Tyrese Maxey scores 39 points in 76ers win over the Timberwolves. (David Berding/Getty Images)
Nightly notes 📝🏀
Eastern Conference guards steal the spotlight: Take a pick in regards to which guard from the East had the best night. Payton Pritchard was unreal in Los Angeles. He came off the bench and scored 30 points while sinking shots at the buzzer left and right.
LaMelo Ball was even more lights out from beyond, sinking six threes in the third quarter alone and a career-best 10 against Washington.
Tyrese Maxey arguably stood the tallest after dropping 39 points on the road in a blowout win over Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves. His left-handed poster dunk will go down as one of the most memorable of the year.
Tyrese Maxey continued his mighty scoring campaign in the @sixers win!
39 PTS
8 AST
2 STL
4 3PM pic.twitter.com/udtumRAIUM
— NBA (@NBA) February 23, 2026
Joker’s brilliance outshined by Warriors magic: The fourth quarter of the Warriors-Nuggets game was riveting. Nikola Jokic entered with a triple-double in hand as his Nuggets held a two-possession lead. Golden State embarked on a 33-17 run to end the game and spoil a gargantuan effort from Jokić, who finished with 35 points, 20 rebounds and 12 assists in the loss.
The fourth quarter frenzy that brought the dub⚡️@Kia || Electric Plays pic.twitter.com/ghjE5X6klS
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 23, 2026
Thunder get it done by committee: The reigning champs handed the Cavaliers their first loss with James Harden in the lineup. Cleveland never fully recovered from Oklahoma City’s opening blitz after being outscored 40-25 in the first quarter.
Cason Wallace had 20 points and a career-high 10 assists. Chet Holmgren had 17 points and 15 rebounds, while Isaiah Joe chipped in 22 points on six threes. The defense as a whole tallied 12 steals and four blocks.
3 and D kind of night 🫡
21 from deep. 12 steals. 4 blocks. pic.twitter.com/PDC5udKYGp
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) February 22, 2026
Sunday’s Final Scores 📋
11:40 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
Magic survive thriller in LA 🚨
This one was fun from end-to-end. The Magic and Clippers remained close throughout as Desmond Bane and Kawhi Leonard threw haymakers back and forth, finishing with 36 and 37 points respectively.
The Clippers had a chance to win on the game’s final possession. Bennedict Mathurin was a huge lift all night off the bench with 21 points, but couldn’t sink this buzzer-beating attempt to win the game.
ORLANDO HOLDS ON FOR THE WIN! https://t.co/i9agLYe8jx pic.twitter.com/M8BclJOc1x
— NBA (@NBA) February 23, 2026
Kawhi Leonard & Desmond Bane dueled in Los Angeles tonight…
Leonard: 37 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST, 3 STL, 2 BLK
Bane: 36 PTS, 5 REB, 2 STL, 4 3PM
Magic win a close one! pic.twitter.com/e3fcO22lwN
— NBA (@NBA) February 23, 2026
11:20 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
Nightcap fireworks 🎆
The Clippers and Magic are dueling out west to round out Sunday’s 11-game set. It’s been physical, but filled with offensive highlights including these two big men showing off their bags.
OUR ROOK’S FIRST @NBA THREE-POINTER 👏👏👏 https://t.co/OtQf8onR0Y pic.twitter.com/TloaD3PWSD
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 23, 2026
i love it when Moe Wagner pic.twitter.com/KLuE56Y1GM
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) February 23, 2026
10:50 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
30 & counting for Kawhi
The Clippers were rolling in the third quarter clear through the final buzzer. Kawhi Leonard has been getting to his spots all game while Bennedict Mathurin has added 17 points off the bench including a third quarter buzzer-beater.
The fourth quarter is underway now on NBA League Pass.
KAWHI LEONARD’S GOT 30 🖐️ pic.twitter.com/is8AcwbrPA
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 23, 2026
WHAT A SHOT AT THE BUZZER, BENN MATHURIN 🤯🚨 pic.twitter.com/dQag6EulhR
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 23, 2026
10:30 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
Knicks give Bulls 9th loss in a row
The New York Knicks avoided a costly loss on the road in Chicago thanks to good execution when it mattered most. This Mikal Bridges three was the dagger for the Bulls who fall to 24-34 after dropping their ninth straight game.
