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Cooper Flagg's record-setting performance, Hornets' 8th straight win highlight wild Thursday

Check out the best highlights, observations, news and moments from Thursday's slate with the NBA.com live blog.

NBA.com Staff

Pat Spencer dropped a career-high 20 points and the Warriors closed the game on a 22-5 run to defeat the Suns in Phoenix. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

Enjoy the best of Thursday’s 8-game schedule with the NBA.com live blog, featuring all of the meaningful moments, performances, observations, news, notes and highlights.

What we know after Thursday’s games:

  • The Wizards went into Detroit and defeated the East-leading Pistons, 126-117. Washington’s rookie Will Riley recorded a new career-high 20 points to lead eight players in double figures scoring.
  • Jalen Suggs (15 pts, 11 reb, 11 ast, 3 stl, 4 blk) tallied the first triple-double of his career in Orlando’s 118-98 win over Brooklyn.
  • First-time All-Star Jalen Johnson (22 pts, 16 reb, 15 ast, 2 blk) registered his third consecutive triple-double and his eighth on the season in Atlanta’s wild win over the Jazz. Jock Landale tied his career-high with 26 points to make his Hawks debut a memorable one.
  • Toronto defeated Chicago, 123-107, to tip off Prime Video’s doubleheader, with Brandon Ingram’s game-high 33 points leading the way.
  • One of the hottest teams in the league kept sizzling, as the Charlotte Hornets earned an eighth consecutive win tonight against the Rockets. It’s the first 8-game winning streak for the franchise since 1999.
  • Cooper Flagg became the youngest player in NBA history to record four straight 30-point games when he scored 32 points in a loss to San Antonio.
  • Playing without Stephen Curry (leg), Golden State rallied from a 14-point fourth-quarter deficit using a 22-5 run to end the game in their win over Phoenix.
  • Luka Dončić left the Lakers win against the Sixers in the first half due to a hamstring/leg injury, but Austin Reaves’ 35 points (12-17 FG, 5-8 3PM) in only 25 minutes off the bench fueled a second-half rally. It was AR’s second game back after missing the previous 19 games with a calf strain.

FEBRUARY 6, 2026 // 1:17 ET

Thursday’s final scores:

Austin Reaves is your player of the night! AR went off for 35 points, with 13 of them coming in the fourth quarter, in only 25 minutes off the bench.

FEBRUARY 6, 2026 // 12:36 ET

What. A. Game.

The Warriors trailed by 14 early on in the fourth, but strong defense and a 22-5 run to close the game seals an incredible comeback victory, 101-97, against the Suns.

Pat Spencer records a new career-high with 20 points (6-11 FG, 6 3PM), along with 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals in 32 minutes. Al Horford sparks with 13 points and 2 3PM in 28 minutes as a reserve, highlighted by a stellar 10-0 personal run in the final minutes.

Dillon Brooks finishes with a game-high 24 points on 10-for-24 shooting in 35 minutes, but he was unable to connect on what would’ve been a go-ahead 3-pointer. Grayson Allen (21 pts) and Collin Gillespie (11 pts) combine to go 8-for-23 from long distance.

FEBRUARY 6, 2026 // 12:23 ET

Warriors take lead on 20-5 run

Golden State goes on a 20-5 run to take a 99-97 lead with 28.7 seconds remaining!

FEBRUARY 6, 2026 // 12:15 ET

Suns-Warriors on Prime is must watch

Dillon Brooks has a game-high 24 points on 10-for-21 shooting, while Grayson Allen (21 pts) and Collin Gillespie (11 pts) are a combined 8-for-22 from deep.

Pat Spencer leads Golden State with 20 points (6-11 FG, 6 3PM) to go along with 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals in 30 minutes. The Warriors trail the Suns 97-93 with 2:54 left in the contest.

FEBRUARY 6, 2026 // 12:03 ET

Lakers storm back to end 3Q

Los Angeles trailed by 14 just two minutes into the second half, but they cut it to 2 at the end of the third quarter before bursting out to an 8-0 run, taking a 93-87 advantage with 9:47 remaining in the game.

