{"id":493990,"date":"2026-02-21T05:30:10","date_gmt":"2026-02-21T05:30:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/493990\/"},"modified":"2026-02-21T05:30:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-21T05:30:10","slug":"best-moments-highlights-from-9-game-friday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/493990\/","title":{"rendered":"Best moments, highlights from 9-game Friday"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

Donovan Mitchell drops 32 points in Cleveland\u2019s 118-113 victory over Charlotte, extending their winning streak to 7 games.\u00a0 (Photo by David Jensen\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

Enjoy the best of Friday\u2019s 9-game schedule<\/a> with the NBA.com live blog, featuring all of the meaningful moments, performances, observations, news, notes and highlights.<\/p>\n

What we know after Friday\u2019s games:<\/p>\n

Cleveland extended their winning streak to 7 games by defeating Charlotte 118-113<\/a>, as Donovan Mitchell dropped 13 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter to fend off the Hornets. The Cavs are now 5-0 with James Harden in the lineup and have won 12 of their last 13 games overall.
\nIn his first game back since Jan. 15, Tyler Herro cooked for a game-high 24 points in Miami\u2019s decisive 128-97<\/a> win over Atlanta.
\nAnthony Edwards scored 40 points for the seventh time this season to secure Minnesota\u2019s third straight victory, a 122-111<\/a> win against the Mavericks.
\nMilwaukee earned a third straight win of their own thanks to a combined 79 points from Cam Thomas (27 pts), Ryan Rollins (27 pts) and Kevin Porter, Jr. (25 pts). The Bucks are 6-1 over their last 7 contests.
\nPlaying without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City picked up a gritty 105-86<\/a> win over Brooklyn. Jared McCain popped off for a season-high 21 points to celebrate his 22nd birthday.<\/p>\n

10:39 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Tonight\u2019s final scores:<\/p>\n

11:57 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Tight game in LA<\/p>\n

The Lakers counterpunch a 17-1 run by the Clippers, as they take a 91-88 lead with 3:18 remaining in the third quarter. Austin Reaves is up to 22 points on 8-for-10 shooting with 3 rebounds, 2 dimes and one steal in 21 minutes.<\/p>\n

LeBron finds Ayton for the SLAM through contact \u203c\ufe0f<\/p>\n

Lakers lead in Q3 on ESPN\u2026 Tap to watch: https:\/\/t.co\/O2PUhufzZY<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/v177qiHdLR<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Kawhi Leonard has a game-high 28 points on 10-for-17 shooting, while Luka Don\u010di\u0107 posts 26 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists.<\/p>\n

Kawhi hits the straightaway 3 in front of two defenders \ud83d\ude24<\/p>\n

He’s got 28 PTS as the Clippers are battling on ESPN! pic.twitter.com\/UOILhSnueZ<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

11:54 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Clippers cruise to 17-1 run<\/p>\n

The Clippers take an 88-86 lead, punctuated by and and-1 from Bennedict Mathurin (17 pts). Tune in now on ESPN<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Turnin’ defense into offense \ud83d\ude24\ud83d\ude24\ud83d\ude24 pic.twitter.com\/s5cicahQ2U<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

11:48 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Joki\u0107 threads the needle<\/p>\n

Nikola Joki\u0107 goes no-look to Julian Strawther for a beautiful dish, giving the Joker 7 assists to go along with a game-high 32 points (10-15 FG, 3-4 3PM) and 4 steals with 8 rebounds. Denver is cruising in Portland, holding a 116-75 lead with 2:42 remaining in the third.<\/p>\n

What a pass from the Joker \ud83c\udccf https:\/\/t.co\/yUxRUq6BnS<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/o4PqwXzcEg<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Donovan Clingan is the leading Blazer with 15 points and 8 rebounds, while Deni Avdija tallies 14 points, 8 rebounds and 13 assists.<\/p>\n

11:25 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Lakers up by 7 at halftime<\/p>\n

The Lakers get a game-high 22 points from Luka Don\u010di\u0107 to grab a 72-65 edge over the Clippers after two quarters. LeBron James has 11 points, 6 assists and one steal, and Austin Reaves tallies 14 points on 6-for-6 shooting, including this beauty.<\/p>\n

