New York, Jan 16: The NBA witnessed thrilling late-game heroics on Thursday night as the Eastern-leading Detroit Pistons and defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder each pulled off dramatic finishes to secure key victories.
Pistons Rally Past Suns, Maintain Eastern Conference Lead
Detroit overcame a 16-point deficit to edge the short-handed Phoenix Suns 108-105, keeping their hold atop the Eastern Conference. Jalen Duren dominated the glass with 16 points and 18 rebounds, while Duncan Robinson added 19 points. Tobias Harris’ go-ahead jumper midway through the fourth quarter proved decisive.
Rookie Cade Cunningham struggled offensively, shooting 3-of-16, but contributed 11 assists, keeping the Pistons competitive. The Suns were led by Grayson Allen’s 33 points, but without Devin Booker, Phoenix couldn’t close out the game, suffering their second consecutive loss.
Thunder Dominate Rockets with Blistering Fourth Quarter
Out West, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the reigning NBA champions, continued their hot streak, defeating the Houston Rockets 111-91, marking their fifth consecutive win. After a tight first three quarters, the Thunder erupted in the fourth, outscoring Houston 34-16 to turn a slim lead into a blowout.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 20 points, while Chet Holmgren added 18. Off the bench, Cason Wallace’s 17 points ignited the decisive run. Key contributions from Ajay Mitchell and Jaylin Williams during a pivotal 14-0 run sealed the outcome. Kevin Durant topped the Rockets with 19 points but struggled from deep as Houston shot just 29% from three.
With these wins, Detroit solidifies its position atop the East, while Oklahoma City reinforces its dominance as defending NBA champions, continuing to showcase their late-game prowess and maintain the top of the Western Conference standings.
Ball’s 9 Threes Power Hornets Past Lakers
LaMelo Ball drained nine 3-pointers and scored 30 points as the Charlotte Hornets stunned the Los Angeles Lakers 135–117 on Thursday night. Ball poured in 27 points after halftime, outshining Luka Dončić’s 39-point effort despite strong support from LeBron James who had 29 points . Brandon Miller added 26 points as Charlotte pulled away in the second half, handing the slumping Lakers their fourth loss in five games.
Simons Ignites Celtics’ Rally Past Heat
Anfernee Simons erupted for a season-high 39 points off the bench, including 18 in the fourth quarter, as the Boston Celtics rallied from a 19-point deficit to defeat the Miami Heat 119–114 on Thursday night. Jaylen Brown added 27 points while Boston dominated the final period 36–21 to seal one of its biggest comeback wins of the season.
Butler, Curry Lead Warriors Past Knicks
Jimmy Butler scored 32 points, Stephen Curry added 27 and Moses Moody chipped in 21 as the Golden State Warriors defeated the New York Knicks 126–113 on Thursday night. Golden State pulled away in the second half behind its balanced scoring, handing the Knicks their seventh loss in nine games while New York played without injured guard Jalen Brunson.
Wembanyama Powers Spurs Past Bucks
Victor Wembanyama returned after an early injury scare to score 22 points and collect 10 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs routed the Milwaukee Bucks 119–101 on Thursday night. Stephon Castle added 19 points and 10 assists as San Antonio built a lead as large as 39 points, handing Milwaukee its third straight loss despite 21 points from Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Portland Trail Blazers def. Atlanta Hawks 117–101
Shaedon Sharpe scored 24 points as the Portland Trail Blazers overcame the absence of Deni Avdija to defeat the Atlanta Hawks 117–101 on Thursday night. Portland’s balanced effort and strong defense proved decisive as the Blazers pulled away in the second half to secure the road win.
Dallas Mavericks def. Utah Jazz 144–122
Klay Thompson hit six 3-pointers, matching his season high, and scored a season-best 26 points as the Dallas Mavericks rolled past the Utah Jazz 144–122 on Thursday night. Thompson also moved into fourth place on the NBA’s career 3-point list as Dallas’ offense overwhelmed Utah.
Orlando Magic def. Memphis Grizzlies 118–111
Paolo Banchero recorded 26 points and 13 rebounds, and Franz Wagner added 18 points and nine rebounds in his return as the Orlando Magic defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 118–111 on Thursday. The victory came in the NBA’s first regular-season game played in Germany.
Source:NBA
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