LeBron James, Luka Dončić and the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets to become the third seed in the Western Conference.
Recap the best of Monday’s slate with the NBA.com live blog, featuring all of the meaningful moments, performances, observations, news, notes and highlights.
What we know after Monday night’s games:
MARCH 17, 2026 // 1:11 ET
Monday’s results
Josh Giddey (16 pts, 15 reb, 13 ast, 3 stl), Jalen Johnson (24 pts, 15 reb, 13 ast) and Jaylen Brown (41 pts, 7 reb, 6 ast) are your top performers of the night.
MARCH 17, 2026 // 12:46 ET
Spurs hold on to beat Clippers
119-115, as Victor Wembanyama (21 pts, 13 reb, 4 blk) and Stephon Castle (23 pts, 7 reb, 8 ast) combined to spark San Antonio.
4 blocks for @wemby.
18-2 in last 20 games for @spurs.
They reach 50 WINS for the first time since 2016-17! pic.twitter.com/OBC2sxm5py
— NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2026
“They punched us in the first quarter, and sometimes when basketball’s not working, we’ve got to get nasty a little bit,” said Wembanyama. “We’re having fun — all of us reaching new heights, individually and collectively. It’s a real pleasure to be on the court.”
Darius Garland (25 pts, 10 ast) and Jordan Miller (22 pts) led the way for the Clippers, who were without Kawhi Leonard in the loss.
Devin Vassell (20 pts, 4 3PM) added additional scoring punch for the Spurs.
MARCH 17, 2026 // 12:39 ET
Clippers making it interesting
115-111 San Antonio with just over 30 seconds to go, as the referees review whether Devin Vassell hooked Kobe Sanders’ arm while attempting to bring the ball into the front court.
After the score was 108-102, San Antonio scored seven straight to get it to 115-102, but the Clippers responded with nine straight of their own to bring us to this moment.
A little late drama to spice up your night!
MARCH 17, 2026 // 12:27 ET
One time for The Don
6TH STRAIGHT 30-piece for @lukadoncic!
6TH STRAIGHT win for the @Lakers 🔥 pic.twitter.com/hP7iDiMda4
— NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2026
MARCH 17, 2026 // 12:21 ET
Wemby’s double-double gives Spurs lead
Victor Wembanyama (21 pts, 13 reb) is controlling the paint as the Spurs take a 105-95 lead down below the six-minute mark in the Intuit Dome.
VIC LEFTY SCOOP 🍨
📺 @KENS5, @NBAonNBC pic.twitter.com/phVmLIYcr6
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) March 17, 2026
The Clippers, who have six double-figure scorers, are trying to rally and stay 1.5 games ahead of the ninth-place Golden State Warriors, who won earlier this evening.
Catch the finish on NBC Sports Network and Peacock!
MARCH 17, 2026 // 12:05 ET
Lakers take control late on the road
To beat Houston 100-92. Deandre Ayton (7 pts, 11 reb) came up with two big baskets down the stretch as the Lakers closed on a run and defeated the Rockets, who went cold down the stretch.
Luka.
LeBron.
Smart.
Bullseye.
The Lakers close the game on a 14-4 run, win their 6th straight, and improve to an NBA-best 19-6 in clutch games this season! pic.twitter.com/C4zC32FBgV
— NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2026
The Rockets scored just 12 points in the fourth quarter, including four in the last six minutes of the game, while turning the ball over six times in the period. Two of those points were a near-meaningless layup by Kevin Durant in the final seconds.
Alperen Sengun’s presence was sorely missed, as was that of Fred VanVleet. Without them, Houston could not find a way to steady its offense attack, although the Lakers only scored 17 in the fourth quarter themselves.
Luka Dončić (36 pts, 6 reb) captained the offense for Los Angeles as it moves into third place in the Western Conference. Durant (22 pts, 8 reb) was the top scorer for Houston.
LeBron James (18 pts, 5 reb, 5 ast) threw down three huge jams during the contest, making Year 23 look pretty darned good.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 11:55 ET
Lakers and Rockets going down to the wire
88-87 Houston with just over four minutes to go. Catch the finish on NBC Sports Network and Peacock!
