Kevin Durant drops a game-high 31 points with five made 3s during Houston’s 115-101 win over the Nuggets on Saturday.
Enjoy the best of Saturday’s 10-game slate with the NBA.com live blog, featuring all of the meaningful moments, performances, observations, news, notes and highlights.
Saturday’s Final Scores
Houston Rockets 115, Denver Nuggets 101
8:20 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025
Pelicans cruising at home
Despite the dominance from Indiana’s Jay Huff on defense, New Orleans holds a 64-49 advantage at the break. Zion Williamson has a game-high 18 points (6-7 FG, 6-6 FT) in 15 minutes as a reserve.
14 STRAIGHT GAMES WITH MULTIPLE BLOCKS 🚨
Jay Huff, the league leader in blocks per game (2.5) has now recorded 2+ blocks in EVERY GAME since Nov. 19th!
Tap to watch Huff and the Pacers in action: https://t.co/gW6naXOCPp pic.twitter.com/Ec7HErodAZ
— NBA (@NBA) December 21, 2025
Pascal Siakam leads Indiana with 13 points on 4-for-8 shooting in 18 minutes. Tune in on League Pass to catch the second half!
8:14 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025
Raptors take 51-49 lead at half
After trailing 32-20 after one quarter, Toronto outscores Boston 31-17 in the second to take a 51-49 lead at halftime. Brandon Ingram has 12 points, 3 rebound, 4 assists and a block, and Sandro Mamukelashvili tallies 11 points with three made 3s in 15 minutes.
SCOTTIE WITH THE TWO-HANDED SLAM 💥 pic.twitter.com/247iuYTzXG
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) December 21, 2025
Anfernee Simons leads Boston with 9 points and 2 steals off the bench, while Neemias Queta (8 points) and Payton Pritchard (8 points, 6 assists) headline the first unit.
Jaylen Brown is out for tonight’s game due to an illness.
8:08 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025
Maxey on fire for Sixers
Tyrese Maxey is up to a game-high 20 points, but VJ Edgecombe (14 points) and Dominick Barlow (12 points) are right behind him.
juked ’em 👋 pic.twitter.com/LwuXAPOxuH
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) December 21, 2025
Cooper Flagg leads Dallas with 12 points, while Anthony Davis (10 points, 7 rebounds) and Naji Marshall (10 points, 5 rebounds) are keeping Dallas close. The Mavericks trail 63-54 with 2:17 remaining before halftime.
8:00 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025
Knueppel slams on Detroit
Rookie Kon Knueppel drives through the lane for his 5th points of the night.
.@Kon2Knueppel starting off hot😮💨
📹@FDSN_Hornets | vote kon for #NBAAllstar: https://t.co/HyvjGInlEh pic.twitter.com/SJUKYdCJHu
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) December 21, 2025
LaMelo Ball (8 points) and Cade Cunningham (8 points) are dueling in Detroit, but the Pistons have a 25-19 lead with 4:13 left in the first quarter, live on NBA TV!
Cade Cunningham steal & slam 👀
DET leads CHA in the 1Q… watch here: https://t.co/NCemVni0Sa pic.twitter.com/0gpTwWgcNl
— NBA (@NBA) December 21, 2025
Count that baby…
AND A FOUL pic.twitter.com/T2tsvtLSTL
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) December 21, 2025
7:51 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025
Pels start HOT
New Orleans scores 44 points and makes 17 field goals in the first quarter against Indiana, marking the most FGM by the Pelicans this season. Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III each have 10 points to power the home team.
Beautiful alley by Queen 👑 https://t.co/uP30HRba9f pic.twitter.com/07FSmiSPQV
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 21, 2025
Pascal Siakam leads the Pacers with 12 points in 12 minutes, helping Indiana earn a 14-2 scoring edge in the second quarter. After trailing by 17 after one, they have cut the deficit to just 5, 46-41, with 7:29 to go before halftime.
tough take from T.J. McConnell. pic.twitter.com/Aq3MmPFst4
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) December 21, 2025
7:45 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025
Celtics catch fire to end 1Q
Boston blitzes Toronto with a 16-0 run to close the first quarter, giving the C’s a 12-point lead heading to the second. Payton Pritchard leads all scorers with 8 points with two made 3s, adding 3 rebounds and 4 assists.
DERRICK WHITE MAKES IT A 16-0 BOSTON RUN TO END THE FIRST QUARTER! 👀 pic.twitter.com/8aXZvFwgBD
— NBA (@NBA) December 21, 2025
The Celtics are on top of the Raptors 28-25 with 8:38 remaining in the second quarter, live on League Pass!
7:33 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025
Rockets get revenge on Nuggets, win 115-101
Houston rolls to a 115-101 win behind 31 points from Kevin Durant and 28 from Reed Sheppard. The duo combined for 11 made 3s while going 14-for-15 at the free throw line.
Jabari Smith, Jr. tallies a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds, adding 2 dimes and 2 blocks in 38 minutes.
