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Live Updates: Rockets-Nuggets, Lakers-Clippers and Saturday's action around the NBA

Follow along with live updates around NBA action on Saturday Dec. 20 with key games, moments and highlights from 10-game schedule

NBA.com Staff

Kevin Durant drops a game-high 31 points with five made 3s during Houston’s 115-101 win over the Nuggets on Saturday.

Enjoy the best of Saturday’s 10-game slate with the NBA.com live blog, featuring all of the meaningful moments, performances, observations, news, notes and highlights.

1:19 AM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Top Storylines of the Night ๐Ÿ‘‰๐Ÿ“

-Orlando pulls out an overtime thriller in Utah. There were numerous lead changes in the final seconds of overtime in Utah and Orlando’s epic game on Saturday, with Desmond Bane hitting a game-winning lay-up to grab the Magic a win.

-Golden State grabs narrow win over Phoenix. Despite trailing by double-digits early on, the Warriors grabbed a 119-116 win over the Suns. Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler combined for 53 points, while Will Richard provided a critical 20 points off of the bench.

-Houston beats Denver in a matinee. The Nuggets grabbed a narrow win over the Rockets less than a week ago, but Houston responded with a road win here. Kevin Durant led the way with 31 points but Reed Sheppard’s 28 points and six assists off the bench were imperative in that victory.

1:08 AM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ Top Performers of the Night ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒŸ

-Deni Avdija had 24 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists in a win over the Sacramento Kings.

-Paolo Banchero provided 23 points, nine rebounds, nine assists and two blocks in an overtime win over the Utah Jazz.

-Devin Booker matched a season-high with 38 points, five assists, three steals and two blocks in a loss to the Golden State Warriors.

-Stephen Curry collected 28 points, 10 rebounds and six assists in that win over the Phoenix Suns.

-Kyshawn George generated 28 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in a win over the Memphis Grizzlies.

-Santi Aldama had a career-high 37 points and 10 rebounds in that defeat.

-Cade Cunningham compiled 22 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a victory over the Charlotte Hornets.

-Tyrese Maxey totaled 38 points, two rebounds and four assists in a win over the Dallas Mavericks.

-Payton Pritchard posted 33 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists in a win over the Toronto Raptors.

-Kevin Durant amassed 31 points, six rebounds and five assists in a victory against the Denver Nuggets.

-LeBron James scored a season-high 36 points in a loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

-Kawhi Leonard led the Clippers with 32 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks.

12:59 AM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Clippers Defeat Lakers, 103-88

The 6-21 Clippers were desperate for this victory, maintaining the lead after a 28-15 first quarter.

Three-point shooting was the difference, with the Clippers connecting on 16-of-43 and the Lakers hitting just 6-of-38.

LeBron James had a season-high 36 points, four rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Kawhi Leonard collected 32 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, three steals and two blocks.

James Harden had 21 points, four rebounds and 10 assists.

12:45 AM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Trail Blazers Defeat Kings, 98-93

These teams played a wild overtime game earlier this week, but Portland grabbed this win in regulation.

Deni Avdija led the way with 24 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists.

Shaedon Sharpe had 23 points, four rebounds and three assists, along with the absurd dunk below.

Donovan Clingan collected 14 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks.

Dennis Schrรถder led Sacramento with 21 points, five rebounds and six assists off the bench.

12:31 AM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Magic Defeat Jazz in OT, 128-127

Keyonte George had this absurd four-point play to take a lead for Utah, but Desmond Bane killed the vibe in Utah with a game-winning lay-up of his own.

See those absurd plays below

Bane led Orlando with 32 points.

Paolo Banchero provided 23 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.

George led Utah with 27 points, four rebounds and nine assists.

Kevin Love had 16 points and 16 rebounds to lead the bench.

 

12:13 AM / DECEMBER 21, 2025

Utah-Orlando Headed to OT

Orlando led this game 110-94 with 6:45 remaining but Utah ripped off a 24-8 run to send the game into overtime.

Paolo Banchero has 22 points, eight rebounds and eight assists.

