NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
**”Night Night”** – Draymond Green channeled Steph’s signature celebration after clinching Golden State’s seventh consecutive victory.
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**5 TOP STORIES IN THIS ISSUE 🏀 March 16, 2025**
**ABC Matinee:** The Cavaliers pursue their 17th straight win at 1 PM ET against the Magic, followed by Kevin Durant and the Suns challenging the Lakers at 3:30 PM ET.
**Tonight on ESPN:** The Bucks and Thunder face off in a rematch of the Emirates NBA Cup Championship at 9 PM ET.
**Dubs Triumph:** Golden State’s seventh consecutive win marks a historic milestone for head coach Steve Kerr.
**SGA Shines:** Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores 48 points against the Pistons.
**Roundup:** Jordan Poole hits a dramatic game-winner versus the Nuggets.
**BUT FIRST …** ⏰ Get ready for an exciting tripleheader on ABC/ESPN!
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**ABC Doubleheader:** The Cavaliers aim for their 17th consecutive victory today as they welcome the Magic at 1 PM ET. Afterwards, the Suns, led by Kevin Durant, will take on the Lakers in a crucial Western Conference clash at 3:30 PM ET.
**Primetime Hoops:** On ESPN tonight, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder will visit Milwaukee to square off against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks in a highly anticipated rematch of the Emirates NBA Cup Championship, beginning at 9 PM ET.
1. **ON ABC: WILL THE CAVS ACHIEVE 17 IN A ROW?**
Cleveland has generated excitement with their historic 15-0 start to the season. Now, after extending to a franchise-record 16 consecutive wins, they stand as the seventh team to win 56 of their first 66 games—all pointing toward elite regular-season recognition.
As the Cavs take on the Magic today on ABC (1 PM ET) in a rematch of last year’s First Round, they strive to complete a season sweep, boost their win streak to 17, and maintain their fiery momentum.
**Cleveland in Clutch Situations:** Even without Donovan Mitchell for the past two games, the Cavs have managed to maintain their high performance, thanks to their depth and late-game execution.
Meanwhile, the Magic have attempted to bounce back from a five-game losing streak, managing to split their last four games, and now find themselves among the East Play-In contenders.
At 3:30 PM ET on ABC, the Lakers and Suns will face off, each team eager to improve their positions in the playoff race. If Luka is again sidelined (currently day-to-day), Austin Reaves will aim to lead the Lakers to a crucial win over Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and the Suns, who are also seeking a much-needed victory.
2. **BUCKS AND THUNDER GEARED UP FOR NBA CUP FINAL REMATCH**
Remember mid-December in Las Vegas? Giannis Antetokounmpo was smiling after leading a Bucks team that had been struggling to climb from 12th place in the East to victory over the Thunder, capturing the Emirates NBA Cup Championship title 97-81.
Tonight at 9 PM ET on ESPN, these two teams will meet for the second time since their encounter in Vegas. Despite all the changes in the league since, both have solidified their playoff positions and are now eyeing another trophy.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that both SGA and Giannis currently rank among the top four on the Kia MVP ladder.
Don’t miss five additional games on League Pass Sunday, including the Timberwolves aiming for their eighth consecutive win against the Jazz, as playoff intensity rises.
3. **WARRIORS SURVIVE AGAINST KNICKS, KERR ACHIEVES HISTORIC MILESTONE**
Just after celebrating his 37th birthday and making NBA history by becoming the first player to hit 4,000 three-pointers, Stephen Curry led the Warriors to their seventh straight win.
Warriors 97, Knicks 94: Golden State managed to extend their winning streak with a nail-biting victory over New York, who played without Jalen Brunson (ankle injury).
Curry put up 28 points, alongside 7 rebounds and 5 assists, while Jimmy Butler contributed 11 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds for the Warriors. Karl-Anthony Towns led New York with 29 points. |Recap
This game was particularly significant for head coach Steve Kerr, as it marked him becoming the all-time winningest coach in Warriors’ franchise history.
4. **SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER CONTINUES TO DOMINATE**
Following a decisive victory over the Celtics that secured a playoff spot for the Thunder, they have been consolidating their position in the West, primarily due to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s outstanding performances.
Thunder 113, Pistons 107: SGA scored an impressive 48 points on an efficient 17-of-26 shooting, leading a depleted OKC squad to triumph against the Pistons. Cason Wallace pitched in 20 points, including a vital three-pointer late in the game to extend the lead to six points.
Even without Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, SGA has demonstrated his elite scoring ability, affirming that he’s on another level right now. |Recap
The Thunder improved to 55-12, maintaining a significant 12.5-game lead over the Nuggets and Rockets in the Western Conference standings.
5. **ROUNDUP: JORDAN POOLE STUNS THE NUGGETS**
Wizards 126, Nuggets 123: Jordan Poole delivered a stunning 35-footer with just 1.8 seconds left, propelling the Wizards to victory over the Nuggets. Rookie Alex Sarr also impressed with a career-high 34 points in the win.
In the meantime, Nikola Jokić had a remarkable outing, contributing 40 points, 13 rebounds, and 9 assists. |Recap
Rockets 117, Bulls 114: Houston secured their sixth consecutive win, aided by Jalen Green’s 28-point performance and five three-pointers. Green was instrumental in the fourth quarter, scoring 11 points in that period, including a critical putback layup with 14.1 seconds remaining to seal the win. |Recap
Bucks 126, Pacers 119: Just four days after Tyrese Haliburton’s amazing 4-point play led to an overtime victory for Indy, Giannis (34 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 blocks) and the Bucks retaliated, overcoming another impressive game from Haliburton (24 points, 15 assists, 5 steals). |Recap
Celtics 115, Nets 113: Kristaps Porziņģis made his return after an illness sidelined him for the last eight games, scoring 24 points to lead Boston past Brooklyn. Payton Pritchard set a new record for the most three-pointers made off the bench in a single season, totaling 220 in NBA history. |Recap
Grizzlies 125, Heat 91: Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way with 31 points, and Desmond Bane added 22 to help the Grizzlies secure a victory over the Heat, despite being without Ja Morant. The Grizzlies have gone 4-1 over their last five games. |Recap
Spurs 119, Pelicans 115: Devin Vassell scored 22 points, guiding San Antonio to a win over New Orleans, who played without Zion Williamson. |Recap
