NBA Roundup: Luka Doncic Makes Lakers Debut, Celtics & Thunder Roll, Warriors Stop Bucks
The NBA was buzzing on Monday as Luka Doncic made his long-awaited Los Angeles Lakers debut, while the Thunder, Celtics, and Warriors all secured big wins. Here’s everything you need to know from an action-packed night in the league.
Luka Doncic’s Lakers Debut Ends in Victory
The Lakers (132-113 win over Jazz) showcased their new star duo as Luka Doncic and LeBron James guided them to a comfortable victory against Utah.
- Doncic’s first game since Christmas saw him post 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists in 24 minutes.
- LeBron James led the way with 24 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds.
- Austin Reaves (22 points, 9 rebounds) and Rui Hachimura (21 points) added firepower as the Lakers stretched their winning streak to six games.
Utah’s Lauri Markkanen and John Collins both scored 17, but the Jazz suffered their ninth straight road loss.
Thunder Set Franchise 3-Point Record in Blowout Win
The Oklahoma City Thunder (137-101 over Pelicans) were red-hot from deep, setting a franchise record with 27 three-pointers.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 31 points, hitting four threes.
- Aaron Wiggins (24 points) and Alex Caruso (12 points) also hit four each.
- OKC has won six straight games by an average margin of 25.8 points.
New Orleans’ Zion Williamson followed up his 40-point game on Saturday with 17 points and five assists, but the Pelicans have now lost nine in a row.
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Nikola Jokic Powers Nuggets to 7th Straight Win
The Denver Nuggets (146-117 over Trail Blazers) made light work of Portland, extending their win streak to seven.
- Jokic dominated with 40 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds.
- Christian Braun (26 points) and Julian Strawther (18 points) provided support.
- Anfernee Simons (17 points) and Dalano Banton (22 points) led Portland, but the Blazers have now dropped two straight.
Trae Young, Hawks Hold Off Magic
The Atlanta Hawks (112-106 over Magic) secured a third straight win, with Trae Young delivering in crunch time.
- Young finished with 19 points and eight assists, hitting key free throws late.
- Orlando’s Franz Wagner exploded for 37 points, while Paolo Banchero added 31.
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DeMar DeRozan Lifts Kings Past Mavericks in OT Thriller
The Sacramento Kings (129-128 OT over Mavericks) won a wild one, with DeMar DeRozan hitting the game-winning shot with 1.9 seconds left.
- DeRozan had a season-high 42 points (15-of-22 shooting).
- Domantas Sabonis (16 points, 15 rebounds, 8 assists) and Zach LaVine (17 points) helped power Sacramento.
- Kyrie Irving led Dallas with 30 points, battling DeRozan down the stretch.
Jayson Tatum’s Big Night Propels Celtics Past Heat
The Boston Celtics (103-85 over Miami Heat) extended their road win streak to six, behind a dominant third quarter from Jayson Tatum.
- Tatum scored 33 points (20 in the third quarter).
- Al Horford added 16 points and 10 rebounds.
- Bam Adebayo led Miami with 22 points, 12 rebounds.
Donovan Mitchell, Cavs Dominate Timberwolves
The Cleveland Cavaliers (128-107 over Timberwolves) never trailed in a statement win over Minnesota.
- Evan Mobley (28 points, 10 rebounds) and Donovan Mitchell (23 points, 8 assists) led the way.
- De’Andre Hunter made his Cleveland debut, scoring 12 points.
- Anthony Edwards exploded for 44 points, but Minnesota saw their three-game win streak snapped.
Stephen Curry & Warriors Stun Bucks
The Golden State Warriors (125-111 over Bucks) overcame a shorthanded Milwaukee team as Stephen Curry dropped 38 points.
- Curry shot 12-of-24, including seven threes.
- Jimmy Butler added 20 points and 9 rebounds in his second game with the Warriors.
- Damian Lillard led Milwaukee with 38 points, but committed 10 turnovers.
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Brooklyn Nets Hold Off Hornets
The Brooklyn Nets (97-89 over Charlotte Hornets) leaned on Nic Claxton to secure their fifth win in six games.
- Claxton had 16 points, while Cam Johnson and Day’Ron Sharpe scored 14 each.
- Charlotte’s Moussa Diabate (21 points, 10 rebounds) left the game early with an eye injury.
Victor Wembanyama, Spurs Too Much for Wizards
The San Antonio Spurs (131-121 over Wizards) rode Victor Wembanyama’s huge double-double to another road win.
- Wembanyama posted 31 points and 15 rebounds.
- De’Aaron Fox added 30 points.
Washington had nine players in double figures, but dropped their third straight game and 19th in their last 22.
What’s Next?
With Doncic now in the Lakers mix, will LA’s Big Three take the next step? Can OKC keep rolling? And who will come out on top in this week’s marquee matchups?
Stay tuned for more NBA action!
