04.01.2026
Miami Heat 115 - 125 Minnesota Timberwolves
In a high-scoring showdown, the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame the Miami Heat 125-115, snapping Miami's four-game winning streak. Anthony Edwards dazzled with 33 points, including 20 in the first half, marking the fourth time this season he's achieved this by halftime, and the second consecutive game. Naz Reid was instrumental in the second half, delivering 20 of his 29 points to help Minnesota outscore Miami 19-4 in the opening minutes of the fourth quarter. Rudy Gobert added a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Despite 21 points from Norman Powell, who briefly exited with right leg soreness, the Heat were unable to recover as Jaime Jaquez Jr. left with a sprained ankle. The Timberwolves improved to 15-1 when holding opponents to 112 points or fewer and shot an impressive 54%, while this defeat left Miami at 2-8 when allowing a 50% shooting performance from their opponents.
New York Knicks 119 - 130 Philadelphia 76ers
In a thrilling matchup at Madison Square Garden, Tyrese Maxey led the Philadelphia 76ers to a 130-119 victory over the New York Knicks by scoring an impressive 36 points, marking the team’s third consecutive win. Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe contributed significantly with 26 points each, and Embiid also secured 10 rebounds. Paul George and Quentin Grimes added to the 76ers' dominance with 15 and 10 points, respectively. Despite a valiant effort from the Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson’s 31 points and Karl-Anthony Towns recording a strong 23 points and 14 rebounds, the team suffered its third consecutive loss. A notable moment in the game was the 76ers' pivotal 9-0 run in the second quarter, which gave them a lead they never relinquished. The Knicks managed to narrow the gap multiple times, but ultimately fell short as Maxey's crucial free throw and Edgecombe’s jam sealed the game. Both teams prepare for their upcoming games, with the 76ers hosting the Denver Nuggets and the Knicks visiting the Detroit Pistons.
Toronto Raptors 134 - 117 Atlanta Hawks
In a high-scoring matchup, the Toronto Raptors triumphed over the Atlanta Hawks with a 134-117 victory, thanks to standout performances by RJ Barrett and Brandon Ingram, each scoring 29 points. The Raptors surged with a decisive 16-0 run in the fourth quarter, led by Barrett's eight points, solidifying their dominance against the Hawks with their fifth consecutive win over Atlanta and extending their favorable record to 17-1 when leading entering the fourth quarter. Despite impressive individual efforts from Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who scored 31, and Jalen Johnson with 30 for the Hawks, Atlanta struggled defensively, allowing over 125 points in each of their last ten losses. The game highlighted Atlanta's ongoing difficulties in maintaining defensive intensity, contrasting their previous game where they restricted the New York Knicks to under 100 points. Notably absent were key players Trae Young for Atlanta and Jakob Poeltl for Toronto, each missing their fourth and sixth straight games, respectively. The two teams are set to clash again in Toronto on Monday night.
Chicago Bulls 99 - 112 Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets overcame a significant halftime deficit to defeat the Chicago Bulls 112-99, fueled by a dominant third quarter in which they outscored Chicago 32-17. Miles Bridges led the Hornets with 26 points and 14 rebounds, while Brandon Miller added 22 points, including key three-pointers that helped shift the game in Charlotte's favor. Despite playing with a depleted frontcourt due to several injuries, the Hornets managed to outrebound Chicago 52-43. Nikola Vucevic delivered a strong performance for the Bulls with 28 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, but it wasn't enough to withstand Charlotte's second-half surge. Ayo Dosunmu's first-half contribution included 14 points on efficient shooting and a notable half-court buzzer-beater. The Hornets' win snapped their three-game losing streak and demonstrated their resilience in back-to-back games, improving their record to 5-2 in such instances.
San Antonio Spurs 110 - 115 Portland Trail Blazers
Deni Avdija's impressive triple-double performance of 29 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists propelled the Portland Trail Blazers to a 115-110 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Donovan Clingan also shone with a career-high 24 points and 12 rebounds. The Blazers maintained control for almost the entire game, only briefly trailing in the third quarter before quickly regaining the lead. Despite a strong efforts from the Spurs, Portland sealed the win with a decisive 12-0 run bridging the third and fourth quarters. San Antonio, missing key players Victor Wembanyama and Devin Vassell, did manage a brief lead, but ultimately couldn’t match Portland's 19 successful 3-pointers. This victory marked Portland's second consecutive win, while the Spurs, having previously enjoyed a two-game winning streak, will regroup as they prepare for their following game against Memphis.
Dallas Mavericks 110 - 104 Houston Rockets
The Dallas Mavericks managed to fend off the Houston Rockets with a 110-104 victory, led by Anthony Davis's 26 points and 12 rebounds, while Max Christie added 24 points, hitting 4 of 6 from beyond the arc. This win snapped the Mavericks' four-game losing streak and marked their sixth win in their last seven home games, including another victory against the Rockets earlier in December. Despite the Rockets narrowing a 17-point deficit to just five late in the game, Christie's decisive dunk helped seal the win for Dallas. Kevin Durant led Houston with 34 points, playing under the challenge of four fouls throughout the second half, as the Rockets' four-game winning run came to an end. The game saw significant injury challenges with Houston's Alperen Sengun and Dallas's P.J. Washington Jr. both leaving the game early due to sprained right ankles. Despite being shorthanded in the frontcourt, the Mavericks exploited the space in the paint, outscoring the Rockets 66-54, although Houston dominated in second-chance points. Meanwhile, Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg recorded one of his quieter nights with just 10 points. The Rockets will host Phoenix next, while the Mavericks begin a road trip against Sacramento.
Golden State Warriors 123 - 114 Utah Jazz
The Golden State Warriors suffered a decisive 131-94 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder, largely due to the absence of key players like Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, who were sidelined for various reasons including rest and health issues. This decision by coach Steve Kerr to rest veteran players in the midst of a dense schedule highlights the challenges faced by the team with an older roster. Despite only having ten healthy players, Pat Spencer managed a significant contribution with a game-high 11 assists. The Warriors, previously successful against the Utah Jazz, hoped for a better performance in their upcoming matchup back home. Meanwhile, the Jazz faced similar troubles, coping with injuries to Lauri Markkanen and illness affecting Keyonte George, leading to an increased role for Brice Sensabaugh, who scored 20 points in a recent loss to the Clippers. Utah, struggling with consecutive losses, would be looking to capitalize on the Warriors' vulnerabilities in their forthcoming clash.
LA Clippers 115 - 146 Boston Celtics
In a dominant showing, Kawhi Leonard spearheaded the Los Angeles Clippers to a six-game winning streak, spotlighted by a 118-101 victory over the Utah Jazz. Leonard's recent performances have been exceptional, averaging 39.0 points during the streak, including a career-high 55 points against the Detroit Pistons. His fourth-quarter prowess was evident as he scored 20 of his 45 points, matching Utah's points in that quarter alone, and showcasing improved three-point shooting with a 44.1% conversion rate in recent games. The Clippers' resurgence has been attributed to both Leonard's offensive explosion and their tightened defense. Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics, concluding a successful road trip, look to build on their momentum as Jaylen Brown and Derrick White continue to contribute significantly. Brown, ranked sixth in the NBA for scoring, had a standout game with 29 points against the Sacramento Kings. Despite his struggles from beyond the arc recently, Boston's resilience was highlighted by White's late-game heroics, scoring 14 points in the final quarter. As the Celtics prepare to face the surging Clippers, they'll aim to continue their form since their earlier victory over Los Angeles on November 16.