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Live Updates: Bulls-Hawks, Heat-Knicks and Sunday's action around the NBA

Follow along with live updates around NBA action on Sunday Dec. 21 with key games, moments and highlights from 6-game schedule.

NBA.com Staff

Jalen Brunson scores a season-high 47 points with six made 3s to guide New York to a 132-125 win against Miami.

Enjoy the best of Sunday’s 6-game slate with the NBA.com live blog, featuring all of the meaningful moments, performances, observations, news, notes and highlights.

Sunday’s Final Scores

Chicago Bulls 152, Atlanta Hawks 150

New York Knicks 132, Miami Heat 125

Brooklyn Nets 96, Toronto Raptors 81

Minnesota Timberwolves 103, Milwaukee Bucks 100

San Antonio Spurs 124, Washington Wizards 113

Sacramento Kings 125, Houston Rockets 124 (OT)

Top Performers

  1. Jalen Brunson: 47 points (15-26 FG, 6-13 3PM, 11-11 FT), 3 rebounds and 8 assists in win over Miami.
  2. Jalen Johnson: 36 points (12-20 FG, 2-6 3PM, 10-11 FT), 11 rebounds and 9 assists in loss to Chicago.
  3. Trae Young: 35 points (10-16 FG, 7-9 3PM, 8-9 FT), 9 assists and one rebound in loss to Chicago.

1:07 AM / DECEMBER 22, 2025

What we know after Sunday’s games

  • In the highest scoring game in the NBA this season, Chicago earned their third consecutive victory with a 152-150 win over Atlanta.
  • Brooklyn’s defense dominated Toronto during their 96-81 win, handing the Raptors a third straight loss in the process. Michael Porter, Jr. continued his case to be an All-Star with 24 points and 11 rebounds.
  • Jalen Brunson dropped a season-high and career-best at MSG 47 points in the Knicks’ win over the Heat. New York’s captain continued rewriting the franchise record books with his latest masterful performance.
  • San Antonio picked up their sixth consecutive win by defeating Washington on the road, extending the longest active win streak in the league. Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle and Luke Kornet all recorded double-doubles for the Spurs.
  • Despite losing Jaden McDaniels (left hip) after just 9 first-half minutes, Minnesota won their second straight by overcoming a 16-point second-half deficit against the Bucks. The Wolves are 9-2 over their last 11 games.
  • Dennis Schröder and the Kings snapped a five-game losing streak in a dramatic comeback win in overtime against the Rockets. The victory marks Sacramento’s first at home since Nov. 24.
  • Kevin Durant reached 5,000 career assists in Houston’s OT loss, making him the 3rd-fastest player in NBA history to reach 30K+ points, 5K+ rebounds and 5K+ assists. KD also moved into 10th place all-time in field goals made, passing the great Hakeem Olajuwon.

12:52 AM / DECEMBER 22, 2025

Schröder’s heroics lifts Kings in OT

Dennis Schröder scores 9 of his 24 points in overtime, with none bigger than his go-ahead 3-pointer with 2.2 ticks remaining. Check out multiple angles of his dagger triple below.

Schröder also tallies 7 rebounds and 10 assists against just one turnover in 32 minutes off the Kings’ bench. DeMar DeRozan (27 points), Russell Westbrook (21 points, 13 rebounds) and Keegan Murray (26 points) were instrumental in the 14-point comeback victory.

Alperen Sengun finishes with 28 points (12-17 FG), 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks, leading six Rockets in double figures. Kevin Durant tallies 24 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists across 48 minutes.

12:26 AM / DECEMBER 22, 2025

OT in Sacramento!

Russell Westbrook drains the corner 3 with 13.3 seconds left to tie the game at 112.

Kevin Durant came up empty on a 3-pointer at the other end, and we’re heading to overtime!

12:10 AM / DECEMBER 22, 2025

Kings fighting back at home

A flurry of buckets from Sacramento turn the tide early in the fourth quarter, bringing the Kings back to within two points after trailing by 14.

Keegan Murray is up to 26 points on 9-for-12 shooting and a perfect 3-for-3 from long distance. Houston leads 103-101 with 6:05 remaining in the contest.

11:52 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Rockets in control heading to 4Q

The scoring slows down a bit for both teams in the third quarter, but Houston remains in the lead after 36 minutes of play.

