NBA 2025 Roundup, Oklahoma City Thunder continued their wining streak, taking their ninth straight win by defeating the Indiana Pacers 132-111. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander paced the attack with 33 points, as OKC kept alive its bid to join only the third team in history to 70-win a season.
The Thunder (62 wins and eight games remaining in the regular season) need to run the table, joining only the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors and the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls in elite status.
Jalen Williams had 18 points and six assists, Luguentz Dort had 22 points with six 3-pointers, and Isaiah Joe added 19 points off the bench. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 18 points, followed by Andrew Nembhard (16), Obi Toppin (12), Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner (11 each).
Knicks Ruin Magic Crush, 121-91, Through Stifling Defense
Orlando Magic: The Orlando Magic put on a defensive showcase, holding the Sacramento Kings to a mere 91 points in an easy 121-91 win. Caleb Houstan thrived in a bench role, hitting 6-of-7 3s on his way to 18 points.
The Magic, the NBA’s best defensive team in terms of points allowed, held Sacramento to 42% shooting from the field and an abysmal 7-of-28 from behind the three-point line. Paolo Banchero was the leading scorer with 24 points, and Franz Wagner added 21. DeMar DeRozan led the Kings with 21 points, and Domantas Sabonis added a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
Nets Snap Six-Game Skid With 115-112 Win Against Wizards
A hard-fought 115-112 victory over the Washington Wizards ended the Brooklyn Nets’ losing streak. Jalen Wilson and Tyrese Martin led Brooklyn with 20 points apiece and Drew Timme contributed a career-high 19 points. Cameron Johnson added 18 points and nine rebounds, helping the Nets overcome a 17-point deficit in the second quarter.
Washington’s AJ Johnson scored a career-high 20 points, including 14 during the fourth quarter, and Colby Jones added 20 in the loss.
Mavericks Beat Bulls 120-119 in WILD FINISH
Klay Thompson was clutch for the Dallas Mavericks, scoring 20 points and hitting two key free throws with 6.7 seconds left for a tense 120-119 victory against the Chicago Bulls.
Anthony Davis is winning the games he plays in — Dallas is 4-0 in them. Even though his shot wasn’t on (7-of-23), Davis had 18 points in 30 minutes of action. P. J. Washington had 19 points and Kai Jones scored 15 for Charlotte.
The Bulls were led by the rookie sensation Matas Buzelis, who had 28 points, and Coby White and Nikola Vucevic, who each had 25. A late three from Vucevic left the Bulls one point short, but they fell short of offering all of what they tend to best offer: a fun narrative.
With Long-Range Barrage, Heat Torch 76ers, 118-95
The Miami Heat took their own hot streak to another level, beating the Philadelphia 76ers, 118-95, for their fourth consecutive victory. Tyler Herro topped the scoring with 30 and Alec Burks had 20, as Miami connected on 20 three-pointers on 46.5% shooting from deep.
Kel’el Ware was 6-of-6 from the field for 13 points and 14 rebounds. Philadelphia lost its seventh straight, although Jared Butler had 19 points and 10 assists. Justin Edwards (17 points) and Adem Bona (16 points, 10 rebounds) offered some resistance, but Miami’s threes proved too much.
Lakers Clip Grizzlies, 134-127, in Memphis
In a classic case of if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em, Austin Reaves starred for Los Angeles against Memphis, scoring 31 points with eight assists and seven rebounds in a 134-127 L.A. victory. Luka Doncic came close to a triple-double with 29 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, while LeBron James had 25 points on eight assists and six rebounds.
Memphis, in its first game with interim coach Tuomas Iisalo after firing Taylor Jenkins, made a solid effort. Desmond Bane had 29 points to lead the team, followed by Jaren Jackson Jr., with 24 points, and Ja Morant, with 22 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds.
Celtics Win Their Eighth Straight, 121-111 Over Spurs
Jayson Tatum, who led the Boston Celtics’ fourth-ranked offense with 29 points and 10 rebounds, helped them sweep aside the San Antonio Spurs, 121-111. With the win, Boston pushed its season-best winning streak to eight games.
The Celtics established a double-digit lead early and pushed their advantage to 17 points late in the third quarter. Jrue Holiday added 21 points and Luke Kornet scored 15 points and grabbed 16 rebounds off the bench. Jaylen Brown and Derrick White contributed 14 and 13 points, respectively.
San Antonio was led in scoring by reserve Keldon Johnson with 23, followed by Stephon Castle (22), Jeremy Sochan (18), Devin Vassell (14), Harrison Barnes (13) and Chris Paul (12).
NBA 2025 Roundup: The Good, the Bad, and the Fugly
Oklahoma City’s bid for a perfect finish to join the N.B.A.’s 70-win elite.
Magic’s Defensive Brilliance: The league’s best defensive team continued that trend in Orlando.
Mavericks The Close One: Klay Thompson’s late free throws help hold off Chicago.
Lakers turn it around: Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic carried LA to an important road win.
Celtics on a Roll: Boston keep on rolling on, secures 8th straight victory
Teams are heading into the home stretch with the postseason looming, and so every game matters. More NBA 2025 coming through in coverage and analysis!
