Top Stories

Recap: Thrilling Finishes Across Friday's NBA Action

Follow along with tonight's NBA blog for the top moments, highlights and final scores across Friday's NBA action.

NBA.com Staff

Kevin Durant drills a late go-ahead bucket to lift the Houston Rockets over the New Orleans Pelicans, 107-105 in Houston.

1:30 a.m. ET / Mar. 14, 2026

Pelicans nearly stun Rockets

Welcome back Dejounte Murray. In his fourth game since returning from a ruptured achilles, he reminded he league of how dangerous he can be. His 35 points came with a grand total of four missed field goals, including an intentionally missed free throw that nearly won the game for his team.

Houston’s starters stepped up with Alperen Sengun sidelined. Amen Thompson posted a 23-point double-double, while Kevin Durant tied Carmelo Anthony for the most game-winning shots since KD entered the league (12). Reed Sheppard was scorching from behind the arc with five threes.

Barnes, Ingram lead the way in gutsy win

The Phoenix Suns entered Scotiabank arena with sights set on getting the road win and they may have succeeded if it weren’t for Scottie Barnes making one of the best defensive highlights of the season.

Barnes’ block triggered a four-point swing that effectively shut the door on a Suns victory. Up until that point, however, it was Brandon Ingram’s smooth operating that kept Toronto afloat. There’s simply not much a defense can do when a player’s hitting shots like the one below. All in all, this was a very fun clash of teams on equal footing in their respective conferences.

Clippers keep winning

Josh Giddey recorded another triple-double, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the streaking Clippers. There’s no denying that while Kawhi Leonard is having a renaissance season, it’s the trade deadline additions that have really breathed new life into this group. Darius Garland sat for this one, but Bennedict Mathurin was especially active off the bench. This marked Mathurin’s fourth 20-plus point game in a row (all Clippers wins).

Friday’s finals ๐Ÿ“‹๐Ÿ€

Pistons 126, Grizzlies 110

Knicks 101, Pacers 92

Raptors 122, Suns 115

Cavaliers 138, Mavericks 103ย 

Rockets 107, Pelicans 105

Timberwolves 127, Warriors 117

Trail Blazers 124, Jazz 113

Clippers 119, Bulls 108ย 

12:56 a.m. ET / Mar. 14, 2026

Bulls no match for surging Clippers ๐ŸŒด

The Clippers winning streak stays intact despite an admirable effort from the Bulls on the road.

12:42 a.m. ET / Mar. 14, 2026

Ant scores 42, notches milestone in road win โญ๏ธ

Minnesota maintains the sixth-spot currently in the Western Conference after taking down the Warriors. Anthony Edwards was elite, scoring 42 points to go with eight boards and five assists. He’s growing more and more adept at knowing when to score versus create for his teammates, putting the opposing defense in a compromising position. He climbed to fourth all-time for points scored by a player before the age of 25.

Edwards is typically Minnesota’s source of highlight reel dunks, but this drive and slam from Jaden McDaniels should be more than sufficient.

12:24 a.m. ET / Mar. 14, 2026

Scoot Henderson drops 25 in Blazers win ๐Ÿ™Œ

Portland had a trio of 20-point scorers in the victory tonight on their home court. Donovan Clingan posted 21 points, 15 rebounds and an absurd seven blocks. Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson meanwhile scored 25 apiece for the Trail Blazers who now embark on a five-game road trip beginning in Philadelphia. This team hasn’t put together back-to-back wins since early February.

Brice Sensabaugh had a terrific showing in defeat, drilling 6-8 threes en route to a game-high 36 points.

12:04 a.m. ET / Mar. 14, 2026

Final stretches

Here’s a look at where the three remaining games stand as fourth quarter action is underway in Los Angeles and Portland, while the Warriors are making a dent on Minnesota’s lead in the third.

  • Trail Blazers 101, Jazz 96
  • Timberwolves 107, Warriors 97
  • Bulls 79, Clippers 78

11:58 p.m. ET / Mar. 13, 2026

Vintage KP ๐Ÿ‘

Kristaps Porzingis is extremely hard to guard given his size and shooting touch. It’s encouraging to see the 7-footer looking like his normal self on his new team. Through three quarters, he already has his highest scoring total in four appearance for the Warriors.