Bari & Amen slamming it DOWN 💥 pic.twitter.com/fBTct3PUbd
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 21, 2025
Nikola Jokić led Denver with 25 points on 9-for-20 shooting, adding 7 rebounds and 5 assists in 29 minutes. Bruce Brown chips in 12 points, 12 boards, 2 steals, an assist and a block in 28 minutes off Denver’s bench.
Houston was HOT from deep in their win over Denver!@KDTrey5: 31 PTS, 5 3PM@reed_sheppard: 28 PTS, 6 3PM@jabarismithjr: 22 PTS, 5 3PM
Rockets improve to 17-8 on the season 🚀 pic.twitter.com/GCRDOZNlu0
— NBA (@NBA) December 21, 2025
7:24 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025
VJ with the hoop and harm
VJ Edgecombe finishes through contact on the beautiful and-1 layup. Philadelphia trails Dallas 13-10 midway through the first quarter.
TUFF AND 1 FOR THE ROOK. 😈 pic.twitter.com/vSS6RAzMbX
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) December 21, 2025
Naji Marshall counters with a nasty spin move on the other for the Mavs.
That’s 3K career points for The 𝑲𝒏𝒊𝒇𝒆 🔪
📺: WFAA pic.twitter.com/g7XgIiYeWi
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) December 21, 2025
7:20 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025
Trey dancing for 2
Trey Murphy III goes to work for a tough bucket in the lane, giving him 4 points to lead the Pelicans. New Orleans has a 16-10 lead after five minutes have passed in the opening quarter on League Pass.
Tough bucket Trey. pic.twitter.com/ilrRrHJaPK
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 21, 2025
QUEEN TO ZION ⬆️ pic.twitter.com/aMMh7xHROM
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) December 21, 2025
7:13 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025
Durant with 30 and counting
Kevin Durant (31 points) and Reed Sheppard (26 points) have combined for 57 points and 11 made 3s to give the Rockets a commanding 107-86 lead with 4:46 left to play in the contest.
CATCH. SHOOT. SPLASH. 🎯
Kevin Durant has 29 on 5-6 shooting from deep!
Rockets lead the Nuggets in the 4Q. pic.twitter.com/iM5sfkeF5S
— NBA (@NBA) December 21, 2025
Nikola Jokić has a team-high 25 points with 7 rebounds and 5 assists in 29 minutes. Jamal Murray has 15 points on 4-for-13 shooting with 7 assists and 2 steals.
6:50 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025
Sheppard powers 11-0 Rockets run
Reed Sheppard ignites an 11-0 Houston run over the final 1:15 of the third quarter behind three made 3s from the second-year guard. He’s up to a game-high 22 points on 6-for-8 shooting from 3-point range.
LOOK AT THIS EFFORT BY KD 🤯
Keeps his dribble alive.
Through multiple defenders.
And scores.
He’s got 20 for the @HoustonRockets!
Tap to watch: https://t.co/h3flC9GdAZ pic.twitter.com/VUb5Ry91tk
— NBA (@NBA) December 20, 2025
Nikola Jokić sat most of the quarter after picking up his fourth foul, but he’s up to 19 points on 8-for-18 shooting in 22 minutes. Denver trails 82-66 after three quarters.
3 STRAIGHT TRIPLES TO END THE 3RD QUARTER.
REED SHEPPARD IS GOING OFF FOR HOUSTON. pic.twitter.com/3OKeseYUfT
— NBA (@NBA) December 20, 2025
6:37 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025
Amen making plays
Amen Thompson comes out of nowhere for the rejection, and Houston’s defense continues to be a problem for the Nuggets tonight. He’s got 9 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and that block in 27 minutes.
The Rockets hold a 69-62 lead with 2:38 remaining in the third quarter, live on NBA TV!
Amen Thompson from the weak side! 🚫
Tap to watch on NBA TV: https://t.co/h3flC9GdAZ pic.twitter.com/ypsMktL9pv
— NBA (@NBA) December 20, 2025
Nikola Jokić is up to 17 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists to lead Denver in scoring. The Nuggets are doing most of their damage in the restricted area, outscoring the Rockets 34-18 in points in the paint.
The chemistry between these two 😮💨
Vote Jamal & Nikola: https://t.co/gjqCkW1mfH pic.twitter.com/bMFddV4MUs
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 20, 2025
6:08 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025
Rockets dominate 2Q, lead at half
Alperen Sengun punishes the rim to give him 4 points with 2 rebounds, 3 assists and a block in 16 first-half minutes. Houston outscores Denver 27-16 in the second quarter to secure a 53-45 advantage at the break.
Kevin Durant has a game-high 16 points to go along with 2 boards, 2 assists and a block, and Reed Sheppard adds 11 points (3-5 3PM), 3 assists, 2 steals and a block in 13 minutes off the Rockets’ bench.
ALPEREN. SENGUN. 😱😱
ROLLS TO THE RIM. THROWS IT DOWN.
