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LeBron James, Luka Don\u010di\u0107 and the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Houston Rockets to become the third seed in the Western Conference.<\/p>\n
Recap the best of Monday\u2019s slate<\/a>\u00a0with the NBA.com live blog, featuring all of the meaningful moments, performances, observations, news, notes and highlights.<\/p>\n What we know after Monday night\u2019s games:<\/p>\n MARCH 17, 2026 \/\/ 1:11 ET<\/p>\n Monday\u2019s results<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n MARCH 17, 2026 \/\/ 12:46 ET<\/p>\n Spurs hold on to beat Clippers<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 4 blocks for @wemby<\/a>.<\/p>\n 18-2 in last 20 games for @spurs<\/a>.<\/p>\n They reach 50 WINS for the first time since 2016-17! pic.twitter.com\/OBC2sxm5py<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThey punched us in the first quarter, and sometimes when basketball\u2019s not working, we\u2019ve got to get nasty a little bit,\u201d said Wembanyama. \u201cWe\u2019re having fun \u2014 all of us reaching new heights, individually and collectively. It\u2019s a real pleasure to be on the court.\u201d<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Devin Vassell (20 pts, 4 3PM) added additional scoring punch for the Spurs.<\/p>\n MARCH 17, 2026 \/\/ 12:39 ET<\/p>\n Clippers making it interesting<\/p>\n 115-111 San Antonio with just over 30 seconds to go, as the referees review whether Devin Vassell hooked Kobe Sanders\u2019 arm while attempting to bring the ball into the front court.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n A little late drama to spice up your night!<\/p>\n MARCH 17, 2026 \/\/ 12:27 ET<\/p>\n One time for The Don<\/p>\n 6TH STRAIGHT 30-piece for @lukadoncic<\/a>!<\/p>\n 6TH STRAIGHT win for the @Lakers<\/a> \ud83d\udd25 pic.twitter.com\/hP7iDiMda4<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n MARCH 17, 2026 \/\/ 12:21 ET<\/p>\n Wemby\u2019s double-double gives Spurs lead<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n VIC LEFTY SCOOP \ud83c\udf68<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcfa @KENS5<\/a>, @NBAonNBC<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/phVmLIYcr6<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Catch the finish on NBC Sports Network and Peacock!<\/p>\n MARCH 17, 2026 \/\/ 12:05 ET<\/p>\n Lakers take control late on the road<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Luka. 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<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Alperen Sengun\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Luka Don\u010di\u0107 (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.<\/p>\n LeBron James (18 pts, 5 reb, 5 ast) threw down three huge jams during the contest, making Year 23 look pretty darned good.<\/p>\n MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 11:55 ET<\/p>\n Lakers and Rockets going down to the wire<\/p>\n 88-87 Houston with just over four minutes to go. Catch the finish on NBC Sports Network and Peacock!<\/p>\n Amen just \ud835\ude68\ud835\ude60\ud835\ude6e\ud835\ude6c\ud835\ude56\ud835\ude61\ud835\ude60\ud835\ude5e\ud835\ude63\ud835\ude5c \u2601\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/MqkH0mJoR3<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 11:29 ET<\/p>\n Lakers up after three<\/p>\n 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\u2019s been a back-and-forth battle featuring eight lead changes and eight ties.<\/p>\n The Rockets have a 52-36 advantage in points in the paint, while the Lakers have a 12-4 lead in fast break points.<\/p>\n Who will take control down the stretch on NBC Sports Network and Peacock? Tune in to the exciting conclusion.<\/p>\n MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 11:27 ET<\/p>\n Castle makes moves<\/p>\n Not quite the Curry on Chris Paul cross<\/a>, but in the vein.<\/p>\n Spurs up 66-52 at the half, with Victor Wembanyama (13 pts, 8 reb) and Stephon Castle (12 pts, 5 reb) leading the way.<\/p>\n ARE YOU SERIOUS, STEPHON CASTLE??<\/p>\n Just RIDICULOUS handles \ud83e\udd2f pic.twitter.com\/K4jUGUVKBm<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 11:18 ET<\/p>\n A brilliant coach<\/p>\n Steve Kerr gives credit to his players, staff and organization after becoming the 4th-fastest coach to 600 WINS!