Lakers Outlast Warriors in Thrilling Finish
Austin Reaves capped a triple-double with a game-winning layup as the Los Angeles Lakers edged the Golden State Warriors 115-113 in San Francisco. Reaves totaled 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, while LeBron James contributed 31 points and 10 assists, leading the Lakers to their fourth win in five games.
The Warriors almost stole the game in the final moments, with Stephen Curry scoring eight of his game-high 38 points during a 13-4 run, including a game-tying 31-foot three-pointer with 7.6 seconds left. Curry’s eight made three-pointers tied the NBA record for a Christmas Day game.
Despite losing Anthony Davis to an ankle injury early in the contest, the Lakers maintained control for most of the second half, with Reaves’ decisive layup sealing the victory.
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Timberwolves Hold Off Mavericks After Luka Doncic Injury
Anthony Edwards scored 26 points to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 105-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, who lost Luka Doncic to a calf strain late in the first half.
Doncic scored 14 points in 16 minutes before his exit, leaving the Mavericks to rally from a 28-point third-quarter deficit. Kyrie Irving spearheaded the comeback attempt with 39 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter. However, Irving missed a potential go-ahead three-pointer with 37 seconds left, and Edwards sealed the win for Minnesota on the next possession.
The Timberwolves’ defense held strong in the final moments, helping Minnesota secure a key road victory.
76ers Edge Celtics in Tight Contest
Tyrese Maxey’s 33 points and 12 assists powered the Philadelphia 76ers to a 118-114 victory over the Boston Celtics in Boston. Joel Embiid added 27 points and nine rebounds, and Caleb Martin drained seven of nine three-point attempts to contribute 23 points.
The 76ers led by 15 in the fourth quarter, but the Celtics rallied to cut the deficit to two points with under five seconds remaining. Embiid’s clutch free throws with 2.8 seconds left secured the win.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 32 points and 15 rebounds, while Jaylen Brown chipped in 23 points. Boston dropped consecutive games for the first time this season.
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Knicks Prevail in Christmas Day Duel with Spurs
Mikal Bridges scored 15 of his season-high 41 points in the fourth quarter to lead the New York Knicks to a 117-114 win over the San Antonio Spurs. The Knicks staged a dramatic comeback in the final period, improving their record to 15-4 since mid-November.
Victor Wembanyama, in his Christmas Day debut, delivered a stellar performance with 42 points, 18 rebounds, four assists, and four blocks for the Spurs. Despite his efforts, the Spurs couldn’t hold off the Knicks, who surged ahead with a clutch three-pointer by Miles McBride with 2:43 left.
The win marked New York’s fifth straight victory, with Bridges’ scoring heroics providing a highlight in a marquee matchup.