Austin Reaves provides the juice off the bench in his second game back following a 19-game absence. He’s got 30 points on 11-for-14 shooting (4-6 3PM) in 19 minutes off the bench, and his two 3s to start the fourth deserve your attention.

Joel Embiid has been a one-man wrecking crew for Philly, posting 30 points on 11-for-16 shooting (7-7 FT) with 7 boards, 6 assists, 2 blocks and one steal across 31 minutes.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 11:51 ET

Suns cook in 3Q

Phoenix outscores Golden State 27-17 in the third quarter to grab an 82-76 lead heading to the final frame on Prime Video!

Dillon Brooks and Grayson Allen each have 21 points apiece to ignite the Suns.

Pat Spencer has a team-high 20 points (6-10 FG) while shooting 6-for-9 from downtown, and De’Anthony Melton and Gui Santos each have 13 points apiece for the Warriors.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 11:46 ET

Luka officially ruled out

Dončić plays just 16 minutes in the first half, compiling 10 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists with 5 turnovers. He has been ruled out for the remainder of tonight’s game versus the 76ers.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 11:40 ET

Spurs win 3rd straight

Victor Wembanyama dominates for the Spurs in their 135-123 win over the Mavericks, making it three straight wins for San Antonio. Wemby is one of seven Spurs in double figures scoring, as Harrison Barnes (19 pts, 5 3PM), De’Aaron Fox (17 pts, 7 ast) and Stephon Castle (18 pts, 7 reb, 6 ast, 3 stl) provide the support.

Despite the loss, Cooper Flagg goes off for 32 points (14-27 FG), 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks in 39 minutes. It’s his fourth straight outing with 30+ points, and he becomes the youngest player in NBA history to do so.

Naji Marshall finishes tied with Flagg for the game-high in scoring with 32 points on 12-for-21 shooting in 39 minutes.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 11:17 ET

Stars going toe-to-toe in LA

Joel Embiid racks up a game-high 20 points (7-10 FG) with 5 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal in 18 first-half minutes for Philly, while VJ Edgecombe (10 pts, 5 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl) and Tyrese Maxey (6 pts, 8 ast, 2 stl) stuff the stat sheet to give the Sixers a 59-51 edge at the break.

Luka Dončić has 10 points on 3-for-10 shooting with 4 boards and 2 assists, and Austin Reaves pours in 14 points on 6-for-8 shooting in 11 minutes off the bench in his second game back since Christmas Day.

However, Luka was shown heading back to the locker room with what is being called a hamstring injury. We’ll keep an eye out for his status when the second half resumes.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 11:12 ET

Balanced Warriors lead Suns at half

Golden State has four players in double figures scoring at the break, as Pat Spencer (15 pts, 5 3PM), Gui Santos (11 pts, 7 ast), De’Anthony Melton (10 pts) and Gary Payton II (10 pts, 3 reb) help secure a 59-55 advantage over the Suns.

Dillon Brooks has a team-high 15 points on 7-for-12 shooting with 3 boards in 17 minutes, while Grayson Allen adds 13 points and 3 3PM. Despite shooting 54% overall, Phoenix goes 7-for-21 (33%) from 3-point range while the Warriors shoot 15-for-37 (41%).

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 11:02 ET

The King takes flight

LeBron James (4 pts, 4 ast) with a head of steam and clear running lane is still one of the most terrifying sights for an opposing team in Year 23. Luka Dončić has a team-high 10 points with 4 boards and 2 assists in 16 minutes, but the Lakers trail the 76ers 51-42 with 3:03 remaining before halftime.

Joel Embiid has a game-high 18 points on 6-for-9 shooting and a perfect 6-for-6 at the charity stripe.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 10:50 ET

Defense to offense on Prime

De’Anthony Melton (10 pts), Pat Spencer (6 pts) and Gui Santos (6 pts) each have 2 3PM to help Golden State grab a 40-34 lead over the Suns with 7:03 remaining before halftime on Prime Video.