Desmond Bane leads Orlando with 30 points.

Keyonte George leads Utah with 23 points, three rebounds and nine assists.

Kevin Love leads the bench with 14 points and 16 rebounds.

11:54 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Blazers Lead Kings After 3Q, 72-69

Deni Avdija and Shaedon Sharpe lead Portland with 21 points apiece.

Keegan Murray leads Sacramento with 15 points, three rebounds and two assists.

These teams played an overtime thriller just a few days ago and we could be in for another!

11:39 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Clippers Lead Lakers at the Half, 54-39

This was the Clippers best half of the season, holding the Lakers to 34 percent from the field and 11 percent from three-point range.

LeBron James scored 16 points, while Luka Donฤiฤ‡ has 12 points, five rebounds and two assists.

Kawhi Leonard leads the Clips with 15 points, five rebounds and two steals.

James Harden has 10 points and five assists.

 

11:23 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Ace Bailey Monster Slam

Ace was one of the top picks in the draft for a reason and dunks like this show his elite athleticism.

Bailey has nine points and two assists.

Orlando leads Utah by 13 points late in the third quarter.

11:12 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Trail Blazers Lead Kings at the Half, 47-44

These teams played a chaotic overtime game just a few days ago, with Portland narrowly prevailing.

Deni Avdija leads Portland with 12 points, four rebounds and six assists.

Keegan Murray leads Sacramento with 10 points and four rebounds.

 

11:03 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Warriors Defeat Suns, 119-116

Golden State took control of this game during the second and third quarters, outscoring them, 61-43, in those two frames.

Devin Booker led the Suns with 38 points, five assists, two steals and three blocks.

Stephen Curry led the Warriors with 29 points, nine rebounds and six assists.

Jimmy Butler had 25 points and two assists.

10:40 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Clippers-Lakers About to Tip…

In one of the highlight games of the night, we have a battle of Los Angeles.

The Lakers sit at 19-7 while the Clippers are 6-21.

See superstars like Luka Doncic, LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard and James Harden on NBATV and League Pass

10:31 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Wizards Defeat Grizzlies, 130-122

Washington overcame a 15-point halftime deficit, riding a 77-54 second half to their comeback victory.

The Wizards shot 48 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range.

CJ McCollum led the way with 28 points, five rebounds and six assists.

Kyshawn George generated 28 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.

Santi Aldama led the Grizzlies with a career-high 37 points and 10 rebounds.

10:15 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Santi Aldama is Scorching

The apply-named Santi is having himself an early holiday gift, dropping a career-high 37 points.

He has 37 points and 10 rebounds on 15-of-22 shooting off the bench.

The Spaniard has the Grizzlies in a contested matchup with the Wizards, with both teams tied in the fourth quarter.

See the finish on League Pass…

10:02 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Pistons Defeat Hornets, 112-86

Detroit had one of their best defensive performances of the season, holding Charlotte to 32 percent shooting.

They also outscored the Hornets in the fourth quarter, 33-14.

Cade Cunningham recorded another triple-double, finishing with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.

Jalen Duren amassed 19 points and 11 boards.

All five starters scored at least 14 points for the Pistons.

Kon Knueppel led the Hornets with 19 points, seven rebounds and five assists.

 

9:45 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Pelicans Defeat Pacers, 128-109

A 44-27 first quarter set the foundation for the Pels in this easy win.

New Orleans shot 53 percent from the field while holding Indiana below 43 percent shooting.

Zion Williamson made a rare appearance off the bench but led all scorers with 29 points and seven rebounds.

Derik Queen had 17 points, 10 rebounds and four assists.

Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 22 points, five rebounds and three assists.

9:29 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Sixers Defeat Mavericks, 121-114

Philadelphia pulled off another impressive victory, thanks to a 30-17 fourth quarter.

They dominated with defense, forcing 18 turnovers from Dallas while committing just eight on their end.

Anthony Davis and Cooper Flagg led Dallas with 24 points apiece.

Tyrese Maxey led Philly with 38 points, two rebounds and four assists.

