• League Pass
  • Teams

Top Stories

Live Updates: Lakers, Thunder, Knicks, Warriors, Spurs all part of a 12 game-night across the NBA

Follow along with live updates around NBA action

NBA.com Staff

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 28: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles /admirably/ during a 2025-26 Emirates NBA Cup on November 28, 2025 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

What we know about Thursday’s NBA games

    • Oklahoma City continues its dominance at home, getting its home record up to 13-0 after a win over the Los Angeles Clippers.
    • Nikola Jokić becomes the all-time leader in assists among centers after another triple-double in a win over the Orlando Magic.
    • The Knicks followed up their NBA Cup title with a win against the Pacers. Jalen Brunson hit a game-winning three in the final seconds of that victory.
    • The Hornets knocked down a franchise record 24 three-pointers in a 133-126 win over the Hawks. Jalen Johnson had 43 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in that defeat.
    • The Pelicans, Trail Blazers and Mavericks all snagged overtime victories.
    • Luka Dončić had the game of the night, finishing with 45 points, 11 rebounds, 14 assists and five steals in a win over the Utah Jazz.

1:15 AM / December 18, 2025

🌟🌟 Top Performers of the Night 🌟🌟

-Luka Dončić had 45 points, 11 rebounds, 14 assists and five steals in a win over the Utah Jazz.

-Nikola Jokić collected 23 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists in a win over the Orlando Magic.

-Paolo Banchero provided 26 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists in that defeat.

-Alperen Sengun accrued 28 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, two steals and two blocks in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

-Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 32 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks across just 28 minutes in a victory over the Washington Wizards.

-Jalen Johnson generated a career-high 43 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists in a loss to the Charlotte Hornets.

1:07 AM / December 18, 2025

Trail Blazers Defeat Kings in OT, 134-133

Sacramento closed regulation on a 17-2 run over the final two minutes, but Portland responded by snagging the win in overtime.

DeMar DeRozan appeared to have hit the game-winning shot in OT with 4.4 seconds left, but Deni Avdija drew a foul with 1.5 seconds remaining. He knocked down those two free throws to give Portland its epic overtime win.

DeRozan had 33 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Maxime Raynaud had 29 points and 11 rebounds.

Avdija amassed 35 points, five rebounds and five assists.

Shaedon Sharpe tallied 26 points, four rebounds and four assists.

12:41 AM / December 18, 2025

🚨Trail Blazers-Kings Headed to OT 🚨

Portland appeared to take control of this game when they kick-started the final frame on a 25-6 run.

Sacramento responded by closing regulation on a 17-2 run over the final two minutes.

This is the third OT game of the night!

Yes, 17-2 run in the final two minutes.

See the final game of the night on League Pass!

12:14 AM / December 18, 2025

Kings-Blazers Close the Night

Sacramento leads Portland, 83-82.

This is the final game of the night in what’s been a chaotic 12-game card.

See the finish on League Pass!

12:01 AM / December 18, 2025

Lakers Defeat Jazz, 143-135

Both teams shot over 50 percent from the field in this shootout.

Luka Dončić had the game of the night, finishing with 45 points, 11 rebounds, 14 assists and five steals.

LeBron James tallied 28 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists.

Keyonte George led Utah with 34 points, four rebounds and eight assists.

11:39 PM / December 18, 2025

Suns Defeat Warriors, 99-98

Jordan Goodwin grabbed an offensive board in the final second and then knocked down a game-winning free-throw to snag a win for the Suns.

Devin Booker led Phoenix with 25 points, two rebounds and two assists.

Dillon Brooks had 24 points, seven rebounds and two assists.

Jimmy Butler led Golden State with 31 points, three rebounds and three assists.

Stephen Curry collected 15 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

11:25 PM / December 18, 2025

Final Scores in Denver and Dallas

The Denver Nuggets defeated the Orlando Magic, 126-115

Nikola Jokić had 23 points, 11 rebounds and 13 assists.

