NBA Roundup: Nuggets, Rockets, and Bulls shine on Thursday NBA action

The NBA delivered an exciting night of basketball across the league, featuring clutch performances, high-scoring affairs, and a buzzer-beater to remember. With multiple teams jostling for playoff positioning, Thursday’s slate showcased both emerging stars and established names asserting themselves.

Rockets Edge Cavaliers 114–104

At the Rocket Arena in Cleveland, the Houston Rockets overcame the Cavaliers, 114–104. Alperen Sengun led the way with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Cleveland’s Dante Hunter contributed 25 points.

 After a competitive first half, Houston pulled away in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Cavs 40–34, as Sengun orchestrated key plays on both ends.

Pacers Top Hornets 127–118

The Indiana Pacers held off the Charlotte Hornets 127–118 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. B. Mathurin recorded a double-double with 24 points and 12 rebounds, while K. Knueppel led Charlotte with 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists.

 Indiana’s decisive fourth-quarter run gave them the edge, overcoming a back-and-forth contest that had fans on the edge of their seats.

Raptors Beat 76ers 121–112

Toronto continued its strong road form, defeating Philadelphia 121–112 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Jakob Poeltl led the Raptors with 19 points and 8 rebounds, while Tyrese Maxey nearly carried the 76ers with 24 points, 9 assists, and 3 steals. 

The Raptors’ dominant third quarter, outscoring Philadelphia 44–26, turned the tide decisively.

Bulls Win on Buzzer-Beater Against Trail Blazers 122–121

The Chicago Bulls stunned the Portland Trail Blazers 122–121 at Moda Center with a heart-stopping finish. Nikola Vucevic hit a dramatic buzzer-beater to seal the victory, finishing with 27 points and 8 rebounds. 

Meanwhile, Deni Avdija recorded a triple-double for Portland with 32 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the last-second heartbreak.

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Timberwolves Top Wizards 120–109

Minnesota defeated Washington 120–109 at Target Center. Julius Randle starred with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists, helping the Timberwolves control the pace.

 K. George added 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists for the Wizards, but Minnesota’s defensive intensity late in the third quarter proved decisive.

Nuggets Overcome Pelicans 125–118

Denver defeated New Orleans 125–118 at the Smoothie King Center. P. Watson led the Nuggets with 32 points and 12 rebounds, while Devonte’ Queen posted 30 points and 9 rebounds for the Pelicans.

 Denver’s third-quarter surge allowed them to pull ahead in a high-paced, back-and-forth game.

Thunder Dominate Kings 113–99

Oklahoma City handled Sacramento 113–99 at Paycom Center. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put on a show with 33 points and 8 rebounds, while P. Achiuwa added 15 points and 9 rebounds for the Kings. 

The Thunder controlled the paint and leveraged turnovers to maintain a comfortable lead throughout.

Knicks Narrowly Defeat Mavericks 113–111

In a tight battle at American Airlines Center, the New York Knicks edged out the Dallas Mavericks 113–111. Jalen Brunson led New York with 28 points, while D’Angelo Russell added 23 points and 7 assists for Dallas. 

Both teams traded leads late, but the Knicks managed to hold on for the narrow road victory.

Heat Defeat Warriors 110–96

The Miami Heat overcame the Golden State Warriors 110–96 at Kaseya Center. N. Powell paced Miami with 25 points and 6 rebounds, while P. Spencer posted 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 13 assists for Golden State. 

The Heat’s defensive adjustments and efficient scoring in transition gave them control throughout the game.

Star Performers of the Night

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC): 33 points, 8 rebounds — a dominant performance guiding the Thunder past the Kings.
• Alperen Sengun (HOU): 28 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists — instrumental in Houston’s win over Cleveland.
• Nikola Vucevic (CHI): 27 points, 8 rebounds — buzzer-beater hero against Portland.
• Julius Randle (MIN): 32 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists — leading Minnesota’s charge past Washington.
• P. Watson (DEN): 32 points, 12 rebounds — key for Nuggets’ victory over New Orleans.
• B. Mathurin (IND): 24 points, 12 rebounds — powering the Pacers to a fourth-quarter surge.

Thursday’s games highlighted both emerging talent and seasoned stars, delivering drama, clutch performances, and high-scoring showdowns across the league.

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