VJ Edgecombe had 26 points, six rebounds and four assists.

9:22 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Celtics Defeat Raptors, 112-96

Boston shot 46 percent while holding Toronto to 41 percent shooting.

The Celtics also out-rebounded the Raptors, 55-37.

Payton Pritchard led the Celtics with 33 points, eight rebounds and 10 assists.

Brandon Ingram and Sandro Mamukelashvili led the Raptors with 24 points apiece.

9:09 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Grizzlies Lead Wizards at the Half, 68-53

Memphis shot 49 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range in that opening half.

CJ McCollum led Washington with 10 points, three rebounds and three assists.

Jaren Jackson Jr led Memphis with 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Cam Spencer has seven points and eight assists.

8:58 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Pistons Lead Hornets 55-45 at half

Cade Cunningham dominates in 18 first-half minutes, dropping 15 points (6-12 FG), 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals. Isaiah Stewart pops off the Pistons’ bench with 8 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks, including this one below on LaMelo Ball to close out the half.

Ball has 8 points on 3-for-11 shooting with 3 assists, one steal and one block across 15 minutes. Charlotte is led by Kon Knueppel (11 points, 3 made 3s) and Miles Bridges (10 points), but they trail by 10 after two quarters.

8:51 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Zion feeling it tonight

Zion Williamson hits the circus finish to give him a game-high 27 points on 9-for-12 shooting in only 20 minutes off the Pelicans’ bench. New Orleans holds a 90-75 lead over the Pacers with less than 2 minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Pascal Siakam continues to pace Indiana with 18 points in 23 minutes.

8:48 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

JJJ balling out in Memphis

Jaren Jackson, Jr. is up to 15 points in 13 minutes to lead the Grizzlies in scoring. Santi Aldama adds 13 points in 11 minutes off the bench, and Memphis leads Washington 49-42 midway through the second quarter.

Rookie Tre Johnson (No. 6 pick in 2025 NBA Draft) leads the Wizards with 10 points on 4-for-7 shooting with two made 3s in just 8 minutes off the bench.

8:41 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

TD pass from Naji

Naji Marshall drops a dime to P.J. Washington, helping the Mavericks take an 82-79 lead over the Sixers with less than five minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Anthony Davis has a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Cooper Flagg has a team-high 20 points on 6-for-10 shooting in 25 minutes.

The trio of Tyrese Maxey (22 points), Dominick Barlow (21 points) and VJ Edgecombe (19 points) are fueling Philadelphia on offense.

8:20 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Pelicans cruising at home

Despite the dominance from Indiana’s Jay Huff on defense, New Orleans holds a 64-49 advantage at the break. Zion Williamson has a game-high 18 points (6-7 FG, 6-6 FT) in 15 minutes as a reserve.

Pascal Siakam leads Indiana with 13 points on 4-for-8 shooting in 18 minutes. Tune in on League Pass to catch the second half!

8:14 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Raptors take 51-49 lead at half

After trailing 32-20 after one quarter, Toronto outscores Boston 31-17 in the second to take a 51-49 lead at halftime. Brandon Ingram has 12 points, 3 rebound, 4 assists and a block, and Sandro Mamukelashvili tallies 11 points with three made 3s in 15 minutes.

Anfernee Simons leads Boston with 9 points and 2 steals off the bench, while Neemias Queta (8 points) and Payton Pritchard (8 points, 6 assists) headline the first unit.

Jaylen Brown is out for tonight’s game due to an illness.

8:08 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Maxey on fire for Sixers

Tyrese Maxey is up to a game-high 20 points, but VJ Edgecombe (14 points) and Dominick Barlow (12 points) are right behind him.

Cooper Flagg leads Dallas with 12 points, while Anthony Davis (10 points, 7 rebounds) and Naji Marshall (10 points, 5 rebounds) are keeping Dallas close. The Mavericks trail 63-54 with 2:17 remaining before halftime.

8:00 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Knueppel slams on Detroit

Rookie Kon Knueppel drives through the lane for his 5th points of the night.