<\/p>\n Phil Jackson (805 games) \u2014 NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Kerr has the 11th-best winning percentage (.636) of any coach that\u2019s led a team for more than six games. Boston headman Joe Mazzulla is first (.727) \u2014 but he\u2019s some 374 wins behind the Warriors\u2019 legendary leader.<\/p>\n MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 11:15 ET<\/p>\n Lakers cut the lead to two<\/p>\n 72-70 Lakers, after the Rockets extended the lead to 10 before a Los Angeles run.<\/p>\n Luka Don\u010di\u0107 (28 pts), along with Austin Reaves (12 pts) and LeBron James (11 pts), are the only Lakers in double figures, but they\u2019re battling back into it.<\/p>\n These teams are separated by just a half-game in the Western Conference standings. If the Lakers win, they\u2019ll move into the third seed.<\/p>\n MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 10:34 ET<\/p>\n Luka and KD dueling on NBC Sports Network and Peacock<\/p>\n Don\u010di\u0107 (23 pts) and Durant (16 pts) are the high scorers as the Rockets take a 57-51 lead into the half.<\/p>\n 8\ufe0f\u20e3 straight for Durantula \ud83d\udd77\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/kUo3FJYCjG<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Also, LeBron James, in year 23, is still banging on people.<\/p>\n pic.twitter.com\/Ecq5gkiVqD<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 10:27 ET<\/p>\n Celtics beat Suns<\/p>\n 120-112, as Jaylen Brown (41 pts on 20 shots) out-dueled Devin Booker (40 pts on 25 shots).<\/p>\n ONE OF THE SEASON’S BEST SCORING DUELS \ud83d\udd25@DevinBook<\/a>: 40 PTS on 15-24 shooting@FCHWPO<\/a>: 41 PTS (18 in 4Q), win<\/p>\n Devin Booker & Jaylen Brown are the 5th pair of opponents to drop 40+ apiece this year! pic.twitter.com\/NtOyhvhxRl<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 10:14 ET<\/p>\n Josh Giddey delivers for Chicago<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n BULLS WIN. \u2014 Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Giddey remains one behind Jalen Johnson \u2014 13-12 \u2014 in the triple-double rankings, as they chase league-leader Nikola Joki\u0107, who has 27.<\/p>\n MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 10:01 ET<\/p>\n Hawks defeat Magic<\/p>\n The Hawks beat the Magic 124-112 on NBC Sports Network and Peacock behind Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jalen Johnson.<\/p>\n Career-high 41p, 9 threes for NAW.<\/p>\n 24p, 15r, 13a for Jalen Johnson.<\/p>\n 10 STRAIGHT WINS for @ATLHawks<\/a>! pic.twitter.com\/4dCAyW8TLh<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The Hawks extend their winning streak to 10 games \u2014 the first time they\u2019ve hit that mark since 2014-15, when they won 60 games, including 19 straight.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 9:51 ET<\/p>\n Celtics and Suns going down to the wire<\/p>\n 111-110 Phoenix with 3:05 to go in Boston. Devin Booker\u2019s going off where he once dropped 70 points<\/a>, putting up 39 this evening, while Jaylen Brown (35 pts) is trying to match him bucket for bucket.<\/p>\n \u201cThis has been an MVP-level performance for Jaylen Brown,\u201d said Boston play-by-play announcer Drew Carter.<\/p>\n MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 9:32 ET<\/p>\n Kristaps goes off as Warriors defeat Wizards<\/p>\n 125-117, with Kristaps Porzi\u0146\u0123is (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.<\/p>\n Big man attacking in the paint <\/p>\n \ud83d\udcfa @NBCSAuthentic<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/7KKahlXGjL<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Golden State Warriors (@warriors) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 9:09 ET<\/p>\n Jalen Johnson on triple-double watch<\/p>\n 22 points, 8 assists and 10 rebounds for the Hawks\u2019 star, as they take a 104-83 lead over the Magic into the fourth quarter.<\/p>\n JJ Steal Zacch SLAM \u26fd\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/mUDvC7995F<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Atlanta HaWWWWWWWWWks (@ATLHawks) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Johnson is second in the NBA with 12 triple-doubles so far this season, breaking Atlanta\u2019s previous franchise record of 7, which was held by former All-Star and five-time All-Defensive Team selection Mookie Blaylock.