Monday’s NBA slate delivered everything from statement wins by contenders to late-game drama and injury concerns, all wrapped into a busy Martin Luther King Jr. Day across the league. Here’s a look at how all nine games unfolded.
Bucks 112, Hawks 110
Milwaukee survived its own collapse after blowing a 23-point second-half lead, leaning on Giannis Antetokounmpo late to escape Atlanta. Giannis finished with 21 points and 17 rebounds, and timely 3s from AJ Green and Bobby Portis helped the Bucks close it out after Jalen Johnson briefly put the Hawks ahead in the final minutes.
Thunder 136, Cavaliers 104
Oklahoma City made a loud statement on the road, overwhelming Cleveland behind another dominant performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The reigning MVP scored 30 points, Chet Holmgren added 28, and the Thunder buried the Cavaliers with 23 made 3-pointers, turning a competitive first half into a runaway fourth-quarter rout.
Clippers 110, Wizards 106
James Harden carried the Clippers home with 36 points, sealing the win in chaotic fashion at the free-throw line. After missing two late foul shots, Harden got the rebound, was fouled again, and calmly knocked down the clinchers as Los Angeles won its sixth straight despite shooting just 5-of-28 from deep.
Mavericks 114, Knicks 97
Dallas silenced Madison Square Garden early and often, racing to a 30-point first-half lead and never looking back. Max Christie poured in a season-high 26 points, Cooper Flagg impressed with 18 in his MSG debut, and the Knicks were booed off the floor at halftime as their slide continued.
Spurs 123, Jazz 110
Victor Wembanyama celebrated his first All-Star starting nod by lighting up Utah, drilling a season-high seven 3-pointers on the way to 33 points and 10 rebounds. San Antonio pulled away in the third quarter, getting balanced support from its young backcourt to secure its third straight win.
76ers 113, Pacers 104
Hours after being named an All-Star starter, Tyrese Maxey delivered with 29 points and eight steals, while Joel Embiid added 30 points and nine rebounds. Philadelphia shook off a sluggish first three quarters, tightening up late to hand Indiana its third loss in four games.
Suns 126, Nets 117
Phoenix shot the lights out early and held off a late Brooklyn push to earn another road win. Dillon Brooks scored 27 points, Devin Booker added 23, and the Suns finished at 57% from the field as they survived a Nets rally that briefly made things interesting in the fourth quarter.
Pistons 104, Celtics 103
Detroit edged Boston in a tense finish between Eastern Conference heavyweights, with Tobias Harris scoring 25 points and Jaylen Brown’s last-second jumper falling short. Cade Cunningham, newly named an All-Star starter, chipped in 16 points and 14 assists as the Pistons held firm in crunch time.
Warriors 135, Heat 112
Golden State rolled past Miami, but the night was clouded by concern after Jimmy Butler exited with a right knee injury in the third quarter. Butler scored 17 before the injury, Stephen Curry posted 19 points and 11 assists, and the Warriors’ depth overwhelmed a Heat team that continued to struggle on the road.
