NBA roundup: Knicks pummel Nets for historic 54-point win
Thu Jan 22 1:50am ET
Field Level Media
Jalen Brunson scored 20 points Wednesday night for the New York Knicks, who snapped out of their slump with a historic 120-66 thumping of the visiting Brooklyn Nets.
The 54-point win was the most lopsided in franchise history for the Knicks, easily surpassing a trio of 48-point wins, the most recent of which was a 130-82 rout of the Philadelphia 76ers on April 21, 1994. A 3-pointer by the Nets' Danny Wolf with 8.5 seconds left prevented New York from earning the largest-margin victory in the NBA this season. The Charlotte Hornets blew out the Utah Jazz 150-95 on Jan. 10.
The 66 points for the Nets were the fewest by an NBA team since March 16, 2015, when the Charlotte Hornets lost to the Utah Jazz 94-66. It was the fewest points allowed by the Knicks since they beat the Washington Wizards 103-65 on April 13, 2012.
Landry Shamet scored 18 points off the bench while fellow reserve Miles McBride had 14 points for the Knicks. New York ended a four-game losing streak and won for just the third time in the last 12 games a day after Brunson reportedly called a players-only meeting to make it clear the team needed to find answers for its recent struggles.
Thunder 122, Bucks 102
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 40 points, dished out 11 assists and grabbed seven rebounds, leading Oklahoma City to a dominant road victory over Milwaukee.
Ajay Mitchell and Kenrich Williams each added 18 points for the Thunder, who won their second straight in dominating fashion and have prevailed in 7 of 8.
Giannis Antetokounmpo compiled 19 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists, but the Bucks lost back-to-back games at home by 20-plus points for the first time since 2016. Milwaukee fell for the fourth time in its past five overall.
Cavaliers 94, Hornets 87
Donovan Mitchell scored 24 points as Cleveland's solid defense paved the way to beat the host Hornets.
Evan Mobley provided 14 points and 14 rebounds, Jaylon Tyson posted 14 points and Jarrett Allen had 13 points, as the Cavaliers won for the third time in their last four outings. Cleveland finished with a 60-47 rebounding advantage.
Brandon Miller's 24 points led the Hornets and teammate Kon Knueppel notched 21 points but he was 2-for-10 from 3-point range. The Hornets produced their lowest home point total of the season, and finished the matchup eight for 47 beyond the arc.
Pistons 112, Pelicans 104
Jalen Duren collected 20 points and 15 rebounds and Daniss Jenkins added 17 points while starting in place of All-Star Cade Cunningham, lifting visiting Detroit past New Orleans.
Duren sank 7 of 11 shots from the floor to power the Pistons to their fourth win in a row and their seventh victory in eight contests. Duncan Robinson drained four 3-pointers to highlight his 15-point performance for Detroit, which played without both Cunningham (left hip contusion, illness) and Caris LeVert (illness).
New Orleans' Saddiq Bey made all 11 of his free-throw attempts to finish with a team-high 20 points. Trey Murphy III and rookie Micah Peavy each scored 17 points for the Pelicans, who shot a dismal 21.9% from 3-point range (7 of 32). New Orleans star Zion Williamson scored four points in 15 minutes before exiting the contest due to an illness.
Raptors 122, Kings 109
A trio of Toronto players scored more than 20 points, and Scottie Barnes and Jamal Shead combined for 24 in a third-quarter uprising as the visiting Raptors used a balanced attack to complete a two-day Northern California sweep with a triumph over Sacramento.
Barnes and Brandon Ingram scored 23 points, Sandro Mamukelashvili added 22, Immanuel Quickley chipped in with 18 and Shead had 15 for the Raptors, who had used a torrid first half to run off from the Golden State Warriors en route to a 145-127 victory in San Francisco on Tuesday night.
Giving Domantas Sabonis the night off on the back-to-back, the Kings got a team-high 23 points from Russell Westbrook, 19 from Zach LaVine, 17 from Malik Monk, 16 from Dennis Schroder and 11 from Precious Achiuwa.
