Knicks Secure Ninth Straight Victory Behind Josh Hart’s Triple-Double
January 2 – The New York Knicks secured their ninth consecutive win with a dominant 119-103 triumph over the Utah Jazz. Despite being short-handed, the Knicks showcased resilience and depth. Missing star point guard Jalen Brunson (calf injury) and backup guard Miles McBride (hamstring), New York turned to Josh Hart, who delivered an outstanding performance. Hart recorded his second straight triple-double, contributing 15 points, 14 rebounds, and 12 assists. Karl-Anthony Towns added a stellar 31 points and 21 rebounds, He became just the third player in Knicks history to notch three consecutive games with 30 or more points and 10 or more rebounds, following in the footsteps of legends Bob McAdoo and Patrick Ewing.
For the Jazz, Collin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson each scored 25 points, but the team struggled overall, suffering their fifth straight defeat. Lauri Markkanen contributed a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, though he struggled from the field, shooting just 6-for-22 and 1-for-10 from beyond the arc.
Kings Rally to Defeat 76ers
In Sacramento, the Kings mounted a thrilling comeback to edge out the Philadelphia 76ers, 113-107. Malik Monk played a pivotal role, scoring on a goaltended layup with 33.8 seconds remaining to break a tie. He and DeMar DeRozan sealed the victory with crucial free throws. The Kings closed the game with a 15-0 run, securing their second consecutive win.
De’Aaron Fox led the charge with 35 points, hitting 13 of 16 shots, while Domantas Sabonis dominated the glass with 21 rebounds, adding 17 points and seven assists. The 76ers, missing Joel Embiid, saw contributions from Eric Gordon (14 points) and Caleb Martin (12 points), but it wasn’t enough to counter Sacramento’s late-game heroics.
Raptors End Losing Streak with Win Over Nets
The Toronto Raptors snapped their 11-game losing streak with a commanding 130-113 victory against the Brooklyn Nets. Scottie Barnes had a standout performance, recording 33 points and 13 rebounds. Immanuel Quickley returned after a lengthy absence due to an elbow injury and added 21 points and 15 assists, while Gradey Dick chipped in with 22 points and three steals.
Brooklyn, integrating D’Angelo Russell after acquiring him in a trade, saw him score 22 points off the bench. Cameron Johnson and Keon Johnson contributed 24 and 17 points, respectively, but the Nets fell short, extending their losing streak to three games.
Nuggets Roll Past Hawks Behind Jokic’s Triple-Double
Nikola Jokic continued his dominant season with another triple-double, amassing 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 15 assists as the Denver Nuggets powered past the Atlanta Hawks, 139-120. It marked Jokic’s 14th triple-double of the season and his third in four games.
Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray added 21 points apiece, while Russell Westbrook provided a spark with 16 points and 11 assists. Trae Young led the Hawks with 30 points and nine assists, while De’Andre Hunter contributed 20 points, but Atlanta’s four-game winning streak came to an end.
Rockets Hold Off Mavericks for Home Victory
The Houston Rockets secured a 110-99 win over the Dallas Mavericks, thanks to a strong second-quarter run led by Cam Whitmore and Alperen Sengun. Sengun finished with 23 points and five steals, while Jalen Green contributed 22 points.
Dallas, already without Luka Doncic (calf injury), lost P.J. Washington to a knee injury in the first half. Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson each scored 16 points, but the Mavericks couldn’t overcome their injury setbacks and dropped the third game of their road trip.
Wizards Cruise Past Bulls with Poole’s Return
The Washington Wizards welcomed Jordan Poole back from a hip injury, and he delivered a 30-point performance in a 125-107 victory over the Chicago Bulls. Justin Champagnie added 15 points, while rookie Alexandre Sarr posted a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Zach LaVine led all scorers with 32 points for the Bulls, who struggled to match Washington’s pace. Coby White and Nikola Vucevic chipped in with 17 and 12 points, respectively, but the Bulls couldn’t find answers defensively.
Heat Hand Pelicans Another Loss
Tyler Herro poured in 32 points to lead the Miami Heat to a 119-108 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Bam Adebayo narrowly missed a triple-double, finishing with 23 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds, while Jimmy Butler returned from illness to contribute nine points in limited minutes.
Trey Murphy III led all scorers with 34 points for the Pelicans, who have now lost 20 of their last 21 games. CJ McCollum contributed 22 points, but New Orleans’ difficulties persisted.
Pistons Edge Magic Despite Injury Scare
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Orlando Magic 105-96 but suffered a scare when Jaden Ivey left the game with a leg injury after a collision with Cole Anthony. Ivey, who had scored 22 points, was taken off the court on a stretcher.
Cade Cunningham filled the void with 19 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, while Jalen Duren added 18 points and 11 rebounds. For Orlando, Jalen Suggs led with 24 points, but the Magic fell short, losing three of their last four games.
This action-packed slate of games highlights the unpredictable and dynamic nature of the NBA, with standout performances, thrilling comebacks, and a few heartbreaking injuries shaping the night’s outcomes.