NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
**Caution in the West: The Warriors Have Gone 4-1 Since Jimmy Butler Joined the Bay Area…**
**TOP 5 STORIES FOR TODAY’S ISSUE 🏀 Feb. 22, 2025**
**Clutch Performances from the Western Warriors:** Houston finds its groove again, and Memphis finishes strong.
**Eastern Hot Streaks:** The Cavs make a bold statement, Kuzma returns to D.C., and the Pistons gear up for success.
**Overview:** Golden State and Oklahoma City maintain their momentum while Kyrie Irving and Tyler Herro heat up.
**Lakers vs. Nuggets:** Nikola Jokić and the rising Nuggets face off against the revamped Lakers tonight at 8:30 PM ET on ABC.
**League Pass Highlights:** Four additional games with playoff significance and emerging guard talent.
**BUT FIRST… ⏰ Make sure to free your schedule…**
**Tonight on ABC:** Luka Dončić and LeBron James lead the Lakers into Denver, where Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets aim for their tenth consecutive victory at 8:30 PM ET.
**Sunday on ABC:** Eastern Conference powerhouses clash as the second-place Celtics host the third-place Knicks at 1 PM ET, followed by Kyrie, Klay, and the Mavericks taking on Steph Curry’s Warriors in the Bay Area at 3:30 PM ET.
**Today’s Reads:** USA Today presents ten key storylines as the season’s second half begins… The Athletic discusses the trend of ‘Euro-decel’… Sportico examines the emergence of the one-legged three-pointer… AP covers Jokić celebrating his 30th birthday amidst one of his finest seasons.
1. **WILD WEST WINS: ROCKETS RESURGE, GRIZZLIES RALLY**
After hitting a rough patch before the All-Star break with a 2-7 record, Rockets coach Ime Udoka emphasized the importance of confidence to turn their fate around.
“Maintaining confidence,” Udoka stated. “And rediscovering that aggressive mindset.”
In their first game since the break, his young squad stepped up impressively.
Rockets 121, Wolves 115: This match featured 11 ties and 20 lead changes, with Anthony Edwards lighting it up for 25 points in the first half. However, Houston tightened its defense after halftime, with Jalen Green, Alperen Şengün, and Amen Thompson stepping up when it mattered most to secure a hard-fought victory. | Recap
Just two games behind the fourth-place Rockets, the Grizzlies also shone in crunch time, surpassing Denver for second place in the West.
Grizzlies 105, Magic 104: Orlando’s second-ranked defense limited Memphis’ top-scoring offense to 17 points below its average (122.8). Nevertheless, the Grizzlies’ defensive play sealed the win following a dramatic comeback. | Recap
2. **EASTERN STREAKS: CAVS SHINE, PISTONS & BUCKS WIN AGAIN**
In a heavyweight clash in the East, the conference leaders unleashed their offense and sent a clear message.
Cavaliers 142, Knicks 105: The Cavs, leading the league in three-point shooting, hit 51.4% from beyond the arc (19-37), establishing a dominant 77-50 halftime lead that contributed to their emphatic sixth consecutive victory. | Recap
Keep an eye out as two more East contenders gain momentum.
Pistons 125, Spurs 110: The Pistons are hitting their stride. Cade Cunningham (25 points, 12 assists) and Jalen Duren (21 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 dunks) both recorded double-doubles to lead Detroit past De’Aaron Fox (27 points, 5 assists) and the Spurs, marking their fifth straight win—all by at least ten points. | Recap
Bucks 104, Wizards 101: Kyle Kuzma tallied 19 points in his return to D.C., while his trade partner, Khris Middleton, scored 12 in his debut with the Wizards, helping Milwaukee to escape with its third win in a row, even as Giannis fouled out with 18 points. | Recap
3. **ROUNDUP: WARRIORS & THUNDER ROLL ON, KYRIE & HERRO THRIVE**
Another victory for the revamped Warriors.
