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San Antonio remained competitive throughout the match, but the Clippers managed to maintain their lead in the second half, ultimately securing a 122-117 victory.
Ivica Zubac put on a dominant performance in the paint, achieving 24 points and 20 rebounds, marking his fourth 20/20 game of the season.
It’s his fourth 20/20 game this year!
He shares this milestone only with:
Joker (5), KAT (4), Domas (4) pic.twitter.com/haAxtornVh
— NBA (@NBA)April 9, 2025
James Harden also shone brightly, wrapping up the night with 21 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds.
THAT’S UNO‼️
21 PTS | 12 AST | 9 REB pic.twitter.com/ax09iUHvrR
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers)April 9, 2025
The Spurs received notable contributions from Barnes, who scored 24 points and made three steals, while Stephon Castle chipped in 19 points along with eight assists.
Sandro Mamukelashvili received the ball at the perimeter, pump faked a three, and then surged towards the hoop for a powerful one-handed dunk,
MAMUUU 🔨 pic.twitter.com/S2aT1KPIl4
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs)April 9, 2025
However, the Spurs were still behind the Clippers, trailing 107-97 as the fourth quarter approached its midpoint.
Golden State outclassed Phoenix, winning decisively with a score of 133-95.
Curry was the standout player, contributing 25 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in just 26 minutes of play.
The bench added to the dominance, highlighted by Jackson-Davis, who scored 13 points, pulled down eight boards, and delivered a thunderous dunk late in the contest.
TRAYCE. JACKSON. DAVIS.
😳😳😳 pic.twitter.com/EBoXCskaXb
— NBA (@NBA)April 9, 2025
The Clippers entered the third quarter firing on all cylinders, extending their advantage to 78-69 late in the quarter.
Derrick Jones Jr. played a significant role in the surge with 16 points, including two coming from a perfectly timed lob from James Harden, who tallied nine assists,
Just toss it up, and Airplane Mode will take care of the rest…
HARDEN ↗️ DJ ✈️ pic.twitter.com/YgFOoMlOpq
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers)April 9, 2025
Harrison Barnes continued to battle for the Spurs, scoring 21 points with a remarkable 5-for-7 from beyond the arc.
Earlier in the evening, Keldon Johnson surpassed 928 points off the bench this season, setting a new team record for most points scored by a reserve, overtaking the mark established by Manu Ginobili.
🚨 𝙉𝙚𝙬 𝙛𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙨𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙙 🚨 pic.twitter.com/B3CtWK6KtL
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs)April 9, 2025
At halftime, Johnson had eight points, while Barnes led the team with 13 as the Spurs trailed the Clippers 54-52.
Golden State led the Suns comfortably at halftime, 69-43.
Curry ended the half with 19 points, four rebounds, and four assists, featuring a highlight assist to Trayce Jackson-Davis for an impressive lob finish,
Steph delivering to TJD, as usual!
Warriors rolling early on TNT pic.twitter.com/UXFKjMst7H
— NBA (@NBA)April 9, 2025
Brandin Podziemski also made a significant contribution during the half with 17 points.
Devin Booker was the standout for Phoenix, accumulating 21 points on 7-for-12 shooting.
Stephen Curry started off strong, quickly racking up 13 points in the first quarter on 5-for-7 shooting, including a smooth turnaround jumper,
STEPH. TURNAROUND. TOO SMOOTH.
He netted 13 of the Warriors’ 26 points in the 1Q on TNT 🧑🍳 pic.twitter.com/QO8x4q9Cuq
— NBA (@NBA)April 9, 2025
The Warriors bolted out to a 46-31 lead over the Suns as they approached the midway point of the second quarter.
Oklahoma City faced a defeat against the Lakers on Sunday but took a 136-120 win in their matchup tonight.
Gilgeous-Alexander had a stellar game, scoring 42 points on 14-for-25 shooting, complemented by six rebounds and six assists.
SHAI TRIPLE FOR 42.
15-3 OKC RUN pic.twitter.com/XxQqxMLDvb
— NBA (@NBA)April 9, 2025
Jalen Williams added 26 points to support the win.
The Lakers found their scoring leader in LeBron James, who amassed 28 points along with seven rebounds and three assists.
Milwaukee lit up the fourth quarter, outscoring Minnesota 40-13 in the final frame, including a stunning 34-3 run, sealing a 111-103 victory.
Giannis Antetokounmpo registered a triple-double with 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists, while Kevin Porter Jr. shone with 21 points off the bench, contributing five assists and five steals. The duo connected for an alley-oop,
SCOOT ALLEY-OOP TO GIANNIS!
WE ARE HAVING FUN! pic.twitter.com/KLLvFt3NyA
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks)April 9, 2025
This loss puts the Timberwolves at a record of 46-33, and with Memphis winning earlier, they are likely to face a drop in the standings as the night continues.
