Latest Basketball News
Knicks Stage Epic 17-Point Comeback to Beat Cavaliers 126-124 on Christmas
Jalen Brunson led with 34 points, 6 threes, 4 assists, and 2 steals, while reserve Jordan Clarkson added 25 points in the Knicks' rally from 17 down. Reserves Tyler Kolek (16 pts, 9 ast) and Mitchell Robinson (13 reb) sparked the fourth-quarter surge, overturning a foul on Kolek's key block. Knicks improve to 21-9; Cavaliers fall to 17-15.
Nikola Jokić Posts Historic 56-Point Triple-Double in Nuggets' Christmas Win
Jokić became the first player with 55+ pts, 15+ reb, 15+ ast, finishing with 56 points responsible for 96 total team points, the third-highest in play-by-play era. He notched his second 50+ pt triple-double on Christmas, scoring 18 of Denver's 27 OT points to take over. This marks one of the greatest NBA performances ever.
Rockets Dominate Lakers 119-96 Behind Durant and Thompson's 51 Points
Amen Thompson scored a team-high 26 pts with 7 reb and 5 ast; Kevin Durant added 25 pts (8-14 FG, 4-6 3P) and 8 ast for Houston. Luka Dončić led Lakers with 25 pts and 7 ast in defeat. Rockets rise to 18-10; Lakers drop to 19-10.
Warriors Defeat Mavericks 126-116 as Curry Hits Key Three, Butler Triple-Doubles Near
Stephen Curry scored 23 pts including a dagger three at 3:45 left; Jimmy Butler added 14 pts, 9 ast, 9 reb. Mavericks' Cooper Flagg had 27 pts on 13-21 FG, 6 reb, 5 ast; Brandon Williams 26 off bench. Klay Thompson returned warmly vs former team; Warriors led wire-to-wire after slow 3-pt start.
Spurs Beat Thunder for Third Time in Two Weeks, Extend Win Streak to Eight
De'Aaron Fox scored 29 pts as San Antonio (23-7) shot 53.6% FG, holding OKC to 38.9% in their first home loss. Victor Wembanyama had 19 pts, 11 reb; Stephon Castle 19 pts, 7 ast. Spurs also won NBA Cup semi Dec. 13 and Tuesday; next clash Jan. 13.
Jokić's Non-Jokić Minutes Show Major Improvement for Nuggets Title Hopes
Denver's lineups without Jokić have elevated, especially without injured Aaron Gordon (hamstring, out over a month). This covers 89% of non-Jokić minutes, signaling strong playoff potential for the Nuggets.
Spurs' Young Lineups with Castle, Harper, Wembanyama Dominate Historically
Lineups featuring Castle, Harper, and Wembanyama boast +51.1 net rating in small sample (55 min, +59 scoring margin). Castle-Harper duos at +23.0 net rating with elite D; despite 3-pt woes, Spurs thrive at 23-7.
Mavericks' Rookie Ryan Nembhard Boosts Offense Since Starting Nov. 28
Undrafted Nembhard has lifted Dallas' offensive rating by 12.0 per 100 possessions as starter, addressing early PG issues despite 12-20 record. Team at 0.0% Finals odds per models.
Knicks' Clarkson Shines with 25 Points Off Bench in Christmas Victory
Jordan Clarkson went 9-17 FG, 5-10 3P for 25 pts in reserve role during Knicks' 126-124 thriller over Cavs. Helped rally from 103-86 deficit early fourth.
NBA Christmas Tradition Continues as Premier TV Day with High Stakes
NBA's Dec. 25 games stem from historic tradition and TV strategy, drawing massive viewership. Featured five marquee matchups boosting league identity amid stars like Jokić, Brunson.
Lakers Struggle in High-Leverage Games vs West Elites Before Rockets Loss
Lakers flatlined in prior big games: 121-92 loss to Thunder Nov. 12, 132-119 NBA Cup QF defeat to Spurs Dec. 10 sans Wembanyama. Injuries to Dončić, Reaves burden James.
Warriors' Al Horford Returns Strong with 4-4 3PTs in Christmas Rout
Horford back from 7-game sciatica absence, hitting all four threes for 14 pts as Warriors jumped to 40-28 Q1 lead over Mavs. De'Anthony Melton 16 pts, Podziemski 13/8/4 off bench.