Warriors 132, Kings 108: Although DeMar DeRozan shined with 34 points and 6 assists, Golden State’s depth proved too much as Buddy Hield (22), Moses Moody (22), Brandin Podziemski (21), and Steph Curry (20) all contributed significantly, prevailing in the NorCal Rivalry. | Recap
Thunder 130, Jazz 107: A trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (21), Chet Holmgren (20), and Jalen Williams (18) combined for 59 points, with Oklahoma City splashing 19 three-pointers to kick off their second half of the season with a decisive win over Utah. | Recap
Mavericks 111, Pelicans 103: Kyrie Irving displayed scoring prowess, nailing five threes for 35 points, while P.J. Washington added 24 points leading Dallas past Zion Williamson (29 points) and the Pelicans. This victory marked the Mavericks’ third consecutive win and their fifth in six games. | Recap
Heat 120, Raptors 111 (OT): RJ Barrett (29 points) spearheaded Toronto’s comeback from a 14-point deficit to force overtime, but Tyler Herro shone with 28 points and 7 assists, capped by a crucial and-one in the extra period, aiding Miami in breaking a four-game losing streak. | Recap
4. **NUGGETS VS. LAKERS HEADLINES A TRIO OF WEEKEND GAMES ON ABC**
Nikola Jokić boasts a remarkable resume, and according to Nuggets coach Michael Malone, the reigning Kia MVP is elevating his game this season.
“Here’s a guy who’s won the MVP three times, a Finals MVP, and is a world champion, and he’s playing the best basketball of his career,” Malone said on Wednesday, Jokić’s birthday. “As Nikola turns 30, he’s at the peak of his performance.”
And his outstanding stats have translated into victories, as Denver enjoys its best nine-game winning streak of the season, now sitting third in the West.
Yet, tonight on ABC (8:30 ET), the Nuggets’ winning streak faces a challenging test against Luka Dončić, LeBron James, and the newly revamped Lakers, as they both look to reshape their rivalry, which has recently favored Denver.
Against the Lakers, Jokić has been exceptional, averaging 27.5 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 10.0 assists in their last 17 encounters since the 2022-23 season, including seven triple-doubles.
But it’s more than just the stats; it’s the artistry with which he plays, always finding answers to the Lakers’ challenges.
Bring double-teams? Better brace for triple the trouble when you’re trying to contain 15.
And following 23 seconds of stellar defense, Jokić can save possessions with his signature over-the-head shot…
…one that the Lakers are all too familiar with.
While defenders may only be left shaking their heads, Jokić seems to have eyes on the back of his head.
“He anticipates plays before they unfold,” James remarked about Jokić after their playoff matchup in 2023. “Few players in our league possess that ability… He’s unique.”
Two of the premier playmakers in the game, Jokić and LeBron consistently deliver when they’re on the court together. Now, another legendary playmaker joins the rivalry in Dončić. Can he assist the Lakers in shifting the momentum?
The Lakers-Nuggets showdown launches a crucial weekend of basketball on ABC, with the Knicks set to visit TD Garden on Sunday and Klay Thompson making his return to the Bay Area for a second time this season.
5. **SATURDAY ON LEAGUE PASS: UP-AND-COMING GUARDS & PLAYOFF IMPLICATIONS**
Get ready for a full slate of basketball on Saturday, featuring four key matchups on League Pass.
Suns at Bulls (5 PM ET): With both Phoenix and Chicago on four- and five-game losing streaks, both teams are eager to snap these runs in their first encounter of the season. Kevin Durant has averaged 31.0 points per game in their previous three matchups, with his squad eyeing the final Play-In position out West.
Nets at 76ers (7:30 PM ET): Good times are thriving in Brooklyn—winners of 6 out of their last 8 games—after displaying impressive defensive play, leading the league in Defensive Rating and points allowed over that span. Meanwhile, the Sixers will aim to break a six-game losing streak.
Rockets at Jazz (9:30 PM ET): A battle of rising guards takes center stage as Houston’s Amen Thompson goes head-to-head with Utah’s Isaiah Collier, with the Rockets aiming to build on their victory over the Wolves.
Hornets at Blazers (10 PM ET): Miles Bridges has been the star in Charlotte, notching three games with over 29 points in his last five outings after reaching that scoring mark just once prior to the New Year.
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