Brunson finds Bridges for the CLUTCH 3 🔥
Knicks win on the road! pic.twitter.com/Lu9mp9VYSR
— NBA (@NBA) February 23, 2026
10:22 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
HALF-COURT HEAVE💰
Halfcourt shot for $10k… GOT IT 🔥
Congrats to this Clippers fan! pic.twitter.com/wgZsySCMUz
— NBA (@NBA) February 23, 2026
10:15 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
Kawhi & Bane battling
One week removed from his show-stealing performance in the All-Star Game, Kawhi Leonard is rolling again inside the Intuit Dome. Desmond Bane is equally hot, after scoring 18 points in the first half including three triples.
Both teams are in play-in territory, so every game matters that much more. The Magic lead 57-53 when play resumes.
Desmond Bane in the first half at LAC:
18 PTS
6-9 FG
3 3PM pic.twitter.com/6tQ10tSR92
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) February 23, 2026
Defense turnin’ into a KAWHI LEONARD DUNK 😤😤😤 pic.twitter.com/GOhr0QCxa6
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 23, 2026
10:05 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
Knicks-Bulls heating up ♨️
Now is a good time to turn on NBA League Pass, as the Chicago Bulls have the New York Knicks reeling late. Collin Sexton’s three-pointer made it a one point game. Karl-Anthony Towns got back on track after being held scoreless in the third quarter.
KAT snatches his own miss and slams it home!
He’s got a game-high 19 PTS as the Knicks lead in Q4… Tap to watch: https://t.co/zz9mvi0KIU pic.twitter.com/QnZae1t3c6
— NBA (@NBA) February 23, 2026
Gimme the hot sauce, Young Bull 🐂@CollinSexton02 | @CHSN__ pic.twitter.com/l4HnKoYm9o
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 23, 2026
10:00 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
Pritchard drops 30 in LA 🌴
The Boston Celtics won comfortably over the Los Angeles Lakers thanks in large to an incredible performance from Payton Pritchard. The reigning Kia 6th Man of the Year sank tough shots on a loop tonight, helping Boston slam the door on their west coast rivals and joining some elite company in the process.
In his efficient 30pt performance, Payton Pritchard:
▪️Joins Larry Bird (Mar. 1982) and Kevin McHale (Dec. 1983) as the only Celtics players in franchise history to record three straight games with at least 25 PTS off the bench.
▪️ Becomes the first player in Celtics franchise… https://t.co/6MomEyKI0j pic.twitter.com/DTztP0dac0
— NBA (@NBA) February 23, 2026
9:45 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
Bane 1Q buzzer-beater ⏰
Kawhi Leonard is cooking early, but Desmond Bane gave his team a little extra cushion in the closing seconds of the first quarter. The Magic sharpshooter sank a contested three to lift his team ahead 29-25 after one.
Bane beats the buzzer to end the first 🚨 pic.twitter.com/oDfL5pVfak
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) February 23, 2026
Kawhi showcases his two-way talent 🌟
Steals it from the opponent.
Thumps it through the rim.
ORL/LAC is LIVE on NBA TV! pic.twitter.com/Sk8VmG88RT
— NBA (@NBA) February 23, 2026
9:36 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
Maxey drops 3️⃣9️⃣
Tyrese Maxey was nearly unstoppable against the Timberwolves tonight. It marked his ninth time scoring 39 or more points in a game this season. VJ Edgecombe was superb as well with 24 points while Anthony Edwards put up 28 in the 135-108 loss.
back in the DUB column. pic.twitter.com/jmCAOgiLYs
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 23, 2026
9:16 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
Big half from KAT
Karl-Anthony Towns is the game’s leading scorer after two quarters, but his team has its hands full so far with the Chicago Bulls. The Bulls have a trio of scorers matching the team-high in scoring as Isaac Okoro, Geurschon Yabusele, and Jalen Smith have nine points each.
big man with 17 PTS and 5 REB going into the half 👏 pic.twitter.com/kAl0MbQl5O
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 23, 2026
9:05 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
Deni exits ⚠️ Trail Blazers lead at half over PHX
At the half.@match_mortgage | #SunsUp pic.twitter.com/iz7Gs0y3rc
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) February 23, 2026
Deni Avdija appeared to show discomfort with his back before exiting this game in the first half. Portland’s Donovan Clingan has picked up the slack thus far as he’s on pace for another double-double with 11 points and six boards at the break.
DC with the assist .. to himself 😤 pic.twitter.com/XlJNkaz317
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) February 23, 2026
Phoenix, meanwhile, is playing without Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks due to injury. Jalen Green managed only four points in the first two quarters.