Rockets up 91-82 over the Kings with the final frame underway in Sacramento.

11:40 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Houston maintains lead in 3Q

Alperen Sengun continues to be a problem at both ends of the floor against the Kings. He’s up to 22 points on 10-for-12 shooting with 3 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks in 24 minutes.

The Rockets hold an 84-75 advantage with just under 3 minutes remaining in the third quarter on League Pass!

Kevin Durant is automatic from the midrange, giving him 15 points to go along with 7 boards and 6 dimes.

DeMar DeRozan leads Sacramento with 19 points on 7-for-10 shooting. Russell Westbrook and Keegan Murray each have 16 points apiece, but the Kings have work to do in order to avoid a sixth consecutive loss.

11:11 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Rockets up 68-57 at halftime

Alperen Sengun has a game-high 18 points on a crisp 8-for-9 shooting, while Kevin Durant and Reed Sheppard each chip in 12 points apiece. Houston holds a 23-8 edge in bench scoring, powered by Sheppard and Tari Eason (9 points, 2 3PM).

DeMar DeRozan leads the Kings with 15 points, 5 assists and 2 steals in only 14 minutes. Keegan Murray (12 points) and Russell Westbrook (11 points) combine for 23 points and four made 3s.

The Rockets shoot a blistering 10-for-18 (55.6%) from behind the arc, as they’re doubling up the Kings in that category (5-15 3PM).

10:52 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Gobert reaches 10K career REBs

Congratulations to Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert on surpassing 10,000 career rebounds in tonight’s win over Milwaukee!

10:49 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Amen has unreal bounce

Amen Thompson glides to the rim for his first points of the evening, adding 4 assists, 2 steals and a rebound in 13 minutes.

Alperen Sengun has 10 points on 5-for-5 shooting, and Kevin Durant and Reed Sheppard each have 9 points apiece to help the Rockets grab a 47-43 edge with 5:46 remaining in the first half.

Keegan Murray is the high man for Sacramento with 10 points, but rookie Maxime Raynaud (8 points, 6 rebounds) is right behind him.

10:35 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

1Q action in Sacramento

Alperen Sengun dazzles and spins his way to the rim for his second such finish in the early going, giving him 6 points on a perfect 3-for-3 shooting. Tari Eason matches him with 6 points in his first game back since Nov. 14 (missed 13 consecutive games).

Russell Westbrook has 8 points with two made 3s, while Keegan Murray leads the Kings with 10 points after sinking all five free-throw attempts in the first quarter.

Houston owns a 31-30 advantage over Sacramento as we head to the second quarter, live on League Pass!

9:57 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Fox scores 27, Spurs win 6th straight

De’Aaron Fox had himself a night in the nation’s capital, dropping a game-high 27 points (10-19 FG, 5-7 3PM) with 7 rebounds, 6 assists and one block in 33 minutes.

Victor Wembanyama (14 points, 12 boards), Stephon Castle (18 points, 11 assists) and Luke Kornet (20 points, 12 boards) all record double-doubles in the dominant 124-113 win over the Wizards.

Second-year guard Bub Carrington finishes with a team-high 21 points (7-11 FG) and four made 3s, while rookie Tre Johnson ties a career-high with 19 points to go along with 7 rebounds and 2 blocks off the bench.

Brothers Justin (Washington) and Julian (Spurs) Champagnie show love after the game.

9:50 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

KD giving back to fans on World Basketball Day

Kevin Durant spreads the love to fans before his Rockets square off with the Sacramento Kings (10 ET, League Pass). The future Hall of Famer is coming off of a 31-point performance in a win over Denver on Saturday night.

9:44 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Wolves rally to win 2nd straight

Minnesota trailed for the entire first half and by as many as 16 early in the third quarter, but a 20-0 run over a six-minute stretch helps the home team secure the 103-100 victory.

Anthony Edwards finishes with a team-high 24 points despite his struggling from the field (7-24 FG, 2-11 3PM), adding 4 boards, 6 assists and a block in 37 minutes. Rudy Gobert records a double-double with 11 points and 18 rebounds.

Three Bucks tally double-doubles in the close loss, led by Kevin Porter, Jr. with 24 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals and a block. Bobby Portis adds 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Kyle Kuzma posts 12 points, 10 boards and 4 assists.

