NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
The resurgence, the comeback, and an epic duel in Boston.
**5 HEADLINES IN TODAY’S EDITION 🏀 March 1, 2025**
**Legendary Showdown in the East:** Cleveland and Boston trade blows in a memorable match.
**All-Star Performers:** The Jays tally 83 points, while the Cavs’ key players shine in the clutch.
**Curry’s Next Act:** After an astonishing performance in his last game, what will Steph showcase against the 76ers? (8:30 ET, ABC)
**Western Conference Highlights:** The Lakers extend their winning streak, the Nuggets outlast the Grizzlies thanks to OG’s clutch shot, and OKC rolls over their opponents.
**Friday Recap:** More buzzer-beater drama, Bol Bol shines, and both Herro and Sharpe have standout moments.
**BUT FIRST… ⏰ A Saturday preview…**
**Curry’s Follow-Up on ABC:** Fresh off a career-high 56 points, Steph Curry will aim to guide the Warriors to their sixth consecutive victory against Tyrese Maxey and the 76ers (8:30 ET).
**Championship Match-Up:** Tomorrow on ABC, the Celtics welcome Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets in a clash of the last two NBA champions (1 ET).
*In MVP news, a new name has risen to the top of the latest Kia MVP Ladder.*
**1. CAVS’ STATEMENT: A THRILLING COMEBACK & A SIGNATURE VICTORY**
The Cavaliers have been on a mission this season – from a remarkable 15-0 start to sitting in first place in the Eastern Conference for an impressive 122 days. However, as coach Kenny Atkinson noted, one challenge remained.
Five minutes into the contest, that challenge appeared daunting, as Boston, with a 2-1 edge in the season series, jumped to a 25-3 lead on their home court.
Yet, as they have done throughout the season, the Cavs found a way to respond.
**Cavaliers 123, Celtics 116:** In a charged TD Garden environment, Cleveland weathered the early storm, narrowing the deficit to 10 at halftime before dominating the second half 59-42, achieving their ninth consecutive victory in a contest that felt like a playoff affair. | **Recap**
**The Comeback:** Jayson Tatum was dominant in the first half, scoring 30 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and distributing 7 assists, helping Boston stretch their lead to 17 with under nine minutes remaining in the third quarter.
However, Cleveland initiated a 53-29 surge when it mattered most, led by Mitchell’s relentless effort.
**2. ALL-STARS RISE TO THE OCCASION, CAVS’ CORE FINISH STRONG**
The old adage holds true: elite players make impactful plays in critical moments.
In the initial February encounter between two teams with over 90 combined victories over the last five years, the game’s five All-Stars were the standout performers, contributing 67.4% of the combined total points (161 of 239).
**Clutch Cavs:** In a tight final quarter, Mitchell, Evan Mobley (17 pts, 12 reb), and Darius Garland (20 pts, 7 ast) accounted for each of the Cavs’ 28 points, each making crucial plays to secure a gritty victory.
**Chasing History:** With their sights set on becoming only the 12th team in NBA history to win 50 games within 60 contests, the Cavs are set to face the Blazers on Sunday (3:30 ET, NBA TV).
**3. TONIGHT ON ABC: CURRY AND THE RED-HOT WARRIORS CLASH WITH PHILLY**
LeBron James. Steph Curry. Michael Jordan.
These are the sole three players in NBA history to achieve multiple 45-point performances at the age of 35 or older, led by James (6).
On Thursday, Curry (4) surpassed Jordan (3) on that illustrious list, delivering his own signature performance with 12 three-pointers en route to 56 points and the Warriors’ fifth successive win.
As one of the premier shooters of all time, Curry has become synonymous with three-point excellence, leading the league with 3,969 career three-pointers.
Yet, it’s not merely the volume of his shots that makes Curry exceptional; it’s also their timing, often raining down during crucial moments to energize arenas and demoralize defenses.
