Giannis Antetokounmpo (24 points, 7 assists) and Bobby Portis (game-high 25 points) combine for 49 points in Milwaukee’s win over Charlotte on Monday. (Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images)
Enjoy the best of Monday’s 11-game slate with the NBA.com live blog, featuring all of the meaningful moments, performances, observations, news, notes and highlights.
Monday’s Final Scores
Phoenix Suns 115, Washington Wizards 101
Milwaukee Bucks 123, Charlotte Hornets 113
Miami Heat 147, Denver Nuggets 123
Golden State Warriors 120, Brooklyn Nets 107
Toronto Raptors 107, Orlando Magic 106
Minnesota Timberwolves 136, Chicago Bulls 101
Houston Rockets 126, Indiana Pacers 119
Oklahoma City Thunder 140, Atlanta Hawks 129
New York Knicks 130, New Orleans Pelicans 125
12:12 AM / December 29, 2025
Catch them if you can 🤷♂️
It used to be the Golden State Warriors who flip the switch on a dime, often in the third quarters. Now it’s the Oklahoma City Thunder who can swing the momentum at a moment’s notice, and Atlanta was on the receiving end of a prime example of that.
Third quarter told the story: 30–10 run, 43 points 📈
Vote Thunder ⭐️ https://t.co/0HE3ncZMZZ pic.twitter.com/6jiAQYFTZi
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 30, 2025
Good teammates 🇨🇦 Better opponents
Being related to the league MVP could come with lofty expectations, but Nickeil Alexander-Walker met them by going off for 30 points against the reigning chamnps. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, meanwhile, had a casual 39.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nickeil Alexander-Walker had themselves a night as OKC brought home the dub 👏
Never a dull moment watching these cousins hoop 🍿 pic.twitter.com/UWen3DaRjI
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 30, 2025
11:52 PM / December 29, 2025
Cookies ‘n windmill 🍪💥
Shaedon Sharpe is turning into the feared offensive player he was billed when he entered the league, but his defensive growth is also worth highlighting. A clean pick-pocket on Max Christie led to a breakaway windmill for the electrip leaper.
EXCUSE ME SHAEDON?!?!😳😳😳 pic.twitter.com/xEHbvdYCs9
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 30, 2025
Dallas was on the ropes in the first half, but enter the halftime break with only a 12-point deficit. Christie leads the Mavericks in scoring with 14 points while Daniel Gafford has 12 points and hasn’t missed on his five shots from the floor. The second half is underway now on NBC/Peacock.
At the half.#MFFL pic.twitter.com/QiD630CFAm
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) December 30, 2025
11:39 PM / December 29, 2025
He’s a problem 😳
Teams are going to have to start preparing harder for Collin Gillespie. The Washington Wizards were unable to slow him down as the Villanova product did some of everything en route to a road victory. Gillespie is averaging 13.4 points, 5.4 assists, four rebounds and nearly a trio of threes per game this season – which are all career highs.
Collin stuffed the stat sheet tonight 🔥
☄️ 25 PTS
☄️ 10-14 FG
☄️ 5-8 3PT
☄️ 6 AST
☄️ 4 REB
☄️ 2 STL@Kia | #SunsUp pic.twitter.com/mlZ6c2krdS
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 30, 2025
Phoenix got a much needed win to hold rank in the Western Conference. The team is 19-13 which is good for seventh out West. The Suns are trending in the right direction as Dillon Brooks is also having a career year scoring the rock. He and Devin Booker each notched 20-plus points tonight in addition to Gillespie’s 25.
Bucket Getters.
⭐️ Send them to All-Star: https://t.co/95ae3qBVAB pic.twitter.com/3sbtouL7HU
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 30, 2025
11:29 PM / December 29, 2025
Amen Thompson things 👏
When Kevin Durant goes for 30, the defense’s hands are generally full. Insert Amen Thompson slashing and scoring 20 of his own on only nine field goal attempts.
Twin was locked in tonight 🔒
📊 20 PTS | 8 REB | 7 AST@MemorialHermann | #AllFire pic.twitter.com/tjceTSNWUt
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 30, 2025
The Rockets are 10-2 at home, and now 20-10 overall. They are also the best rebounding team in the league, averaging 48.8 per game. Tonight that formula translated to victory as they outrebounded Indiana 50-29.