9:28 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Spurs on brink of 6th straight W

Luke Kornet is one of three Spurs with a double-double tonight, as he’s got 18 points and 12 rebounds in 25 minutes. Stephon Castle (18 points, 11 assists) and Victor Wembanyama (14 points, 12 boards) are the other two.

San Antonio leads 120-109 with 1:51 remaining in the contest.

9:22 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Wolves up 7 in final minute

Anthony Edwards drains this triple to extend Minnesota’s lead, as they’re now up 101-94 with 59.0 seconds remaining in regulation.

Myles Turner takes out some frustration on the rim with his team trailing.

9:15 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Brunson drops 47 in Knicks W

Jalen Brunson sets a season-high and MSG career-best with 47 points on 15-for-26 shooting (6-13 3PM, 11-11 FT) with 3 rebounds, 8 assists and zero turnovers in 38 minutes.

Mikal Bridges adds 24 points while knocking down 6 of his 7 3-point attempts, and OG Anunoby tallies 18 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and a steal.

Kel’el Ware goes off for 28 points (11-15 FG, 5-7 3PM) and 19 rebounds across 35 minutes in the loss for Miami.

8:55 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Kyshawn rocks the rim

Kyshawn George explodes for the emphatic slam as the Wizards try to keep things close with the Spurs. Bub Carrington has 17 points with four made 3s while rookie Tre Johnson splashes 15 points in 13 minutes off the bench.

De’Aaron Fox is one of four Spurs in double figures as he leads the way with 20 points and four made 3s in 22 minutes. San Antonio holds a 98-82 lead over Washington with 1:00 to go before the fourth quarter, live on League Pass!

8:48 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Wolves running in 3Q

Minnesota rattles off a 20-2 run over the last six minutes of play in the third quarter, helping them take a 73-70 lead over the Bucks with just under 2 minutes remaining in the frame.

Kevin Porter, Jr. is cooking for Milwaukee, pouring in 17 points with 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 steals.

8:43 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Nets handle Raptors, 96-81

Brooklyn outscores Toronto 29-16 over the final 12 minutes to secure the 96-81 victory despite 22 total turnovers. Michael Porter, Jr. leads four Nets in double figures scoring with 24 points (9-18 FG, 4-8 3PM), adding 11 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal across 36 minutes.

Noah Clowney drops 19 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks with a game-best +28 in 33 minutes.

The Raptors finish shooting 37.2% from the field and 27.8% from long distance in the loss, their second straight and sixth in the last eight games. Brandon Ingram registers a team-high 19 points with 5 boards, 3 assists and 2 blocks.

8:23 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Knicks-Heat in a close one

Josh Hart connects on his third 3-pointer of the night with this heave as the shot clock expires, giving him 13 points with 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals.

New York leads Miami 125-118 with 1:53 left in the contest.

Jalen Brunson has a game-high 42 points and six made 3s, while Kel’el Ware is the high man for Miami with 28 points and 19 rebounds.

8:19 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Bucks lead Wolves 60-48 after 2Q

Myles Turner helps extend Milwaukee’s lead to 12 with these two triples, giving him 8 points to go along with 4 boards and 2 assists in 17 minutes.

Kevin Porter, Jr. has 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, and Kyle Kuzma tallies 11 points, 7 boards and 3 assists.

Anthony Edwards (14 points), Julius Randle (12 points) and Donte DiVincenzo (10 points) lead the way for Minnesota. The Timberwolves are struggling from beyond the arc, going 4-for-22 (18.2%) through the first two quarters.

8:11 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Wemby setting the tone

Victor Wembanyama has 12 points, 8 rebounds, one assist and one block, making it 101 straight outings with at least one rejection. He’s one of four Spurs in double figures scoring, led by De’Aaron Fox with 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.

Tristan Vukcevic leads the Wizards with 16 points on 7-for-14 shooting, adding 4 rebounds and 2 blocks, including this emphatic one on Wemby.

San Antonio leads Washington 63-46 with 2:10 remaining before halftime, live on League Pass!

8:04 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Raptors clawing back

Toronto has trailed by as many as 15 in the second half, but they’ve brought it to within 6 points in the fourth, trailing Brooklyn 79-73 with 7:54 left in the contest.

Immanuel Quickley has 15 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists, while Brandon Ingram leads the Raps with 17 points.

Michael Porter, Jr. continues to pace the Nets with 24 points and 9 rebounds on 9-for-17 shooting with four made 3s.

