NBA Roundup: Kawhi Leonard explodes for 55 points in win, as stars dominate Monday NBA action 

Monday’s NBA slate delivered fireworks across the board, highlighted by monster individual performances, overtime drama, and statement wins from contenders and rebuilding teams alike.

In Toronto, Stephen Curry put on a scoring clinic but it wasn’t enough as the Raptors outlasted the Golden State Warriors, 141–127, in an overtime thriller. Curry poured in 39 points, keeping the Warriors afloat through four tightly contested quarters before Toronto took control in the extra period with a decisive 19-point outburst. Scottie Barnes anchored the Raptors with a historic all-around performance, finishing with 23 points, 25 rebounds, and 10 assists to power the home side to the win.

Oklahoma City continued its strong run by dismantling the Philadelphia 76ers, 129–104, behind a dominant two-way effort from Chet Holmgren. The Thunder big man tallied 29 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks as OKC pulled away in the second half. Tyrese Maxey led Philadelphia with 28 points and four steals, but the Sixers struggled to contain the Thunder’s balanced attack after halftime.

In Washington, the Wizards edged the Memphis Grizzlies, 116–112, in a tightly fought contest that swung late in the fourth quarter. Jaren Jackson Jr. carried Memphis with 31 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks, while rookie Alexandre Sarr continued to impress for Washington with 20 points, nine rebounds, and six blocks to seal the home victory.

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A MASTERPIECE FROM KAWHI LEONARD!

55 PTS (career-high)
11 REB
5 STL
3 BLK
5 3PM

That ties the Clippers franchise record for PTS in a game pic.twitter.com/PMacnRiUxW

— NBA (@NBA) December 29, 2025

Portland protected home court by turning back the Boston Celtics, 114–108, as Deni Avdija delivered a near triple-double with 24 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists. Jaylen Brown paced Boston with 37 points, but the Trail Blazers’ late-game execution proved decisive.

In Los Angeles, Kawhi Leonard turned in one of the performances of the season, erupting for 55 points, 11 rebounds, and five steals to lift the Clippers past the Detroit Pistons, 112–99. Cade Cunningham did his part for Detroit with 27 points and nine assists, but Leonard’s two-way dominance was simply overwhelming.

The night closed at Crypto.com Arena, where the Lakers cruised past the Sacramento Kings, 125–101. Luka Dončić starred for Los Angeles with 34 points, seven assists, and three steals, while DeMar DeRozan led Sacramento with 22 points in the loss.

From historic stat lines to explosive scoring nights, Monday’s action showcased the league’s star power in full force as teams continue to jockey for position heading deeper into the season.

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