LaMelo Ball (8 points) and Cade Cunningham (8 points) are dueling in Detroit, but the Pistons have a 25-19 lead with 4:13 left in the first quarter, live on NBA TV!

7:51 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Pels start HOT

New Orleans scores 44 points and makes 17 field goals in the first quarter against Indiana, marking the most FGM by the Pelicans this season. Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy III each have 10 points to power the home team.

Pascal Siakam leads the Pacers with 12 points in 12 minutes, helping Indiana earn a 14-2 scoring edge in the second quarter. After trailing by 17 after one, they have cut the deficit to just 5, 46-41, with 7:29 to go before halftime.

7:45 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Celtics catch fire to end 1Q

Boston blitzes Toronto with a 16-0 run to close the first quarter, giving the C’s a 12-point lead heading to the second. Payton Pritchard leads all scorers with 8 points with two made 3s, adding 3 rebounds and 4 assists.

The Celtics are on top of the Raptors 28-25 with 8:38 remaining in the second quarter, live on League Pass!

7:33 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Rockets get revenge on Nuggets, win 115-101

Houston rolls to a 115-101 win behind 31 points from Kevin Durant and 28 from Reed Sheppard. The duo combined for 11 made 3s while going 14-for-15 at the free throw line.

Jabari Smith, Jr. tallies a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds, adding 2 dimes and 2 blocks in 38 minutes.

Nikola Jokiฤ‡ led Denver with 25 points on 9-for-20 shooting, adding 7 rebounds and 5 assists in 29 minutes. Bruce Brown chips in 12 points, 12 boards, 2 steals, an assist and a block in 28 minutes off Denver’s bench.

7:24 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

VJ with the hoop and harm

VJ Edgecombe finishes through contact on the beautiful and-1 layup. Philadelphia trails Dallas 13-10 midway through the first quarter.

Naji Marshall counters with a nasty spin move on the other for the Mavs.

7:20 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Trey dancing for 2

Trey Murphy III goes to work for a tough bucket in the lane, giving him 4 points to lead the Pelicans. New Orleans has a 16-10 lead after five minutes have passed in the opening quarter on League Pass.

7:13 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Durant with 30 and counting

Kevin Durant (31 points) and Reed Sheppard (26 points) have combined for 57 points and 11 made 3s to give the Rockets a commanding 107-86 lead with 4:46 left to play in the contest.

Nikola Jokiฤ‡ has a team-high 25 points with 7 rebounds and 5 assists in 29 minutes. Jamal Murray has 15 points on 4-for-13 shooting with 7 assists and 2 steals.

6:50 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Sheppard powers 11-0 Rockets run

Reed Sheppard ignites an 11-0 Houston run over the final 1:15 of the third quarter behind three made 3s from the second-year guard. He’s up to a game-high 22 points on 6-for-8 shooting from 3-point range.

Nikola Jokiฤ‡ sat most of the quarter after picking up his fourth foul, but he’s up to 19 points on 8-for-18 shooting in 22 minutes. Denver trails 82-66 after three quarters.

6:37 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Amen making plays

Amen Thompson comes out of nowhere for the rejection, and Houston’s defense continues to be a problem for the Nuggets tonight. He’s got 9 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and that block in 27 minutes.

The Rockets hold a 69-62 lead with 2:38 remaining in the third quarter, live on NBA TV!

Nikola Jokiฤ‡ is up to 17 points, 7 rebounds and 2 assists to lead Denver in scoring. The Nuggets are doing most of their damage in the restricted area, outscoring the Rockets 34-18 in points in the paint.

6:08 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Rockets dominate 2Q, lead at half

Alperen Sengun punishes the rim to give him 4 points with 2 rebounds, 3 assists and a block in 16 first-half minutes. Houston outscores Denver 27-16 in the second quarter to secure a 53-45 advantage at the break.

Kevin Durant has a game-high 16 points to go along with 2 boards, 2 assists and a block, and Reed Sheppard adds 11 points (3-5 3PM), 3 assists, 2 steals and a block in 13 minutes off the Rockets’ bench.

