The NBA delivered a weekend of high drama, stunning comebacks, and star-studded performances. The Oklahoma City Thunder erased a 21-point deficit to shock the Memphis Grizzlies, Giannis Antetokounmpo made clutch plays to help the Bucks rally past LeBron and the Lakers, and Stephen Curry recorded a season-high double-double as the Warriors dominated Sacramento. Across the league, other stars like James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Kevin Durant made their mark, while teams battled through injuries, trades, and tight playoff races, making this weekend one of the most thrilling stretches of the season.
Here’s a complete roundup of the action
Thunder Overcome 21-Point Deficit to Stun Memphis
Jalen Williams scored 26 points, Kenrich Williams added 21, including a go-ahead three-pointer with 1:07 remaining, as the Oklahoma City Thunder overcame a 21-point second-half deficit to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 117–116 on Friday night.
Both teams were operating with short-handed lineups. Ajay Mitchell added 23 points for the Thunder, and Aaron Wiggins contributed 16 points. Oklahoma City has now won 16 straight against Memphis, including a sweep in the first round of last year’s playoffs.
Memphis was led by Jaren Jackson Jr. with 23 points and seven rebounds, while GG Jackson added 18 points and Santi Aldama chipped in 15. The Grizzlies have lost six of seven games, missing key players including Ja Morant (right calf) and Zach Edey (left ankle).
Oklahoma City chipped away in the third quarter, pulling within 80–68 midway through a period that saw them shoot 61%, trailing 94–81 after three quarters. The Thunder finally took the lead at 115–114 on Kenrich Williams’ late three-pointer. Alex Caruso preserved the comeback with a last-second block on Cedric Coward’s attempt.
The Thunder managed the win despite missing key players including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein, highlighting their depth and resilience on the road.
Giannis Seals Win for Bucks Over LeBron, Lakers
Giannis Antetokounmpo blocked a layup and stole the ball from LeBron James on consecutive possessions in the final minute, helping the Bucks rally for a 105–101 victory over the Lakers.
Kevin Porter Jr. scored 22 points and hit four clutch free throws late. Antetokounmpo finished with 21 points despite limited minutes after a calf strain. LeBron had 26 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds, while Luka Doncic scored 24 points but fouled out on Porter’s late 3-pointer. The Bucks earned their fifth win in seven games.
Life After Trae: Hawks Shock Nuggets in Denver
In their first game since trading Trae Young to Washington, the Atlanta Hawks dismantled the Denver Nuggets 110–87 on the road.
Dyson Daniels recorded a triple-double (17 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists), while Denver struggled without Nikola Jokić. The Nuggets collapsed offensively in the fourth quarter, scoring just 12 points as Atlanta’s defense and depth carried them to a decisive win.
Pritchard Leads Celtics Past Short-Handed Raptors, 125–117
Payton Pritchard led Boston with 28 points and eight assists, and Jaylen Brown added 25 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists as the Celtics held off a short-handed Raptors. Boston shot 54% from the field and hit 14 threes, winning for the fifth time in six games.
Toronto, missing Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, and Jakob Poeltl, was paced by RJ Barrett and Ja’Kobe Walter (19 points each) and Immanuel Quickley (17 points, 13 assists), but could not overcome Boston’s late surge.
Maxey’s Big Night Powers 76ers Over Magic
Tyrese Maxey scored 29 points and recorded three steals, while Joel Embiid added 22 points and nine rebounds as the 76ers held off the Magic despite poor long-range shooting.
Philadelphia shot just 4-for-28 from three, but Maxey hit key baskets late to seal the 103–91 victory. Paul George contributed 18 points and nine rebounds. Orlando’s Desmond Bane led with 23 points, while Anthony Black added 21 and Paolo Banchero finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists.
Harden, Leonard Lead Clippers Past Nets 121–105
James Harden scored 31 points and Kawhi Leonard added 26 to lead the Clippers past the Nets. Jordan Miller off the bench added 21 points.
The Clippers controlled the game early, with Leonard and Harden finishing strong in the second half. Egor Demin led Brooklyn with 19 points, but the young Nets could not keep pace. Los Angeles won for the eighth time in 10 games.
Curry Stars as Golden State Dominates Kings
Stephen Curry scored 27 points and had a season-high 10 assists, while Jimmy Butler contributed 15 points, six rebounds, and six assists as the Warriors dominated the Kings.
Golden State shot efficiently, dished 39 assists, and extended its home winning streak to three games. Sacramento has now lost seven straight, with DeMar DeRozan leading the team with 24 points.
Rockets Fall to Blazers Despite Kevin Durant’s 30 Points
Toumani Camara scored 25 points, and Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija added 20 each as the Blazers extended their winning streak to five games. Portland rallied late, with Avdija hitting clutch free throws and Sidy Cissoko adding a decisive dunk. Kevin Durant had 30 points and 12 rebounds for Houston, passing Wilt Chamberlain for seventh on the NBA’s all-time scoring list.
Source: NBA
Discussion about this post