Another look at this crazy bucket from Reaves \ud83d\udcf9 https:\/\/t.co\/89Ou4R0ZCV<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/s3jds451Sw<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Kawhi Leonard sizzles for 19 of his 21 points in the second quarter, adding 3 rebounds and 4 assists in 17 minutes. Bennedict Mathurin tallies 13 points in 12 minutes off the bench.<\/p>\n

This LeBron to Hayes alley-oop slam \ud83d\udd25<\/p>\n

Lakers lead at the break on ESPN! pic.twitter.com\/oD76tirsL3<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

11:15 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Incredible team basketball<\/p>\n

This is what you love to see. Denver goes defense to offense to power an 82-53 lead over Portland at the break, as the Nuggets drop 41 points in each of the first two quarters.<\/p>\n

Defense turns offense \ud83d\udd03 pic.twitter.com\/esspHhvFW8<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Nikola Joki\u0107 has a game-high 24 points (8-13 FG, 3-4 3PM, 5-7 FT) with 5 boards, 4 assists and 3 steals in 18 minutes. Jamal Murray pours in 18 points with 5 3PM to go along with 6 rebounds, 5 assists and one steal.<\/p>\n

Jamal Murray drains 3 THREES IN A ROW \ud83d\udd25<\/p>\n

15 PTS in Q2. 18 PTS for the game.<\/p>\n

Nuggets lead at the break! pic.twitter.com\/60roEsRlmv<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Jrue Holiday (11 pts, 3 3PM) and Donovan Clingan (10 pts, 6 reb) are the leaders for the Blazers.<\/p>\n

11:07 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Kawhi in takeover mode<\/p>\n

Kawhi Leonard has 19 of his team-high 21 points in the second quarter, but the Clippers trail the Lakers 66-62 with 2:52 remaining in the first quarter during the final battle for LA on ESPN<\/a>!<\/p>\n

AND-ONE, KAWHI \ud83d\udde3\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/fbmlXt5bBg<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Luka Don\u010di\u0107 has a game-high 22 points on 7-for-11 shooting, and LeBron James chips in 11 points and 5 dimes.<\/p>\n

10:58 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

McCain scores 21 to celebrate birthday<\/p>\n

Jared McCain drops a season-high 21 points (7-12 FG, 3-6 3PM) on his 22nd birthday to give OKC a 105-86 win over Brooklyn. The Thunder hold the Nets to 17% shooting from 3-point range (7-41 3PM) while finishing 13-for-35 (37%) from downtown.<\/p>\n

Jared McCain’s OKC teammates messing with both him, and Nick Gallo following their win \ud83e\udd23 pic.twitter.com\/bcLt4nQ9XS<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Michael Porter, Jr. tallies a game-high 22 points on 6-for-16 shooting (9-11 FT) with 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals in 38 minutes.<\/p>\n

10:49 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Lakers separating in 2Q<\/p>\n

Luka Don\u010di\u0107 cooks for a game-high 17 points on 6-for-8 shooting in 12 minutes, adding 2 boards and 4 assists. The Lakers have taken a 46-34 lead over the Clippers with 10:23 remaining before halftime.<\/p>\n

LOGO LUKA IS ON FIRE \ud83d\udd25<\/p>\n

4-5 from deep to start the game on ESPN! pic.twitter.com\/xseeSqmf8s<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 ESPN (@espn) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Brook Lopez and Bennedict Mathurin have 9 points apiece to drive the Clippers.<\/p>\n

Show ’em your moves, Jordan \ud83d\udd7a pic.twitter.com\/0GQIYoj6Do<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

10:44 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Bucks roll to 3rd straight W<\/p>\n

Ryan Rollins and Cam Thomas (27 pts, 11-17 FG) combine for 54 points in Milwaukee\u2019s third straight victory, a 139-118 win over New Orleans. The Bucks have won three straight and are 6-1 over their last 7 games.<\/p>\n

Ryan keeps Rollin’.<\/p>\n

27 PTS | 6 AST | 4 STL | 2 BLK | 7 3PM pic.twitter.com\/DC2KQnTDLK<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Zion Williams pours in a game-high 32 points on 13-for-17 shooting in 30 minutes, but it wasn\u2019t enough to keep the Pelicans from dropping their second in a row.<\/p>\n