Grayson Allen and Dillon Brooks each have 8 points apiece to pace the Suns.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 10:43 ET

Sixers-Lakers underway in LA

Luka Dončić has 8 points and 4 boards in 10 minutes, including a rare dunk from the Lakers superstar.

Joel Embiid comes out of the gate on fire, dropping 14 points on 5-for-8 shooting in 11 minutes to give Philadelphia a 32-29 edge with 9:12 remaining in the second quarter.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 10:38 ET

Hornets win 8th in a row

Kon Knueppel (team-high 24 pts), LaMelo Ball (20 pts, 5 3PM, 6 reb) and Miles Bridges (18 pts, 6 reb, 4 ast) keep the Hornets hotter than the sun, as Charlotte defeats Houston 109-99 to earn their first 8-game winning streak since 1999.

Kevin Durant cooks for a game-high 31 points (11-21 FG, 3-4 3PM, 6-8 FT) and 5 steals in 31 minutes, but it wasn’t enough to keep the Rockets from dropping their second straight contest.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 10:30 ET

Spurs-Mavs trading blows in 4Q

Cooper Flagg (28 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast, 2 stl, 2 blk) and Naji Marshall (26 pts, 4 reb) are doing work to keep Dallas close against the Spurs, as the Mavs trail 112-108 with 7:23 remaining in the contest.

Victor Wembanyama leads six Spurs in double figures scoring with 24 points on 9-for-12 shooting with 5 3PM, adding 9 boards, 5 dimes, 2 steals and 2 blocks in 29 minutes.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 10:20 ET

Raptors tame Bulls, 123-107

Brandon Ingram’s game-high 33 points on 12-for-20 shooting (5-9 3PM) highlight Toronto’s win over the Bulls.

Immanuel Quickley (24 pts, 5 ast) and Sandro Mamukelashvili (17 pts, 3 stl) did their part as two of six Raptors in double figures scoring.

Anfernee Simons posts a team-high 22 points on 8-for-15 shooting with 6 3PM in his debut for Chicago. Matas Buzelis (18 pts, 6 reb) and Guerschon Yabusele (15 pts, 11 reb, 2 stl) were close behind their new teammate, as Yabusele also makes his debut for the Bulls.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 10:06 ET

Jazz-Hawks was WILD

Jock Landale (26 pts, 11 reb, 5 ast, 4 blk) goes off in his team debut for the Hawks, including this go-ahead corner triple to tie his career-high. Jalen Johnson tallies his third straight triple-double with 22 points (9-19 FG), 16 rebounds, 15 assists and 2 blocks in 39 minutes.

This game was back and forth all evening, with 22 lead changes and 13 ties going right down to the wire.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker hit the turnaround jumper that bounced around the rim, giving the Hawks the 121-119 win. NAW finishes with 23 points (9-15 FG, 5-5 FT), 5 assists and 2 steals in 34 minutes.

Isaiah Collier registers a career-high 25 points (11-22 FG) with 7 boards, 11 assists and 3 steals to lead six Jazz in double figures. Ace Bailey finishes with 20 points (9-26 FG), 6 boards and 2 steals after missing what would have been a game-winning 3-pointer at the final buzzer.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 9:52 ET

Hornets cooking in H-Town

LaMelo Ball (19 pts, 5 3PM), Kon Knueppel (22 pts, 4 reb) and Miles Bridges (15 pts, 4 reb, 3 ast) have the Hornets buzzing in Houston, as they hold a 91-75 advantage over the Rockets heading to the fourth quarter.

Kevin Durant has a game-high 31 points (11-21 FG) and 5 steals, which ties a career-high for the future Hall of Famer.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 9:48 ET

Wemby drops 20-piece in 1H

Victor Wembanyama puts up a team-high 20 points (7-9 FG) and 5 3PM to go along with 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and one block in only 16 minutes. San Antonio leads Dallas 74-63 at halftime.