8:55 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
Maxey lefty POSTER 😳
Watch out for Tyrese Maxey! The Philadelphia All-Star took no prisoners on his way to the rack for a massive left-handed slam over two Timberwolves defenders.
The 76ers are in total control as this one enters the final quarter. VJ Edgecombe ensured his team’s momentum would carry over by getting behind the defense to slam this alley-oop.
“VJ down there somewhere.” pic.twitter.com/1jLEqZKoIx
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 23, 2026
8:41 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
12 minutes … 12 made 3’s 🎯 Hornets tie NBA record in win
The Charlotte Hornets were unconscious in the third quarter en route to tying an NBA record for threes made in a single quarter. LaMelo Ball was 6-7 in the period alone, as he sank a career-best 10 triples in the 17-point victory.
that’s 7 straight road wins 🌟 pic.twitter.com/QyJ2G5anqP
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) February 23, 2026
8:32 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
Lakers last chance ⏳
The fourth quarter is underway in this NBA on NBC and Peacock matchup. The Celtics hold a double-digit lead as the Lakers have time for one final push to win this game on their home floor.
Jaylen Brown for 3 🔥
Sets the screen.
Gets the rock.
Dances.
Steps back.
Sinks.
He’s got 24p, 8r, and 7a as the Celtics lead in Q4 on NBC & Peacock! pic.twitter.com/WVMa7zzy37
— NBA (@NBA) February 23, 2026
7:52 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
Pat Riley honored with statue 👏
The ‘Godfather of Showtime’ will be forever immortalized outside of Crypto.com Arena. He’s the newest Laker legend to be honored with a statue on the exterior of the Lakers home venue. He brought four championships to Los Angeles in his tenure as head coach.
A wonderful shot of Pat Riley’s statue 📸 https://t.co/dJgeAAC3bY pic.twitter.com/MaGLjHtetg
— NBA (@NBA) February 23, 2026
There was also a special ceremony to honor him at halftime. He was joined by Laker greats such as Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
7:43 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
More 3’s for LaMelo
Ball move into third on the Hornets All-time made threes list earlier in the game, and he’s gaining ground on second place as the game continues. He’s up to seven made threes on the night, while teammate Brandon Miller has five of his own.
The Hornets have outscored Washington 20-9 to start the third quarter as the Charlotte lead is up to 19 points.
LaMelo swishes a smooth one-legged triple🎯
He’s got 25 PTS (6 3PM) as the Hornets lead in Q3… Tap to watch: https://t.co/HNNNfwDibb pic.twitter.com/11oH99GyHA
— NBA (@NBA) February 23, 2026
7:40 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
The Knicks and Bulls are moments away from tipping off in Chicago.
New York enters this one third in the Eastern Conference with a 36-21 record, trailing Boston by one game and holding a half-game advantage over the Cavaliers after Cleveland’s loss earlier in the day to Oklahoma City.
road trippin in the midwest pic.twitter.com/9QFRo36Maj
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 22, 2026
7:34 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
Edgecombe, Edwards get going early
The 76ers are on the road in Minnesota, and hold the advantage as the first quarter comes to a close. Rookie lottery pick VJ Edgecombe has 10 points already, including a pair of three-pointers.
7️⃣ points and counting for #77 pic.twitter.com/CgiI70qReg
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 23, 2026
Anthony Edwards is leading the charge for the Timberwolves. He’s up to 11 points in the first frame as his team seeks a fourth win in a row.
get it started, AE. 🐜 pic.twitter.com/nIyGJESCQo
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) February 23, 2026
7:28 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
Payton Pritchard on a heater 🔥
Payton Pritchard is dialed in against the Lakers. He sent forward Jarred Vanderbilt to the hardwood before stepping back to splash this three-pointer.
Payton Pritchard SEPARATES from the defender and SWISHES the triple 🔥
What a move. pic.twitter.com/f7qH2zCrwS
— NBA (@NBA) February 23, 2026
Earlier in the second quarter, he salvaged this spiraling possession by sinking a three from steps inside halfcourt.
Payton Pritchard sinks the LOGO 3 as the shot clock expires 🔥
BOS holds a slight lead on NBC & Peacock! pic.twitter.com/2NSKTL5XRT
— NBA (@NBA) February 23, 2026
7:10 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
Steal ➡️ Alley-Oop
Derrick White’s pesty defense triggered this Celtics first-quarter highlight. The quarter ended tied at 28-apiece as this marquee matchup unfolds on NBC and Peacock.
