NBA Roundup: SGA explodes, Curry closes as wild finishes define Thursday slate

A packed Thursday night in the NBA delivered clutch shots, overtime drama, and superstar performances across the league, with several games decided in the final minutes—and even the final seconds.

Barrett lifts Raptors past Hornets at the wire

RJ Barrett came up big when it mattered most, scoring 28 points and grabbing seven rebounds as Toronto edged Charlotte, 97–96. The Raptors survived a late Hornets push behind LaMelo Ball’s all-around line of 15 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. Toronto’s defense tightened in the final quarter, limiting Charlotte to just 24 points and preserving the narrow win which was capped off by an Immanuel Quickley buzzer-beater.

Pistons overpower Bulls behind Stewart

Isaiah Stewart delivered a career night, pouring in 31 points to lead Detroit to a convincing 108–93 victory over Chicago. Nikola Vučević posted a strong 20-point, 16-rebound double-double for the Bulls, but Detroit’s physicality and fourth-quarter surge—where they outscored Chicago 32–16—blew the game open.

Embiid, Sixers overwhelm Wizards

Joel Embiid anchored Philadelphia’s 131–110 win with 28 points and seven rebounds as the Sixers outpaced Washington from start to finish. Philly’s offensive balance shone through, especially in the fourth quarter where they dropped 39 points. Tyus Johnson led the Wizards with 20, but Washington couldn’t keep up with the Sixers’ tempo.

Nuggets outlast Celtics in heavyweight duel

Denver leaned on Jamal Murray’s all-around brilliance—22 points, eight rebounds, and a stunning 17 assists—to fend off Boston, 114–110. Jaylen Brown paced the Celtics with 33 points, but the Nuggets’ late execution and Murray’s playmaking proved decisive in a playoff-style clash.

Hawks surge past Pelicans after halftime

Atlanta pulled away from New Orleans for a 117–100 win, fueled by rookie Zaccharie Risacher’s 25-point, eight-rebound outing. Zion Williamson filled the stat sheet with 22 points, eight boards, and six assists, but the Pelicans went cold in the third quarter, scoring just 13 points as the Hawks seized control.

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SHAI GILGEOUS-ALEXANDER TONIGHT:

46 POINTS
6 REBOUNDS
6 ASSISTS
14/26 FGM
42 MINUTES

MVP BEHAVIOR. pic.twitter.com/GAjm0mXmFP

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 8, 2026

Banchero shines as Magic survive Nets in OT

Paolo Banchero carried Orlando through overtime, finishing with 30 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists in a thrilling 104–103 win over Brooklyn. Michael Porter Jr. countered with a game-high 34 points for the Nets, but the Magic’s composure in the extra period proved the difference.

Brunson sparks Knicks’ second-half revival

Jalen Brunson led a spirited turnaround as New York erased a deficit to beat the Clippers, 123–111. Brunson tallied 26 points and seven assists, while the Knicks erupted for 72 points after halftime to snap their losing streak. Ivica Zubac posted 22 points and 11 rebounds in defeat for LA.

Suns cruise in Memphis

Phoenix controlled the tempo in a 117–98 win over Memphis, with Dillon Brooks contributing 21 points and seven rebounds. The Grizzlies struggled offensively, leaning on Jaylen Small’s 14 points and seven assists in a losing effort.

SGA detonates for 46 as Thunder outlast Jazz

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander put on a show, erupting for 46 points, six rebounds, and six assists to lift Oklahoma City past Utah, 129–125, in overtime. Lauri Markkanen answered with 29 points and 13 rebounds for the Jazz, but SGA owned the extra session with clutch scoring.

Doncic triple-double not enough as Spurs beat Lakers

Luka Dončić recorded a massive 38-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist triple-double, but San Antonio still pulled away late for a 107–91 victory. Keldon Johnson led the Spurs with 27 points as LA struggled to generate consistent offense outside of Dončić.

Curry, Butler close strong vs Bucks

Stephen Curry drilled a step-back three in the final moments and finished with 31 points, six rebounds, and seven assists as Golden State held off Milwaukee, 120–113. Giannis Antetokounmpo was dominant with 34 points and 10 rebounds, but the Warriors’ late-game poise sealed the win.

Avdija’s 41 lifts Blazers over Rockets

Deni Avdija delivered one of the performances of the night, exploding for 41 points to push Portland past Houston, 103–102. Amen Thompson nearly stole it for the Rockets with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, but the Blazers survived a tense finish at the Moda Center.

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