11:40 p.m. ET / Mar. 13, 2026

Middy vs. Middy ๐Ÿ—‘

In case anyone forgot, Kawhi Leonard has reminded them this season that he is a master of the mid-range. Chicago’s Matas Buzelis is also developing a well-rounded scoring arsenal. The sophomore swingman is two games removed from a career-high 41 points and looks steady again tonight. Leonard leads all scorers, though, with 14 points as the Clippers hold a 63-57 lead over Chicago in LA.

11:30 p.m. ET / Mar. 13, 2026

AE locked in versus Dubs ๐Ÿ’ผ

So far, the short-handed Warriors are simply no match for Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. After scoring 20 points in the first half, Edwards’ team has a comfortable lead with two quarters to play. See the rest of this one on NBA League Pass.

11:19 p.m. ET / Mar. 13, 2026

Blazers rip off 20 unanswered, take lead into HT

Utah won a high-scoring first quarter 38-28, but Portland responded with a 38-point quarter of its own in the second frame. The latter included a massive 20-nothing scoring run that completely flipped the game. Scoot Henderson has a game-high 18 points off the bench as Portland enters the second half with a 66-58 lead.

It certainly helps when threes are falling from everywhere.

10:55 p.m. ET / Mar. 13, 2026

C-Dub takes on Clingan at the rim โ›น๏ธ

Cody Williams’ recent development has been noticeable, and this strong take against elite rim protector Donovan Clingan reflects his growing confidence.

10:40 p.m. ET / Mar. 13, 2026

KD saves Houston, Rockets survive against New Orleans ๐Ÿ˜ณ

A pesky Pelicans squad secured a four-point lead in the final minute – their largest of the game – before Houston stormed back and secured the win. A Jabari Smith Jr. three set up this go-ahead bucket from future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant.

It was this costly turnover that preceded Durant’s game-winning shot.

 

10:25 p.m. ET / Mar. 13, 2026

B.I.’s 36, Scottie’s heroics seal Raps clutch win over PHX ๐Ÿšจ

Baron Davis and Quentin Richardson’s reactions say it all. Scottie Barnes’ chasedown block on a Jalen Green dunk, leading to a fastbreak bucket on the other end was effectively the dagger as Toronto survives an exciting one against the Suns.

Jalen Green was superb in defeat, posting back-to-back 30-plus point games. Tonight he sank a season-best eight triples while backcourt mate Devin Booker pitched in 31 points himself. Grayson Allen was the only other Sun in double figures.

10:18 p.m. ET / Mar. 13, 2026

New Orleans nearing major upset ๐Ÿ‘€

Just over two minutes remain in Houston as the Rockets hold a one-possession advantage over the New Orleans Pelicans.

This Reed Sheppard four-point play was massive to give Houston some breathing room. Referees awarded an extra free throw as the contest was deemed reckless, resulting in a flagrant foul and-one from deep.

10:15 p.m. ET / Mar. 13, 2026

๐Ÿบ Traveling in packs

The Timberwolves are on the road tonight, looking to take down the Golden State Warriors inside Chase Center. Watch the second half of tonight’s NBA on Prime double-header

10:07 p.m. ET / Mar. 13, 2026

First Fives

Check out the starting lineups for tonight’s matchup between the Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers. Jazz lottery pick Ace Bailey has gone for 21 and 32 points in two of his last three games, while Deni Avdija continues to try and regain his All-Star form in his third game back from an extended absence due to a lingering back injury.

10:00 p.m. ET / Mar. 13, 2026

Mobley’s season high fuels Cavs blowout win

Evan Mobley posted 29 points in just 23 minutes as Cleveland’s full offensive arsenal was on display against the Mavericks. Donovan Mitchell followed with 24 points and eight assists. Cleveland shot 62% from the field in the 35-point victory. Rookie Cooper Flagg put up 25 points in the losing effort.