The Celtics edged out the Knicks in a thrilling 119-117 overtime victory.
Porziņģis delivered a crucial shot with his eighth three-pointer of the night,
KP’s 8th three is CLUTCH pic.twitter.com/4Vtil4LuX5
— Boston Celtics (@celtics)April 9, 2025
Kristaps ended the game with 34 points, four rebounds, and three assists to spearhead Boston’s scoring. Tatum also made significant contributions by finishing with 32 points, seven boards, and five assists.
New York’s duo of guard and big man had a notable night, with Towns netting 34 points and securing 14 rebounds, while Brunson added 27 points with nine assists.
The final quarter saw an intense exchange between the Celtics and Knicks, ultimately concluding regulation in a surprising 107-107 tie.
The Knicks took a brief lead with a three-pointer with 11.9 seconds remaining, but Tatum’s clutch three-pointer with 2.9 seconds left brought the score back to level,
BRUNSON TO HART.
TATUM THREE FOR THE TIE.
2.9 LEFT ON TNT 🍿🍿🍿 pic.twitter.com/vRbdNYIlaC
— NBA (@NBA)April 9, 2025
Josh Hart could not land a shot as time expired.
The Lakers took a 98-97 advantage into the closing quarter over the Thunder after dominating the previous quarter 26-17.
Among the highlights, LeBron James hit a long-range three to contribute to his 19 points,
LeBron from WAYYYYYY DOWNTOWN 🎯
During an 11-2 run for Los Angeles to seize the lead! pic.twitter.com/EHInRFbHf8
— NBA (@NBA)April 9, 2025
Gilgeous-Alexander held his position as the leading scorer for the Thunder with 32 points.
Orlando secured a victory against Atlanta, winning 119-112, thereby establishing a two-game lead over the Hawks for the 7th seed in the East.
Banchero impressed with a double-double of 33 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists,
Paolo put on a show in the @OrlandoMagic victory!
33 PTS, 10 REB, 4 AST pic.twitter.com/vKZaAzGlgf
— NBA (@NBA)April 9, 2025
Wendell Carter Jr. was also a key contributor, scoring 17 points, pulling down nine rebounds, making six steals, and blocking three shots.
For Atlanta, Okongwu shined with 30 points and 14 rebounds, while Young contributed 28 points and 10 assists in the losing effort.
Even at the close of the third quarter, Tatum displayed poise under pressure, hitting a fadeaway jumper to give the Celtics an 83-78 lead.
JT at the buzzer. TOUGH.
Celtics lead Knicks entering the 4th Q!
📺 TNT pic.twitter.com/IApCxnN0yM
— NBA (@NBA)April 9, 2025
As it stands, Tatum tallied 19 points and Porziņģis led with a team-high 27 points, hitting 7-for-12 from beyond the arc.
Boston was leading 91-85 early in the fourth quarter.
The Cavaliers triumphed over the Bulls with a score of 135-113, securing the top seed in the Eastern Conference.
With Mitchell sidelined, Garland and Mobley rose to the occasion, with Garland scoring 28 points, three rebounds, and five assists, while Mobley added 21 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, two steals, and a block.
DG AND MOBLEY IGNITING THE CLEVELAND CROWD.
TWO-WAY CAVS DOMINANCE AS THEY SEEK THE EAST’S #1 SEED. pic.twitter.com/i67PRrksTv
— NBA (@NBA)April 9, 2025
The Bulls, missing their starting backcourt of Coby White and Josh Giddey, got 21 points from Patrick Williams.
Oklahoma City dropped 80 points in the first half, leading the Lakers 80-72 at the break.
The Thunder shot an impressive 64.7% from the field with four players already in double digits, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 21 points.
Despite the offense, they demonstrated solid defense, highlighted by a spectacular block by Isaiah Hartenstein on a Dalton Knecht dunk attempt,
There’s no way…not on iHart’s watch ❌ pic.twitter.com/aXxqKOYHIF
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder)April 9, 2025
The Hawks remained competitive against Orlando, thanks to strong performances from Young and Okongwu, both surpassing 20 points.
Here, Young lobs to Okongwu for an effortless layup.
Smooth lob from Ice to Big O pic.twitter.com/NwCXJOLh58
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks)April 9, 2025
As the fourth quarter began, Orlando held a 97-86 lead.
Towns was instrumental for the Knicks, propelling New York to a 58-52 lead at halftime with 22 points, including a shot contested by four defenders.
KAT’s first half highlights:
🗽 20 PTS🗽 8 REB🗽 8-12 FGM
Knicks ahead of Celtics on TNT! pic.twitter.com/AhcAWl4ypf
— NBA (@NBA)April 9, 2025
He also recorded nine rebounds.