10:38 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Joker erupts in 1Q<\/p>\n

Nikola Joki\u0107 is off to a ridiculously hot start in a high-scoring first quarter in Portland, as Joker drops 19 points on 7-for-12 shooting and 3-for-4 from long range. He adds 2 boards, 2 steals and one assist in 12 minutes to give Denver a 41-27 edge after one.<\/p>\n

The artist is at work pic.twitter.com\/AR2pGNVRXs<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Donovan Clingan, Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson all drop 6 points apiece for the Blazers.<\/p>\n

ADDING TO THE HIGHLIGHT REEL ASAP pic.twitter.com\/iEgyyF0CIB<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

10:29 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Clippers-Lakers live on ESPN!<\/p>\n

Luka Don\u010di\u0107 returns from a four-game absence for the Lakers tonight, and he\u2019s got 8 points and 3 dimes in 8 minutes so far.<\/p>\n

Luka with the fake and the bucket \ud83d\ude2e\u200d\ud83d\udca8<\/p>\n

Clippers-Lakers live on ESPN and the ESPN App \ud83c\udf7f pic.twitter.com\/GRxRCAfd4Y<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 ESPN (@espn) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Brook Lopez has a game-high 9 points for the Clippers, who trail the Lakers 26-19 with 3:13 left in the first quarter.<\/p>\n

JC doin’ what JC does best\u2026 \ud83d\udd28 pic.twitter.com\/h1iAFf28MS<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

10:15 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Ant drops 40, Wolves win 3rd straight<\/p>\n

Anthony Edwards comes up clutch to seal Minnesota\u2019s third consecutive win tonight, defeating the Mavericks 122-111. Ant-Man finishes with a game-high 40 points (16-30 FG, 5-13 3PM) in 38 minutes, adding 6 boards, one assist and one steal.<\/p>\n

Ant was UNSTOPPABLE at home \ud83d\ude24<\/p>\n

40 PTS
6 REB
5 3PM<\/p>\n

3 wins in a row for the @Timberwolves<\/a>! pic.twitter.com\/OuzQZZD0oY<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Ant hits the corner 3 to give him 40 PTS \ud83d\udd25<\/p>\n

Minnesota wins their third game in a row! pic.twitter.com\/Yy5u2VxsOJ<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Khris Middleton (18 pts, 6 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl), Marvin Bagley III (15 pts, 13 reb) and Naji Marshall (15 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast, 3 stl) lead seven Mavs in double figures. Dallas drops their tenth game in a row.<\/p>\n

10:07 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Cam Thomas on a heater<\/p>\n

Milwaukee\u2019s Cam Thomas has 27 points in 21 minutes off the bench, while Ryan Rollins is right behind him with 24 on 9-for-14 shooting and 6 3PM.<\/p>\n

Cam is absurd. pic.twitter.com\/sIaBbqsPx3<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Zion Williamson has a game-high 32 points, but the Pelicans trail the Bucks 125-110 with 4:37 remaining in the game.<\/p>\n

A block on one end and a dunk on the other!<\/p>\n

Fun sequence from Ryan and Cam. pic.twitter.com\/0wibgZvFWv<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

10:01 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Dreams do come true<\/p>\n

Blazers rookie Yang Hansen has his wish granted before their matchup against the Nuggets, meeting his favorite player Nikola Joki\u0107.<\/p>\n

THE MOMENT WE\u2019VE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR \ud83e\udd79 pic.twitter.com\/U2zX0zy56C<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

9:58 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Ant is so cold<\/p>\n

Anthony Edwards is up to a game-high 31 points on 12-for-25 shooting with 4 3PM, giving Minnesota a 111-107 advantage over Dallas with 3:26 remaining in the contest.<\/p>\n

Ant gets to 31 PTS in style \ud83d\udd25<\/p>\n

Scans the defense.
Showcases his elite handles.
Buzzes to the basket.
Finishes with the left.<\/p>\n

MIN holds a slight lead in Q4 on ESPN! pic.twitter.com\/Ja5gV4hgUn<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

THIS GUY. \ud83d\udc1c pic.twitter.com\/90tVZNkOJx<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Seven Mavs are in double figures scoring, led by Khris Middleton (16 pts, 7 reb), Marvin Bagley III (15 pts, 13 reb) and Naji Marshall (15 pts, 3 stl).<\/p>\n

