The NBA rang in 2026 with a packed New Year’s slate that featured record-setting performances, injury drama, statement wins, and stunning upsets across the league.
Spurs Rally Past Knicks Amid Wembanyama Injury Scare
Spurs 134, Knicks 132
San Antonio survived a tense finish and an injury scare to Victor Wembanyama as Julian Champagnie delivered a career night to lift the Spurs past the New York Knicks in a rematch of the NBA Cup final.
Champagnie exploded for a career-high 36 points, drilling 11 three-pointers—a Spurs franchise record—including 12 points in the fourth quarter as San Antonio erased a double-digit deficit.
Wembanyama recorded 31 points and 13 rebounds in just 24 minutes before limping off with an apparent left leg injury midway through the fourth quarter. He later returned to the bench without a visible limp, easing immediate concerns. Earlier, the 7-foot-4 center became the fastest 7-footer in NBA history to reach 300 career three-pointers, accomplishing the feat in 138 games.
For New York, Jalen Brunson finished with 29 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns and Jordan Clarkson added 20 apiece. The loss snapped the Knicks’ three-game winning streak.
Thunder Cruise Past Blazers Behind SGA’s Efficient 30
Thunder 124, Trail Blazers 95
Oklahoma City followed with another emphatic statement as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to a dominant home win over Portland.
Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points in just three quarters, shooting 11-of-15 from the field and 7-of-7 from the line, extending his streak of 20-point games to 105 straight. The Thunder seized control early and never looked back.
Oklahoma City’s depth once again shone through. Ajay Mitchell scored 17 points off the bench, Jalen Williams posted 13 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, and Chet Holmgren anchored the defense with 12 points, 10 rebounds and a season-high six blocks.
The defending champions forced 25 turnovers, converting them into 28 points, as they improved to 29–5 with their third straight win.
New Year Shockers: Wizards, Cavs Deliver Statements
Wizards 114, Bucks 113
Washington pulled off the upset of the day in Milwaukee, stunning the Bucks with a fearless late surge despite entering the contest with just seven wins.
Cavaliers 129, Suns 113
Cleveland snapped Phoenix’s four-game winning streak behind a dominant all-around showing from Donovan Mitchell, who finished with 34 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists.
Bulls Hand Pelicans Fifth Straight Loss
Bulls 134, Pelicans 118
Chicago controlled the paint from start to finish to overwhelm New Orleans, extending the Pelicans’ losing streak to five.
Standings Watch
Eastern Conference:
Detroit Pistons (25–8) hold a narrow lead over the New York Knicks (23–10).
Western Conference:
The Oklahoma City Thunder (29–5) remain the NBA’s standard, with the San Antonio Spurs (24–9) close behind.
Photo credit: San Antonio Spurs/X
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