Amen just 𝙨𝙠𝙮𝙬𝙖𝙡𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 ☁️ pic.twitter.com/MqkH0mJoR3
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) March 17, 2026
MARCH 16, 2026 // 11:29 ET
Lakers up after three
83-80, with Luka (34 pts) styling on the road in Houston. No one else in the game has more than 17 points, in what’s been a back-and-forth battle featuring eight lead changes and eight ties.
The Rockets have a 52-36 advantage in points in the paint, while the Lakers have a 12-4 lead in fast break points.
Who will take control down the stretch on NBC Sports Network and Peacock? Tune in to the exciting conclusion.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 11:27 ET
Castle makes moves
Not quite the Curry on Chris Paul cross, but in the vein.
Spurs up 66-52 at the half, with Victor Wembanyama (13 pts, 8 reb) and Stephon Castle (12 pts, 5 reb) leading the way.
ARE YOU SERIOUS, STEPHON CASTLE??
Just RIDICULOUS handles 🤯 pic.twitter.com/K4jUGUVKBm
— NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2026
MARCH 16, 2026 // 11:18 ET
A brilliant coach
Steve Kerr gives credit to his players, staff and organization after becoming the 4th-fastest coach to 600 WINS!
Phil Jackson (805 games)
Pat Riley (832)
Gregg Popovich (887)
Steve Kerr (943) pic.twitter.com/RaFZrE8cam
— NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2026
Kerr has the 11th-best winning percentage (.636) of any coach that’s led a team for more than six games. Boston headman Joe Mazzulla is first (.727) — but he’s some 374 wins behind the Warriors’ legendary leader.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 11:15 ET
Lakers cut the lead to two
72-70 Lakers, after the Rockets extended the lead to 10 before a Los Angeles run.
Luka Dončić (28 pts), along with Austin Reaves (12 pts) and LeBron James (11 pts), are the only Lakers in double figures, but they’re battling back into it.
These teams are separated by just a half-game in the Western Conference standings. If the Lakers win, they’ll move into the third seed.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 10:34 ET
Luka and KD dueling on NBC Sports Network and Peacock
Dončić (23 pts) and Durant (16 pts) are the high scorers as the Rockets take a 57-51 lead into the half.
8️⃣ straight for Durantula 🕷️ pic.twitter.com/kUo3FJYCjG
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) March 17, 2026
Also, LeBron James, in year 23, is still banging on people.
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 17, 2026
MARCH 16, 2026 // 10:27 ET
Celtics beat Suns
120-112, as Jaylen Brown (41 pts on 20 shots) out-dueled Devin Booker (40 pts on 25 shots).
ONE OF THE SEASON’S BEST SCORING DUELS 🔥@DevinBook: 40 PTS on 15-24 shooting@FCHWPO: 41 PTS (18 in 4Q), win
Devin Booker & Jaylen Brown are the 5th pair of opponents to drop 40+ apiece this year! pic.twitter.com/NtOyhvhxRl
— NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2026
Brown went 19-of-21 from the free throw line, becoming the third Celtic to take 20+ free throws in a game since 2000, along with Paul Pierce, who did it 12 times, and Jayson Tatum.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 10:14 ET
Josh Giddey delivers for Chicago
Giddey (16 pts, 15 reb, 13 ast, 3 stl) keyed the Bulls in a 132-107 win over the Grizzlies, while Matas Buzelis led them in scoring with 29 points.
BULLS WIN.
BULLS WIN.
BULLS WIN.
BULLS WIN. pic.twitter.com/5upQLC5kPJ
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 17, 2026
Giddey remains one behind Jalen Johnson — 13-12 — in the triple-double rankings, as they chase league-leader Nikola Jokić, who has 27.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 10:01 ET
Hawks defeat Magic
The Hawks beat the Magic 124-112 on NBC Sports Network and Peacock behind Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jalen Johnson.
Career-high 41p, 9 threes for NAW.
24p, 15r, 13a for Jalen Johnson.