HOU leads DEN in the 2Q… tap to watch: https://t.co/h3flC9GdAZ pic.twitter.com/01LHW16JYZ
— NBA (@NBA) December 20, 2025
THROW IT DOWN, ALPI 😳
Tap to watch on NBA TV: https://t.co/h3flC9GdAZ https://t.co/GgLx3ops97 pic.twitter.com/r5vzfu346x
— NBA (@NBA) December 20, 2025
Nikola Jokić has several signature finishes in this one, giving him a team-high 12 points with 5 rebounds and 2 assists, but he also picked up his third personal foul before the break. Spencer Jones (9 points) and Jamal Murray (8 points, 3 assists) aren’t too far behind the Joker.
Pulled the Joker card pic.twitter.com/5vB2UVyP2D
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 20, 2025
5:50 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025
KD cooking in first half
Five days after putting up 25 points in an overtime loss to Denver, Kevin Durant has a game-high 14 points on a perfect 3-for-3 from behind the arc. KD is also a game-best +11 in 16 minutes.
EASY MONEY!
Kevin Durant with a game-high 14 points 🔥 pic.twitter.com/s5zqhQ7Ahr
— NBA (@NBA) December 20, 2025
Houston leads Denver 45-37 with 5:57 remaining before halftime.
5:37 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025
Nuggets up after 1Q
Denver holds a 29-26 lead over Houston after the first 12 minutes of action. Spencer Jones is the high man for the Nuggets with 9 points, while Reed Sheppard matches him with 9 on three made 3s for the Rockets.
Good things come to those that wait!
Joker showing off his patience in the post 💪
Tap to watch: https://t.co/h3flC9GdAZ pic.twitter.com/zneiPROufg
— NBA (@NBA) December 20, 2025
Catch the second quarter, live now on NBA TV!
ANOTHER one 🎯 https://t.co/qjxkPrJDwl pic.twitter.com/TBMaH5Dt9y
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 20, 2025
5:28 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025
Rockets-Nuggets underway
It’s been a back and forth contest early on in Denver, and the Rockets and Nuggets are all tied at 23 with 2:53 remaining in the opening frame. Houston jumped out to a 10-2 lead, but 6 points apiece from Nikola Jokić and Spencer Jones spark a 21-13 run for the home team.
Murray steal ➡️ Hardaway Jr. triple
Denver turning defense to offense on NBA TV! pic.twitter.com/1M4TenOEXK
— NBA (@NBA) December 20, 2025
Kevin Durant and Reed Sheppard lead the Rockets with 6 points each.
🔙 to 🔙 pic.twitter.com/VVMwU3LhXL
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) December 20, 2025
4:30 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025
Welcome to Saturday Night Hoops!
Nikola Jokić and Alperen Sengun each tallied triple-doubles in their last meeting on Dec. 15 in Denver, with the Nuggets winning 128-125 in OT.
Five days after their 128-125 OT loss to the Nuggets, the Rockets are back in Denver for a showdown between two of the top teams in the West in our first of three marquee matchups on NBA TV (5 ET). The Nuggets look to make it seven straight wins while Houston hopes to snap a two-game skid.
The East-leading Detroit Pistons host the Hornets in the second game of our tripleheader (7:30 ET, NBA TV). Charlotte has won two in a row but will be taking on Cade Cunningham and Co. for the first time this season.
The Lakers and Clippers meet in the nightcap for a star-studded clash between LA franchises (10:30 ET, NBA TV). Austin Reaves (calf), Rui Hachimura (groin) and Deandre Ayton (elbow) are all listed as out for tonight’s tilt, meaning Luka Dončić and LeBron James will be tasked with the heavy lifting.
Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis are in Philadelphia as the Mavericks take on the 76ers and their dynamic backcourt duo of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe (7 ET, League Pass).
The fourth-place Celtics are north of the border for a road clash with the third-place Toronto Raptors (7 ET, League Pass). Both teams are coming off much needed wins their last time out and will be jockeying for position in a tightly-packed Eastern Conference.
Derrick White dropped a season-high 33 points and tied a career-high with nine 3-pointers in Boston’s win over Miami on Friday.
New Orleans will host the Indiana Pacers, losers of three straight, for an interconference showdown (7 ET, League Pass). The Pelicans are riding a three-game win streak and are coming off of a thrilling 133-128 OT win over the Rockets on Thursday, climbing all the way back from a 25-point deficit.
Memphis plays host to the Washington Wizards while trying for a third consecutive win of their own (8 ET, League Pass). The Grizzlies are 7-3 in their last 10, but they’ll be without Ja Morant (ankle) for the second straight contest.
The Warriors and Suns meet for a rematch of Thursday’s wild 99-98 victory for Phoenix, but the scene shifts to Golden State tonight (8:30 ET, League Pass). The Dubs are hoping to exact revenge while simultaneously snapping a three-game losing streak.
The Orlando Magic visit the Utah Jazz for their second game of a four-game road trip, with both squads looking to get back in the win column (9:30 ET, League Pass).
Portland goes for a third consecutive victory when they travel to take on the Kings (10 ET, League Pass). Sacramento is in the midst of a four-game losing streak and will be vying for their first home win since Nov. 24.