points and four 3-pointers. The Celtics, now 19-11, are in the midst of a five-game road trip and will next face Portland, while the Pacers, standing at 6-25, are set to visit Miami.
Chicago Bulls 109 - 102 Philadelphia 76ers
The Chicago Bulls secured their fifth consecutive victory by defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 109-102, matching their season's best winning streak and evening their record at 15-15. The Bulls concluded the game with a decisive 10-point run initiated by Jalen Smith's impressive dunk over Joel Embiid, which energized the crowd and set the momentum. Led by Tre Jones and Zach Collins with 15 points each, and Coby White adding 13, the Bulls closed out the match strongly. Despite a 31-point performance from Embiid and Tyrese Maxey’s contribution of 27 points, Philadelphia struggled, particularly in their shooting, making only 3 of 15 from beyond the arc in the first half. This loss marked the 76ers' fourth defeat in games where all three of their stars played, unable to overcome their offensive woes down the stretch. Meanwhile, the Bulls are set to host Milwaukee next, while the 76ers visit Oklahoma City.
Memphis Grizzlies 125 - 104 Milwaukee Bucks
In a commanding performance, the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 125-104, extending their winning streak against Milwaukee to eight games, all by double digits. Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 24 points, adding nine rebounds and five blocks, while Ja Morant, making a strong return from a four-game absence due to a left ankle sprain, contributed 17 points and 10 assists. Cam Spencer also chipped in with 19 points. Despite Milwaukee’s AJ Green matching his season high with 20 points and impressive shooting from beyond the arc, the Bucks struggled without their lead scorer Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed his eighth consecutive game. Kevin Porter Jr. added 16 points, while Bobby Portis Jr., Kyle Kuzma, and Ryan Rollins each scored 15 points for a struggling Milwaukee team that lost for the fourth time in five games. The Grizzlies pulled away after Milwaukee closed within seven points in the fourth quarter, maintaining a shooting percentage above 50% throughout the game. Milwaukee will next face the Chicago Bulls, while Memphis is set to play the Washington Wizards.
New Orleans Pelicans 108 - 115 Phoenix Suns
In a thrilling matchup, Devin Booker powered the Phoenix Suns to a 115-108 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, scoring 30 points with 12 in the decisive fourth quarter. Despite trailing 100-97 with just under five minutes left, the Suns clinched the win by outscoring the Pelicans 18-8 down the stretch. Mark Williams played a key role, adding 24 points, including 10 in the final quarter, and 13 rebounds. Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 20 points, but New Orleans struggled at the free-throw line, converting only 25 of 42 attempts. A critical moment came when Collin Gillespie hit a jumper to initiate a five-point run, sealing the game for Phoenix. The Suns overcame poor three-point shooting by dominating the boards, especially in the first half, leading to a significant second-chance points advantage. Despite their troubles, the Pelicans stayed competitive thanks in part to Jordan Poole's impressive shooting and free-throw opportunities. However, New Orleans will need to improve its foul shooting when the teams meet again.
Utah Jazz 131 - 129 Detroit Pistons
In a thrilling encounter, the Detroit Pistons pulled off an upset victory over the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City, bolstered by their depth and collective effort. Despite being overlooked for the Christmas Day showcase, the Pistons entered the game leading the Eastern Conference with an impressive 24-6 record, their best start since the 2005-06 season. Detroit's recent triumphs over Portland and Sacramento underscored their robust lineup, with coach JB Bickerstaff praising contributions from players like Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren. The Jazz, meanwhile, continued to struggle defensively, entering the game on a four-game losing streak and allowing an average of 127.4 points per game, the league's worst. The matchup also spotlighted a showdown between top scorers Cade Cunningham of Detroit and Utah's Lauri Markkanen, with Cunningham previously besting Markkanen in their November encounter. Despite a high-scoring and competitive history between the two players, the Jazz's defensive inefficiencies proved too significant to overcome this time, highlighting their ongoing challenges in communication and consistency.
Portland Trail Blazers 103 - 119 LA Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers, fueled by Kawhi Leonard's impressive performances, are aiming for a season-best third consecutive victory as they face the Portland Trail Blazers. Leonard has been on a scoring spree, recently putting up 32 points against the Lakers and a season-high 41 against the Rockets, helping the Clippers achieve a rare back-to-back win, despite their challenging start to the season. James Harden, who scored 29 points against Houston, shares Leonard's optimism about improving their standing in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers, despite recent narrow losses to the Pistons and the Magic, remain resilient, with standout performances from Deni Avdija, who scored 25 points against Orlando. Historically, the Clippers have dominated the matchup, winning 19 of the last 21 games against Portland.