Jalen Green’s game-winning three-pointer in double overtime punctuated a busy Saturday in the NBA, setting the stage for a packed Sunday featuring high-profile matchups on ABC and NBC.
Sunday’s 11-game slate tips off with a doubleheader on ABC, beginning with the Cleveland Cavaliers visiting the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder at 1:00 PM ET. The second game features a Western Conference clash between the Denver Nuggets and the Golden State Warriors at 3:30 PM ET. Later, the Los Angeles Lakers will honor former head coach Pat Riley with a statue unveiling before hosting the Boston Celtics on Sunday Night Basketball at 6:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock.
ABC Doubleheader: Cavaliers Test Thunder, Nuggets Visit Warriors
The Cavaliers, winners of seven straight and 5-0 since acquiring James Harden, are looking to pressure the Knicks for third place in the Eastern Conference. Harden, currently ninth all-time in points (28,897) and 12th in assists (8,717), has seamlessly integrated into the Cleveland offense. In his five games with the team, he has recorded at least eight assists in each contest, helping the Cavaliers jump from 13th to 5th in the league in points in the paint (55.2). Jarrett Allen has also benefited, rising from 19th to 3rd in league scoring in the paint (16.8 points per game) and tying for 13th in overall scoring (113 total points) during this stretch. Donovan Mitchell continues to thrive alongside Harden, tied for the league lead in total points (146) since Harden’s arrival.
The Thunder, yet, will be without leading scorer Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) for the sixth consecutive game. Despite his absence, Oklahoma City has gone 3-3, with five different players leading the team in scoring during that span: Kenrich Williams, Cason Wallace, Jalen Williams (twice), Isaiah Joe, and Jared McCain.
In the afternoon matchup, the Denver Nuggets enter having scored the most points in a single game this season on Friday (157), with the Jamal Murray-Nikola Jokić duo combining for 42 points by halftime. Jokić leads the league in rebounding (12.3 rpg) and assists (10.5 apg), while Murray is enjoying a career year, averaging 25.6 points and 7.6 assists per game. Murray ranks third in total points off handoffs and fifth in points as the pick-and-roll ball handler this season. Jokić is fifth in the league in roll-man possessions, shooting 56.3% in those situations.
The Golden State Warriors, currently holding a two-game lead for the eighth seed in the West, are averaging a league-leading 16.4 made three-pointers per game and boast a top-10 defense (112.7 Defensive Rating) despite Steph Curry’s absence.
Sunday Night Basketball: Celtics-Lakers Rivalry Continues
The storied rivalry between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers will continue tonight, marking the 304th regular season matchup between the two franchises. Prior to the game, the Lakers will unveil a statue honoring former head coach Pat Riley. NBA.com’s Shaun Powell highlighted Riley’s impact, describing him as “a combination of smarts and sharp dressing, the coolest coach in the room and highly often the best prepared.” Riley won four NBA championships in seven Finals appearances during his tenure with the Lakers.
The current Lakers coach, JJ Redick, shares similarities with Riley, being a former player and now a coach who prioritizes communication. Redick also hosted the popular basketball podcast, “The Old Man and The Three” and served as an NBA analyst for ESPN. Redick and Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla are described as close friends, with Redick stating he is “probably one of [only] two coaches that he’ll speak with during the season.” Mazzulla previously considered Redick for a position on his coaching staff.
The Lakers are looking for Redick’s second win against Mazzulla’s Celtics, who won the first matchup this season, 126-105, on December 5th. Boston ranks third in the league in three-pointers made (15.4 per game) and attempted (42.4 per game), while the Lakers’ three-point attack centers around LeBron James, who ranks second behind Steph Curry in both three-pointers made (3.7 per game) and attempted (10.4 per game).
Saturday’s Stunners: Knicks Rally, Green’s Buzzer-Beater
The New York Knicks completed a remarkable comeback Saturday, overcoming an 18-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Houston Rockets 108-106. Jalen Brunson scored 20 points and dished out 6 assists, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 25 points and 7 rebounds. The Knicks outscored the Rockets 33-15 in the fourth quarter, fueled by back-to-back steals from Jose Alvarado. Brunson scored 18 of his 20 points in the second half.
In Phoenix, Jalen Green hit a game-winning three-pointer in double overtime to lift the Suns over the Orlando Magic 113-110. Green’s shot came after a 6-for-26 shooting night and amidst multiple injuries to Suns players. The Magic had erased an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit to force overtime.
Roundup: Spurs and Pistons Continue Winning Streaks
The San Antonio Spurs extended their winning streak to eight games with a 139-122 victory over the Sacramento Kings. Victor Wembanyama led the way with 28 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 blocks. The Spurs are now 40-13 on the season.
The Detroit Pistons also continued their impressive run, defeating the Chicago Bulls 126-110 for their fifth straight win. Jalen Duren scored a team-high 26 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, while Cade Cunningham nearly recorded a triple-double with 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 13 assists. The Pistons are now 41-13, tying their second-best record through 55 games in franchise history.
