Clippers Surge, Suns Shine, and Mavericks Survive: Recapping a Thrilling Night in the NBA

Magic 120, Wizards 105
Rockets 102, Heat 98
Timberwolves 134, Pelicans 93
Thunder 141, Hornets 106
Spurs 128, 76ers 120
Mavericks 123, Pistons 117
Celtics 121, Jazz 99
Suns 123, Cavaliers 112
Trail Blazers 128, Nuggets 109
Clippers 128, Grizzlies 108

**Tonight’s Highlights 🚨**

**Standout Stars ⛹️‍♂️**

**Effortless Mastery ✅**

The Intuit Dome erupted during the fourth quarter for good reason. At the start, the Clippers expertly circulated the ball until it found Derrick Jones Jr., who had a clear path to the basket. Moments later, Kawhi Leonard lulled his defenders before executing his signature jump shot. The Clippers showcased their full roster tonight, demonstrating how formidable they can be as the playoffs approach.

**FLIGHT MODE ACTIVATED 🔛**

Check out the passing game 👀pic.twitter.com/0codxBixsq

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers)March 22, 2025

👌 ON TARGET IN THE (INTUIT) DOME

BOGI FOR THREEE!!!pic.twitter.com/ojMWLUBDBN

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers)March 22, 2025

🫡 Kristaps Shines 🍀

Any given night could see a Celtics player score over 25 points, and tonight it was Kristaps Porzingis making the loudest statement. The big man finished with a 27-point double-double in a commanding 121-99 win against the Jazz. Jayson Tatum contributed 26 points, while Collin Sexton put up an efficient 30 for Utah.

KP had quite the performance tonight 🎉
Check out the @GatoradePlayer of the Gamepic.twitter.com/p1o2v2XaNM

— Boston Celtics (@celtics)March 22, 2025

**Classic KD 🍷**

The Suns secured a victory against the Cleveland Cavaliers, largely thanks to a vintage performance from Kevin Durant, who poured in 42 points. Durant found his shooting spots with ease, while the Cavaliers struggled to keep pace. Remarkably, no Cavaliers player reached 20 points, marking an unusual occurrence for the league’s top-scoring team. This marks the Cavaliers’ fourth consecutive loss, whereas Phoenix celebrates its third straight win.

HE’S KEVIN DURANT.
YOU KNOW WHAT TIME IT IS.pic.twitter.com/fCXtn5aKmM

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns)March 22, 2025

**Clippers Hit the Gear 🔄**

Los Angeles found itself down by six at halftime but exploded in the third quarter, outscoring Memphis 36-16 to gain a significant lead heading into the final quarter. James Harden kept his shooting streak alive with five three-pointers, finishing with 30 points on just 13 attempts.

James Harden with the FLOATING beauty for 30 PTS!
Clippers leading through three quarters on NBA TV 🍿pic.twitter.com/LkdFQSLYfP

— NBA (@NBA)March 22, 2025

**ALLEY OOP!**
James Harden ↗️ Ivica Zubacpic.twitter.com/7gzC5yowaK

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers)March 22, 2025

**Portland Pulls Ahead of Denver**

The Nuggets, missing their reigning MVP, found themselves trailing by double digits as time ran out on their comeback hopes. Deni Avdija has been virtually unstoppable, leading with 30 points. Off the bench, Delano Banton brought energy with 17 points, along with three blocks and three steals.

ShaeDunk for the soul 🤲pic.twitter.com/NZLNVHazsL

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers)March 22, 2025

**Harden’s Dominant Performance**

The Grizzlies led by six at halftime, but they’ll need to counter James Harden’s impact if they wish to secure the win. The Beard already has 18 points on just seven shots, plus five assists. Jaren Jackson Jr. is among four Grizzlies currently scoring in double-digits.

James Harden from long range…👌😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/BSirFKplzY

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers)March 22, 2025

**🤠 Mavericks Defeat Detroit 🤠**

The Mavericks managed to clinch a nail-biting victory, delighting their home fans against a tough Pistons squad. Spencer Dinwiddie’s aggressive offensive play saw him score 31 points while making 13 trips to the free-throw line. PJ Washington also delivered, hitting five three-pointers for a total of 27 points.

MAVS WIN!!! @Chime #MFFL pic.twitter.com/zjqrBN7EsK

— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs)March 22, 2025

In the game’s final minute, Detroit attempted to overturn a two-possession deficit. They narrowed the gap to three points with less than 20 seconds left, but Brandon Williams secured a crucial and-one layup, ensuring the Mavericks’ victory was safe. Cade Cunningham was the game’s top scorer with 35 points.

Klay to Brandon Williams for the game-sealing AND-1 🧊🧊
Mavericks take home the win!! pic.twitter.com/UzMd2fFjTm

— NBA (@NBA)March 22, 2025

**Thunder Victory from Start to Finish 👏**

A dominant start for Oklahoma City meant that this matchup was never really in doubt. The Thunder built an early lead they maintained throughout the game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the scoring leader for his squad, finishing with 30 points, even though he sat out the fourth quarter. The Thunder capitalized on 16 turnovers from the Hornets, improving their March record to 10-1.

18-0 Thunder run: recap 🎥🏃 pic.twitter.com/2Rw32xz7DA

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder)March 22, 2025

**Suns Rising ☀️**

The Suns took a 62-51 advantage into halftime against the Cavaliers, thanks to a well-rounded offensive strategy. Royce O’Neale was the leading scorer at the break, while dynamic duo Kevin Durant and Devin Booker combined for 12 assists. Even with their two primary centers, Nick Richards and Mason Plumlee, out, the Suns held a 28-19 rebounding advantage. The Cavaliers couldn’t find anyone to hit double digits in scoring during the first half.