Tyus with the moves \ud83d\ude08<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcfa: @ESPNNBA<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/i41FN518Kp<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

9:54 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Cavs win 7th in a row<\/p>\n

Charlotte holds a 23-11 advantage in offensive rebounds, but none were more impactful than Jarrett Allen\u2019s (26 pts, 14 reb, 1 blk) on this possession to extend Cleveland\u2019s edge to 112-103 with less than 2 minutes remaining.<\/p>\n

CASHCASHCASH. <\/p>\n

Also, s\/o JA for keeping this play alive! #LetEmKnow<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/BWQ5XGvIlb<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

The Cavs go on to win 118-113, as Donovan Mitchell (32 pts, 4 ast, 2 stl) and James Harden (18 pts, 4 reb, 8 ast) combine for 50 points to improve to 5-0 since the acquisition of The Beard.<\/p>\n

A pair of @cavs<\/a> led the charge in tonight’s victory!<\/p>\n

Donovan Mitchell: 32 PTS, 4 AST, 2 STL
Jarrett Allen: 26 PTS, 14 REB<\/p>\n

7 wins in a row for Cleveland \ud83d\udd25 pic.twitter.com\/VywAeqYWU4<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Kon Knueppel continues his historic rookie season for the Hornets, dropping a game-high 33 points (11-20 FG) and 7 made 3s, adding 6 boards, 2 assists and one steal in 37 minutes.<\/p>\n

9:44 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Mavs clawing back vs. Wolves<\/p>\n

Dallas trailed by as many as 18 in the first half, but they\u2019ve fought back to trim the deficit to just 3, 101-98, with 9:11 remaining on ESPN<\/a>!<\/p>\n

Naz Reid splashes the three to extend the Wolves’ lead heading into the 4Q \ud83d\udc3a<\/p>\n

Watch the end of Mavs-Wolves on ESPN and the ESPN App \ud83d\udcfa pic.twitter.com\/lzWz8IiD1a<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Naz Reid (18 pts, 3 3PM), Anthony Edwards (game-high 26 pts) and Rudy Gobert (20 pts, 15 reb) are keeping the Wolves in front.<\/p>\n

Scoop to the hoop \ud83e\udd0c<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcfa: @ESPNNBA<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/U0C8SBU38P<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Brandon Williams (13 pts) and Naji Marshall (15 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast, 2 stl) lead the charge for the Mavericks, who are fighting to avoid their tenth straight loss.<\/p>\n

9:37 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Wizards win 2nd straight<\/p>\n

Washington picks up their second win in as many nights against the Pacers, 131-118. Alondes Williams goes for a career-high 25 points (9-11 FG, 2-4 3PM, 5-5 FT) and 10 rebounds to go along with 4 assists, 2 blocks and one steal in 29 minutes off the Wizards bench.<\/p>\n

HAVE YOURSELF A NIGHT, ALONDES \ud83e\uddd9\u200d\u2642\ufe0f<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcca A CAREER-HIGH 22 POINTS TONIGHT. pic.twitter.com\/YLYGm5Hpr6<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Jay Huff (22 pts, 5 3PM) and Quenton Jackson (21 pts, 3 reb, 3 ast) pace six Indiana players in double figures scoring.<\/p>\n

Jamir Watkins with an EMPHATIC slam over the defender \ud83d\ude32<\/p>\n

Wizards win at home! pic.twitter.com\/7T9afqDm3p<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

9:25 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Bucks fight back<\/p>\n

Cam Thomas pours all 18 of his points in the second quarter, as Milwaukee leads New Orleans 84-77 with 7:55 remaining in the third. Kyle Kuzma (14 pts) and Ryan Rollins (16 pts) are right behind him in a balanced Bucks attack.<\/p>\n

Complementary basketball. pic.twitter.com\/tliuTRj3xE<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Zion Williamson drops 21 points in the first half, while Derik Queen has 14 points, 7 boards, 2 assists, 2 steals and one block for the Pelicans.<\/p>\n

Zion reads the defense.
Zion drives.
Zion scores.<\/p>\n

He’s got a game-high 21 PTS (9-11 FGM) at the break! pic.twitter.com\/vMbQBaCULb<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