10 STRAIGHT WINS for @ATLHawks! pic.twitter.com/4dCAyW8TLh
— NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2026
Paolo Banchero (18 pts, 10 reb) and Desmond Bane (18 pts, 3 3PM) led the way for the Magic, who trailed by as many as 29 points in the contest.
The Hawks extend their winning streak to 10 games — the first time they’ve hit that mark since 2014-15, when they won 60 games, including 19 straight.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 9:51 ET
Celtics and Suns going down to the wire
111-110 Phoenix with 3:05 to go in Boston. Devin Booker’s going off where he once dropped 70 points, putting up 39 this evening, while Jaylen Brown (35 pts) is trying to match him bucket for bucket.
“This has been an MVP-level performance for Jaylen Brown,” said Boston play-by-play announcer Drew Carter.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 9:32 ET
Kristaps goes off as Warriors defeat Wizards
125-117, with Kristaps Porziņģis (30 pts, 3 blk) putting up his best game as a Warrior against his former team. Golden State had 68 points in the paint compared to 46 for Washington, as well as 65 bench points.
Big man attacking in the paint
📺 @NBCSAuthentic pic.twitter.com/7KKahlXGjL
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) March 17, 2026
MARCH 16, 2026 // 9:09 ET
Jalen Johnson on triple-double watch
22 points, 8 assists and 10 rebounds for the Hawks’ star, as they take a 104-83 lead over the Magic into the fourth quarter.
JJ Steal Zacch SLAM ⛽️ pic.twitter.com/mUDvC7995F
— Atlanta HaWWWWWWWWWks (@ATLHawks) March 17, 2026
Johnson is second in the NBA with 12 triple-doubles so far this season, breaking Atlanta’s previous franchise record of 7, which was held by former All-Star and five-time All-Defensive Team selection Mookie Blaylock.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 8:55 ET
Melton makes a moment
Man, full extension on the poster — a 115.7 on the Dunk Score scale.
De’Anthony has 23 points so far tonight, leading Golden State to a 98-86 lead after three quarters.
Steph was loving this De’Anthony Melton poster! pic.twitter.com/aHEiyetwIa
— NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2026
MARCH 16, 2026 // 8:37 ET
NAW leading the charge for Atlanta
Nickeil Alexander-Walker, now up to 26 points, scored 24 points in the first half against the Magic, setting a new career-high for points in a half.
He’s 5-of-9 from 3-point range and 8-of-15 from the field overall, chasing his career-high of 38 points.
Hawks up 76-55 with 9:59 to go in the second quarter.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 8:24 ET
Jaylen Brown pushing the Celtics
47-43 Boston with 5:58 to go in the half.
Jaylen Brown (14 pts) took 10 free throws in the first quarter, becoming the first NBA player to take 10+ in the opening period of a game this season and the 19th to hit double-digits in a quarter in the campaign.
Then he hit the Suns with the fierce crossover.
NASTY 🤢 pic.twitter.com/txIFunaODm
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 17, 2026
MARCH 16, 2026 // 8:05 ET
Hawks take largest lead of game
Pushing their advantage to 53-37 over Orlando with 4:59 to go in the first half in Atlanta.
The crowd is roaring.
“All vibes here in Atlanta,” said Michael Grady. “Atlanta basketball, red-hot right now.”
Earlier, Jalen Johnson threw down this rim-rocker — an 85.3 on the Dunk Score scale.
“Just built different… 6’9 and MEAN at the rim.”
JALEN. JOHNSON. https://t.co/Mz4kbAFriH pic.twitter.com/vqxLiKLLAT
— NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2026
MARCH 16, 2026 // 7:57 ET
The Suggs effect
Orlando’s 27-16 with Jalen Suggs in the lineup this season — a 62.8% winning percentage. That’d put Orlando fourth in the Eastern Conference and sixth in the NBA overall.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 7:50 ET
Suns pushing Celtics in Boston
20-13 Phoenix with 7:24 to go in the first quarter, as Collin Gillespie (3 pts) nails a 3-pointer to force a Joe Mazzulla time out.