And while timing is crucial, any master performer knows that revealing one’s next strategy is unwise.
For Curry, it’s about varying his shot selection – whether by wearing down defenders off the ball, slicing through double teams, or launching deep, like his remarkable 51-foot shot that beat the halftime buzzer on Thursday.
When those shots are on target, every game transforms into an extraordinary event.
Tonight, riding a 7-1 streak since acquiring Jimmy Butler, Curry and the Warriors aim to continue their momentum as they take on the 76ers on ABC (8:30 ET).
**Will one of the sport’s greatest entertainers put on another show?**
Five additional matchups grace League Pass tonight, highlighted by Giannis and the Bucks visiting Kyrie Irving and the Mavericks (8:30 ET).
**4. BEST IN THE WEST: STREAKING TEAMS AND A NEW NO. 2**
On his 26th birthday, Luka was feeling like celebrating with a 30-plus effort, while his new teammate achieved another milestone.
**Lakers 106, Clippers 102:** Dončić delivered 31 points paired with 5 assists and 3 steals, while LeBron James added a double-double (28 pts, 13 reb) to guide the Lakers past Ivica Zubac (27 pts, 16 reb) in this Los Angeles rivalry, marking five straight wins for the Purple & Gold. | **Recap**
During their eight-game winning streak, the Pistons showcased the NBA’s best defensive rating.
However, they met the leader of the Kia MVP Ladder.
**Nuggets 134, Pistons 119:** Nikola Jokić recorded his NBA-best 28th triple-double with 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 15 assists before the start of the fourth quarter, while Jamal Murray led all scorers with 31 in a near wire-to-wire victory, halting Detroit’s remarkable streak. | **Recap**
**Knicks 114, Grizzlies 113:** Ja Morant notched 25 points and 7 assists, including an incredible floating, and-1 layup that put Memphis ahead with 14 seconds remaining.
Yet, OG Anunoby had the play of the night, sinking a game-winning three-pointer with five seconds left to secure a thrilling road win for the Knicks. | **Recap**
And let’s not overlook the Western Conference leaders.
**Thunder 135, Hawks 119:** Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 31 points, marking his league-leading 36th game with 30 or more points this season, as the Thunder controlled the game from start to finish against Trae Young (19 pts, 12 ast) and the Hawks. | **Recap**
**5. RECAP: BOL BOL EXCELS, HERRO AND SHARPE SHINE, AND MORE LATE GAME DRAMA**
**Suns 125, Pelicans 108:** Bol Bol enjoyed a season-best 25 points, hitting 5 three-pointers while contributing 2 blocks, as the Suns surged to an early 40-18 lead, snapping a three-game losing streak and ending the Pelicans’ own three-game win streak. | **Recap**
**Heat 125, Pacers 120:** Pascal Siakam lit up the court, landing eight three-pointers and finishing the game with 36 points, while Tyrese Haliburton supported with 19 points and 10 assists. The Heat managed to fend off a late rally from the Pacers, thanks to Tyler Herro’s 29 points and Duncan Robinson’s 20. | **Recap**
**Blazers 121, Nets 102:** After scoring a career-high 36 points in Wednesday’s victory over the Wizards, Shaedon Sharpe tallied 25 points with 5 assists, helping the Blazers secure their fourth consecutive win against the Nets. | **Recap**
And what about two more nail-biters?
**Bulls 125, Raptors 115 (OT):** Coby White (24 pts) spearheaded a Bulls attack that featured eight players in double figures and converted a crucial four-point play to force overtime, where Chicago outscored Toronto 15-5 for a critical win. | **Recap**
**Jazz 117, Wolves 116:** John Collins contributed a season-high 29 points and 12 rebounds for Utah, while Walker Kessler navigated through traffic to deliver the go-ahead dunk with 9.7 seconds left, sealing a victory over Naz Reid (27 pts, 11 reb) and the undermanned Wolves. | **Recap**