9:10 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Wiggins goes coast-to-coast<\/p>\n

Aaron Wiggins (4 pts) and Chet Holmgren (10 pts, 2 reb) give the Thunder a 42-30 edge over the Nets with 2:17 remaining before halftime.<\/p>\n

Hands in the cookie jar \ud83c\udf6a pic.twitter.com\/44VJaaByzS<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Michael Porter, Jr. is the high man for Brooklyn with 8 points in 16 minutes of action.<\/p>\n

9:03 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

4Q action in Charlotte<\/p>\n

Donovan Mitchell is starting to take over down the stretch for Cleveland, as he\u2019s up to 24 points (7-18 FG, 8-9 FT) to give the Cavs a 95-91 edge with 10:09 remaining in the game.<\/p>\n

T O U G H F I N I S H. @spidadmitchell<\/a> | #LetEmKnow<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/yZUICf616I<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Kon Knueppel remains the game\u2019s leading scorer with 27 points and 7 3PM.<\/p>\n

8:59 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Ant-Man cooks in 2Q<\/p>\n

Wolves 69, Mavs 57<\/p>\n

Anthony Edwards heats up and finishes with a game-high 20 points (7-14 FG, 3-7 3PM), adding 4 boards and one dime in 19 first-half minutes. Rudy Gobert tallies 12 points (5-6 FG) and 11 boards in 17 minutes.<\/p>\n

Back-to-back threes for Ant \ud83d\udd25<\/p>\n

17 PTS in Q2. 20 PTS for the game.<\/p>\n

MIN leads at home on ESPN! pic.twitter.com\/mdHQndo3Bc<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Khris Middleton leads Dallas with 12 points (4-8 FG), while Marvin Bagley III and Brandon Williams each have 10 points apiece.<\/p>\n

8:52 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Oh my, Will Riley!<\/p>\n

Rookie Will Riley (12 pts) sparks a 35-24 scoring edge for Washington in the third quarter, as they tie the Pacers at 92 apiece heading to the final frame.<\/p>\n

Will Riley RISES UP for the JAM \u203c\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/OAT5kwYlFo<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Jay Huff (22 pts, 5 3PM) and Quenton Jackson (15 pts) lead four Pacers in double figures scoring.<\/p>\n

Jay Huff with a spinning slam \ud83c\udf00 pic.twitter.com\/h1JLXw1pBX<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

8:43 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Cavs-Hornets go back and forth<\/p>\n

Ten lead changes and two ties at the 5:40 mark of the third quarter, with Charlotte leading Cleveland 77-76.<\/p>\n

This is ethical basketball, part 2. #LetEmKnow<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/t6jD3y76j9<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Jarrett Allen (24 pts, 10 reb, 2 ast) and Donovan Mitchell (15 pts, 3 ast, 2 stl) are shining for the Cavs, who are trying to win their seventh straight.<\/p>\n

Kon sinks his 6th THREE of the game \ud83c\udfaf<\/p>\n

He’s got a game-high 24 PTS as the Hornets lead in Q3! pic.twitter.com\/KhKXG93PAU<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Kon Knueppel has been unconscious tonight for the Hornets, as he\u2019s got a game-high 27 points (9-16 FG) and 6 made 7s!<\/p>\n

8:39 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Kuz getting loose<\/p>\n

Kyle Kuzma (7 pts, 1 stl) and Ryan Rollins (11 pts, 3 3PM) lead the Bucks, who trail the Pelicans 38-33 after one quarter of play.<\/p>\n

Kyle Kuzma. Back-to-back slams!<\/p>\n

Two dunks in 20 seconds of play \ud83d\ude32 pic.twitter.com\/siDUme0Ual<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Zion Williamson has a game-high 14 points on 6-for-9 shooting in only 8 minutes for New Orleans.<\/p>\n

Coast to Coast Queen \ud83e\udee1 pic.twitter.com\/HaogShjwkH<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

8:25 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Hawks play hot potato<\/p>\n

Jalen Johnson (7 pts, 11 reb, 4 ast), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (10 pts) and CJ McCollum (13 pts) have the Hawks within one as halftime approaches, as Atlanta trails Miami 46-45 with 2:55 remaining.<\/p>\n

