Saturday’s NBA slate featured clutch shots, overtime drama, and standout performances as the Cleveland Cavaliers continued their unbeaten start, and the Golden State Warriors weathered a huge comeback from the Houston Rockets. Here’s a look at all the action.
Cavaliers Edge Bucks with Mitchell’s Last-Second Heroics
Donovan Mitchell hit a game-winning jumper with just 0.3 seconds left to lift the Cleveland Cavaliers to a thrilling 114-113 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in Milwaukee. Mitchell finished with 30 points, helping Cleveland remain unbeaten and extend their winning streak to seven games, their best season start since 1976-77 under coach Bill Fitch.
Sam Merrill contributed 17 points off the bench, including five 3-pointers, while Jarrett Allen added a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Evan Mobley chipped in 14 points, and Darius Garland registered a double-double with 11 points and 10 assists.
For Milwaukee, Damian Lillard was electric, pouring in 41 points with 10 made 3-pointers, while Giannis Antetokounmpo added 34 points, 16 rebounds, and nine assists. Taurean Prince scored 16 points for the Bucks, who came up just short despite a strong offensive showing.
Start your basketball betting journey with our guide on How to Bet on Basketball
Tatum, Pritchard Propel Celtics Past Hornets
Jayson Tatum scored 29 points, and Payton Pritchard knocked down six 3-pointers for a season-high 22 points off the bench as the Boston Celtics defeated the Charlotte Hornets 113-103 in Charlotte. The Celtics have now won six of their first seven games, bouncing back well from their only loss of the season.
Luke Kornet added 19 points, and Derrick White scored 18 for Boston. Jrue Holiday capped off his night with a crucial 3-pointer, finishing with 13 points.
LaMelo Ball led the Hornets with a game-high 36 points, but Charlotte ended their four-game homestand with a 1-3 record.
Grizzlies Beat Short-Handed 76ers
Jay Huff made a splash with a career-high 20 points in just 14 minutes, leading a balanced Memphis Grizzlies attack in a 124-107 win over the short-handed Philadelphia 76ers. Huff, who recently signed a four-year deal, shot 7 of 10 from the floor and hit five 3-pointers.
Jaren Jackson Jr. led Memphis with 27 points as the Grizzlies had seven players score in double figures. The 76ers were without stars Joel Embiid and Paul George, but Tyrese Maxey scored 23 points, and rookie Jared McCain added a career-high 19.
Raptors Overcome Kings in OT Thriller
RJ Barrett scored 31 points, including five in overtime, as the Toronto Raptors snapped a four-game losing streak with a 131-128 win over the Sacramento Kings. The Raptors celebrated Vince Carter‘s jersey retirement in style, with Chris Boucher adding a season-high 24 points.
Domantas Sabonis notched a triple-double with 17 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists for Sacramento, while DeMar DeRozan scored a season-best 33 points. De’Aaron Fox had 24 points, and Keegan Murray finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds before fouling out.
Warriors Survive Rockets’ Furious Comeback
Buddy Hield scored 27 points off the bench, and Jonathan Kuminga delivered in overtime as the Golden State Warriors held off the Houston Rockets 127-121. Kuminga scored six of his 23 points in the extra period to seal the win, as Golden State survived blowing a 31-point lead.
Tari Eason was instrumental in Houston’s rally, scoring 27 points with nine rebounds, four steals, and three blocks. Amen Thompson added 18 points and 11 rebounds off the bench, but the Rockets fell just short.
Heat Win in Mexico City Over Wizards
Bam Adebayo posted 32 points and 14 rebounds, leading the Miami Heat to a 118-98 victory over the Washington Wizards in Mexico City. Tyler Herro scored 15 points, and Jimmy Butler added 18 as Miami took control early and never looked back.
The Wizards were led by Bilal Coulibaly‘s 22 points, while Jordan Poole chipped in 21. Washington’s rookie-laden starting lineup, featuring Alexandre Sarr, Carlton Carrington, and Kyshawn George, struggled to match the Heat’s experienced core.
Booker Shines as Suns Beat Trail Blazers
Devin Booker flirted with a triple-double, recording 28 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 103-97 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Kevin Durant added 21 points, and Grayson Allen contributed 18 off the bench.
Portland’s Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons both scored 20 points, but the Trail Blazers have now lost five of their first seven games.
Spurs Take Down Timberwolves
Keldon Johnson scored a season-high 25 points off the bench, helping the San Antonio Spurs defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves 113-103. Jeremy Sochan recorded a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Chris Paul had 15 points and 13 assists.
Minnesota’s Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards each scored 21 points, but the Timberwolves, playing the second of a back-to-back, appeared fatigued after arriving in San Antonio at 4:45 a.m. on game day.
Thunder Remain Unbeaten, Beat Clippers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 25 points and nine assists as the Oklahoma City Thunder stayed perfect with a 105-92 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. The Thunder are now 6-0, their best start in franchise history. Luguentz Dort added 16 points, and Chet Holmgren scored 10 in a game where Oklahoma City’s defense shined.
Norman Powell led the Clippers with 24 points, while James Harden had a double-double with 12 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists. The Clippers are still searching for their first win at the new Intuit Dome.
Stay ahead with up-to-date NBA Odds to improve your basketball bets
Jokic Dominates as Nuggets Beat Jazz
Nikola Jokic scored 18 of his 27 points in the third quarter, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 129-103 home win over the Utah Jazz. Jokic just missed a triple-double, adding 16 rebounds and nine assists. Michael Porter Jr. scored 20 points, and Julian Strawther had a season-high 19 for Denver.
The Jazz remained winless, with Walker Kessler putting up 18 points and 14 rebounds. Johnny Juzang added 17 points, but Utah couldn’t keep up with the reigning champions.
