Thunder Extend Their Dominant Start, Hawks Spoil Embiid’s Return, Lakers Win Without LeBron
The Oklahoma City Thunder continued their sensational start to the NBA season, securing their 20th win in 21 games with a 123–115 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. The defending champions, now on a 12-game winning streak, are off to their best start since the 2015–16 Golden State Warriors’ legendary 21–0 opening.
Thunder Stay Unstoppable
MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again led the charge with 26 points, extending his historic run to 93 consecutive games with 20+ points — the second-longest streak in NBA history behind Wilt Chamberlain (126).
Six Thunder players scored in double figures, while rising star Chet Holmgren added 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks, helping OKC pull away with an 8–0 run to open the fourth quarter.
Hawks Shock Philadelphia in 2OT, Spoiling Embiid’s Return
In one of the wildest games of the season, the Atlanta Hawks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 142–134 in double overtime, ruining the comeback of Joel Embiid after a 9-game injury absence.
• Jalen Johnson erupted for 41 points and 14 rebounds, including two clutch three-pointers in 2OT.
• Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 34 points in a breakout performance.
• Tyrese Maxey scored 44 points for the Sixers, forcing overtime with a huge late basket.
• Embiid, in his first game since November 8, finished with 18 points but could not push Philly to victory.
Celtics Edge Cavaliers Behind Pritchard and Brown
In Cleveland, Payton Pritchard delivered a stunning 42-point performance, while Jaylen Brown recorded the fourth triple-double of his career (19 points, 12 rebounds, 11 assists) to lift the Boston Celtics to a tight 117–115 win over the Cavaliers.
Evan Mobley (27 points), Darius Garland (21), and Donovan Mitchell (18) kept the Cavs close, but Pritchard’s late scoring sealed the game.
Lakers Win Without LeBron as Doncic Dominates
Despite the absence of LeBron James (foot injury), the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 133–121, powered by:
• Luka Dončić: 34 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists
• Austin Reaves: 33 points
The Lakers exploded with 46 first-quarter points and never trailed throughout the matchup.
Knicks Cruise Against Raptors
The New York Knicks opened with 41 points in the first quarter and controlled the game for a 116–94 win over the Toronto Raptors. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 22 points, while Josh Hart added 20 points and 12 rebounds to secure the Knicks’ fourth straight victory.
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