JJ starts the offense, and the ball swings all the way back around to him \ud83e\udd29 pic.twitter.com\/n4AyVxu2Hn<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Bam Adebayo (10 pts, 4 reb, 4 ast) and Tyler Herro (11 pts, 3 reb) are doing work for Miami.<\/p>\n

Bam with the footwork \ud83d\udd25 pic.twitter.com\/HvaVLNvns7<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

8:21 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

All the angles of Reid\u2019s poster<\/p>\n

Just leaving these here.<\/p>\n

just going to keep posting different angles of this dunk tbh pic.twitter.com\/CmlG08vZcL<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Naz was HYPED after his MONSTER JAM \ud83d\ude24 https:\/\/t.co\/iyYt41VfYP<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/bU7u6I5fOW<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

8:16 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

NAZ. REID.<\/p>\n

Naz Reid (6 pts, 2 reb, 1 stl) goes through the entire Mavericks team and finishes with force, helping Minnesota take a 42-27 lead with 10 minutes remaining before halftime.<\/p>\n

NAZ REID GOES BEHIND-THE-BACK AND SLAMS IT OVER THE DEFENDER \u203c\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/zfLrEZpItG<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Brandon Williams is the high man for Dallas with 6 points off the bench.<\/p>\n

Another angle of this INSANE SLAM \ud83e\udd2f<\/p>\n

What a play by Naz Reid! https:\/\/t.co\/iyYt41VfYP<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/wGOuTu6oV9<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

8:13 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Utah up big at halftime<\/p>\n

Jazz 67, Grizzlies 55<\/p>\n

Vince Williams, Jr. (6 pts, 2 reb, 3 ast), Kyle Filipowski (14 pts) and Ace Bailey (12 pts, 6 reb, 3 ast) power a strong first half for Utah.<\/p>\n

the hustle is sensational @Vincentwiliams<\/a> \ud83d\ude2e\u200d\ud83d\udca8 pic.twitter.com\/yTLrY1sIUc<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Olivier-Maxence Prosper (10 pts, 4 reb) and Javon Small (9 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast) lead the way for Memphis.<\/p>\n

8:02 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

DDV can\u2019t miss<\/p>\n

Donte DiVincenzo drops 9 points on 3-for-3 shooting from long range, adding 4 assists and no turnovers in 8 minutes for the Wolves. Minnesota takes an early 29-17 lead over Dallas with 3:38 remaining in the first quarter.<\/p>\n

KEEP ‘EM COMING DONTE \ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25 pic.twitter.com\/f0tO4HEEcI<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Khris Middleton and Tyus Jones each have 4 points apiece to pace the Mavericks.<\/p>\n

7:58 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Huff is HOT<\/p>\n

Jay Huff has a game-high 18 points and 5 3PM in only 9 minutes for Indiana, who hold a 55-42 advantage over Washington with 5:08 left before halftime.<\/p>\n

Jay Huff for 3\u2026 MONEY \ud83d\udcb0<\/p>\n

He’s got 18 PTS (5 3PM) in the first half! pic.twitter.com\/k5prUR9g5b<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Alondes Williams (8 pts, 4 reb) and Sharife Cooper (9 pts, 4-4 FG) lead the way for the Wizards.<\/p>\n

7:55 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Knueppel keeps climbing<\/p>\n

Kon Knueppel has 11 points and 3 3PM to lead Charlotte in both categories, but his team trails Cleveland 47-33 with 6:44 remaining in the first half.<\/p>\n

With this triple, Kon Knueppel has passed Donovan Mitchell (187) for 2nd on the all-time rookie 3-pointers made list! pic.twitter.com\/Ks1F5BagsW<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Donovan Mitchell (13 pts, 2 stl) and Jarrett Allen (11 pts, 3 reb) power a 16-3 run to end the opening frame for the Cavs. James Harden is doing a little bit of everything with 7 points (2-3 FG), 2 boards, 3 assists and one steal in 10 minutes.<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udf00 Lost him! @spidadmitchell<\/a> | #LetEmKnow<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/qv9bDAiB5s<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

7:36 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

GG with a head of steam<\/p>\n

GG Jackson (3 pts, 1 blk) blows by his man for a ferocious slam, but Memphis trails Utah 32-28 after the first. Rookie Javon Small has a team-high 7 points on 3-for-4 shooting.<\/p>\n