Celtics 119, Pacers 104
Jaylen Brown had 30 points, 10 rebounds and five assists to lead Boston to a victory over visiting Indiana.
Brown was 11 of 22 from the field, but also committed a game-high five turnovers. Sam Hauser connected on 5 of his 7 3-point attempts and added 17 points for the Celtics, who received 17 points and nine rebounds from Neemias Queta.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 32 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Siakam has scored at least 20 points in five straight games and in 12 of his last 13 contests. Indiana has lost three in a row and four of five, falling to 2-19 in road games.
Hawks 124, Grizzlies 122
Jalen Johnson had 32 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists to lead visiting Atlanta past Memphis to snap a four-game losing streak as the Grizzlies picked the worst time to go cold from the line.
Ja Morant led Memphis with 23 points, 12 assists and a career-high three blocks, but missed a desperation 3-pointer at the buzzer. The Grizzlies made 24 of 27 free throws, but all their misses came in the game's final 30.7 seconds -- particularly painful considering the Hawks did not score a point in that span.
Onyeka Okongwu added 18 points, nine rebounds and two blocks for the Hawks and former Grizzlies guard Luke Kennard also contributed 18 points, including making four of his five 3-point attempts.
- NBA roundup: Knicks pummel Nets for historic 54-point win
- Bucks G Kevin Porter Jr. (oblique) out indefinitely
- Gambler sentenced to 2 years in prison for NBA betting scandal
- Raptors rule out F Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) vs. Kings
- NBA roundup: Raptors blow out Jimmy Butler-less Warriors
- Warriors F Jimmy Butler III undergoes MRI on injured knee
- NBA roundup: Pistons barely hold on to beat Celtics
- Thunder to shelve Jalen Williams (hamstring) 2 weeks
- Pau Gasol could play key role in NBA Europe league
- NBA reveals 10 starters for new All-Star Game format
- Hawks' Kristaps Porzingis, Zaccharie Risacher out another week
- Kevin Durant passes Dirk Nowitzki, moves into sixth on scoring list
- Thunder F Jalen Williams (hamstring) out vs. Cavs
- Clippers F Kawhi Leonard (knee) to miss remainder of road trip
- Grizzlies star G Ja Morant to return vs. Magic in London
- NBA roundup: Spurs hold off Anthony Edwards (55 points), Timberwolves
- NBA roundup: Clippers rally past Raptors in OT for 5th straight win
- Clippers owner Steve Ballmer files motion to dismiss Aspiration lawsuit
- Trail Blazers star Deni Avdija (back) could miss third straight game
- Kings C Domantas Sabonis (knee) to return Friday vs. Wizards
Orlando Magic point guard Jalen Suggs (knee) was downgraded from questionable to out on Thursday ahead of his team's home game against the Hornets. Suggs will miss his eighth straight game due to right knee MCL contusion, although he seems to be nearing a return. Head coach Jamahl Mosley said that Suggs responded well after a full practice on Wednesday, so he could be back in action soon. His next chance to return will be Saturday against the Cavaliers, and until then, Anthony Black will continue to take on more work with Tyus Jones and Jase Richardson playing more minutes as well.
Utah Jazz point guard Keyonte George (forearm) is considered questionable for Thursday's contest against the San Antonio Spurs. The 22-year-old has scored 73 points across his last two appearances, but he may be forced to skip Thursday's matchup due to a left forearm strain. Lauri Markkanen (conditioning) has already been ruled out, meaning Utah might be without two of its top scorers on Thursday. Isaiah Collier, Ace Bailey, and Jusuf Nurkic are expected to be more involved in the offense against San Antonio. At the same time, Walter Clayton Jr. could get a big boost in playing time if George doesn't play.
Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (conditioning) will skip a sixth straight game on Thursday against the San Antonio Spurs. Utah's leading scorer recently had a bout with an illness and is now working on his conditioning to get back into game shape. Cody Williams has enjoyed a stint as a starter during Markkanen's absence. However, the 21-year-old sophomore has been modest with his fantasy production, posting 9.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in a starting role this season. Markkanen will have one more opportunity to return this week, as the Jazz welcome the Miami Heat to Salt Lake City on Saturday.