KD served up another 30-piece tonight 👨🍳 pic.twitter.com/S5feOavWgs
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 30, 2025
11:20 PM / December 29, 2025
At the Buzzer 🚨
Caleb Love drilled a three-pointer off of a dish from Deni Avdija to give his team a 13-point lead going into the first break. Avdija is on pace for a triple-double early on.
End of the first.
42 is the most points we’ve scored in the first quarter this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/ClDeDEcX8X
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) December 30, 2025
10:45 PM / December 29, 2025
Heading out west 🧳
The Portland Trail Blazers are hosting the Dallas Mavericks for the night’s final game. After getting a primer from the NBA TV guys, tune in to the second leg of a double header on NBC/Peacock which is getting underway now.
What to watch for when the Mavericks visit the Trail Blazers? 👀@NekiasNBA and @stevejones20 look ahead to Game 2 of the NBC and Peacock doubleheader, tonight at 10:30pm/et! pic.twitter.com/CmoslgtF5K
— NBA TV (@NBATV) December 30, 2025
10:35 PM / December 29, 2025
Knicks survive Pels scare 🗽
New Orleans very nearly won this game outright, and still had a chance to force overtime in the final seconds, but ultimately fell to the New York Knicks. The teams have nearly inverse records, but a healthy Pelicans squad gave New York all it could handle. Deuce McBride delivered clutch shots and free throws to help New York seal the deal.
BANG. DEUCE MCBRIDE. pic.twitter.com/F32uTgnvOQ
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 30, 2025
Yves out of nowhere 😤
During a back-and-forth fourth quarter, Yves Missi delivered one of the night’s top plays by finishing a missed Derik Queen fastbreak layup with authority.
VOLUME 🆙 pic.twitter.com/tpnIab6ULN
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 30, 2025
10:25 PM / December 29, 2025
Triple-double spoiled in wild ending 🤯
Paolo Banchero’s miss at the buzzer was the final scene of a duel between Eastern Conference foes. The Raptors trailed by ten entering the fourth quarter, and by as many as 21 before storming back to win on their home floor.
RAPTORS GET THE STOP.
21-POINT COMEBACK COMPLETE 🚨 pic.twitter.com/UtvVOhYUhK
— NBA (@NBA) December 30, 2025
Banchero finished with a monster line, while teammate Anthony Black continues to ascend after scoring 27 in defeat.
Paolo Banchero at TOR:
23 PTS
15 REB
10 AST*
*marks Banchero’s 4th career triple-double and his 2nd this season pic.twitter.com/gr04im6GK8
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) December 30, 2025
10:10 PM / December 29, 2025
Final stretch 🍿
Jalen Tyson is taking over in the opening stretch of the fourth quarter. He’s drilled three triples in the opening minutes to help keep his team ahead. The Spurs have been outscored 15-6 by the Cavaliers to start the fourth.
Fourth quarter time ⏰ pic.twitter.com/PijcJPxQ5D
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) December 30, 2025
9:57 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
Ant-Man cooking Bulls
Anthony Edwards is up to 23 points on 9-for-13 shooting with 2 rebounds, 4 dimes, a steal and a block in 32 minutes. Naz Reid has been dominant off the bench for the Wolves, dropping a game-high 29 points and six made 3s in only 23 minutes.
Minnesota leads Chicago 104-83 with 9:21 remaining in the contest, live on League Pass!
Ant step-back so nice 😮💨
Timberwolves lead in the 4Q… tap to watch:https://t.co/Xnu04WWYOZ pic.twitter.com/7UAzEFXD4u
— NBA (@NBA) December 30, 2025
Nikola Vučević is the high man for the Bulls with 23 points on 10-for-17 shooting with three made 3s.
HE CAN’T MISS. 🍇
29 POINTS FOR BIG JELLY. pic.twitter.com/ovRstPbkGD
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) December 30, 2025
9:50 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
Curry climbing the charts
Congratulations to Stephen Curry for passing Kevin Garnett and moving into 21st all-time in scoring!
Chef is up to 23 points on 7-for-13 shooting with five made 3s and 5 assists in 24 minutes, and his Warriors have a 107-96 lead over Brooklyn with 4:21 remaining in the contest.
Curry off the screen… GOT IT 🔥
Steph passes Kevin Garnett for 21st on the NBA’s all-time scoring list! pic.twitter.com/rvmvycA8wa
— NBA (@NBA) December 30, 2025
Michael Porter, Jr. leads all scorers with 26 points (10-16 FG, 5-9 3PM) to go along with 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals for the Nets.
