{"id":275651,"date":"2026-02-05T15:53:22","date_gmt":"2026-02-05T15:53:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/275651\/"},"modified":"2026-02-05T15:53:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T15:53:22","slug":"starting-5-standout-matchups-await-on-trade-deadline-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/275651\/","title":{"rendered":"Starting 5: Standout matchups await on trade deadline day"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>\n

In a game made for the Garden, Captain Clutch closed it out.<\/p>\n

Forty-two points. Eight straight New York wins. One instant classic at MSG.<\/p>\n

\"Jalen<\/p>\n

5 STORIES IN TODAY\u2019S EDITION \ud83c\udfc0<\/p>\n

Heavyweight Duels: Knicks take down Nuggets in thriller, Spurs beat OKC again, C\u2019s stay hot in Houston<\/p>\n

Roundup: Ant ignites Wolves, Bucks win in OT, Grizz close in crunch time, Cavs keep cooking<\/p>\n

Trade Tracker: All the latest reports and official deals as today\u2019s deadline nears<\/p>\n

Prime Doubleheader: Surging Suns welcome Warriors, Raptors and Bulls collide<\/p>\n

League Pass Spotlight: Knueppel & Hornets seek eighth straight win, Flagg faces Wemby<\/p>\n

BUT FIRST \u2026 \u23f0<\/p>\n

\"Scores<\/p>\n

Eight games get underway tonight, including a Prime doubleheader as the Raptors host the Bulls (7:30 ET<\/a> | Tap to Watch<\/a>), before the Warriors visit the Suns (10 ET<\/a> | Tap to Watch<\/a>).<\/p>\n

SGA Update: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to miss the next five games<\/a> with an abdominal strain and will be re-evaluated after the All-Star break.<\/p>\n

Trade Tracker: The trade deadline is just hours away (today at 3 p.m. ET), and more reported deals<\/a> poured in yesterday, including names like Anthony Davis, Jonathan Kuminga & Coby White. See Section 3 for some of this week\u2019s biggest reported moves, and tap here for every official deal<\/a>.<\/p>\n

All-Star Countdown: Below are more key dates to know, with 2026 NBA All-Star<\/a> just eight days away:<\/p>\n

Friday, Feb. 13: Ruffles All-Star Celebrity Game at Kia Forum & Castrol Rising Stars at the Intuit Dome \u2013 secure your tickets here<\/a> using promo code NEWS26
\nSaturday, Feb. 14: NBA All-Star Saturday at Intuit Dome (5 ET, NBC & Peacock)
\nSunday, Feb. 15: The 75th NBA All-Star Game at Intuit Dome (5 ET, NBC & Peacock)<\/p>\n

1. HEAVYWEIGHT DUELS: KNICKS WIN CLASSIC, SPURS BEAT OKC, C\u2019S STAY HOT<\/p>\n

\"Jalen<\/p>\n

To reach their longest win streak of the season, the Knicks had to endure a double-overtime marathon that demanded everything they had.<\/p>\n

And when it was time to close, the reigning Kia Clutch Player of the Year delivered.<\/p>\n

Knicks 134, Nuggets 127 (2OT): In a game that featured 19 ties, 20 lead changes and no lead greater than nine, Jamal Murray (39 pts, 6 ast) and Nikola Joki\u0107 (30 pts, 14 reb, 10 ast) put on a show for Denver, which had two chances to win at the buzzer.<\/p>\n

The Knicks held firm on both occasions, forcing a Joki\u0107 miss at the end of regulation, then appearing to make a game-winning stand as the clock expired in overtime. A loose-ball foul, however, sent Christian Braun to the line, where he sank both free throws to force double OT.<\/p>\n

\"Jalen<\/p>\n

Instead of losing momentum, New York \u2013 and its captain \u2013 came out even stronger.<\/p>\n

Down 2, Jalen Brunson reignited the Garden with a personal 6-0 burst, then dropped a dime to Landry Shamet to push the lead to 6.<\/p>\n

