Wizards snap losing streak sgainst Trail Blazers — 115-111
Alex Sarr had a monster night with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and six blocks as the Washington Wizards snapped a nine-game skid, holding off the Portland Trail Blazers 115-111. Washington led 112-106 late, but Shaedon Sharpe’s dunk cut the lead to one with 20.5 seconds remaining. Kyshawn George hit a clutch free throw to seal the win. Sharpe led Portland with 31 points, but the Blazers couldn’t capitalize on a 69-46 rebounding advantage.
Knicks dominate fourth quarter to beat Kings — 103-87
Jalen Brunson scored 28 points, while Mikal Bridges added 18 and Karl-Anthony Towns posted a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds as the New York Knicks outscored the Sacramento Kings 31-15 in the fourth quarter to earn a 103-87 victory. The Kings’ DeMar DeRozan led all scorers with 34 points but shot just 3 of 16 from beyond the arc. Mike Brown earned his first win against the team that fired him last season.
76ers overpower short-handed Bucks — 139-122
Paul George poured in 32 points, and Joel Embiid scored 29, including 18 in the first quarter, as the Philadelphia 76ers defeated a depleted Milwaukee Bucks 139-122. Tyrese Maxey added 22 points, helping the Sixers bounce back after a blowout loss the night before. Myles Turner led the Bucks with 31 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo sat out with a right calf strain. Philadelphia shot efficiently and controlled the pace, particularly after the return of George and Embiid.
Gilgeous-Alexander powers Thunder past pelicans — 104-95
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 29 points and Chet Holmgren contributed 20 points, 14 rebounds, and five blocks as the Oklahoma City Thunder avoided their first three-game skid of the season, beating the New Orleans Pelicans 104-95. The Thunder were missing four starters but took advantage of early struggles from New Orleans. Zion Williamson scored 21 points for the Pelicans, who fell short despite a strong second-half rally.
Pistons hold off Nuggets in nail-biter — 109-107
Tobias Harris hit two clutch free throws with 2 seconds left to help the Detroit Pistons edge the travel-weary Denver Nuggets 109-107. Cade Cunningham recorded 22 points and 11 assists, while Jamal Murray missed two late free throws for Denver. Jonas Valanciunas returned to post 16 points and 16 rebounds for the Nuggets, who struggled with the effects of a postponed game and injuries to key players including Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon.
Suns outlast Nets in tense finish — 106-102
Mark Williams scored 27 points, and Dillon Brooks added 26 to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 106-102 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. The game featured a late fourth-quarter scuffle involving multiple players and technical fouls. Devin Booker and Jalen Green were sidelined, but the Suns held off a furious Brooklyn rally led by Michael Porter Jr., who finished with a season-high 36 points.
Clippers Win Ninth in 10 Games With Leonard Leading the Way — 115-103
Kawhi Leonard scored 21 points and James Harden added 16 points and 10 assists as the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Utah Jazz 115-103. Kris Dunn contributed 14 points and five steals in a game where the Clippers overcame a halftime deficit to pull away. Lauri Markkanen returned for Utah with 19 points, but the Jazz struggled without top players Jusuf Nurkic and Keyonte George and committed 17 turnovers that Los Angeles converted into 23 points.