Jamal Murray finished with 32 points, two rebounds and three assists.

Paolo Banchero provided 26 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists.

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Detroit Pistons in OT, 116-114

Cooper Flagg finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks.

Anthony Davis accrued 15 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks.

Cade Cunningham led Detroit with 29 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists.

11:09 PM / December 18, 2025

🚨 Detroit-Dallas Headed to OT 🚨

This Mavs-Pistons game has been chaotic, with Isaiah Stewart hitting a game-tying free-throw to send the game to OT.

Klay Thompson had a floater go in-and-out at the buzzer.

10:57 PM / December 18, 2025

Pelicans Defeat Rockets in OT, 133-128

While Houston held the lead for over 40 minutes of this game, New Orleans was able to prevail in overtime.

Saddiq Bey led the Pels with 29 points and nine rebounds.

Herb Jones had 18 points, three rebounds, three assists and eight steals.

Derik Queen collected 16 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and three blocks.

Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 32 points, seven rebounds, two assists and four blocks.

Alperen Sengun tallied 28 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.

 

10:41 PM / December 18, 2025

Raptors Defeat Bucks, 111-105

Toronto shot 50 percent from the field while holding the Bucks to 45 percent shooting.

Brandon Ingram led Toronto with 29 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Scottie Barnes tallied 24 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two blocks.

Kevin Porter Jr led Milwaukee with 22 points, four rebounds and 13 assists.

Bobby Portis led the bench with 24 points and 12 rebounds.

10:32 PM / December 18, 2025

⚡ Thunder Defeat Clippers, 122-101 ⚡

This keeps OKC undefeated at home, posting a 13-0 record in their home building.

They outscored the Clippers in the second and third quarters, 78-50, to take command of this game.

Kawhi Leonard led LA with 22 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led OKC with 32 points, seven rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks.

10:22 PM / December 18, 2025

Spurs Defeat Wizards, 117-94

San Antonio rode a 60-41 second half to their blowout victory.

Dylan Harper led the Spurs with 24 points, five rebounds and three assists off the bench.

Victor Wembanyama had 15 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four blocks.

Devin Vassell had 18 points, six rebounds and three assists.

10:12 PM / December 18, 2025

Nikola Jokić = Historic

Joker has been posting triple-doubles at ease over the last five years, and his assisting might be his most underrated asset.

This assist here gives him the most in NBA history among centers.

It’s scary to think where he’ll end up on this list when it’s all said and done.

9:56 PM / December 18, 2025

🔥 Heat Defeat Nets, 106-95 🔥

Miami never trailed in the second half of this game.

Norman Powell led Miami with 24 points, five rebounds, two assists and three steals.

Kel’el Ware collected 22 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks.

Michael Porter Jr led Brooklyn with 28 points, six rebounds and three assists.

Nic Claxton had 16 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists and three blocks.

9:38 PM / December 18, 2025

Knicks Defeat Pacers, 114-113 🗽🏙️🍎🚕🍕

New York rested two starters tonight, but Jalen Brunson wasn’t one of them.

The All-Star knocked down this clutch three to snatch the road win for the Knicks.

Brunson finished with 25 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and three steals.

Andrew Nembhard led Indiana with 31 points and four assists.

9:24 PM / December 18, 2025

Hornets Defeat Hawks, 133-126

Charlotte spoils Trae Young’s return to action and Jalen Johnson’s birthday with this upset win.

The Hornets shot 24-of-49 from three-point range, which is a franchise record for Charlotte.

They also recorded 39 assists.

LaMelo Ball had 28 points, four rebounds and 13 assists.

Kon Knueppel collected 28 points, five rebounds, seven assists and three steals.

Johnson led Atlanta with 43 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists.

Young had eight points and 10 assists in his return.

9:12 PM / December 18, 2025

🚩 Planting His Flagg 🚩

Cooper Flagg broke out with a career-high 42 points in his most recent game and truly looks like a game-changer for Dallas.