Chicago Bulls point guard Josh Giddey (hamstring) is tagged as questionable for Thursday's matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He is looking to make his first appearance of 2026. Giddey appears close to returning, as his status was upgraded from doubtful to questionable before Tuesday's meeting with the Los Angeles Clippers. Giddey's return to the lineup will take away opportunities from Tre Jones, Kevin Huerter, and Ayo Dosunmu. Meanwhile, Jalen Smith may have to give up his starting spot after replacing Jones in the first unit for the last couple of games.
Philadelphia 76ers guard/forward Paul George (knee) continues to carry a questionable tag on the injury report ahead of Thursday's tilt against the Houston Rockets. George is managing a left knee injury and also held a questionable designation before Tuesday's matchup against the Phoenix Suns. Ultimately, he missed a second consecutive contest. Kelly Oubre Jr. has started in George's absence, delivering a pair of strong performances. For the season, Oubre Jr. has averaged 16.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.4 steals as a member of the first unit. Thursday's game could be a potential banana skin for Oubre Jr., as the Rockets have recently climbed to sixth in defensive efficiency with their improved efforts without the ball.
Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray (hip) is listed as probable for Thursday's clash against the Washington Wizards. He is expected to make a sixth consecutive appearance despite battling inflammation in his left hip. Recently, Murray has also dealt with an ankle injury and an illness, but impressively, he has skipped only four games all season. Thursday's matchup presents Murray with an opportunity to produce one of his best performances of the campaign. Only Utah has allowed more fantasy points to point guards than Washington. Murray faced the Wizards only a few nights ago in Denver and led his squad to a 121-115 win with 42 points. It was Murray's third-highest scoring game this season.
Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (knee) is listed as questionable for Thursday's Battle of Los Angeles against the Lakers. After recently dealing with an ankle sprain, Leonard is on the injury report with a left knee contusion and has missed three games. During Leonard's absence, Kobe Sanders has been a regular starter. Yet, the 23-year-old rookie has not been very impactful in the role. He has averaged 10.0 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.0 steals since joining the first unit. On Thursday night, Sanders could be more productive, as the Clippers will be in a pace-up spot and meet a team that sits 25th in defensive efficiency.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (ankle) is expected to return to the lineup on Thursday against the Houston Rockets, as the team has listed him as probable for the game. The former MVP took a night off for the second leg of a back-to-back on Tuesday against the Phoenix Suns. It was only his second absence in 12 games. Embiid has built good momentum and has a chance to post a third consecutive 30-point game on Thursday night in a fascinating matchup against Alperen Sengun. Andre Drummond started on Tuesday and will drop back to the bench if Embiid returns, while Adem Bona's workload will also decrease.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (oblique) is facing a spell on the sidelines due to a strained oblique. Before Wednesday's loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers told reporters Porter Jr. "won't be able to play anytime soon." The 25-year-old had played through the injury for a couple of games before sitting out Wednesday's contest. Porter Jr. has been a productive sidekick for Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee, averaging 16.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 2.1 steals this season. With Porter Jr. unavailable, Gary Harris started on Wednesday night but played only nine minutes. Cole Anthony was back in the rotation and looks to be the biggest beneficiary of Porter Jr.'s absence. He finished Wednesday's tilt with 17 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
Thunder's G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recorded a double-double, scoring 40 points with 11 assists in a 122-102 win over Milwaukee on Wednesday, Jan. 21.
Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas (calf) is questionable for Thursday's meeting with the Wizards. The veteran big man suffered a right calf strain during the win over the Toronto Raptors on New Year's Eve. He was initially projected to be sidelined for at least four weeks. While that may remain the case, the questionable tag seems to indicate Valanciunas might be back sooner than anticipated. With Nikola Jokic (knee) on the shelf, the Nuggets could certainly use Valanciunas's services as soon as possible. In the meantime, Aaron Gordon (hamstring) will presumably continue handling things in the middle, with Zeke Nnaji getting around 15-20 minutes of work from off the bench.
Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun (ankle) remains out on Thursday versus the Washington Wizards. There hasn't been any real indication he's nearing a return, although the team certainly isn't looking to rush things regarding his recovery. While Braun continues to work his way back, Jalen Pickett is expected to stay in the starting lineup, with the 26-year-old averaging 10.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 44.2% shooting from behind the arc in 11 starts this season.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (knee) is questionable for Thursday's game against Charlotte. He's missed seven contests because of his latest ailment, a right knee contusion. However, even if the 24-year-old isn't back for this one, the questionable designation at least suggests he's trending in a positive direction. If Suggs suits up, he'll probably see limited action. That may last for at least a few games. As a result, Anthony Black should remain even more relevant for fantasy managers while Suggs works his way back to form.
Detroit Pistons shooting guard Caris LeVert (illness) won't play Wednesday against the New Orleans Pelicans. LeVert is dealing with an illness, and his next chance to return to action is on Friday against the Rockets. Detroit's backcourt will also be without its star point guard, Cade Cunningham (hip, illness), so Jaden Ivey and Daniss Jenkins will likely see expanded roles and could be considered marginal streaming options ahead of tonight's clash in The Big Easy.
Detroit Pistons point guard Cade Cunningham (illness, hip) won't suit up against the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday. The 24-year-old is feeling under the weather, and he is also dealing with a left hip contusion. His next chance to get back on the floor is on Friday against Houston. With Cunningham out of action, Jaden Ivey, Marcus Sasser and Daniss Jenkins will likely have expanded roles in the Pistons backcourt.
Charlotte Hornets PR announced that Charlotte Hornets guard Tre Mann (illness) will suit up against the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday. The 24-year-old was feeling under the weather and was added to the injury report late, but he has since been cleared to play. Mann is averaging 7.8 points, 2.3 assists and 2.4 rebounds in 16.9 minutes per game across 28 outings this season. With a fully healthy Hornets backcourt, Mann will likely see limited minutes during tonight's contest.
Toronto Raptors guard/forward Ja'Kobe Walter (hip) won't play on Wednesday night against the Sacramento Kings. Walter is dealing with a right hip pointer and he will miss his sixth straight game. The 21-year-old's next chance to suit up comes on Friday on the road in Portland. An injury-riddled Raptors lineup will also once again be without RJ Barrett (ankle), so they will rely on Jamal Shead to be the primary playmaker, making him a solid streaming option during tonight's clash.
Toronto Raptors guard/forward RJ Barrett (ankle) is still not ready to return from a sprained left ankle, and he'll miss his seventh straight game on Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings. Barrett still hasn't been given a timeline for his return, and he should be considered questionable for Friday's matchup with the Trail Blazers. With Ja'Kobe Walter (hip) also out of action, Jamal Shead and Grady Dick will continue to carry a heavier workload during tonight's clash.
Toronto Raptors forward/center Collin Murray-Boyles (thumb) will sit out Wednesday's game against the Sacramento Kings. The 20-year-old rookie will miss his second consecutive contest due to a thumb contusion. His next chance to return is on the road in Portland on Friday. With Jakob Poeltl (back) still out, Sandro Mamukelashvili should get all the work he can handle. Mamukelashvili can score points in bunches, and with added minutes, he could be a servicable streaming option during tonight's tilt.
Sacramento Kings forward/center Domantas Sabonis (rest) won't play against the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. Tonight's contest is the second half of a back-to-back, so the 29-year-old big man will sit out for injury maintenance. Sabonis finished with six points, 10 rebounds, and three assists in 17 minutes during Tuesday's 130-117 loss to the Heat. With Sabonis out and Precious Achiuwa (ankle) considered questionable, Maxime Raynaud could be in line for extra minutes. The 22-year-old rookie has become a marginal fantasy asset as he's posted averages of 9.9 points and 6.8 rebounds in his last eight outings.