When Denver cut it to 3, Brunson answered again, drilling a dagger floater with 31 ticks left, before hitting the game-sealing free throws to extend New York\u2019s win streak to eight. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

All-Stars Deliver: Brunson finished with 42 points<\/a> (14-27 FG), 8 rebounds and 9 dimes, while Karl-Anthony Towns added a double-double (24 pts, 12 reb)
\nCap Takes Over: Thirty-three of Brunson\u2019s points came after halftime, including 10 in double OT to single-handedly outscore Denver (8), stamping a signature win that both tested and revealed New York\u2019s resolve
\n\u201cIt was really mentally tough,\u201d said Brunson on the dub. \u201cAnd we needed that. We could\u2019ve just quit, but we found a way.\u201d
\n\u201cWhat an MVP performance,\u201d added Knicks coach Mike Brown of Brunson. \u201cOn a national stage \u2026 versus a really good team.\u201d
\nJoki\u0107 Ties Big O: Despite the loss, Joki\u0107 recorded his 181st career triple-double, tying Oscar Robertson for the 2nd-most all-time<\/p>\n

\"Victor<\/p>\n

With SGA & OKC\u2019s mainstays out for the regular-season finale between the Thunder & Spurs, the year\u2019s fifth meeting took on a different flavor \u2014 but a tenacious effort from OKC\u2019s reserves made for yet another grind-it-out battle between the West\u2019s top two teams.<\/p>\n

Spurs 116, Thunder 106: The Spurs led by as many as 22 in the first half, until the Thunder \u2014 led by Jaylin Williams\u2019 24-12 double-double \u2014 rallied to cut it to 4 in the fourth.<\/p>\n

But a late surge by Steph Castle & Wemby (22 pts, 14 reb) and a game-high 25 pts from Keldon Johnson helped San Antonio hold on for its fourth win over rival OKC. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Making Their Move: The Spurs have won three of their last four and are five games behind OKC for the top spot out West
\nSeizing Opportunity: The Thunder saw career-best scoring nights from Kenrich Williams (25 pts, 9 reb) and Jaylin Williams (24 pts, 12 reb), with 20 points from Aaron Wiggins (6 ast)<\/p>\n

\"Payton<\/p>\n

Also in Texas, the C\u2019s stayed hot in Houston.<\/p>\n

Celtics 114, Rockets 93: Derrick White (28 pts, 8 ast, 6 3s) led Boston without Jaylen Brown (leg) and Payton Pritchard was big off the bench (27 pts, 7 ast, 5 3s) as Boston pulled away from KD (15 pts) and Houston for its fourth straight win. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

The Payton Line: It\u2019s Pritchard\u2019s third career game of 25+ pts, 5+ ast, 5+ 3s off the bench for Boston. There have been six such games in franchise history<\/p>\n

2. ROUNDUP: ANT SPARKS RALLY, BUCKS & GRIZZ WIN LATE, CAVS ROLL<\/p>\n

\"Anthony<\/p>\n

With all four teams ahead of them in the standings in action Wednesday, the Wolves needed a double-digit comeback to capitalize.<\/p>\n

Wolves 128, Raptors 126: Ant Edwards (30 pts, 8 reb, 5 ast, 3 stl) led seven double-figure scorers for the Wolves in a 2nd-half surge that erased an 18-point deficit.<\/p>\n

He capped the comeback with a slick jumper<\/a> to make it a two-possession game with just over a minute left, sealing Minnesota\u2019s fifth win in six games. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Comeback King: Before he hit the jumper to seal the win, Ant\u2019s driving layup with 2:26 left gave the Wolves their first lead since it was 40-38
\nToronto Trio: Brandon Ingram (25 pts, 6 reb), Immanuel Quickley (23 pts, 5 reb, 8 ast) and Scottie Barnes (22 pts, 10 reb, 8 ast) paced Toronto, combining for 70 points<\/p>\n

