When You Rise Up: Bringing the House Down.
After the Dubs dominated the West’s top team, the conference’s 2nd and 3rd place teams clash tonight on TNT (9:30 ET).
5 Stories in Today’s Edition 🏀
Jan. 30, 2025
Star Showdowns: SGA’s 52 Points Not Enough Against Steph’s Warriors; Brunson & Ant Stand Out
East Outbursts: Indy & Cleveland Duos Dominate, Porziņģis & Maxey Thrive
Roundup: Dallas Wins Thriller, Clips Execute Flawlessly, Raptors Roar, Nets Roll
Rockets vs. Grizzlies: The West’s Top Teams Battle; Rockets Celebrate Milestone
Cavs vs. Hawks: Can Atlanta Upend Cleveland Again?
BUT FIRST … ⏰
Thursday’s Star-Studded NBA Action…
TNT Delivers Two Thrilling Games: The Hawks face Cleveland in the evening (7 ET), looking to earn their third win this season over the East-leading Cavs. Later, the hot Rockets battle Ja Morant and the Grizzlies (9:30 ET).
All-Star Reserves: During TNT’s pregame show at 6:30 ET, 14 players making the All-Star Game as reserves will be announced.
1. Warriors’ Epic Comeback, Knicks’ Clinch, Ant’s Heroic Performances
Seven days after posting a career-high 54 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 52 points in a losing effort against the Warriors.
Warriors 116, Thunder 109: Gilgeous-Alexander amassed 31 points in the first half, while Curry had just four. Despite building a 14-point lead, the Thunder couldn’t hold on as Curry exploded for 17 points in the fourth quarter.
- The Warriors Rally: Down at halftime, Golden State outscored the Thunder 68-51 in the final two quarters.
- The Critical Run: Steph’s early three-pointers sparked a 32-25 run in the fourth quarter.
- The Final Touch: Curry’s late three-pointer with 1:52 left gave the Warriors a six-point lead. Gary Payton II sealed the win with an electrifying poster.
- Curry’s Championship DNA: Finishing with 21 points, Curry helped Wiggins (27) and Payton II contribute significantly to the victory.
SGA’s Legacy: Despite losing, Gilgeous-Alexander made history, becoming the first Canadian-born player to secure multiple 50-point games in NBA history. He also joins Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant as only players in Thunder/SuperSonic history with multiple 50+ point games.
Knicks Snap Nuggets’ Streak, Brunson Shines: In the Battle at MSG, Jalen Brunson’s 30 points and 15 assists led the Knicks to a 122-112 win over the Nuggets, securing their fifth consecutive victory.
- Brunson’s MVP Caliber Performance: Only four Knicks players have posted 30+ points and 15+ assists in a game.
- Knicks’ Impressive Offense: They scored 143 points in two of the last three games, setting a franchise record for the most points in a three-game stretch.
Ant Edwards’ Comeback vs KD: Anthony Edwards faced off against Kevin Durant and rallied the Wolves with 33 second-half points, securing a 121-113 win and snapping the Suns’ three-game winning streak.
- Both Stars Shine: Edwards and Durant each tallied 33 points, with both adding 4 blocks.
2. East’s Finest Perform in Big Wins
Pacers’ Domination: Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton’s combined 67 points helped the Pacers defeat the Pistons 133-119, improving their record to 10-2 in January.
- Surging Pacers: After a 10-15 start, the Pacers have won 16 of their last 21 games.
Celtics’ Powerhouse Showdown: Kristaps Porziņģis (34 points) and Jaylen Brown (28 points) powered the Celtics to a 122-100 victory over the Bulls.
Cavaliers’ Redemption: Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley stepped up in Darius Garland’s absence, guiding the Cavaliers to a 126-106 win over the Heat.
- Cavs’ Strong Recovery: Cleveland bounced back from its first losing streak of the season with two commanding victories.
76ers’ Steady Performance: Tyrese Maxey’s 30 points and 8 assists helped the 76ers defeat the Kings 117-104, continuing their winning streak.
3. Teams Deliver Impressive Thrills
Close-Call Mavericks: Dallas overcame an 11-2 Pelicans run in the final minutes to clinch a 137-136 victory, with contributions from P.J. Washington (25), Kyrie Irving (25), Daniel Gafford (22), and Klay Thompson (20).
- NOLA’s Counter: The Pelicans had four players score 20+ points, including Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III.
- Rare Occurrence: Only the eighth game in the last 10 seasons saw both teams have four players score 20+.
Complete Team Effort Clippers: Victor Wembanyama led the Clippers with 23 points, 12 boards, 2 steals, and 3 blocks in a 128-116 win over the Spurs.
- Leonard and Powell Focus: Kawhi Leonard and Norman Powell each added 27 points to bolster the Clippers’ effort.
Raptors’ Continuous Success: Scottie Barnes’ 24 points helped the Raptors extend their win streak to five games with a 106-82 victory over the Wizards.
Nets’ Impressive Defense: Keon Johnson’s 18 points led a multi-star attack, enabling Brooklyn to secure a 104-83 win over the Hornets, who were without LaMelo Ball.
4. Rockets vs. Grizzlies: A Top Western Clash
For the sixth straight week, the Rockets and Grizzlies have shared the No. 2 and 3 seeds in the West, remaining within 2.5 games.
Grizzlies’ Challenge: Despite their high-scoring offense, the Grizzlies have struggled against Houston this season, averaging 113.7 points per game in three matchups.
- Strength vs. Strength: Houston’s fourth-best defense (108.3 DRTG) counters Memphis’ high-scoring offense (123.3 PPG).
Amen Thompson’s Impact: Since entering the starting lineup, Thompson has averaged 18.5 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in Houston’s last 12 games, improving their record to 10-2.
- Elite Defense: Thompson leads the league with 2+ steals and 1+ blocks this month, holding opponents to 39.4% shooting.
- Coach Ime Udoka: Thompson is a versatile defender, comfortable guarding any position.
Thompson’s quickness aids in staying in front of Ja Morant, showcasing his defensive prowess.
Thompson’s strength is evident as he blocks Evan Mobley’s shot, demonstrating his all-around game.
5. Cavs vs. Hawks: A Battle for the East
Hawks’ Success vs. Top Teams: Atlanta holds a 6-2 record against the NBA’s top East teams (Cavaliers, Celtics, Knicks).
- Top Performers: Trae Young and Dyson Daniels are pacing to be the first pair of teammates since 1973-74 to lead in assists and steals.
Cavs’ Recent Form: Cleveland has responded strongly after their only
