The NBA season is heating up as teams start to showcase their strengths, but it’s the Cleveland Cavaliers who are making headlines with a historic 10-0 start. In a night filled with thrilling performances and close battles, Cleveland’s powerful win over the Golden State Warriors highlighted their undefeated season under new head coach Kenny Atkinson. Other teams, such as the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, also secured vital wins, displaying resilience and skill on the court.
Here’s a detailed roundup of Friday night’s NBA action and key takeaways from standout games around the league.
Cavaliers Rout Warriors to Reach Historic 10-0 Start
In a remarkable start to the season, the Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Golden State Warriors 136-117, marking their tenth straight win. This victory places Cleveland among the top teams in NBA history, matching the 12th-best start to a season. Darius Garland led the way with 27 points, while Evan Mobley contributed 23 points. All five starters scored in double figures, showcasing the Cavaliers’ depth and balanced offense under Atkinson. Cleveland shot an impressive 54.1% from the field, outpacing the Warriors, who managed only 48%.
Golden State’s Jonathan Kuminga put up a strong effort with 21 points off the bench, while Stephen Curry struggled, managing only 12 points. Despite their loss, the Warriors showed moments of strength, though their five-game winning streak was brought to an abrupt halt by the Cavaliers’ relentless pace and scoring power.
Celtics Edge Nets in Overtime Thriller
The Boston Celtics displayed grit and determination in their 108-104 overtime win over the Brooklyn Nets. Jayson Tatum led the charge with 33 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, as the Celtics fought back from an early 14-point deficit. Tatum’s leadership and clutch performance in the fourth quarter propelled Boston to their fourth win in five games.
Payton Pritchard added 20 points, while Jrue Holiday and Derrick White chipped in with key contributions. Brooklyn’s Cam Thomas delivered an impressive 31 points, but his efforts weren’t enough to prevent the Nets from taking their second loss in three games. This back-and-forth game highlighted both teams’ resilience, but Boston’s late push secured the much-needed victory.
Clippers Remain Undefeated on the Road with Win Over Kings
The Los Angeles Clippers continued their strong start to the season, defeating the Sacramento Kings 107-98 to maintain an unbeaten road record. Norman Powell was the star of the game, scoring 31 points and completing his first career double-double with 12 rebounds. James Harden also contributed significantly with 22 points and eight assists. Ivica Zubac’s dominant performance on the boards, with 15 rebounds, helped secure the win.
Sacramento’s De’Aaron Fox matched Powell’s 31 points but couldn’t find enough support from his teammates, who collectively struggled from beyond the arc. The Kings’ reliance on Fox showed, while the Clippers’ depth proved decisive in another strong showing.
Knicks Return Home and Defeat Bucks
The New York Knicks returned home from a four-game road trip and overwhelmed the Milwaukee Bucks 116-94. Karl-Anthony Towns dominated with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists, leading a Knicks team where all five starters scored in double figures. Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson added 17 and 15 points, respectively, while Josh Hart and OG Anunoby showcased strong all-around play.
For the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo posted a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds, but his efforts were not enough to counter the Knicks’ team-oriented performance. The Bucks faced challenges containing the Knicks’ well-rounded attack, which included 35 assists on 43 field goals.
Thunder Power Past Rockets
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and rookie sensation Chet Holmgren each scored 29 points, propelling the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 126-107 win over the Houston Rockets. After a close loss to Denver earlier in the week, Oklahoma City bounced back, shooting 51.1% from the field. Holmgren’s versatility, combined with Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring, made the difference.
Houston’s Dillon Brooks led the Rockets with 17 points, while Amen Thompson and Jalen Green each contributed 14. The Rockets, who had been on a two-game winning streak, struggled to keep pace with the Thunder’s high-efficiency shooting and fast-paced offense.
Pistons Hold Off Hawks with Cunningham’s Clutch Shot
Cade Cunningham’s clutch performance helped the Detroit Pistons secure a 122-121 win over the Atlanta Hawks. Cunningham, who recorded his third consecutive triple-double with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 13 assists, hit a running hook shot with nine seconds left to give Detroit the win. The Pistons narrowly avoided a collapse after leading by 24 points earlier in the game.
Trae Young put up 35 points and 13 assists for the Hawks, while Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels also contributed solid performances. Despite a strong effort, Atlanta fell short, allowing Detroit to secure an important home victory.
Suns Outlast Mavericks with Nurkic’s Last-Second Free Throw
In a nail-biting finish, Jusuf Nurkic’s free throw with 0.8 seconds remaining gave the Phoenix Suns a 114-113 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Nurkic, who scored 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, was fouled by Daniel Gafford with the score tied, making the second of two free throws to secure the Suns’ seventh consecutive victory.
Kevin Durant led Phoenix with 26 points, while Luka Doncic scored 30 for Dallas. Kyrie Irving added 29 points, but the Mavericks couldn’t capitalize on the Suns’ late foul, handing Phoenix a hard-fought win.
Jokic Leads Nuggets Past Heat in High-Scoring Showdown
Nikola Jokic delivered a triple-double with 30 points, 14 assists, and 11 rebounds as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat 135-122. Jamal Murray, returning from concussion protocol, scored a season-high 28 points, bolstering Denver’s winning streak to four games.
The Heat, missing star Jimmy Butler due to an ankle injury, struggled defensively against Denver’s dynamic offense. Tyler Herro led Miami with 24 points, but Miami’s third straight loss exposed their need for defensive adjustments.
Lakers Secure Home Win Over 76ers
Anthony Davis scored 31 points and LeBron James posted a triple-double with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and 13 assists as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 116-106. Austin Reaves added 20 points, helping the Lakers rebound after a tough road trip.
Philadelphia’s Jared McCain led the team with 18 points, but the 76ers fell to 1-7 without star Joel Embiid, who was sidelined due to injury. The Lakers’ balanced attack and home-court advantage propelled them to a morale-boosting win.
Timberwolves Cruise Past Trail Blazers
Anthony Edwards hit nine 3-pointers en route to a 37-point performance, leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 127-102 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Julius Randle contributed 22 points and six rebounds, as Minnesota won its third straight game.
The Timberwolves’ impressive shooting and Edwards’ hot hand made quick work of a Trail Blazers team that struggled to keep up on both ends of the floor.
Hornets Stage Comeback to Defeat Pacers
LaMelo Ball scored 31 points and rookie Brandon Miller added 29, helping the Charlotte Hornets stage a comeback win over the Indiana Pacers 103-83. Despite a 13-point third-quarter deficit, the Hornets’ shooting and resilience allowed them to claim their second consecutive victory.
Pacers forward Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 27 points, but his team’s cold shooting down the stretch dashed their hopes for a three-game winning streak.
Grizzlies Dominate Wizards Behind Jackson’s Career Night
Jaren Jackson Jr. exploded for a season-high 39 points, and rookie Scotty Pippen Jr. notched his first career triple-double as the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Washington Wizards 128-104. Memphis capitalized on Washington’s struggles, securing their third straight home win and sending the Wizards to their seventh consecutive loss at FedExForum.
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