7:42 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Knicks-Heat battling in MSG

Jalen Brunson continues to cook with 33 points and 6 assists for the Knicks, helping his squad hold a slim 94-91 edge over the Heat in the third quarter.

Kel’el Ware has a double-double with 19 points and 14 rebounds, and Norman Powell adds 19 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals for Miami.

7:34 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

How did Ant finish this?!

Anthony Edwards somehow gets this incredible and-1 to go, giving him a game-high 9 points in 10 minutes.

However, Minnesota trails Milwaukee 26-21 with 1:01 remaining in the first quarter.

7:28 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Spurs clicking early in D.C.

Stephon Castle gets the Spurs offense going with 3 dimes and a steal, while Harrison Barnes has come out hot with 8 points and two made 3s.

Tristan Vukcevic leads Washington with a game-high 10 points on 4-for-6 shooting with two made 3s. The Wizards trail the Spurs 20-19 with 2:53 remaining in the opening quarter, live now on League Pass!

7:13 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Brunson burner ignites Knicks in 1H

Jalen Brunson goes off for a game-high 27 points on 10-for-15 shooting with five made 3s in 18 first-half minutes. Mikal Bridges is feeling it, too, putting up 18 points and four made 3s in 20 minutes to help the Knicks grab a 66-62 edge at halftime.

Kel’el Ware leads Miami with 14 points and 9 rebounds, while Jaime Jacquez, Jr. chips in 12 points and 3 assists in 15 minutes off the bench.

New York outscores the Heat 36-25 in the second quarter after trailing by 7 after the first 12 minutes of action.

7:08 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Nets up 10 at the break

Brooklyn’s defense has been stifling Toronto through 24 minutes, as they hold the Raptors to 40.5% shooting overall and 33.3% from 3-point range.

Michael Porter, Jr. dominates with a game-high 17 points (6-12 FG, 3-6 3PM) to go along with 4 boards, 2 assists and a steal in 17 minutes.

Brandon Ingram is the only Raptor in double figures with 10 points, adding 3 boards and 3 dimes in 18 minutes.

6:57 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

B.I. makes this look so easy

Surrounded by Nets defenders, Brandon Ingram sinks the pretty turnaround jumper to give him a team-high 8 points, adding 2 rebounds and 3 assists in 12 minutes.

Michael Porter, Jr. leads Brooklyn with 10 points on 4-for-9 shooting, while Day’Ron Sharpe chips in 6 points in 10 minutes off the bench. The Nets and Raptors are tied at 34 with 4:23 remaining before halftime on League Pass.

6:38 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Miami heating up in MSG

The Heat lead the Knicks 37-30 after 12 minutes of play, led by Kel’el Ware’s 10 points and two made 3s. Miami shoots 58.3% from the floor while connecting on 7 of their 11 3-point attempts (63.6%).

Jalen Brunson is doing his thing early, dropping 14 points (5-8 FG, 2-3 3PM) and 3 assists in 12 minutes.

6:33 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Nets-Raptors underway

Brooklyn turns defense into offense to ignite a 7-0 run early, giving them an 18-14 lead with 2:40 remaining in the opening quarter.

6:17 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Bulls win third straight in shootout

Chicago escapes Atlanta with a 152-150 win after Trae Young misses a potential game-tying jumper as time expires. It’s a season-high in scoring for both squads, with the Bulls shooting 20-for-42 (47.6%) on 3-pointers and the Hawks going 23-for-47 (48.9%) from distance.

The Bulls finish with nine players with at least 10 points, led by Matas Buzelis with 28 points (10-11 FG, 7-8 3PM), Coby White (19 points), and Josh Giddey’s near triple-double (19 points, 9 rebounds, 12 assists).

The Hawks got huge performances from Jalen Johnson (36 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists) and Trae Young (35 points, 9 assists), but it wasn’t enough to stop them from dropping their third game in a row.

5:59 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Crunch time in Atlanta!

Chicago holds a 150-147 lead with 22.8 seconds left after Trae Young (35 points) drills a corner 3. Tune in now on League Pass to see how this one finishes!

5:49 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Ant-Man locking in

Anthony Edwards gets warmed up for Minnesota’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks (7 ET, League Pass). The Timberwolves defeated the Thunder in their last outing, bringing them to 8-2 over their last 10 contests.

