NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
**Mile-High Achievement:** The pass that elevated Jokić to a league of his own.
**Tonight on ABC:** The storied rivalry resumes as the No. 2 teams from the East and West reignite their competition, with the Lakers facing off against the Celtics at 8:30 ET.
**5 HEADLINES IN TODAY’S ISSUE 🏀 March 8, 2025**
**The Ultimate Showcase:** The Joker puts on an unprecedented performance with statistics never before seen in the NBA.
**Lakers-Celtics:** An epic clash between two of basketball’s fiercest rivalries reaches a milestone 40 years later.
**Star Pairings Clash:** A fresh chapter unfolds in a legendary rivalry characterized by epic battles between the game’s brightest stars.
**Leading the Pack:** The Cavaliers achieve their 13th consecutive victory while the Thunder also secure another win.
**Roundup:** Swipa makes his return to Sac-Town, contenders in the West gather essential victories, and more.
**BUT FIRST … ⏰ One of the most intense rivalries in sports grabs the spotlight…**
**Blockbuster in Boston:** In a primetime ABC event, the reigning champion Celtics welcome LeBron, Luka, and the Lakers, who arrive at TD Garden on an eight-game winning streak, their longest in five years (8:30 ET).
**ABC Sunday Showcase:** Tomorrow sees the top two candidates for the Kia MVP go head-to-head, as SGA and the Thunder take on Jokić and the Nuggets (1:00 ET), followed by KD and the Suns facing the Mavericks (3:30 ET).
**Today’s Highlights:** Andscape’s piece on KD mentoring rookie Ryan Dunn… Detroit Free Press discusses the Pistons’ resurgence from the perspective of owner Tom Gores… Plus, Jayson Tatum shares his thoughts on tonight’s Celtics-Lakers game via Clutch Points.
**1. A PERFORMANCE LIKE NO OTHER: JOKIĆ’S UNRIVALED DISPLAY**
31 points. 21 rebounds. 22 assists. An unforgettable night in basketball history.
Throughout his decade-long career, the Joker has showcased his unparalleled playmaking ability, continuously redefining excellence and breaking records.
But on Friday, this offensive maestro and passing savant transcended the realm of possibilities on the court.
Nuggets 149, Suns 141 (OT): After relinquishing a 21-point lead, Jokić set up Christian Braun for a clutch three-pointer with just 1.4 seconds remaining in regulation, only for Kevin Durant (29 points) to equalize at the buzzer, pushing the game into overtime.
Yet, more time on the court for Phoenix only meant more Jokić action, as the reigning MVP entered overtime with 26 points, 18 rebounds, and 17 assists, adding to his tally with five points, three rebounds, and five assists to secure an electrifying victory and solidify a legendary performance. |Recap| Watch the OT Finale
In the NBA’s 78-year history, there have been over 66,600 regular-season games.
Indeed, that’s sixty-six thousand six hundred.
But Jokić’s statistical achievement on Friday was unprecedented, marking the very first instance of a player recording over 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 20 assists in a single game, a testament to his comprehensive brilliance.
**Historic Milestone:** This marked Jokić’s league-leading 29th triple-double of the season, achieved with 10:22 remaining in the third quarter, exemplifying a campaign where this three-time Kia MVP has elevated his performance to remarkable heights. The 29 triple-doubles this season ties Jokić’s personal best for a single season.
“When you stand out in this league’s immense history, it speaks volumes,” remarked Nuggets coach Michael Malone after the game. “There are many exceptional talents in this league, but Nikola, in my view, is in a category all by himself.”
**2. LAKERS AT CELTICS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW (8:30 ET, ABC)**
On February 17, 1985, Magic Johnson recorded 37 points and 13 assists, steering the Lakers to a 117-111 victory over Larry Bird (33 points, 15 rebounds) and the Celtics.
That encounter was not only a preview of the Finals—where L.A. triumphed over Boston four months later—but also the last time both teams met past game 50 in a season, while occupying top-two positions in their conferences.
Until tonight (8:30 ET, ABC).
These two historically significant franchises, each laden with titles, are also among the hottest teams in the league, with L.A. and Boston presently sitting second in their respective conferences.
**Winning Strategies:** With a combined 35 NBA championships, L.A. and Boston understand the necessary ingredients for success—beginning with a solid defensive core.
**Strength Against Strength:** During their current eight-game winning streak, the Lakers have excelled at defending the perimeter, limiting opponents to a league-low 30.7% shooting from three-point range.
Now, however, they will face one of the most effective three-point shooting lineups the league has ever known.