\"Ryan<\/p>\n

Two more games came down to the wire.<\/p>\n

Bucks 141, Pelicans 137 (OT): Ryan Rollins (27 pts) and AJ Green (20 pts, 6 3s) paced seven double-figure Bucks scorers to overcome a career-best shooting night from Trey Murphy III with 44 points and a franchise-record 12 3s<\/a>. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Elite Eight: Murphy III matches Steph Curry\u2019s mark for the most 3s in a game this season. He is just the eighth player in NBA history to hit 12+ treys in a game<\/p>\n

Grizzlies 129, Kings 125: Ty Jerome jumpstarted Memphis in his third game back (28 pts, 7 ast), and Cam Spencer (20 pts, 5 ast) hit back-to-back clutch jumpers in the final minute, capped by a lead-extending 3 to edge Domantas Sabonis (24 pts, 15 reb) and the Kings. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Donovan<\/p>\n

To close the night, the Cavs kept cooking.<\/p>\n

Cavaliers 124, Clippers 91: Donovan Mitchell posted a game-high in points (29), assists (9) and steals (4) as the Cavs earned their seventh win in eight games with a wire-to-wire dub over Kawhi Leonard (25 pts, 7 reb) and the Clips. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

3. TRADE TRACKER: THE LATEST BUZZ ENTERING THE FINAL HOURS<\/p>\n

\"James<\/p>\n

With just hours left before the NBA trade deadline (today at 3 ET), here\u2019s a look at a few of the biggest official deals<\/a> and reported moves<\/a> from Wednesday.<\/p>\n

Note: All deals referenced are based on reports and are not official unless stated otherwise.<\/p>\n

Official: James Harden to the Cavs in exchange for Darius Garland<\/a> and future 2nd-round pick, a deal that became official Wednesday
\nGarland was welcomed by the Clippers at Intuit Dome Wednesday, as he attended the game against his former club, sitting with his father<\/a>, a former Clips player
\nThe Warriors are reportedly acquiring<\/a> Kristaps Porzi\u0146\u0123is from Atlanta in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield
\nThe Wizards are reportedly acquiring<\/a> Anthony Davis and more from the Mavs in 8-player deal\u2026
\nThe Thunder are reportedly acquiring<\/a> Jared McCain from the Sixers for picks\u2026
\nThe Hornets are reportedly acquiring<\/a> Coby White from the Bulls for Collin Sexton, more\u2026<\/p>\n

ICYMI: More deals and moves from earlier in the week.<\/p>\n

Official: Grizzlies trade Jaren Jackson Jr. to Jazz (Feb. 3<\/a>)
\nCeltics to reportedly acquire Nikola Vu\u010devi\u0107 from the Bulls for Anfernee Simons, more\u2026
\nOfficial: Pistons acquire Kevin Huerter, Dario \u0160ari\u0107 in 3-team trade (Feb. 3<\/a>)
\nOfficial: Cavs add Keon Ellis, Dennis Schr\u00f6der, more in 3-team deal (Feb. 3<\/a>)<\/p>\n

4. TONIGHT ON PRIME: RISING SUNS HOST DUBS, BULLS VISIT RAPTORS<\/p>\n

\"Collin<\/p>\n

January was a triumphant time for the Suns.<\/p>\n

Along the way, they continued to click on the court. Jordan Ott was named West Coach of the Month, while Dillon Brooks was West Player of the Week for Jan. 26 to Feb. 1.<\/p>\n

They\u2019ve scorched a path. And slowly but surely, they\u2019re climbing the league ranks.<\/p>\n

Tonight (10 ET, Prime), the Suns host the Warriors, having won 16 of their last 23 games. Another victory at Mortgage Matchup Center would make eight in the last 11.<\/p>\n

Last Time Out: Phoenix overcame a 19-point deficit to Portland on Tuesday, winning 130-125, behind six double-figure scorers in the absence of Devin Booker (ankle)
\nRising Up: Third-year guard Collin Gillespie posted a career-best 30 points, leading the way with eight 3s<\/p>\n

Offense by committee is how the Suns have operated in 2025-26. They have six double-figure scorers, including a well-balanced starting five.<\/p>\n