MY GOODNESS RYAN 🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/1VOazGIpeN

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns)March 22, 2025

Royce nets his FIFTH three-pointer of the half! pic.twitter.com/9H4TRSX1PY

— Phoenix Suns (@Suns)March 22, 2025

**Amen Takes Flight, Rockets Triumph 🚀**

Houston secured a gritty win over the Miami Heat for their ninth straight victory. A standout performance came from the returning Amen Thompson, who had been sidelined for the past six games. He filled the stat sheet with 18 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and seven steals, demonstrating his crucial two-way play in the final moments of the game.

AMEN THOMPSON THROWS IT DOWN 😤
A pivotal moment with nine consecutive wins at stake!

Rockets/Heat in the fourth quarter on NBA TV pic.twitter.com/cPEjZyyxSI

— NBA (@NBA)March 22, 2025

**LET’S SAY IT TOGETHER…**
AMEN 🙏 pic.twitter.com/VXYTygZ3jp

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets)March 22, 2025

**FINAL MINUTES HEAT UP 😬**

The game remained competitive as Houston and Miami exchanged leads toward the finish. The Rockets outscored the Heat in the second half, fueled by Fred VanVleet, who was scorching hot from beyond the arc. He’s closing in on the franchise record for most three-pointers made in a single game, while the Heat seeks to halt their streak of nine straight losses.

NINE TRIPLES FOR FRED VANVLEET 🔥🔥
Just one away from tying the franchise record! pic.twitter.com/3w51XOlrJ

— NBA (@NBA)March 22, 2025

**☔️ CP-THREE 🌧️**

Chris Paul is lighting it up against the 76ers, having scored all 15 of his points from behind the arc without a miss. Out of those, four came in the third quarter alone.

Make it FIVE threes for @CP3! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/ReimJWbC43

— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs)March 22, 2025

Jeremy Sochan also had an impressive night, contributing 19 points and seven boards. Stephen Castle is close to a double-double with eight points and ten assists, while Quentin Grimes and Julian Edwards lead the scoring for Philadelphia with 19 and 18 points, respectively.

**Rockets and Heat in a Battle 🤺**

As we head to halftime, Miami holds a 59-51 lead. Andrew Wiggins has been outstanding, scoring 20 of his 22 points in the second quarter with an impressive 7-for-8 shooting performance. He’s making threes, getting to the line, and throwing down dunks like the one below.

Andrew Wiggins delivers a POWERFUL dunk 💪
He’s leading Miami late in the second quarter against the surging Rockets on NBA TV! pic.twitter.com/8qYpQity5O

— NBA (@NBA)March 22, 2025

Houston is remaining competitive, assisted by the return of Amen Thompson, who is back on the floor after a two-week recovery from a sprained ankle.

The dynamic duo are BACK 😏 pic.twitter.com/WVEAe3zAC0

— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets)March 22, 2025

**Thunder Jump to a Big Lead Early**

Oklahoma City has begun the game with a stifling defense that resulted in a 20-point lead after the first quarter. The Thunder held the Hornets to a mere 25% shooting to end the first period at 34-14.

OKC also showed off their highlight potential, as shown with this buzzer-beater from Kenrich Williams.

KENRICH WILLIAMS FROM WAY DOWNTOWN 🎯
Ends the first quarter for OKC with a DEEP bank shot! pic.twitter.com/XQ1e9NMssq

— NBA (@NBA)March 22, 2025

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has totaled 13 points early on, shooting 6-for-9. The Hornets are missing their top scorer LaMelo Ball for this match.

**Fast Break Highlights 🐜**

Anthony Edwards soared early, catching an alley-oop slam in transition. Julius Randle initiated the break, setting up Edwards perfectly for the finish.

GO GET IT 🐜 pic.twitter.com/g8rIMkkUiW

— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves)March 22, 2025

CJ McCollum has countered effectively, hitting two early three-pointers to keep the score level in the first quarter.

Headband 3J, YES pic.twitter.com/gD609JJSau

— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA)March 22, 2025

**P5 Stepback 🚀**

This highlight captures Paolo Banchero’s first-half dominance against the Wizards. He excelled, wrapping up the half with 20 points, five rebounds, and three assists, including three triples.

Stepback on ’em, P5 @Pp_doesit pic.twitter.com/gW06kWoYKS

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic)March 21, 2025

Banchero kicked off the season at an exceptional level before an oblique injury sidelined him. Since returning in January, he has regained his rhythm, currently ranking as the second-highest scorer in the NBA, averaging 29.1 points per game over the last month.

**Heat in Desperate Need of a Win 🧨**

Miami seeks a much-needed victory tonight to break a potential ten-game losing streak. In their current run of nine consecutive losses, four have been determined by a mere five points or fewer. Earlier this season, the Heat had a victory against the Rockets, triumphing 104-100 in their first encounter in late December.

Tip-off is approaching! pic.twitter.com/InpZ0c32Ip

— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT)March 21, 2025

**Shai’s Scoring Surge 🔥**

The Oklahoma City Thunder welcome the Hornets tonight, with fans eager to see the league’s top scorer in action. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been averaging an impressive 35.1 points per game over the past month, boosting his season average to 33. He’s surpassed 30 points in his last three games, and tonight could mark the fourth.

Get ready for Thunder basketball! 🔜 pic.twitter.com/iNrGc6mSsV

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder)March 21, 2025

**High-Scoring First Quarter in the Capital**

After 12 minutes of play, both teams crossed the 30-point mark in this Eastern Conference clash. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are leading the Magic in scoring, while Jordan Poole propels the offensive efforts for Washington.

The Wizards may hold the worst record in the East, but they’ve managed to upset several winning teams recently. The first quarter’s score is an indication that the Wizards plan to fight hard tonight.

🔑 Key Storylines to Monitor 👇