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Julian Strawther contributed 16 points (5-10 FG, 4-7 3PM, 2-2 FT) to establish himself as the Nuggets’ third offensive option in a game where Michael Porter Jr. managed only six points (2-11 FG, 0-3 3PM, 2-2 FT).
Miles Bridges delivered a spectacular all-around outing for Charlotte, leading the charge with a season-high 36 points (12-23 FG, 5-10 3PM, 7-7 FT), while also grabbing 13 rebounds, providing seven assists, and making three steals along with one block, all without committing a single turnover.
Maintaining their momentum:
Mal: 34 PTS (7 3PM) / 4 AST
Jok: 29 PTS (6 3PM) / 17 REB / 9 AST
AG: 18 PTS / 7 REB / 2 AST
Julian: 16 PTS / 4 REB / 2 AST
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) February 21, 2025
Despite a rough start shooting at 2-for-15, Towns managed to close the night with a strong performance of 32 points (14-30 FG, 2-10 3PM), 18 rebounds, two assists, and two steals, leading all scorers in the win.
Jalen Brunson’s double-double with 22 points and 12 assists, coupled with Mikal Bridges’ defensive efforts, played critical roles in securing New York’s victory.
Miles McBride stepped up as the Knicks’ second-highest scorer with 23 points, showcasing impressive two-way skills with six rebounds, three assists, three steals, and three blocks.
In a loss for Chicago, Josh Giddey recorded a double-double consisting of 27 points and 16 rebounds, achieving a personal scoring high for the season while also matching his season-best of four three-pointers made.
KAT drops 32 & 18 in the @nyknicksOT win 😤
It’s his third consecutive game with 30+ PTS and 10+ REB as New York secures its third straight victory!
— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2025
Mikal Bridges came through with a crucial block to save the game after a strategic play called by Bulls’ coach Billy Donovan at the end of regulation. He had also denied Coby White on the preceding possession, leading to overtime with the score tied at 104.
Bridges may have faced difficulties on offense, but he contributed significantly with 13 points (6-16 FG), nine rebounds, five assists, and two blocks in the game.
HUGE MIKAL BRIDGES BLOCK TO FORCE OT 🤯
— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2025
In a clash where only four players topped 12 points and just one recorded more than eight rebounds, the brilliance of James (40 points, 14-24 FG, 4-8 3PM, 8-8 FT) and Austin Reaves (32 points, 9-21 FG, 2-8 3PM, 12-13 FT) propelled the Lakers to a 110-102 victory.
Despite James’ stellar scoring performance, he also committed 11 turnovers, half of the team’s total. Toumani Camara made an impact with a career-high five steals, along with 19 points (7-8 FG, 3-4 3PM, 2-2 FT) and seven rebounds, showcasing his rising form following an appearance at All-Star weekend.
Avdija’s knack for strong drives to the basket was also evident, as the 24-year-old matched his second-highest scoring tally of the season.
LeBron James shines with another 40-point game at 40 years old!
👑 40 PTS
👑 8 REB
👑 4 AST
👑 2 STL
👑 4 3PM
— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2025
San Antonio operated with a nine-player rotation on Thursday, yet every participant scored at least eight points, and five players sank multiple threes in a 112-109 upset over Phoenix.
De’Aaron Fox (26 points, nine rebounds, seven assists) was the backbone for San Antonio, as Phoenix attempted to narrow the gap late in the fourth quarter when Fox was resting or playing off-ball.
Rookie Stephon Castle showcased his strength, contributing 12 points (4-12 FG), 10 rebounds, and three steals while effectively guarding Kevin Durant (22 points, 9-13 FG).
Royce O’Neale led the Suns with a career-high of 27 points (10-16 FG, 6-12 3PM, 1-2 FT). Unfortunately for Phoenix, his four turnovers contributed to a collective total of 18 turnovers as a team, which was significant compared to San Antonio’s nine.
“Just wish for him to be healthy. Period” ❤️
De’Aaron reflects on the Wemby news with @JaredSGreenberg after the Spurs’ victory 🎙️
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 21, 2025
Mirroring Boston’s record-setting night with 29 three-pointers against the Knicks, the 76ers fell victim to the Celtics’ three-point onslaught on Thursday. Boston hit 24 of 54 attempts (44.4%) from beyond the arc, starting strong with a 19-for-39 performance.
Payton Pritchard spearheaded the impressive shooting display with a team-leading 28 points (10-18 FG, 8-15 3PM).
Jayson Tatum achieved his second triple-double of the season, demonstrating increasing versatility in his game as he previously had just two triple-doubles in his first seven seasons.
JT recorded a triple-double and had a significant influence on this game, earning him the designation of @Gatorade Player of the Game 💪
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 21, 2025
We resumed where we left off before the break and secured a victory in Philadelphia.
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 21, 2025
Paolo Banchero made a notable impact with 36 points (11-25 FG, 3-10 3PM, 11-16 FT), ten rebounds, and five assists, which was closely matched by Trae Young’s 38 points (13-28 FG, 4-13 3PM, 8-10 FT), three rebounds, and six assists, ultimately leading his team to a 114-108 win for Orlando.
Other Hawks struggled offensively, as no one else topped 13 points, while Franz Wagner supported the Magic with an efficient 25 points (9-18 FG, 0-3 3PM, 7-11 FT).
Paolo Banchero was an offensive powerhouse for the Magic in their win against Atlanta!
💪 36 PTS
💪 10 REB
💪 5 AST
— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2025
James Harden notched a significant milestone on Thursday by becoming the 13th player in history to score 27,000 points in the NBA!