After suffering a loss in their previous encounter in Los Angeles (117-96), can the defending champions make a comeback on their home turf?
**3. A NEW CHAPTER IN AN ICONIC RIVALRY**
“Lakers versus Celtics has always been an intense rivalry, thanks to the players and personalities that preceded us.” – Kevin Garnett, 2010
From Russell against West to Bird opposite Magic, and Kobe trading blows with Pierce, the Celtics and Lakers have crafted not only a legendary rivalry but also a timeless roster of superstar confrontations through the ages.
This evening heralds a new chapter in their storied confrontations, featuring Luka Dončić alongside LeBron James in their inaugural battle against Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
**LeBron & Luka:** Only two players in the league have maintained an average of over 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists in the last eight games—James (29.4 points, 10.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists) and Dončić (27.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 9.3 assists)—which has propelled L.A. to eight consecutive wins.
However, much like the Lakers’ success, the impressive stats of LeBron and Luka begin with their defensive contributions.
**Enter Luka:** By forcing opponents to miss shots, Luka generates breakaway moments for LeBron, who now has one of the league’s elite playmakers paving the way for fast breaks.
**The Jays:** While the synergy between Luka and LeBron flourishes, Tatum and Brown have also perfected their partnership, solidifying their status as a historic duo.
Tonight, these two formidable pairs will go head-to-head, adding yet another thrilling chapter to a rivalry characterized by star-studded contests.
Additionally, seven more games are scheduled today on League Pass, with a highlighted inter-conference matchup as the rising Pistons visit Stephen Curry and the hot Warriors (8:30 ET).
**4. LEADING THE RANKINGS: CAVS JOIN REVERED COMPANY, OKC CONTINUES TO SHINE**
The resilient Cavaliers have done it again—this time achieving their lucky 13th victory.
**Cavaliers 118, Hornets 117:** Miles Bridges dazzled with a career-high 46 points, giving Charlotte a nine-point edge with 5:39 remaining.
Yet Cleveland remained unfazed, finishing the game on a 23-13 run, topped off by De’Andre Hunter’s putback and six clutch free throws from Donovan Mitchell (who scored 24 points) in the closing moments to clinch their 13th consecutive win, now boasting a league-best record of 53-10 and a clutch game record of 21-6. |Recap
The top team in the Western Conference also continues to rack up victories.
**Thunder 107, Blazers 89:** With SGA sidelined, OKC’s depth shone through, led by Aaron Wiggins (30 points) among six players scoring in double digits, while Jaylin Williams achieved his first career triple-double (10 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists), leading to a victory against the Blazers and extending the Thunder’s winning streak to six. |Recap
**5. SWIPA BACK IN SAC-TOWN, VITAL WINS IN THE WEST & MORE**
After more than seven seasons in Purple & Black, De’Aaron Fox received a warm welcome upon his return to Sacramento, though he couldn’t prevent the Kings from celebrating.
**Kings 127, Spurs 109:** In his debut as a visitor at the Golden 1 Center, Fox was met with a standing ovation, contributing 16 points and 8 assists, but the Kings triumphed thanks to Zach LaVine, who scored 36 points and hit seven three-pointers. |Recap
**Grizzlies 122, Mavericks 111:** Facing a four-game slump, Ja Morant (31 points, 8 assists) and Desmond Bane (27 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists) stepped up, and after battling through 11 ties and 14 lead changes, Morant sealed the victory by scoring the last seven points to outlast the Mavericks. |Recap
**Wolves 106, Heat 104:** Even with only ten shots, Anthony Edwards made a significant impact (13 points, 13 rebounds, 6 assists), while Mike Conley, Naz Reid, and Donte DiVincenzo each contributed 15 points to narrowly defeat Bam Adebayo (29 points, 13 rebounds) and the Heat, marking their fourth consecutive win. |Recap
**Clippers 105, Knicks 95:** Following his 50-point outing earlier in the week, James Harden hit five three-pointers for 27 points and added seven assists, leading the Clippers past Josh Hart (14 points, 20 rebounds, 6 assists) and the Knicks, who were without Jalen Brunson (ankle). |Recap
**Raptors 118, Jazz 109:** Walker Kessler had a standout game with 18 points, alongside a career-high in rebounds (25) and blocks (8), yet it wasn’t enough as Immanuel Quickley (34 points) and the Raptors maintained the lead for their third consecutive victory. |Recap
**Want to share the Starting 5 with a friend? Use this link.**
**Shape the Starting 5. Contact us here.**
**Haven’t downloaded the NBA App? Get it here.**