9:45 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
Easy money for KD
Kevin Durant gets his patented turnaround jumper to go, making it look impossibly smooth in the process. KD has a game-high 26 points (11-17 FG) to go along with 4 rebounds and 4 assists in 26 minutes.
KD turnaround is green ✅ pic.twitter.com/Sg8754uzGX
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 30, 2025
Pascal Siakam leads the way for Indiana with 18 points on 7-for-15 shooting, but the Pacers trail the Rockets 89-74 with 3:52 remaining in the third quarter.
Slim on his bully 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/HrGeDZwVrP
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 30, 2025
9:40 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
Cavs fighting to stay close with Spurs
Darius Garland finds a streaking Evan Mobley for an easy flush, as ‘DG’ tallies his game-best 9th assist of the evening. Jarrett Allen leads Cleveland with 14 points and 5 rebounds, but the Cavs trail the Spurs 59-55 with two minutes gone in the third quarter.
👀 What an ASSIST from DG.
VOTE DG: https://t.co/2kDJdctMan@Kia | #CastYourVote pic.twitter.com/JqKtWmykbw
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) December 30, 2025
Victor Wembanyama (13 points, 8 rebounds) and Stephon Castle (11 points, 5 assists) lead the charge as the only two in double figures for San Antonio.
OMG another Deeg dime. @dariusgarland22 | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/FxYbs41jr8
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) December 30, 2025
9:33 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
Pelicans lead Knicks in 3Q
OG Anunoby (18 points, 7 rebounds) and Mohamed Diawara (16 points) lead the Knicks in scoring, but Jalen Brunson is right behind them with 15 points and 4 assists.
just a chill 16 PTS for OG 😌
vote knicks for #NBAAllStar starter 👉 https://t.co/Ov3esq1i8z pic.twitter.com/oocn4yvyN6
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 30, 2025
Saddiq Bey has 26 points on 9-for-15 shooting to pace the Pelicans, and Zion Williamson pours in 22 points (8-12 FG) with 5 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal and a block in 18 minutes.
ALL THE WAY pic.twitter.com/eZnlHuLYKr
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 30, 2025
New Orleans has an 81-74 edge over New York with 9:17 left in the third quarter, live on League Pass!
9:23 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
Jokić (knee) won’t return vs. Heat
Here’s the play that causes Nikola Jokić to limp off the court at halftime against the Heat, and he has been ruled out for the remainder of the contest. He put up 21 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists in 19 minutes before suffering the injury.
Nikola Jokic went down with an apparent leg injury vs. the Heat. pic.twitter.com/4kPf9HAOt8
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 30, 2025
We’re hoping for good news on the 3-time NBA MVP.
9:16 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
Bucks-Hornets in a tight one
Giannis Antetokounmpo is up to 21 points on 10-for-14 shooting with 6 assists, while Bobby Portis leads Milwaukee with 25 points (8-12 FG, 5-7 3PM) in 23 minutes as a reserve.
Giannis will take that. 😤 pic.twitter.com/DIli71oag5
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 30, 2025
Brandon Miller (29 points, 8 rebounds) and LaMelo Ball (26 points, 6 assists) are keeping Charlotte within striking distance, as they trail the Bucks 116-109 with 2:30 remaining in the contest.
Picked off the pass.
Ran the floor.
POSTER.
Brandon Miller with a season high 29!
Tap to watch the finish between MIL/CHA: https://t.co/SeXU0sJT3m pic.twitter.com/DoW1xk66U3
— NBA (@NBA) December 30, 2025
9:11 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
Raptors fighting back at home
Orlando was up as many as 21 points in the first half, but the Raptors have cut it down to just a 6-point deficit midway through the third quarter. Gradey Dick and Jamal Shead each have 15 points apiece off the bench, leading Toronto in scoring.
OH MY B.I 😱
VOTE B.I FOR NBA ALL-STAR: https://t.co/oBdLYlqlIn pic.twitter.com/4u93FoKvuQ
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) December 30, 2025
Paolo Banchero has 19 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and a block to lead three Magic players in double figures scoring. Desmond Bane adds 18 points and 6 rebounds in 24 minutes, as Orlando leads Toronto 77-72 with 5:53 remaining in the quarter.
9:01 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
Bigs go defense to offense
Rudy Gobert gets the swat on one end and gets rewarded with a beautiful euro step finish at the other. Anthony Edwards (11 points) and Naz Reid (10 points) lead the way for Minnesota, as the Wolves have a 55-50 advantage over Chicago at the break.
WE SEE YOU, RU. 💪 pic.twitter.com/UAMfKaTTq6
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) December 30, 2025
Jalen Smith makes a similar play for the Bulls, and he’s got 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, one assist and one steal in 12 minutes off the bench.
Stix getting it done on both ends of the floor.@thejalen_smith | @CHSN__ pic.twitter.com/SubShneuIP
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 30, 2025
Nikola Vučević and Josh Giddey have 11 points apiece to pace the Bulls in scoring.
8:50 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
Seeing is believing
Nickeil Alexander-Walker somehow splashes from halfcourt with his off-hand, giving Atlanta a 38-35 lead over OKC after the first quarter. NAW has 10 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and a block in 12 minutes, and Onyeka Okongwu leads Atlanta in scoring with 14 points on 5-for-7 shooting.
NAW from halfcourt at the buzzer with his LEFT HAND 🤯 pic.twitter.com/xxiwZvkXxl
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) December 30, 2025
On the other side, NAW’s cousin, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, bounces for a nasty two-handed jam to get the home crowd going. SGA has a game-high 15 points (6-9 FG) with 2 rebounds and 2 assists in 12 minutes.
Shai takes flight ✈️
Vote 2 🗳️ https://t.co/0HE3ncZMZZ pic.twitter.com/TQU1RNzPMK
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) December 30, 2025
Atlanta holds a 49-44 edge over the Thunder with 9:10 remaining before halftime, live on League Pass!
8:44 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
MPJ detonates at the rim
Michael Porter, Jr. gets up for this poster slam against Golden State, giving him a game-high 17 points (7-10 FG, 3-6 3PM) with 3 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal in 16 minutes.
🚨 MPJ POSTER ALERT 🚨 pic.twitter.com/LNunL0Q65y
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) December 30, 2025
Stephen Curry leads the Warriors with 10 points and 4 assists, while Trayce Jackson-Davis (9 points, 2 steals, 2 blocks) and Gary Payton II (8 points) are doing their part off the bench.
Golden State holds a 59-57 advantage over Brooklyn at halftime.
8:38 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
Saddiq Bey is ON FIRE
Bey goes on an absolute heater in the first quarter, dropping 23 points on 8-for-11 shooting with four made 3s in 12 minutes. Jordan Poole tallies 10 points and two made 3s off the Pelicans’ bench, helping New Orleans take a 41-37 lead after one.
21 points on 7-8 shooting for Saddiq Bey.
It’s still the 1st quarter 😱 pic.twitter.com/hXuNroqsbG
— NBA (@NBA) December 30, 2025
Mohamed Diawara had himself a quarter, too, putting up 13 points on 5-for-6 shooting (3-3 3PM) with 2 steals in just 9 minutes for New York.
MO BUCKETS‼️
11 PTS | 3 3PM | 2 STL pic.twitter.com/tSlvJDXd0h
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 30, 2025
8:33 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
Spurs’ ROTY connection
Stephon Castle goes showtime off the backboard to Victor Wembanyama on Peacock & NBC! Wemby has 4 points, 2 rebounds and a block, while Castle is up to 4 points and 3 dimes in 8 minutes, but the Spurs trail the Cavs 22-19 with 2:02 left in the first quarter.
CASTLE OFF THE BACKBOARD TO WEMBY 😮
SHOWTIME IN SAN ANTONIO.
Tap to watch: https://t.co/rsmJzvKTQw pic.twitter.com/BLD2mVIbPA
— NBA (@NBA) December 30, 2025
Dean Wade and Jarrett Allen lead the Cavs with 6 points apiece, and Darius Garland adds 4 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal in 8 minutes.
8:26 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
3Q underway in Charlotte
Brandon Miller hits the circus shot in the first half to give him 17 points in 17 minutes. LaMelo Ball (14 points) and Collin Sexton (13 points, 6 assists) are right behind him to keep the Hornets in front of the Bucks, 71-69, with two minutes gone in the third quarter.
“Chicken salad!” 🥗
How did Brandon Miller get this to fall??
He finished with 17 in the 1st half… tap to watch the 2nd half: https://t.co/SeXU0sJT3m pic.twitter.com/qbPtB8KIfa
— NBA (@NBA) December 30, 2025
Giannis Antetokounmpo (11 points), Myles Turner (12 points) and Ryan Rollins (12 points, 3 assists) lead the way for Milwaukee.
Ry gets buckets.
A team-high 12 points at the break. pic.twitter.com/tOpnwJCfdQ
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 30, 2025
8:17 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
Suns lead Wizards at the break
Phoenix holds a 61-54 edge over Washington at halftime, fueled by the trio of Collin Gillespie (13 points), Devin Booker (11 points, 5 rebounds) and Jordan Goodwin (11 points, 4 rebounds).
Tre Johnson is ON FIRE.
He’s 4 for 4 from deep with 18 pts in the 1st half! pic.twitter.com/N215norp4i
— NBA (@NBA) December 30, 2025
Rookie Tre Johnson is on a heater tonight, putting up 18 points (7-8 FG, 4-4 3PM), 2 assists and a steal in 13 first-half minutes. Bilal Coulibaly adds 10 points with two made 3s and one block in 9 minutes.
8:11 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
Magic on top after 1Q
Orlando is lead by Desmond Bane (11 points, 3 rebounds) and Paolo Banchero (2 points, 6 boards, 2 assists) as they take a 29-18 advantage over Toronto into the second quarter.
good looks P5
Paolo Banchero finds Desmond Bane with the bounce pass pic.twitter.com/Rm4PUYcxX0
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) December 30, 2025
Gradey Dick is the high man for the Raptors with 7 points in 5 minutes off the bench.
Desmond Bane with the INSANE turnaround 🔥
11 first-quarter points for @DBane0625 pic.twitter.com/NPrg7LjHGG
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) December 30, 2025
8:06 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
Joker + Jamal = chemistry
Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray have done this more times than we can count, but it never gets old watching it. ‘Joker’ has 6 points and 6 dimes while Murray has 6 points, 3 rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Jamal to Joker to Jamal again!
Give & go run to perfection 💯
Watch here: https://t.co/LNXa5x18Or pic.twitter.com/DAcnxWc3LA
— NBA (@NBA) December 30, 2025
THE DUO STRIKES
MAL THROWS IT UP
JOK THROWS IT DOWN pic.twitter.com/N532jlSHVT
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 30, 2025
Norman Powell (10 points) is fueling a high-scoring first quarter for Miami, who are happy to have Bam Adebayo (4 points, 5 rebounds) back in the lineup after missing the last two contests.
Wiggins steal.
Wiggins slam.
His Heat have an early lead vs. Denver! pic.twitter.com/NSDiRJF1tB
— NBA (@NBA) December 30, 2025
The Heat lead the Nuggets 41-29 after 12 minutes of play on League Pass!
7:56 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
Raining 3s in Brooklyn
Egor Dëmin (6 points) and Michael Porter, Jr. (8 points) trade triples early for the Nets, powering their 23-13 lead over the Warriors with 5:23 left in the opening quarter.
MPJ said I got one
Egor said I got one
MPJ said I got two
Egor said I got two pic.twitter.com/SoraEryjDe
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) December 30, 2025
Stephen Curry is scoreless (0-3 FG) in 7 minutes, but he has 3 assists and a rebound for Golden State.
Steph 👉 GPII
📺 @NBCSAuthentic pic.twitter.com/UlxRNeZVWh
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) December 30, 2025
7:50 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
Bank’s open late in Charlotte
Bobby Portis helps close the quarter out on a high note for Milwaukee, making it a 14-6 run by the Hornets to finish the first frame. ‘BP’ has 10 points to lead the Bucks in scoring.
BP bank shot to beat the buzzer! pic.twitter.com/rrHxA4D5YL
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 30, 2025
Brandon Miller has 9 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists, while LaMelo Ball has 11 points (3-6 3PM) and 3 dimes in 12 minutes. Charlotte trails Milwaukee 41-40 with 7:23 remaining before halftime.
FRENCH CONNECTION 🤝
VOTE MOUSSA ⭐️ https://t.co/oQJmNeBT3Z | 🎥 @FDSN_Hornets pic.twitter.com/eVckAHtOJd
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) December 30, 2025
7:36 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
Wizards-Suns battling in D.C.
Dillon Brooks hits the tough turnaround in the lane for his only bucket of the evening so far. Collin Gillespie leads Phoenix with 8 points on 3-for-3 shooting with two made 3s.
SPIN MOVE 🌀
⭐️ Vote Dillon to All-Star: https://t.co/95ae3qCtq9 pic.twitter.com/hRJMQkUQiF
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 30, 2025
Bilal Coulibaly paces Washington with 7 points in 8 minutes, helping the Wizards take a 23-22 lead after one quarter of play.
Rook with the steal and score 🤝 pic.twitter.com/dHExu1eMb3
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) December 30, 2025
7:22 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
Giannis is unstoppable
Giannis Antetokounmpo makes this incredible take and spin look so effortless. He’s got 4 points and 2 assists in the early going tonight in Charlotte, helping Milwaukee take a 16-9 lead midway through the quarter.
Giannis is ridiculous. pic.twitter.com/9FDXqeIo3F
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 30, 2025
LaMelo Ball leads the Hornets with 8 points and two made 3s.
6:57 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
Best clutch plays of 2025
With 2026 quickly approaching, enjoy the top 10 clutch plays of 2025 before the calendar flips.
🚨 TOP 10 CLUTCH PLAYS OF 2025 🚨
10. AG’s GW in G1 of West Semis
9. JB’s GW in G6 of East First Round
8. Daniels’ STL to LeVert’s GW
7. Edgecombe & Maxey secure PHI’s W
6. Haliburton’s GW in G2 of East Semis
5. Haliburton forces OT in G1 of East Finals
4. AG’s GW in G4 of West… pic.twitter.com/XWEjg6R7ld
— NBA (@NBA) December 29, 2025
6:20 PM / DECEMBER 29, 2025
What we know before Monday’s 11-game night
Victor Wembanyama looks to lead the San Antonio Spurs back into the win column when they host Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Peacock and NBC. (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
To tip off the Peacock / NBC doubleheader, the Cavaliers are in San Antonio to battle the surging Spurs (8 ET). Cleveland has lost two straight while San Antonio had their 8-game win streak snapped on Saturday night against the Jazz.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks square off against LaMelo Ball and the Hornets (7 ET, League Pass), who will be going for a third consecutive win. Giannis dropped 29 points and 8 rebounds in his first game back from an 8-game absence.
The Suns are aiming for a fourth straight victory tonight in the nation’s capital when they battle the Washington Wizards (7 ET, League Pass). Phoenix will be without Mark Williams, who’s serving a one-game suspension for his role in an on-court altercation on Saturday.
Brooklyn is looking for a third consecutive win of their own when they host Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors (7:30 ET, League Pass).
Bam Adebayo (back) is listed as probable for Miami’s home tilt with the Denver Nuggets after missing the last two games (7:30 ET, League Pass). The Heat won both contests with Bam on the shelf.
Paolo Banchero and the Magic are in Toronto to take on the Raptors (7:30 ET, League Pass). Both teams are coming off of a victory their last time out, with Scottie Barnes setting a franchise record with 25 rebounds in a 141-127 OT win against the Warriors on Sunday.
In a matchup between two squads fighting to get back in the win column, the Timberwolves travel to take on the Bulls in an interconference tilt (8 ET, League Pass).
Houston, winners of two straight, host the struggling Pacers, losers of eight in a row (8 ET, League Pass). Kevin Durant poured in a cool 30 points in 29 minutes during the Rockets’ 117-100 win over Cleveland on Saturday.
Jalen Brunson and the Knicks will go for a third consecutive dub when they face off against rookie Derik Queen and the Pelicans in New Orleans (8 ET, League Pass). The Pels have lost three straight after winning their previous five games.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder play host to Dyson Daniels and the Hawks (8 ET, League Pass). Oklahoma City will be without Isaiah Hartenstein (calf), while Atlanta, currently on a 6-game losing skid, will be missing Trae Young (quadriceps), Jalen Johnson (illness) and Kristaps Porziņģis (illness).
Capping off Monday’s jam-packed slate will be the Mavericks taking on the Trail Blazers on the road (10:30 ET, Peacock & NBC). Both teams are 4-6 over their last 10 outings, but Dallas has dropped two in a row while Portland is in the second night of a back-to-back after defeating Boston, 114-108.