Fear Factors: Beyond Booker, it\u2019s the trio of Brooks (20.9 ppg), Grayson Allen (16.9) and Gillespie (13.8) who offer scoring options
\nStanding Tall: Buoyed by Brooks\u2019 signature toughness, Phoenix has also embraced an intense defensive approach \u2014 currently No. 8 with a 112.3 DefRtg<\/p>\n

That\u2019s where the similarities with Golden State begin. This season, the Warriors possess the league\u2019s 10th-best DefRtg at 112.4.<\/p>\n

More Mirrors: They, too, boast depth with seven double-figure scorers since Jimmy Butler III\u2019s knee injury on Dec. 19, led by Stephen Curry\u2019s 27.2 ppg<\/p>\n

\"Matas<\/p>\n

But first, this evening\u2019s doubleheader opens with the Bulls visiting the Raptors (7:30 ET, Prime) as the two East squads meet for the first time in 2025-26.<\/p>\n

Telling Tale: Chicago won all four of last year\u2019s matchups by an average of 11.5 points, and by as many as 19, but things have changed for Toronto this season
\nOne Of One: Scottie Barnes \u2013 now a two-time All-Star \u2013 is the NBA\u2019s lone player averaging 15+ points, 5+ assists, 1.5+ blocks and 1+ steals per game
\n\u201cThis is a guy that said, \u2018I\u2019ll do what I need to do,\u2019\u201d said NBC analyst Vince Carter of Barnes this week. \u201cHe\u2019s been a distributor, all-around guy. He deserves this.\u201d<\/p>\n

5. LEAGUE PASS SPOTLIGHT: STREAKING HORNETS VISIT ROCKETS<\/p>\n

\"Kon<\/p>\n

Eight straight wins.<\/p>\n

The last time the Hornets achieved such a single-season streak, their current top-three scorers, Brandon Miller, LaMelo Ball and Kon Knueppel, weren\u2019t even born.<\/p>\n

Tonight on League Pass (8 ET), Charlotte looks to match a run that\u2019s gone untouched since December 1999, riding a seven-game heater into Houston.<\/p>\n

But the Hornets\u2019 surge isn\u2019t just about a streak \u2013 it\u2019s about a shift. One driven by its rookie star, Knueppel, and a wave of young talent coming into its own, writes NBA.com\u2019s Steve Aschburner:<\/p>\n

Eleven of the 18 players on Charlotte\u2019s roster are under 25, and seven haven\u2019t yet turned 24. Even a few prominent veterans \u2014 Miles Bridges (27 years old), LaMelo Ball (24) and Brandon Miller (23) \u2014 are still establishing themselves in the league.\u00a0<\/p>\n

That influx of young guys could have altered the dynamics of coach Charles Lee\u2019s locker room \u2026 So far, the Hornets\u2019 rookies have been an elixir. | Read More<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Victor<\/p>\n

One spot above Knueppel on Aschburner\u2019s latest Kia Rookie Ladder<\/a> sits Cooper Flagg, who reclaimed the top spot thanks to his record three-game tear.<\/p>\n

Tonight, he faces Victor Wembanyama as the Mavs host the Spurs (8:30 ET), highlighting five more games on League Pass. Meanwhile, the Sixers aim for a sixth straight win as they visit the Lakers (10 ET).<\/p>\n

Wizards at Pistons (7 ET)
\nNets at Magic (7 ET)
\nJazz at Hawks (7:30 ET)<\/p>\n

Want to share\u00a0Starting\u00a05\u00a0with a friend?\u00a0Send them this link<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Shape the Starting 5.\u00a0\u00a0Email us here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t have the NBA App? Download it here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"In a game made for the Garden, Captain Clutch closed it out. Forty-two points. Eight straight New York…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":275652,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[85,46,105,142583],"class_list":{"0":"post-275651","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports","8":"tag-il","9":"tag-israel","10":"tag-sports","11":"tag-starting-5-feb-5-2026"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/275651","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=275651"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/275651\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/275652"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=275651"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=275651"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=275651"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}