Naji Marshall matches Wemby with a team-high 20 points (9-13 FG) for Dallas, while Cooper Flagg (10 pts, 3 reb, 2 ast, 2 stl) and Daniel Gafford (10 pts, 4 reb, 3 blk) are doing a bit of everything.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 9:38 ET

Wizards stun Pistons in Detroit

Bilal Coulibaly’s (11 pts, 5 reb, 4 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk) prayer is answered on this back-breaking bank-in triple, and it helps seal a 126-117 victory for Washington, who are now 4-2 in their last six games.

Will Riley drops a career-high 20 points on 9-for-14 (2-5 3PM) shooting in 29 minutes off the Wizards’ bench, adding 6 boards, 5 assists and 2 steals. The rook leads eight Washington players in double figures scoring.

Cade Cunningham (30 pts, 8 reb, 8 ast, 1 blk), Duncan Robinson (21 pts, 6 3PM) and Ausar Thompson (13 pts, 9 reb, 3 stl, 2 blk) couldn’t quite finish the comeback for the Pistons, who trailed by as many as 22 points in the first half.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 9:25 ET

Close game in the ATL

Isaiah Collier (19 pts, 10 ast, 3 stl), Lauri Markkanen (18 pts, 3 3PM) and Brice Sensabaugh (18 pts, 3 3PM) lead a balanced attack for the Jazz, as they have six players in double figures scoring to lead Atlanta 100-96 with 10 minutes left in the contest.

Jalen Johnson tallies his third consecutive triple-double with 13 points, 11 rebounds, 14 assists and one block for the Hawks. Nickeil Alexander-Walker (19 pts, 4 ast) and Corey Kispert (20 pts) are the leading scorers for the home team.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 9:17 ET

Wizards clinging to lead vs. Pistons

Sharife Cooper (16 pts, 4 ast), Justin Champagnie (14 pts, 7 reb) and Will Riley (18 pts, 5 ast) are three of six Wizards in double figures scoring, helping Washington hold a 112-106 edge with less than 4 minutes to go in the game.

Cade Cunningham leads Detroit with 28 points on 9-for-18 shooting (10-13 FT), adding 8 boards, 8 dimes and one block in 35 minutes.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 8:57 ET

Battle for Texas underway

Victor Wembanyama is dialed in early for the Spurs, posting 10 points (3-3 FG, 3-3 3PM), 3 rebounds and one steal to give San Antonio a 22-16 advantage over the Mavs with 4:49 remaining in the first quarter.

In his quest for a fourth straight contest with 30+ points, Cooper Flagg has 2 points (1-4 FG), 2 rebounds and one assist in 7 minutes for Dallas

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 8:47 ET

Hornets-Rockets in a good one

LaMelo Ball is up to a game-high 16 points (6-11 FG) and four made 3s in just 14 minutes, while Miles Bridges (10 pts, 3 reb) and Kon Knueppel (7 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast) chip in across the board. Charlotte leads Houston 42-34 with 7:20 remaining in the first half.

Kevin Durant leads the Rockets with 11 points (3-8 FG, 2-2 3PM) and 2 steals in 12 minutes of action.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 8:38 ET

Raptors own 65-58 edge at break

Brandon Ingram’s game-high 22 points (9-13 FG, 4-6 3PM) in 17 minutes powers Toronto’s 7-point lead over Chicago at halftime.

Anfernee Simons (11 pts, 3 3PM), Matas Buzelis (10 pts, 2 ast) and Guerschon Yabusele (10 pts, 5 reb) lead a balanced attacked for the new-look Bulls.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 8:27 ET

Magic up 16 at halftime

Desmond Bane drops a game-high 16 points (5-10 FG) to go along with 3 assists and 2 steals in 18 minutes, while Paolo Banchero chips in 11 points, 4 boards and 2 assists to give Orlando a 56-40 lead over Brooklyn after two quarters.