Jayson Tatum (5 pts) has the touch for the Celtics so far.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 7:45 ET
Blazers jump out on Nets
With a 10-2 start, including contributions from Jerami Grant (5 pts) and Jrue Holiday (3 pts).
start us off JG 3️⃣❗️ pic.twitter.com/p3n5DWLVps
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) March 16, 2026
Holiday, putting up 16.4 ppg this season, has scored over 20 points in three of his last five contests.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 7:40 ET
Hawks flying early
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (14 pts) scored the last nine points of the quarter for the Hawks, as they take a 34-21 lead into the break on NBC Sports Network and Peacock.
The Magic are fairly deep into their bench, with Jamal Cain, Noah Penda, Moritz Wagner and Jevon Carter getting first quarter minutes. Franz Wagner, Anthony Black and Jonathan Isaac are out tonight.
“We missed some really good shots. Hopefully those will fall, but continue to touch the paint,” said Magic assistant coach Bret Brielmaier after the period about the team’s offensive flow.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 7:33 ET
NAW mean?
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (8 pts) is a game-high +10 so far, as the Hawks take a 23-19 lead with 2:48 to go in the first quarter.
Hot start for Nickeil! pic.twitter.com/hxXxTonN2t
— Atlanta HaWWWWWWWWWks (@ATLHawks) March 16, 2026
Jonathan Kuminga is at the scorer’s table to check in for his first action since last Thursday against the Nets, as Atlanta seeks to extend its lead on NBC Sports Network and Peacock, while Buddy Hield has absconded with Jordan Cornette’s microphone court side.
It’s a good time!
MARCH 16, 2026 // 7:30 ET
Draymond Green on triple-double watch
Green (5 pts, 5 reb, 2 ast) is rolling early as the Warriors take a 23-19 lead over the Wizards with 3:33 to go in the first quarter.
Booooom 💪
📺 @NBCSAuthentic pic.twitter.com/cexLP5CArC
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) March 16, 2026
Trae Young (7 pts) is the game’s high scorer, while Kristaps Porziņģis (5 pts) is making his presence known.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 7:15 ET
Hawks running out early on Magic
Atlanta’s on a 9-0 run to take a 14-7 lead with just under seven minutes to go in the first on NBC Sports Network and Peacock.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker (8 pts) is out to a quick start, while Jalen Johnson and Paolo Banchero are finding their rhythm.
Banchero’s been guarded by Dyson Daniels so far — we’ll see if he can establish his game versus the smaller defender.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 6:30 ET
Elite power forwards at work
Paolo Banchero (22.8 ppg, 8.6 reb, 5.0 ast, 46.4 FG%) and Jalen Johnson (23.0 ppg, 10.4 reb, 8.0 ast, 49.5 FG%) are two of the preeminent power forwards in the game, both graduates of Duke University, and the leading forces on rising contenders in the Eastern Conference.
Paolo isolates more — 3.1 ppg on 3.5 possessions per game, compared to 1.3 ppg on 1.8 possession per game for Johnson — using his polished bag work and strong frame to create in the midrange and at the rim. When he has it going, there are few tougher one-on-one matchups in the league.
Johnson is an all-around creator — his assist percentage of 33.4% ranks 26th in the NBA, while Paolo is 105th at 22.7% — with a smooth game that easily takes advantage of the Hawks’ strong spacing and varied attack under Quin Snyder. He glides to the rim in transition, often playing bigger than his listed 219 pounds.
Compare and contrast their games below before they clash tonight.
Paolo Banchero and Jalen Johnson’s best plays from their respective winning streaks.
MARCH 16, 2026 // 5:45 ET
Welcome to an eight-game night in the NBA!
Paolo Banchero and the Magic host Jalen Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks to open our slate tonight on NBC Sports Network and Peacock.
Our journey tonight is highlighted by a trio of games on Peacock — Hawks-Magic (7 ET), Lakers-Rockets (9:30 ET) and Spurs-Clippers (10 ET).
The Hawks and Magic enter on nine and seven-game winning streaks, respectively, making this divisional clash extra-special. Enjoy the festivities!
Here’s tonight’s complete slate: