NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
Cavaliers topple Hornets 118-117
Raptors defeat Jazz 118-107
Grizzlies overpower Mavericks 122-111
Timberwolves edge Heat 106-104
Thunder claim victory over Trail Blazers 107-89
Nuggets triumph in overtime against Suns 149-141
Kings outshine Spurs 127-109
Clippers conquer Knicks 105-95
**Friday’s Headlines 📰📌**
🌟 **Standout Players of the Night** 🌟
**Incredible Statline** 🫨
Nikola Jokić’s performance tonight was nothing short of extraordinary. He achieved a historic milestone as the first player to accomplish a triple-double with 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 20 assists. The Nuggets relied heavily on his efforts to secure the win against the Phoenix Suns in overtime.
**NIKOLA JOKIĆ MAKES HISTORY** 🚨
**HIS 20TH ASSIST.**
**THE FIRST EVER 30+ PT, 20+ REB, 20+ AST GAME IN NBA HISTORY** 🤯🤯🤯
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— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2025
Denver also saw significant contributions from Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun, who combined for 11 three-pointers on just 15 attempts.
**THE W STAYS HERE**
#MileHighBasketball
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— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) March 8, 2025
🚨 **OVERTIME IN DENVER** 🚨
**HE’S KEVIN DURANT. YOU KNOW WHO HE IS.**
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— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) March 8, 2025
Christian Braun successfully hit a three-pointer with only 1.4 seconds remaining in regulation, giving Denver a lead, but it was just enough time for Phoenix to respond. Devin Booker showcased his basketball IQ by finding an open Kevin Durant, who forced overtime with a buzzer-beater from the corner.
**CHRISTIAN BRAUN HITS THE 3 TO GIVE DENVER THE LEAD WITH 1.4 LEFT** 🚨
**KEVIN DURANT TIES THE GAME AND WE GO TO OVERTIME** 😱😱😱
**WHAT A REGULATION FINISH ON ESPN!**
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— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2025
**Castle’s Putback Slam** 🥊
Stephon Castle delivered one of the most impressive plays of his rookie season with an unexpected putback dunk, soaring past Jake LaRavia. He led San Antonio’s bench with 25 points.
**OH MY STEPH** 🤯
**END OF Q3 | SAS 76, SAC 95**
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— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) March 8, 2025
**Booker On the Rise** 👀
As the clock winds down in Denver, Devin Booker is spearheading another possible comeback, hitting a four-point play that adds momentum to his team. He has now scored 30 points in the game.
**DBook nails the 4-point play** 😤
**This cuts Denver’s lead to 5 after Phoenix was down by as much as 21 on ESPN!** 🍿
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— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2025
**Phoenix’s Final Opportunity** ☎️
Entering the fourth quarter, the Suns were down by 11 points. Given that the Nuggets had made 17 three-pointers, the fact that the deficit wasn’t larger provided a glimmer of hope for Phoenix. A comeback must commence right away.
**A look after three quarters.**
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— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) March 8, 2025
**Harden Shows Off** 😨
**HARD3N from deep** 👌👌👌👌👌👌
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— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) March 8, 2025
James Harden came out strong after scoring 50 points in his previous game. He nailed two three-pointers in the first quarter, amassing 19 points by halftime.
**YESSSSIR**
@karltowns 🫡
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— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) March 8, 2025
Still adapting without Jalen Brunson, who is out for a significant time due to a sprained ankle, the Knicks found a way to excel. Karl-Anthony Towns led the team with 14 points by halftime.
💜 **Kings Honor Fox** 🦊
Sacramento paid emotional homage to De’Aaron Fox at the close of the first quarter. Over eight seasons, he became the franchise’s fifth-highest scorer all-time.
**G1C celebrates De’Aaron Fox upon his return** 🥹
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— Kings on NBCS (@NBCSKings) March 8, 2025
However, Zach LaVine stole the spotlight during Fox’s homecoming, leading all scorers at the half with 18 points on 4-8 shooting from long range, while Fox had managed only six points.
**Zach LaBeam is shining bright right now** 💼
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— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) March 8, 2025
**Nuggets Surge Ahead** 🏁
Denver scored 37 points in the first quarter, primarily driven by three-point shooting, with Aaron Gordon sinking four triples in that period. Nikola Jokić is well on his way to another triple-double, filling his stats sheet admirably against the Suns.
**Joker finished Q1 with 10 PTS / 6 REB / 6 AST** 👀
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— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) March 8, 2025
Known for his shooting accuracy, Jamal Murray made an electrifying play, stealing the ball and finishing strongly with a dunk before the Suns could cross midfield.
**MAL WILL TAKE THAT AND SLAM IT DOWN** 🔨
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— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) March 8, 2025
**No-Call Seals Wolves’ Victory**
The Miami Heat managed to rally with a Duncan Robinson three-pointer and a Minnesota turnover in the closing seconds. With a chance to tie trailing by two, Miami passed to Bam Adebayo, whose challenging three-point attempt fell well short.
**Came down to the final possession** 🙃
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— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) March 8, 2025
Following the buzzer, Adebayo questioned the referees as to why there was no foul called on Julius Randle’s close defense. Regardless, Minnesota secured the win 106-104 with a balanced scoring attack.
**J-Will Achieves Triple-Double** 👏
The Oklahoma City Thunder played without several key players against Portland tonight, allowing role players to shine, particularly Jaylin Williams and Aaron Wiggins. Williams achieved his first career triple-double, while Wiggins led the team with a total of 30 points.
Despite resting their stars, OKC did not falter defensively, limiting Portland to just 89 points tonight. Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe finished with 22 and 19 points, respectively.
**First career triple-double for @Jay_MWilliams_** 👏
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— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) March 8, 2025
**Wolves and Heat Riding the Tide** 👀
The match between these two teams remained tightly contested, and the fourth quarter continued that trend. An Anthony Edwards three-pointer provided Minnesota with a three-point cushion as the final five minutes approached. Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo were driving Miami’s offense, while seven players from Minnesota scored in double figures.
**BOOM.**
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— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) March 8, 2025
**Ja and Bane Execute Win Over Dallas** 🛌
The Grizzlies secured a point victory in Dallas, powered by stellar games from their key players. Desmond Bane put up 27 points along with a career-best 16 rebounds, while Ja Morant added 31 points and eight assists.
**Ja with an insane finish in the air** 😮💨
**Memphis led 110-108 late in the 4Q on ESPN!**
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— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2025
Morant made a key play in the fourth quarter, scoring a circus layup before hitting a three-pointer in the last minute that served as the game-winner.
**Cavs Continue Winning Streak** 🤯
**13 CONSECUTIVE WINS FOR THE CAVALIERS!**
Cleveland came from behind to defeat Charlotte and improved to 53-10 this season. pic.twitter.com/4nAszpQCH9
— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2025
The Cleveland Cavaliers were relieved to leave Charlotte with a victory tonight, extending their impressive winning streak to 13 games. In a nail-biting final quarter, both teams exchanged leads frequently. Miles Bridges hit a clutch three-pointer and nailed crucial free throws in the final seconds.
Donovan Mitchell’s missed free throws with five seconds remaining left the game close. Miles Bridges’ desperate half-court shot to win fell just short, allowing Cleveland to take the win.
**A WILD FINISH IN CLE vs CHA** 😳
**Cavs secure the W despite 46 PTS from Bridges.** 🙌
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— NBA TV (@NBATV) March 8, 2025
**The Bank is OPEN** 😳
Dante Exum sinks a long three-pointer at the buzzer, banking it in off the glass. The Mavericks are in a fierce battle against the Grizzlies as the final five minutes approach.
**‼️‼️‼️**
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— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) March 8, 2025
**Ramping Up the Intensity** 🔥
Miami’s key players propelled their team from a double-digit deficit to tie the game at halftime against the Timberwolves.
**LEAD US BAM** 💥
**Bam is at 15 points and 9 rebounds at the break.**
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— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) March 8, 2025
Bam Adebayo was one rebound away from a double-double, while Tyler Herro contributed by hitting a three-pointer in the final minute of the period.
**Tyler Herro’s trey capped a 20-7 Heat run!**
**They are tied at 52 with Minnesota at the half.**
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— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2025
**Cavs Streak Faces Threat** 🥶
The Charlotte Hornets are attempting to pull off a remarkable upset as the fourth quarter begins, and the game remains a tight contest.
Miles Bridges is having a standout night, already scoring 35 points, and team plays like the one below are helping Charlotte stay competitive.
**Teamwork shines through!** 🤝
@Lowes | 📹 @FDSN_Hornets
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— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) March 8, 2025
**Mavs Competing Without Two Key Players**
Despite Kyrie Irving’s absence, the Dallas Mavericks are giving their all and hold the lead at halftime against the Memphis Grizzlies, who are also short-handed with Jaren Jackson Jr. sidelined due to an ankle injury he incurred earlier this week.
**Closed the half with a 12-4 run** 💪
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— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) March 8, 2025
🚨 **Brunson’s Ankle Injury Update**
It was announced tonight that Jalen Brunson, star point guard for the Knicks, will be out for at least two weeks after spraining his ankle. The injury occurred the previous night during an overtime clash with the Los Angeles Lakers, in which Brunson tallied 39 points and 10 assists in 41 minutes.
**New York is posting a record of 40-22 for the season, which ranks them third in the Eastern Conference.**
**”Jalen Brunson is projected to be sidelined for at least two weeks.”**
@ShamsCharania discusses Brunson’s recent ankle injury.
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— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 8, 2025
🕺🏾 **Ant’s Smooth Moves for Three**
Leading the league in made three-pointers this season, Anthony Edwards showcased his skills with a remarkable highlight.
**Ant’s footwork leads into a stepback three.** 💯
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— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2025
His team is leading after the first quarter against the Miami Heat.
**First 12 minutes in the books.** ☑️
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— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) March 8, 2025
**Spida’s Halftime Buzzer-Beater with Flair** ✨
Donovan Mitchell executed an impressive buzzer-beater to cap off the first half, finishing with 11 points as his team leads Charlotte by 11.
**SPIDA GETTING SAUCY AT THE BUZZER** 🤯
**Splits the defense for a slick shamgod move.** 😤
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— NBA (@NBA) March 8, 2025
**AT HALFTIME.**
**HIGHLIGHTS + STATS 📊:**
https://t.co/8pCdN4DABn
@betwayusa | #LetEmKnow
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) March 8, 2025
**Showing Defensive Prowess**
**BLOCKED by Bull** 🚫
#TakeNote
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— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 8, 2025
Collin Sexton was quick to make an impact, blocking a fast break opportunity for Toronto, then slicing through the Raptor defense for an easy basket.
**Fed it to the Bull for the finish.** 🤝
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— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 8, 2025
**Caleb Martin Makes Mavs Debut**
Martin’s debut arrives at a crucial moment for the Mavericks, who are missing their top two players, Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. His experience from his time in Miami will be essential for their postseason aspirations.
**Active ✅**
#MFFL
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— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) March 8, 2025
**Garland in Foul Trouble**
After the first quarter, the Hornets and Cavaliers are tied at 27. However, Darius Garland has picked up three fouls early in the game. Coach Kenny Atkinson faces a choice: keep him on the court or risk further fouling out.
**All tied up!**
#HiveMentality | @NovantHealth
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— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) March 8, 2025
**Miles Bridges Shining Early** 🌎
The Charlotte forward is making a significant impact early in the game, helping his team keep pace with Cleveland. This corner three is one of three Bridges converted in the first quarter alone.
**@MilesBridges has 12 PTS so far.** 🥶
@Lowes | 📹 @FDSN_Hornetspic.twitter.com/DsjMzUqO0d
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) March 8, 2025
**Garland Gets Off to a Hot Start** ♨️
Darius Garland is making a splash early in the game, hitting back-to-back three-pointers at the outset for Cleveland. This first-time All-Star is a key contributor to the Cavaliers’ impressive regular season performance.
**Snatched by 4️⃣, shot from 🔟 for 3️⃣!**
#LetEmKnow
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— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) March 8, 2025
🔑 **Major Storylines** 📰
1. **Fox’s Return to Sacramento** – After spending his first eight years with the Kings, De’Aaron Fox was traded before the deadline to the Spurs. Tonight, he faced his former team for the first time, aiming to stop Sacramento from lighting the beam.
2. **Suns Take on a Tough Challenge in Denver** – Struggling recently with a record of 3-7 over their last 10 games, the Suns are looking to build on a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback against the Clippers. They currently sit in 11th place in the West, 2.5 games behind the Mavericks for the last play-in spot.
3. **Cavaliers Seek Lucky Number 13** – The team with the NBA’s best record aims to continue their successful streak against the Charlotte Hornets, searching for their 13th consecutive win tonight.