Nikola Jokiฤ‡ has several signature finishes in this one, giving him a team-high 12 points with 5 rebounds and 2 assists, but he also picked up his third personal foul before the break. Spencer Jones (9 points) and Jamal Murray (8 points, 3 assists) aren’t too far behind the Joker.

5:50 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

KD cooking in first half

Five days after putting up 25 points in an overtime loss to Denver, Kevin Durant has a game-high 14 points on a perfect 3-for-3 from behind the arc. KD is also a game-best +11 in 16 minutes.

Houston leads Denver 45-37 with 5:57 remaining before halftime.

 

5:37 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Nuggets up after 1Q

Denver holds a 29-26 lead over Houston after the first 12 minutes of action. Spencer Jones is the high man for the Nuggets with 9 points, while Reed Sheppard matches him with 9 on three made 3s for the Rockets.

Catch the second quarter, live now on NBA TV!

5:28 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Rockets-Nuggets underway

It’s been a back and forth contest early on in Denver, and the Rockets and Nuggets are all tied at 23 with 2:53 remaining in the opening frame. Houston jumped out to a 10-2 lead, but 6 points apiece from Nikola Jokiฤ‡ and Spencer Jones spark a 21-13 run for the home team.

Kevin Durant and Reed Sheppard lead the Rockets with 6 points each.

4:30 PM / DECEMBER 20, 2025

Welcome to Saturday Night Hoops!

Nikola Jokiฤ‡ and Alperen Sengun each tallied triple-doubles in their last meeting on Dec. 15 in Denver, with the Nuggets winning 128-125 in OT.

Five days after their 128-125 OT loss to the Nuggets, the Rockets are back in Denver for a showdown between two of the top teams in the West in our first of three marquee matchups on NBA TV (5 ET). The Nuggets look to make it seven straight wins while Houston hopes to snap a two-game skid.

The East-leading Detroit Pistons host the Hornets in the second game of our tripleheader (7:30 ET, NBA TV). Charlotte has won two in a row but will be taking on Cade Cunningham and Co. for the first time this season.

The Lakers and Clippers meet in the nightcap for a star-studded clash between LA franchises (10:30 ET, NBA TV). Austin Reaves (calf), Rui Hachimura (groin) and Deandre Ayton (elbow) are all listed as out for tonight’s tilt, meaning Luka Donฤiฤ‡ and LeBron James will be tasked with the heavy lifting.

Cooper Flagg and Anthony Davis are in Philadelphia as the Mavericks take on the 76ers and their dynamic backcourt duo of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe (7 ET, League Pass).

The fourth-place Celtics are north of the border for a road clash with the third-place Toronto Raptors (7 ET, League Pass). Both teams are coming off much needed wins their last time out and will be jockeying for position in a tightly-packed Eastern Conference.

Derrick White dropped a season-high 33 points and tied a career-high with nine 3-pointers in Boston’s win over Miami on Friday.

New Orleans will host the Indiana Pacers, losers of three straight, for an interconference showdown (7 ET, League Pass). The Pelicans are riding a three-game win streak and are coming off of a thrilling 133-128 OT win over the Rockets on Thursday, climbing all the way back from a 25-point deficit.

Memphis plays host to the Washington Wizards while trying for a third consecutive win of their own (8 ET, League Pass). The Grizzlies are 7-3 in their last 10, but they’ll be without Ja Morant (ankle) for the second straight contest.

The Warriors and Suns meet for a rematch of Thursday’s wild 99-98 victory for Phoenix, but the scene shifts to Golden State tonight (8:30 ET, League Pass). The Dubs are hoping to exact revenge while simultaneously snapping a three-game losing streak.

The Orlando Magic visit the Utah Jazz for their second game of a four-game road trip, with both squads looking to get back in the win column (9:30 ET, League Pass).

Portland goes for a third consecutive victory when they travel to take on the Kings (10 ET, League Pass). Sacramento is in the midst of a four-game losing streak and will be vying for their first home win since Nov. 24.

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