The top pick threw down this nasty dunk in their matchup with the Detroit Pistons.

It’s tied in the first quarter.

9:02 PM / December 18, 2025

Heat Lead Nets at the Half, 54-49

Norman Powell leads Miami with 15 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Bam Adebayo amassed four points and 13 rebounds.

Michael Porter Jr leads the Nets with 13 points, four rebounds and three assists.

The first half was concluded with this halfcourt heave by Powell.

8:49 PM / December 18, 2025

KD is Cookin’

Kevin Durant is a Top 10 scorer in NBA history, and he’s off to another hot start.

The future Hall of Famer has 13 points on 5-of-5 shooting.

The Rockets have an 18-point lead over the Pelicans in the second quarter.

8:33 PM / December 18, 2025

🏰 King of the Castle 🏰

Stephon Castle is having a breakout season in San Antonio, and this sort of athleticism shows why.

The Spurs are tied with the Washington Wizards early in the first quarter.

Check out the Dunk Score here. 

8:21 PM / December 18, 2025

Pacers Lead Knicks at the Half, 62-59

Jalen Brunson leads NY with 18 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals.

Andrew Nembhard leads Indy with 19 points.

Indiana is dominating at the free-throw line, shooting 13-of-14, while New York is 7-of-12.

8:02 PM / December 18, 2025

LaMelo Ball is Scorching

Ball made his return to action tonight and hasn’t missed a beat.

The Hornets best player has seven three-pointers in the opening half.

Ball is up to 21 points and eight assists.

Charlotte is 18-of-31 from three in the opening half. That ties an NBA record for a half as well.

They’re well on their way to a franchise record.

The Hornets have a 79-69 in the final seconds of the first half.

7:47 PM / December 18, 2025

💥 Brandon Miller! How Do You Do! 💥

Brandon Miller reached 10 points with this monster poster slam.

Eric Collins with the amazing call, per usual.

The Hornets lead the Hawks 39-33 early in the second quarter.

Check out the Dunk Score here. 

7:36 PM / December 18, 2025

Hornets Lead Hawks After Q1, 37-32

The Hornets got off to a strong start, getting out to a 16-5 lead early on.

Both offenses are showing out, with Atlanta shooting 61 percent and Charlotte shooting 56 percent.

Trae Young made his return after a 22-game absence and had four points and four assists across eight minutes.

Brandon Miller leads the Hornets with eight points. LaMelo Ball has six points and three assists.

7:21 PM / December 18, 2025

⚡ ⚡ Chance of Thunder in OKC ⚡ ⚡

Oklahoma City has the best record in the NBA, sitting at 24-2

They’re also a perfect 12-0 at home this season.

That’s what you expect to see from the NBA Champs!

They face the Los Angeles Clippers in less than an hour.

Check out the action on NBATV

7:06 PM / December 18, 2025

Knicks Starting Unit

After capturing an NBA Cup crown on Tuesday, the Knicks will rest some starters tonight.

Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns are both sidelined, but Jalen Brunson will be happy to run the show.

They are 18-7 this season and face off against a 6-20 Indiana Pacers team.

That game starts in the next five minutes…

6:44 PM / December 18, 2025

Trae Young is Back…

The four-time All-Star has missed the last 22 games but will return to action for the Hawks tonight.

He led the league in assists two years ago and was averaging 17.8 points and 7.8 assists before his injury.

It’s also Jalen Johnson’s birthday!

What a day for Hawks fans!

6:30 PM / December 18, 2025

Stacked Slate Across the NBA Tonight

We have all but six teams in action on this busy 12-game Thursday night.

The league is making up some games after the NBA Cup concluded on Tuesday.

Trae Young is the highlight player of the night because the four-time All-Star makes his return to the Hawks lineup after missing 22 games.

With the holidays in full bloom and a 12-game night on the horizon, here’s a video of the Top 12 Christmas Day dunks to kick off the night!

Related

Latest