9:52 p.m. ET / Mar. 13, 2026

Jalen Green is on fire! ๐Ÿ”ฅ๐Ÿ”ฅ

This is a must-see finish as Jalen Green is putting together his best shooting performance of the season in a duel with the Toronto Raptors. This one is down to the final two minutes with Toronto clinging to a three-point lead.

9:31 p.m. ET / Mar. 13, 2026

4th quarters to keep an eye on ๐Ÿ‘€

There’s a couple compelling finishes brewing. Toronto and Phoenix have been neck-and-neck throughout. This is a cross-conference litmus test for two teams currently jockeying to avoid the Play-In Tournament.

New York has bought a little bit of breathing room after entering the fourth quarter with a two-point lead. However, these familiar foes know that the game isn’t over until the final buzzer sounds. Follow along with both of these contests on NBA League Pass.

Trading buzzer-beaters ๐Ÿšจ

Aaron. Nesmith sunk a contested three at the shot clock buzzer, just for Jordan Clarkson to swing momentum back in New York’s favor with a triple at the third quarter horn on the other side.

9:24 p.m. ET / Mar. 13, 2026

Dejounte is dealing, Pels-Rockets 2H starts now

The Pelicans are within stroking range, but the Houston Rockets have been sharp so far. Amen Thompson and Kevin Durant put together solid first-half efforts to lift their team ahead, but Dejounte Murray is unquestionably cooking also. He’s on pace for his best scoring effort of the season after making his return from a torn achilles last season.

9:20 p.m. ET / Mar. 13, 2026

Take off, Coop ๐Ÿ›ซ๐Ÿ’ฅ

Cooper Flagg is coming alive in the third quarter, scoring 13 of his 19 total points. There’s no question which play of his was the most eye-popping, as he drove through the lane and slammed this one-handed tomahawk with authority.

9:10 p.m. ET / Mar. 13, 2026

NBA Legends on the call ๐ŸŽ™

Don’t forget to try out “HooperVision” inside the NBA App. Listen to commentary on tonight’s Raptors-Suns matchup from Baron Davis, Quentin Richardson and Shawn Marion.

9:04 p.m. ET / Mar. 13, 2026

Cade is cookin’

The Pistons have opened the second half with a strong stretch of play to open a double-digit lead against the Grizzlies. Memphis trails 88-75 with just under eight minutes remaining in the third quarter. Cade Cunningham already has 13 assists to complement his 12 points and six rebounds.

8:57 p.m. ET / Mar. 13, 2026

Executed to perfection ๐Ÿ“ธ

Donovan Mitchell has utilized this signature move on repeat this season, and it ;ed to back-to-back buckets against Dallas in the second quarter. The ‘windmill’ gather reminds many of Dwyane Wade’s classic drives to the hoop. They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery.

James Harden is also deploying his trademark stepback with precision. See what tricks Cleveland has in store for the second half now in tonight’s NBA on Prime matchup as. the Mavericks try to climb out of a big hole.

8:51 p.m. ET / Mar. 13, 2026

1, 2, 3, 4 ๐ŸŽฏ

Devin Booker ended the first half in a scoring groove, capped with a four-point play to help his team take the lead into the break. The All-Star and former Olympian is coming off a 43-point explosion against the Pacers as his team’s road trip continues. The second half is underway now on NBA League Pass.

8:45 p.m. ET / Mar. 13, 2026

Halftime Scores ๐Ÿ€

Knicks 56, Pacers 45

Pistons 68, Grizzlies 61

Suns 62, Raptors 59

Cavaliers 67, Mavericks 50

8:35 p.m. ET / Mar. 13, 2026

Aggressive OG ๐Ÿ˜ค

OG Anunoby is a defensive specialist that can fill it up from all over the court on offense as well. He’s already thrown down a few powerful dunks along with one three-pointer. He’s up to 12 points nearing halftime while Jalen Brunson has a game-high 19.

The Knicks lead at halftime of this rematch from last year’s postseason.

 

Related

Latest