5:39 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Dosunmu dancing to the cup

Ayo Dosunmu puts Trae Young on skates before finishing at the rim, giving him 11 points on 5-for-9 shooting off Chicago’s bench.

Nikola Vučević explodes for a vicious off-hand dunk for two of his 13 points.

The Bulls own a 124-120 lead with 7:35 remaining in this high-scoring contest.

5:25 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

One point game in ATL

Chicago is clinging to a 116-115 lead as we head to the final frame in Atlanta on League Pass. The Bulls have seven players in double figures, led by Matas Buzelis with 21 points.

Trae Young is up to 24 points with 8 dimes while shooting 4-for-5 from downtown. Jalen Johnson adds 23 points, 6 boards and 6 assists.

5:12 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

JJ with the hoop and harm

Jalen Johnson has the Hawks heating up in the third quarter with his nifty finish through contact. He’s up to 23 points (8-13 FG), 6 rebounds and 4 assists in 23 minutes.

Matas Buzelis leads Chicago with 21 points on a perfect 8-for-8 from the field with five made 3s!

Atlanta is outscoring the Bulls 29-19 in the third, helping the Hawks tie things up at 102 with less than five minutes remaining in the quarter.

4:55 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Don’t forget to cast your All-Star votes!

Voting for your favorite NBA players count triple today!

4:45 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Raining 3s in Atlanta

The Bulls and Hawks are locked in from deep, with both squads shooting at least 50.0% and combining to hit 24 triples through the first two quarters. Chicago scores a season-best 83 points in the first half, giving them a 10-point lead over Atlanta at halftime.

Matas Buzelis has a team-high 14 points (5-5 FG) with four made 3s, and Kevin Huerter, Isaac Okoro and Coby White all have 10 points apiece.

Atlanta has four players in double figures, led by Onyeka Okongwu with a game-high 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting with three made 3s.

Trae Young tallies 15 points and 7 assists while Jalen Johnson and Zaccharie Risacher add 14 points apiece. However, the Hawks trail the Bulls 83-73.

4:15 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Okongwu cooking for Hawks

Onyeka Okongwu has a game-high 15 points in 11 minutes of play, while Vít Krejčí goes a perfect 3-for-3 from downtown for 9 points off the Hawks’ bench.

Atlanta and Chicago were tied at 38 after one quarter, but the Bulls have taken a 46-44 lead with 8:47 remaining before halftime.

3:57 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Bulls-Hawks trading buckets early

It’s been a high-scoring opening quarter in Atlanta, as both teams have combined for nine made 3s in just 10 minutes of play. Isaac Okoro is the high man for Chicago with 10 points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting and two made 3s.

The Hawks are happy to get Trae Young back, who has 4 dimes already, including this highlight-reel nutmeg. Jalen Johnson starts hot with 10 points and 4 rebounds, and Onyeka Okongwu has 9 points on 4-for-5 shooting.

Chicago holds a 34-26 edge with 2:14 remaining in the first quarter, live on League Pass!

3:15 PM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Welcome to a 6-game Sunday on World Basketball Day!

Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun and the Rockets take on the Kings for the second night of a back-to-back after defeating Denver on Saturday.

The Bulls and Hawks tip off our Sunday hoops schedule with a matinee affair down in Atlanta (3:30 ET, League Pass). Chicago is trying for a third straight win while the Hawks look to snap a two-game losing skid.

Following the only afternoon game will be the Raptors and Nets, as Toronto aims to move to 3-0 on the season against Brooklyn (6 ET, League Pass).

The Heat conclude a three-game road trip against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden for the fourth and final time in 2025-26 (6 ET, League Pass). Miami is 2-1 against New York but has slowed down after a hot start, going 3-7 in their last ten outings.

San Antonio goes for a sixth consecutive victory when they visit the Washington Wizards (7 ET, League Pass), who put together a second-half rally to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday evening.

Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves host the slumping Milwaukee Bucks (7 ET, League Pass). Minnesota has gone 8-2 in their last ten and are coming off of a clutch win over the NBA-best Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday.

In our last contest of the day, Houston is in Sacramento to take on the Kings with both squads suiting up on the latter half of a back-to-back (10 ET, League Pass). The Rockets took down the Nuggets in Denver, while the Kings dropped their fifth straight in a loss to Portland.

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