It was a night of big performances and pivotal wins across the league on Thursday. From career-highs to clutch late-game heroics, teams fought for momentum in the middle of the season, with several squads extending streaks or snapping slumps. Here’s a look at all eight games from Thursday night.
Hornets 124, Magic 97
LaMelo Ball returned to the starting lineup and had 16 points, seven assists and six rebounds to lead the Charlotte Hornets past the Orlando Magic. Brandon Miller scored 20 points, while Collin Sexton added 19 off the bench. Charlotte jumped out early and never trailed, shooting 55% overall and 48% from three. Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 23 points, but the Magic struggled without Jalen Suggs and Moe Wagner.
76ers 128, Rockets 122 (OT)
Tyrese Maxey poured in 36 points, including six in overtime, and Joel Embiid recorded a triple-double with 32 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists as Philadelphia edged Houston. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 26 points, while Paul George returned from injury to contribute 10. Kevin Durant scored 36 for the Rockets, who couldn’t close it in regulation despite tying the game late.
Nuggets 107, Wizards 97
Peyton Watson scored a career-high 35 points, and Jamal Murray added 24 to lift the short-handed Denver Nuggets past the Washington Wizards. Jonas Valančiūnas returned with 16 points, and Aaron Gordon chipped in 16. Nikola Jokić missed his 13th straight game. Kyshawn George led Washington with 20 points and 12 rebounds, but the Wizards dropped their eighth consecutive game.
Mavericks 123, Warriors 115
Naji Marshall scored 30 points and handed out nine assists to help the Dallas Mavericks defeat Golden State. Cooper Flagg had 21 points and 11 rebounds, and Max Christie also scored 21 as Dallas won its fourth straight. Stephen Curry had 38 points for the Warriors, including eight 3-pointers, but Golden State couldn’t keep up in the fourth quarter.
Bulls 120, Timberwolves 115
Coby White scored 22 points, Josh Giddey added 21 off the bench, and Jalen Smith hit clutch free throws in the final seconds as Chicago overcame a 14-point deficit to beat Minnesota. Julius Randle led the Timberwolves with 30 points, while Anthony Edwards and Naz Reid each had 20, but Minnesota was held scoreless in the final 1:06 of the game.
Spurs 126, Jazz 109
De’Aaron Fox scored 31 points and Victor Wembanyama added 26 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks as San Antonio pulled away from Utah. Keldon Johnson had 21 points, and Stephon Castle added 16. Jusuf Nurkić recorded his second straight triple-double with 17 points, 14 assists and 11 rebounds, but the Jazz were undone by a 27–10 fourth-quarter run from the Spurs.
Clippers 112, Lakers 104
Kawhi Leonard scored 24 points, extending his streak to 23 consecutive 20-point games, and the Clippers held off a late rally to defeat the Lakers. Luka Dončić had 32 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, and LeBron James added 23. Los Angeles trimmed the deficit to three in the final minutes, but Ivica Zubac and John Collins helped close the game, with seven Clippers in double figures.
Trail Blazers 127, Heat 110
Shaedon Sharpe scored 27 points with seven rebounds and four steals, and Portland extended its winning streak to four games against Miami. Deni Avdija and Caleb Love each scored 20 points, while Toumani Camara added 16. Bam Adebayo had 32 points and 10 rebounds for the Heat, but the Trail Blazers made 20 3-pointers, including five by Sharpe, and pulled away with a 17–2 third-quarter run.