Jalen Suggs stuffs the stat sheet with 7 points (3-5 FG), 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks with a game-best +17 plus-minus across 17 minutes.

Nic Claxton is the high man for Brooklyn with 12 points on 5-for-6 shooting and 5 rebounds, while Egor Dëmin is right behind him with 10 points (3-5 FG) and two made 3s.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 8:18 ET

Pistons’ defense sparks rally in 2Q

Down by as many as 22 points with 9 minutes left in the second quarter, Detroit uses a 29-13 run to close the frame and cut their deficit to four at the break, 56-52.

Cade Cunningham (12 pts, 6 reb, 3 ast), Ausar Thompson (8 pts, 6 reb, 2 stl, 2 blk) and Ronald Holland II (7 pts, 6 reb, 1 stl) help spark the first-half turnaround for the Pistons.

Washington is led by Justin Champagnie (game-high 14 pts), Alex Sarr (9 pts, 6 reb) and rookie Will Riley (7 pts, 2 reb, 2 ast).

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 8:09 ET

Jazz-Hawks battling in ATL

Dyson Daniels has 5 points, one rebound and one assist, while Jock Landale has 6 points (2-2 FG), 3 boards and 2 blocks in his debut for Atlanta.

Kyle Filipowski (10 pts, 2 3PM), Brice Sensabaugh (8 pts, 2-2 3PM) and Isaiah Collier (7 pts, 4 ast) fuel the Jazz early, who take a 31-30 lead over the Hawks as we head to the second quarter.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 8:01 ET

Bulls-Raptors live on Prime

Brandon Ingram has a game-high 12 points on 5-for-6 shooting to give the Raptors a 25-17 lead with 3 minutes remaining in the opening quarter.

Matas Buzelis (6 pts)and Anfernee Simons (3 pts) lead the charge for the Bulls.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 7:44 ET

Magic lead Nets after 1Q

Orlando has four players score 5 points through 12 minutes of play, led by Anthony Black (5 pts, 2 ast) and Jalen Suggs (5 pts, 4 reb), helping the Magic take a 27-19 edge over the Nets.

Rookie Egor Dëmin powers Brooklyn with 8 points on 3-for-4 shooting and two made 3s in 7 minutes.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 7:33 ET

Ivey, Simons debuting for Bulls

Newly-acquired Jaden Ivey and Anfernee Simons are both in the starting lineup for their first game with Chicago. The Bulls battle the Toronto Raptors to tip off Thursday’s Prime Video doubleheader (7:30 ET)!

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 7:25 ET

Wizards-Pistons underway

It’s been all Washington midway through the first quarter in Detroit, as the Wizards lead 19-10. Alex Sarr starts hot with 7 points on 3-for-4 shooting and 5 rebounds.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 6:50 ET

Johnson, Hawks ready to fly

Jalen Johnson, one of six first-time All-Stars in 2026, is putting up career-best numbers during Year 5 in points (23.2), field goal attempts (17.2), 3-point percentage (36.2%), rebounds (10.5), assists (8.0), double-doubles (33) and triple-doubles (9) across 47 appearances.

FEBRUARY 5, 2026 // 6:20 ET

Welcome to an eight-game Thursday night!

Cooper Flagg and the Mavericks host Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs for their second matchup of the season tonight. (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

We’ve got a Prime Video doubleheader for you this evening! All-Star Scottie Barnes and the Toronto Raptors host Matas Buzelis and the Chicago Bulls (7:30 ET) to kick things off, followed by Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors visiting Dillon Brooks and the Phoenix Suns (10 ET).

On League Pass, the Charlotte Hornets visit the Houston Rockets while attempting to win an eighth consecutive game (8 ET), and young stars Victor Wembanyama and Cooper Flagg square off in Dallas when the Spurs come to town (8:30 ET). Luka Dončić and the Lakers host Tyrese Maxey and the red-hot 76ers (10 ET), who look to extend a season-best five-game winning streak.

Here’s tonight’s complete schedule:

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