GG Jackson rushes to the rim and hammers it home! pic.twitter.com\/2hEI7fuIxR<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Isaiah Collier has a game-high 9 points on 3-for-4 shooting in 8 minutes for the Jazz.<\/p>\n

beating the buzzer over an old friend \ud83d\ude09 pic.twitter.com\/0EhgIRHxwp<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

7:29 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Cavs-Hornets live on League Pass<\/p>\n

Jarrett Allen (11 pts, 3 reb) fuels the Cavs, who lead the Hornets 21-17 with 4:14 left in the first quarter.<\/p>\n

Spida swipes it,
zooms across the floor,
and dishes it to Allen for the SLAM!<\/p>\n

CLE\/CHA is LIVE on NBA League Pass\u2026 Tap to watch: https:\/\/t.co\/NCqputx06G<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/jjNODh4pal<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Brandon Miller leads Charlotte with 6 points and 2 3PM, while Kon Knueppel (3 pts) ties Donovan Mitchell\u2019s overall rookie season (2017-18) for the second most 3\u2019s in a rookie season in NBA history (187 3PM).<\/p>\n

7:23 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Jazz-Grizzlies underway<\/p>\n

Isaiah Collier (4 pts, 1 ast) and Ace Bailey (5 pts) give the Jazz an early 11-10 edge over the hosting Grizzlies midway through the opening quarter.<\/p>\n

Zay’s gettin’ in his bag early \ud83e\udee1 pic.twitter.com\/GF1j20bRSW<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 21, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

6:50 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

What we know before Friday\u2019s games:
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Donovan Mitchell and James Harden look to secure a seventh straight victory for Cleveland when they visit Charlotte on League Pass. (Photo by Nick Cammett\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The Cavaliers have been on a tear over the last month and a half of action. Since Dec. 29<\/a>, Cleveland is an NBA-best 18-5 (.783 WIN%) while ranking second in scoring (120.3 ppg), field goal percentage (49.6), assists (30.0) and plus-minus (8.4). In the first four outings of the James Harden era, the Cavs are 4-0<\/a> and rank second in scoring (125.3 ppg) and third in FG% (51.0) and plus-minus (15.3).<\/p>\n

The Cavs are in Charlotte to battle the Hornets on the tail end of back-to-backs for both squads (7 ET, League Pass<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) and Jalen Williams (hamstring) remain out for Oklahoma City\u2019s contest versus the Brooklyn Nets (8 ET, League Pass<\/a>).<\/p>\n

A matchup with Eastern Conference playoff implications awaits, as the Miami Heat (29-27, 8th in East) visit the Hawks (27-30, 9th in East) in Atlanta (7:30 ET, League Pass<\/a>). The season series is split at one game apiece, with Atlanta earning a 127-115<\/a> victory back on Feb. 3.<\/p>\n

Denver hopes to rebound from a tough one-point loss to the Clippers last night when they travel to Portland (10 ET, League Pass<\/a>). The Nuggets have lost five of their last seven games dating back to Feb. 1, while the Trail Blazers are 4-1 over their last five outings.<\/p>\n

6:15 p.m. ET \/ Feb. 20<\/p>\n

Welcome to a 9-game Friday night of NBA hoops!
\n\"\"<\/p>\n

Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves host the Dallas Mavericks to tip off ESPN\u2019s primetime doubleheader (7:30 ET). (Photo by Justin Ford\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n

The Dallas Mavericks, who will be without Cooper Flagg (foot)<\/a>, hope to avoid a tenth consecutive loss when they visit the Timberwolves to jump start ESPN\u2019s primetime doubleheader (7:30 ET<\/a>). Anthony Edwards, fresh off his 2026 NBA All-Star MVP award, will look to continue that momentum for Minnesota as they aim to secure a third straight win.<\/p>\n

We\u2019ll follow that up with the fourth and final battle for Los Angeles this season, as a healthy Lakers squad getting Luka Don\u010di\u0107 (hamstring) back from a four-game absence will host a resurgent Clippers squad fueled by Kawhi Leonard (10 ET<\/a>). The Clips are 2-1 versus the purple and gold in 2025-26 after taking the last two matchups at home.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s tonight\u2019s complete schedule:<\/p>\n