James Harden’s catch-and-shoot three for his 27k career PTS!
— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2025
Kawhi Leonard was the top scorer for the Clippers with 25 points but was not included in the closing lineup for the game after playing 32 minutes. Ivica Zubac stepped up with 20 points and 15 rebounds, filling the gap left by the absent Norman Powell (knee injury).
Giannis Antetokounmpo made a strong impact in limited minutes, leading the team with 23 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in just 24 minutes of play. Brook Lopez supported with 22 points (8-14 FG, 4-7 3PM), demonstrating confidence both from long range and inside. He also registered seven rebounds and four blocks.
Brook Lopez nails a deep three and then makes a block on the other end 🎯🚫
— NBA (@NBA) December 27, 2024
Hailing from the New York/Connecticut area, Donovan Mitchell topped all scorers with 26 points, while Jarrett Allen dominated on the boards with a double-double of 16 points and 20 rebounds — a new season-high for him and his ninth game this year with at least 15 rebounds.
Cameron Johnson was Brooklyn’s leading scorer with 18 points (6-11 FG, 3-6 3PM), though the Nets struggled collectively to hit only 40.0% of their 95 total shots.
Stay warm and have a restful night, Cleveland. 😴 #LetEmKnow
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 21, 2025
Indiana’s offense surged after trailing for much of the first half, racking up 50 points in the second quarter to take a dominant 19-point halftime lead. In the third quarter, they extended their advantage to as much as 26, even as the Grizzlies managed to cut the deficit to four at one point.
Ultimately, Indiana maintained control throughout the second half, anchored by consistent offensive contributions from Tyrese Haliburton (22 points, nine assists) and Bennedict Mathurin (16 points, one assist), along with Myles Turner’s outstanding two-way performance (17 points, 10 rebounds, seven blocks).
BLOCK PARTY for Myles Turner ❌
✅ Season-high 7 blocks
✅ 4th player this season to record 7+ blocks in a game 💪
56.0 FPTs ➡️ 17 PTS | 10 REB | 7 BLK
— NBA Fantasy (@NBAFantasy) February 21, 2025
Jarrett Allen’s block ✔️
Darius Garland’s tough drive ✔️
Donovan Mitchell’s assist ✔️
Evan Mobley’s slam ✔️
The Cavaliers lead the Nets 83-77 heading into the fourth quarter, with Mitchell leading all scorers at 24 points, while Cameron Johnson (17 points) and Keon Johnson (14 points) contribute for Brooklyn.
WHAT A. SEQUENCE.
@_bigjayy_ + @dariusgarland22 | #LetEmKnow
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 21, 2025
THIS IS MADNESS.
@spidadmitchell ➡️ @evanmobley | #LetEmKnow
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 21, 2025
Karl-Anthony Towns scored 20 points in the third quarter, reaching 26 points overall with 15 rebounds, as the Knicks held a narrow 83-81 edge over Chicago.
Josh Giddey also approached a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds in under 20 minutes of gameplay at that point in the match.
.@karltownsgoin coast-to-coast for the SLAM 💥
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) February 21, 2025
Mathurin scored 16 points (6-9 FG) as part of a balanced offensive effort from Indiana, showcasing his elite skill in creating plays, including a couple of impressive finishes despite the foul from perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate Jaren Jackson Jr.
Bennedict Mathurin with a flashy finish 🤯
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) February 21, 2025
Bennedict Mathurin executed a tough take 💪
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) February 21, 2025
Nae’Qwan Tomlin made his NBA debut for Cleveland, marking his first minutes after a notable college career at Kansas St., where he was recognized as one of the top combo-forward prospects in the G League.
Making his debut in Wine & Gold, Nae’Qwan Tomlin checks in! 😃 #LetEmKnow
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) February 21, 2025
Kyle Kuzma launched a shot from beyond half-court just before the first quarter buzzer sounded, leading all scorers with 11 points as the second quarter began.
Kyle Kuzma from way beyond the arc 🤯
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) February 21, 2025
In his second outing with the Clippers, Ben Simmons is continuing to adapt, showcasing his passing skills with a beautiful lob pass to the airborne Derrick Jones.
WHAT A LOB ‼️
BEN SIMMONS ↗️ DERRICK JONES JR.
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 21, 2025
Desmond Bane was keen to exploit the advantages of Memphis’ fast-moving ball, creatively maneuvering past his defender.
Desmond Bane, oh my… 😮💨😮💨
Filthy jab step and an exquisite step-through for two!
— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2025
Boston is picking up right where they left off after the All-Star Break.
The Celtics have surged to a double-digit lead over Philadelphia in the first half, driven by a plethora of three-point shots and effective playmaking from Jayson Tatum.
LUKE KORNET DROPS THE HAMMER 🔨
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) February 21, 2025
Payton Pritchard has made five three-pointers already in the half 🎯
The Celtics have hit 11 from beyond the arc with eight minutes remaining in the first half 👀
— NBA (@NBA) February 21, 2025
Philadelphia looks to secure an upset led by a healthy Joel Embiid, as the 76ers have a record of 8-9 when he plays this season, compared to just 12-25 without their MVP-caliber center.
Thursday marks the 14th time Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey have been on the court together this season over Philadelphia’s first 55 games.
That Kansas connection 👀
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 21, 2025
There’s no better way to enjoy a busy night of basketball than with the CrunchTime broadcast on NBA TV:
A slate of nine games tonight! 🍿
Don’t miss any of the big moments with #CrunchTime, starting at 8:30 PM ET on the NBA APP 📱
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 20, 2025
Key Storylines 👉 📝