<\/p>\n MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 8:55 ET<\/p>\n Melton makes a moment<\/p>\n Man, full extension on the poster \u2014 a 115.7 on the Dunk Score scale.<\/p>\n De\u2019Anthony has 23 points so far tonight, leading Golden State to a 98-86 lead after three quarters.<\/p>\n Steph was loving this De’Anthony Melton poster! pic.twitter.com\/aHEiyetwIa<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 8:37 ET<\/p>\n NAW leading the charge for Atlanta<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n He\u2019s 5-of-9 from 3-point range and 8-of-15 from the field overall, chasing his career-high of 38 points.<\/p>\n Hawks up 76-55 with 9:59 to go in the second quarter.<\/p>\n MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 8:24 ET<\/p>\n Jaylen Brown pushing the Celtics<\/p>\n 47-43 Boston with 5:58 to go in the half.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Then he hit the Suns with the fierce crossover.<\/p>\n NASTY \ud83e\udd22 pic.twitter.com\/txIFunaODm<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 8:05 ET<\/p>\n Hawks take largest lead of game<\/p>\n Pushing their advantage to 53-37 over Orlando with 4:59 to go in the first half in Atlanta.<\/p>\n The crowd is roaring.<\/p>\n \u201cAll vibes here in Atlanta,\u201d said Michael Grady. \u201cAtlanta basketball, red-hot right now.\u201d<\/p>\n Earlier, Jalen Johnson threw down this rim-rocker \u2014 an 85.3 on the Dunk Score scale.<\/p>\n “Just built different\u2026 6’9 and MEAN at the rim.”<\/p>\n JALEN. JOHNSON. https:\/\/t.co\/Mz4kbAFriH<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/vqxLiKLLAT<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NBA (@NBA) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 7:57 ET<\/p>\n The Suggs effect<\/p>\n Orlando\u2019s 27-16 with Jalen Suggs in the lineup this season \u2014 a 62.8% winning percentage. That\u2019d put Orlando fourth in the Eastern Conference and sixth in the NBA overall.<\/p>\n MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 7:50 ET<\/p>\n Suns pushing Celtics in Boston<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Jayson Tatum (5 pts) has the touch for the Celtics so far.<\/p>\n MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 7:45 ET<\/p>\n Blazers jump out on Nets<\/p>\n With a 10-2 start, including contributions from Jerami Grant (5 pts) and Jrue Holiday (3 pts).<\/p>\n start us off JG 3\ufe0f\u20e3\u2757\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/p3n5DWLVps<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) March 16, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Holiday, putting up 16.4 ppg this season, has scored over 20 points in three of his last five contests.<\/p>\n MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 7:40 ET<\/p>\n Hawks flying early<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u201cWe missed some really good shots. Hopefully those will fall, but continue to touch the paint,\u201d said Magic assistant coach Bret Brielmaier after the period about the team\u2019s offensive flow.<\/p>\n MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 7:33 ET<\/p>\n NAW mean?<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Hot start for Nickeil! pic.twitter.com\/hxXxTonN2t<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Atlanta HaWWWWWWWWWks (@ATLHawks) March 16, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n Jonathan Kuminga is at the scorer\u2019s 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\u2019s microphone court side.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a good time!<\/p>\n MARCH 16, 2026 \/\/ 7:30 ET<\/p>\n Draymond Green on triple-double watch<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Booooom \ud83d\udcaa<\/p>\n \ud83d\udcfa @NBCSAuthentic<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/cexLP5CArC<\/a><\/p>\n
LeBron.
Smart.
Bullseye.<\/p>\n
Pat Riley (832)
Gregg Popovich (887)
Steve Kerr (943) pic.twitter.com\/RaFZrE8cam<\/a><\/p>\n
BULLS WIN.
BULLS WIN.
BULLS WIN. pic.twitter.com\/5upQLC5kPJ<\/a><\/p>\n
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