The NBA games on January 7 were full of excitement from beginning to end. Fans saw last-second shots, overtime battles, standout performances, and major trade news that shook the league. Some teams pushed through injuries to get big wins, while others failed to finish strong. Here is a clear look of the night, highlighting the winners and losers from each game.
Detroit Pistons vs Chicago Bulls (108-93)
Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones (30) passes the ball past Detroit Pistons guard Javonte Green (31) under the basket in the fourth quarter at Little Caesars Arena. Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
Winner: Detroit Pistons
Detroit showed toughness and depth in this win. Isaiah Stewart led the way with a career-high 31 points and set the tone early with 11 points in the first quarter. The Pistons were missing Cade Cunningham, Tobias Harris, and Jalen Duren, yet still controlled the game when it mattered. Detroit turned a one-point deficit into a strong fourth-quarter run and dominated the paint late. Daniss Jenkins added strong playmaking with 15 assists, which helped Detroit stay organized all night.
Loser: Chicago Bulls
Chicago could not finish the game. The Bulls entered the fourth quarter with a one-point lead but fell apart on offense. Poor shooting and turnovers hurt them badly. Ayo Dosunmu and Nikola Vucevic produced solid numbers, but the team missed open looks and failed to protect the ball. Three straight losses now hang over Chicago, and the fourth quarter struggles stood out.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Washington Wizards (131-110)
Philadelphia 76ers guard Vj Edgecombe (77) dribbles past Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington (7) during the fourth quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Winner: Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia took control early and never let go. Joel Embiid looked sharp with 28 points on efficient shooting and controlled the paint. Paul George and Tyrese Maxey supported him well, giving the 76ers balance across the floor. The opening run in the fourth quarter ended any hope of a comeback. Getting Kelly Oubre Jr. and Trendon Watford back also helped the rotation feel complete.
Loser: Washington Wizards
Washington played short-handed and it showed. Missing multiple rotation players hurt their depth and defense. Tre Johnson led the team, but the Wizards could not slow Embiid early or stop the 76ers in transition. Trade news surrounding Trae Young added distraction, and the team never found rhythm after falling behind.
Toronto Raptors vs Charlotte Hornets (97-96)
Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) passes ended by Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23) during the second half at the Spectrum Center. Credit: Sam Sharpe-Imagn Images
Winner: Toronto Raptors
Toronto showed patience and belief. Immanuel Quickley delivered the moment of the night with a buzzer-beating three. RJ Barrett carried the offense for long stretches, and Scottie Barnes stayed steady. The Raptors protected the ball and forced turnovers, which made the difference. Late shooting finally fell after a rough night from deep.
Loser: Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte let a close game slip away. LaMelo Ball gave them the lead late, but defensive breakdowns on the final play cost them. Turnovers were a major issue throughout the night. Despite strong early energy, the Hornets could not close after beating Oklahoma City earlier in the week.
Denver Nuggets vs Boston Celtics (114-110)
Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) fouls Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) during the second half at TD Garden. Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Winner: Denver Nuggets
Denver responded in a big way without Nikola Jokic. Jamal Murray controlled the game with 22 points and 17 assists. Peyton Watson stepped up with 30 points and sparked the fourth-quarter run. The Nuggets stayed composed during pressure moments and flipped the game with a 14-0 stretch. This win kept them steady during a tough stretch.
Loser: Boston Celtics
Boston missed chances late. Jaylen Brown scored 33 points, but free throw struggles and defensive lapses hurt the team. Neemias Queta worked hard on the glass, yet the Celtics could not stop Denver’s momentum run. Losing without Jayson Tatum showed the thin margin for error.
New York Knicks vs Los Angeles Clippers (123-111)
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles as LA Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) defends during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Winner: New York Knicks
New York snapped a losing streak with a strong team effort. Jalen Brunson controlled the pace, while Karl-Anthony Towns took over in the fourth quarter. OG Anunoby and Deuce McBride added timely scoring. A long run across the third and fourth quarters broke the game open and showed better focus on both ends.
Loser: Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers started well but faded late. Kawhi Leonard and James Harden scored, yet the defense could not slow New York’s surge. Missed opportunities during the Knicks’ run sealed the loss. This defeat stopped recent momentum.
Atlanta Hawks vs New Orleans Pelicans (117-100)
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) dribbles defended by New Orleans Pelicans guard Bryce McGowens (11) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
Winner: Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta played with energy despite the Trae Young trade news. Seven players scored in double figures, showing strong ball movement. Zaccharie Risacher led the way, and Jalen Johnson provided balance. The Hawks built an early lead and never let New Orleans get close.
Loser: New Orleans Pelicans
New Orleans continues to struggle. Zion Williamson finished strong, but the team fell behind early again. Poor shooting from deep and defensive issues added to a growing losing streak. Missing Trey Murphy hurt spacing and scoring.
Orlando Magic vs Brooklyn Nets (104-103, OT)
Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) drives to the basket against Orlando Magic forward Tristan da Silva (23) and guard Anthony Black (0) during the third quarter at Barclays Center. Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Winner: Orlando Magic
Orlando earned a dramatic win. Paolo Banchero sealed it with a clutch banked three at the overtime buzzer. His 30 points led the team, and Wendell Carter Jr. played a key role late. The Magic showed resilience after a tough recent loss and stayed calm in a wild finish.
Loser: Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn came close but could not finish. Michael Porter Jr. had a big scoring night, and Egor Demin hit key shots late. Defensive lapses in the final seconds of overtime proved costly. Another close loss added frustration.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Utah Jazz (129-125, OT)
Utah Jazz forward/center Lauri Markkanen (23) drives past Oklahoma City Thunder guard/forward Jalen Williams (8) during the second half at Paycom Center. Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images
Winner: Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered another star performance with 46 points. His clutch shot forced overtime, and he controlled the extra period. The Thunder overcame a blown lead and showed composure after recent losses. Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams provided key support.
Loser: Utah Jazz
Utah fought hard but could not close. Lauri Markkanen and Keyonte George played well, yet late defensive mistakes allowed Oklahoma City back in. Losing five straight now puts pressure on the group.
Phoenix Suns vs Memphis Grizzlies (117-98)
Memphis Grizzlies guard Javon Small (10) drives to the basket as Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) defends during the fourth quarter at FedExForum. Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Winner: Phoenix Suns
Phoenix played sharp from the start. Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen punished Memphis early. Strong shooting and forcing turnovers made the game one-sided. The Suns bounced back nicely from their previous loss and stayed in control throughout.
Loser: Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis struggled with injuries and turnovers. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the scoring, but mistakes piled up. Limited depth made it hard to keep pace, and the second half slipped away quickly.
San Antonio Spurs vs Los Angeles Lakers (107-91)
Los Angeles Lakers forward/guard Luka Dončić (77) dribbles past San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) in the second half at Frost Bank Center. Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images
Winner: San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio climbed the standings with a physical win. Keldon Johnson led the scoring, and Victor Wembanyama delivered another double-double. The Spurs defended well despite poor three-point shooting. Team effort made the difference.
Loser: Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers were short-handed and it showed. Luka Doncic posted a triple-double, but help was limited. Missing LeBron James and other key players left the offense thin. Fatigue from the back-to-back also played a role.
Golden State Warriors vs Milwaukee Bucks (120-113)
Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) drives to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the fourth quarter at Chase Center. Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
Winner: Golden State Warriors
Stephen Curry led with confidence and hit the biggest shot late. The Warriors shared the ball, rebounded well, and knocked down threes. Jimmy Butler and De’Anthony Melton added important scoring. Golden State protected home court once again.
Loser: Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee could not keep up with Golden State’s shooting. Giannis Antetokounmpo played well, but missed free throws and rebounding issues hurt the team. The Bucks struggled to slow down the Warriors’ perimeter attack.
Portland Trail Blazers vs Houston Rockets (103-102)
Portland Trail Blazers center Yang Hansen (16) grabs a rebound over Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) during the first half at Moda Center. Credit: Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images
Winner: Portland Trail Blazers
Portland survived a chaotic ending. Deni Avdija delivered a season-high 41 points and answered every run. The Blazers stayed composed during late pressure and benefited from a reviewed buzzer play. Four straight wins show growing confidence.
Loser: Houston Rockets
Houston came close but fell short. Kevin Durant scored 37, yet missed a late jumper. Injuries hurt the rotation, and the final review sealed the loss. The Rockets fought hard but left empty-handed.
Conclusion
January 7 was packed with storylines. Buzzer beaters, overtime games, and short-handed wins defined the night. Stars stepped up, role players delivered, and several teams showed grit under pressure. At the same time, missed chances and late mistakes cost others valuable wins. The results reshaped momentum across the league and set the stage for an intense stretch ahead.