Don’t turn your back on D-White ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/XpcFl8n6pO
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 23, 2026
7:00 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
Final frame in Indy
The Mavericks have the lead on the road as the Pacers try and mount a comeback. Pascal Siakam has been hard to contain as he leads all scorers with 28 points.
Onto the final 12 minutes. pic.twitter.com/crXYh0vSDY
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) February 22, 2026
Naji Marshall has been a factor all game, as he has 17 points on 70% shooting from the field.
That boy is good 🔪
📺: KFAA pic.twitter.com/8KSYgbPsBW
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) February 22, 2026
6:50 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
More history for King James
LeBron’s legacy keeps growing in year 23, as the NBA’s All-time scoring champ suits up for his 1,600th career game. Only Celtics legend and NBA Hall of Famer Robert Parish has played in more, and James could surpass that record in a matter of weeks.
Congrats to @KingJames of the @Lakers on becoming the 2nd player in NBA history to reach 1,600 career games! pic.twitter.com/tlYclulYWr
— NBA (@NBA) February 22, 2026
He added to his NBA-best career scoring total by getting an easy two points to start the game.
LeBron, rocking the mismatch shoes, gets us going with a fastbreak slam!
📺 NBC and Peacock pic.twitter.com/agYSA0bffJ
— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) February 22, 2026
6:41 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
LaMelo climbing the ranks 🧗
LaMelo Ball sank this three to ascend the All-time Charlotte leaderboard. His team is locked into a shootout against the Washington Wizards at the end of the first quarter.
.@MELOD1P 3 to clinch third most in franchise history 🕺🛸💕#HiveMentality | 📹 @FDSN_Hornets x @Lowes pic.twitter.com/YOR6yzMVwO
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) February 22, 2026
After the first 12 minutes.#ForTheDistrict | @CapitalOne pic.twitter.com/VjJ6VRK3UR
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) February 22, 2026
6:09 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
Jokic heroics foiled by Warriors’ depth 😨
Chase Center was unglued throughout the fourth quarter as the Warriors defended home court against the Denver Nuggets. Nikola Jokic had a triple-double after three quarters and the Nuggets led by six entering the final frame, before a Warriors run flipped the game upside down.
Brandin Podziemski, HOW??
He beats the shot clock buzzer with an IMPROBABLE jumper, and is one assist away (18p, 14r, 9a) from a triple-double!
GSW is on a 22-8 run and leads by 9 with under 2 minutes to play on ABC 🍿 pic.twitter.com/stMIRyhUNt
— NBA (@NBA) February 22, 2026
The Warriors won 128-117, thanks to six players scoring 15 points or more. Golden State sank 21 threes compared to just eight fot Denver.
DUBS WIN pic.twitter.com/9ep8eny0Fu
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) February 22, 2026
6:02 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
Hawks soar past Nets in final minutes
The Nets trailed by one point with 1:53 remaining in the game, before the Hawks reeled off 10 unanswered points to win the game. Jalen Johnson was the game’s leading scorer with 26 points and 12 rebounds along with the emphatic and-one that swung momentum for good.
CLUTCH and-1 by Jalen pic.twitter.com/1oyznitJNA
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) February 22, 2026
5:51 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
Setting the pace
Andrew Nembhard is capable of making life difficult for opposing ball handlers. He wrestled this one away from Dallas’ Max Christie and finished above the rim on the other end.
Defense into offense 😈
Andrew Nembhard comes up with the steal and slam. pic.twitter.com/yDFGs4l3hc
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) February 22, 2026
5:47 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
Trip-Dub in 3 quarters 🃏
Nikola Jokic is in a major groove in Golden State. The three-time MVP has 32 points, 19 rebounds and 11 assists already. The 4th quarter is underway as the Nuggets hold onto a single-digit lead.
Hittin’ the spin cycle 🔄 pic.twitter.com/0CRihU75Wj
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) February 22, 2026
5:40 p.m. ET // Feb. 22
Busy NBA Sunday Underway 🏀
The Hawks are attempting a comeback against the Brooklyn Nets, as they trail by eight with six minutes to play. Onyeka Okongwu made a statement with this block on Nic Claxton.
Big O swatted this into the first row pic.twitter.com/9TUBsJyCQF
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) February 22, 2026
Earlier in the half, rookie Egor Demin helped Brooklyn build a slim lead.
3GORRRRR! 🎯
and yes…he banked a corner three! pic.twitter.com/v73G9izKil
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) February 22, 2026