For the Celtics, Jayson Tatum led with 15 points, five rebounds, two assists, a block, and a steal.
Anthony Edwards set the single-season record for the Timberwolves with 2,062 points scored this year, showcased by a basket here,
A NEW FRANCHISE RECORD 🪣 pic.twitter.com/6zaU5zYO2V
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves)April 9, 2025
Edwards had six points, with the Timberwolves ahead 21-14 over the Bucks late in the opening quarter.
Banchero aimed to solidify his position at No. 7 in the Eastern Conference and did just that with his 21-point, seven-rebound performance, highlighted by a forceful slam,
“Banchero drops the hammer!” 💥 pic.twitter.com/NhfhvGo8a6
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic)April 9, 2025
Trae Young also contributed significantly for the Hawks with 16 points, while Onyeka Okongwu added 13, alongside six rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Both teams reached halftime with Orlando leading 66-57.
Darius Garland was making waves, scoring 16 points and recording three assists, including a sharp pass to De’Andre Hunter,
WHAT A LOOK! @dariusgarland22 | #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/4c8GfGljfM
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs)April 9, 2025
With Donovan Mitchell sidelined, both Garland and Ty Jerome stepped up, with Jerome contributing 15 points from the bench and Mobley adding 13 points, five rebounds, and three assists.
The Cavaliers aimed to secure the No. 1 seed in the East with a potential victory, leading 68-48 at halftime against the Bulls.
Towns was demonstrating his prowess early for the Knicks, amassing 12 points and helping New York to a 20-12 advantage over Boston.
A splendid 8-point streak by KAT marked a 10-0 New York run on TNT!
NYK could clinch the East’s #3 seed tonight 🔥 pic.twitter.com/flAazFU7LD
— NBA (@NBA)April 8, 2025
Towns had also secured three rebounds, while Jalen Brunson contributed four points.
Morant dazzled with his speed to the hoop, then showcased his leaping ability, completing a lob from Scotty Pippen Jr.,
Throw it up, Scotty Pippen Jr…
Ja will throw it down! pic.twitter.com/2Itlbj1fmf
— NBA (@NBA)April 8, 2025
Memphis maintained a 49-32 lead over Charlotte in the second quarter.
The Grizzlies surged to a 33-18 advantage against the Hornets after one quarter.
Ja Morant showcased his quickness, evading a defender for a layup.
“You look in the dictionary, and for QUICK and FAST, you find Ja Morant!” 💨💨💨 pic.twitter.com/uo1t7weuEz
— NBA (@NBA)April 8, 2025
Morant posted nine points and four assists early for Memphis, while Desmond Bane led with 10 points.
Orlando and Atlanta are locked in a fierce contest for the upper hand in the East play-in, with the Magic holding a 20-15 lead late in the first quarter.
Banchero’s 10 points were key to the Magic’s lead, as he drove between defenders to secure a difficult finish,
6’10” 250 pic.twitter.com/L6TNl1HQ3N
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic)April 8, 2025
The Eastern Conference playoff landscape is taking shape, but certain placements are still being contested, particularly in the play-in tournament. Currently, Orlando sits at the No. 7 seed, while Atlanta positions itself one game behind in the No. 8 spot. The teams have split their season matchups, with tonight’s winner securing the seventh position in the East. If Atlanta wins, they’ll match Orlando’s record and hold the tiebreaker; a victory for the Magic would create a two-game cushion over the Hawks.
There’s also potential for movement at the top of the Eastern Conference standings, although the top seeds may solidify following tonight’s games. The Celtics still have a theoretical chance of overtaking the Cavaliers for the No. 1 spot, while the Pacers could snatch the No. 3 from the Knicks. However, the Cavaliers could clinch first in the East with a win against the Bulls tonight, ensuring the Celtics settle into the No. 2 seed with either a loss or a Cleveland victory. The Knicks can secure the third seed with a victory or by relying on a Pacers defeat.
The middle of the Western Conference is tightly contested, with just two games separating the teams between the No. 3 and No. 8 spots. The Clippers, Warriors, Timberwolves, and Grizzlies all share identical records of 46-32 and occupy the fifth to eighth seeds, all set to play tonight. Depending on the outcomes, significant shifts in the standings could unfold, which seems likely to be an ongoing pattern leading up to the final regular-season games on Sunday.
Examining the stakes for tonight’s matchups in the West:
With a win, the Clippers will remain in 5th place, but a loss could see them drop as far as 8th.
The Grizzlies could rise to 5th with a victory but would stay in 8th with a loss.
The Timberwolves could climb up to 4th with a win or plummet to 8th with a defeat.
The Warriors have the potential to ascend to 5th with a win or fall to 8th if they lose.
