05.01.2026
Cleveland Cavaliers 110 - 114 Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons managed to secure a 114-110 victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, ending a nine-game losing streak at Rocket Arena and claiming only their second win in 15 meetings against the Cavs. The Pistons' win was highlighted by Cade Cunningham's 27 points and Daniss Jenkins' remarkable 25-point game, with Jenkins scoring 21 points in the second quarter alone. This performance set a franchise record for a Pistons reserve in a single quarter. Despite missing key starters Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren due to injuries, Detroit held strong as Jenkins dazzled by hitting six three-pointers and converting a three-point play. Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 30 points, 23 of which came after halftime, and the Cavaliers managed to cut a 13-point deficit to two before ultimately falling short. Detroit’s flawless free-throw shooting, going 21 for 21, played a crucial role in their victory as they ended Cleveland's three-game winning streak.
Orlando Magic 135 - 127 Indiana Pacers
In a high-scoring battle, the Orlando Magic defeated the Indiana Pacers 135-127 in Orlando, marking the Pacers' twelfth consecutive loss and tying a 43-year-old franchise record. Desmond Bane led the Magic with 31 points, while Paolo Banchero contributed a double-double with 28 points and 12 rebounds. Anthony Black also stood out with 27 points and 10 assists. Despite the loss, Pascal Siakam shone for Indiana, scoring 34 points, with Aaron Nesmith and Andrew Nembhard providing solid support via 25 points, eight assists, and 20 points, 11 assists, respectively. The Pacers outperformed their usual shooting stats, hitting 55.2% from the field, yet it wasn't enough to overcome the Magic's sharp 56% shooting and 46.9% accuracy from beyond the arc. A crucial 17-0 run reversed the Pacers’ early 12-point advantage, and although Siakam narrowed the gap with an impressive 20-point third quarter, the Magic regained control late in the game following decisive plays from Bane and Banchero. Notably, the Magic's victory came without Jalen Suggs due to a knee injury, while the Pacers were missing Bennedict Mathurin, sidelined by a thumb injury.
Brooklyn Nets 127 - 115 Denver Nuggets
In their matchup against the Denver Nuggets, the Brooklyn Nets snapped a three-game losing streak with a 127-115 victory. Michael Porter Jr. shone against his former team, leading the Nets with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists in his first game against them since being traded. Despite a standout performance from Jamal Murray, who tallied 27 points, a career-high 16 assists, and six rebounds, the Nuggets struggled without their star Nikola Jokic, who is sidelined with a hyperextended left knee. Aaron Gordon contributed 20 points off the bench after returning from a 19-game absence, while Christian Braun, fresh from his own injury hiatus, scored four points. Noah Clowney added another 22 points for Brooklyn, while Cam Thomas and Day'Ron Sharpe each chipped in 17 points. The game saw the Nets excel in the third quarter, where they hit seven of nine 3-pointers and scored 41 points, widening their lead decisively. Despite Tim Hardaway Jr.'s efforts to rally the Nuggets with 26 points, the deficit proved too much for Denver, which fell to 1-4 on its Eastern trip.
Miami Heat 125 - 106 New Orleans Pelicans
In a commanding performance, Norman Powell led the Miami Heat to a 125-106 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, scoring a career-high 34 points with nine 3-pointers. The Heat capitalized on a decisive 21-2 run early in the third quarter, ultimately overcoming the Pelicans' defense. Miami's team effort included notable contributions from Nikola Jovic, Kel'el Ware, and Pelle Larsson, while Bam Adebayo's significant 3-pointer helped cement the lead. Meanwhile, Trey Murphy III returned for the Pelicans and scored 27 points, but Zion Williamson was held scoreless in the second half. Miami dominated fast break opportunities and recorded a season-high 19 steals, exploiting a shaky New Orleans squad that suffered from a season-high 24 turnovers and extended their road record to 2-13. Tyler Herro remained sidelined for Miami, despite being activated, having only played six games this season post-surgery. The Heat will face Minnesota next, while the Pelicans prepare to host the Los Angeles Lakers.
Washington Wizards 115 - 141 Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves with an impressive 35 points as they cruised to a 141-115 victory over the Washington Wizards, completing a season sweep. Edwards was instrumental right from the start, scoring 16 points in the first quarter, and added 18 points in the third quarter, helping the Timberwolves maintain and extend their lead. Julius Randle contributed 22 points, and Rudy Gobert secured his 15th double-double of the season with 18 points and 14 rebounds. The Timberwolves dominated in the paint, outscoring Washington 76-48, and capitalized on the Wizards' nine first-half turnovers, scoring 12 points off these errors. This marks Minnesota's third 140-plus-point game of the season, while Washington has now allowed 140-plus points for the fourth time. Despite the Wizards' recent strong performance, having won four out of their last five games, they couldn't overcome Minnesota's offensive prowess. This victory allowed the Timberwolves to win three consecutive games in Washington for the first time since 2002-2003.
Phoenix Suns 108 - 105 Oklahoma City Thunder
In a thrilling finish, Devin Booker hit a crucial 3-pointer with just 0.7 seconds left, sealing a 108-105 victory for the Phoenix Suns over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Booker’s clutch shot came after overcoming a season-long shooting slump, capitalizing on a dramatic back-and-forth final minute. Meanwhile, Jordan Goodwin was pivotal for the Suns, scoring a career-high 26 points with eight 3-pointers. The Suns, who were trailing by 18 points in the second quarter, made a significant comeback, taking the lead in the third as Ryan Dunn's 3-pointer capped a rally. Despite a turnover in the final moments, Booker's decisive shot secured the win. Oklahoma City, which lost its four-game streak but maintains the NBA’s best record at 30-6, was led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 25 points.
Sacramento Kings 98 - 115 Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo's impressive performance led the Milwaukee Bucks to a 115-98 win over the Sacramento Kings in Sacramento. Antetokounmpo scored 37 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, hitting 13 of 17 shots and 11 of 13 free throws in just 31 minutes. The Bucks secured their fifth victory in seven games, aided by Kevin Porter Jr.'s 25 points and 10 assists and Myles Turner's 15 points. Despite contributions from Russell Westbrook and Zach LaVine, who scored 21 and 20 points respectively, the Kings suffered their fifth consecutive loss. Milwaukee built a substantial lead, spearheading by 24 points in the third quarter, but the Kings briefly rallied with a 29-8 run. Ultimately, the Bucks answered with an 18-5 surge, sealing the win with Antetokounmpo's clutch free throws. Notably, LaVine returned from a left ankle sprain but did not start, while the Bucks are set to play the Golden State Warriors next, and the Kings will host the Dallas Mavericks.
Los Angeles Lakers 120 - 114 Memphis Grizzlies
In a thrilling matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers secured a victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, thanks to standout performances from Luka Doncic and LeBron James, who scored 34 and 31 points respectively. Jake LaRavia was a key contributor, turning his starting opportunity into a 21-point, nine-rebound performance against his former team. Marcus Smart also played a pivotal role, adding 13 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists while taking on the challenge of guarding Grizzlies' star Ja Morant. Despite forcing the Lakers into 20 turnovers, the Grizzlies couldn't stop a late 12-2 run by Los Angeles, sealed by a crucial 3-pointer from LaRavia. The game marked the end of a tough stretch for the Lakers, while the Grizzlies continued their slump with a three-game losing streak. Jaren Jackson Jr. and former Laker Kentavious Caldwell-Pope were notable performers for Memphis, scoring 25 and 20 points respectively.