NBA Roundup: Thunder dominate, Knicks make history, Celtics stay rolling

A packed Thursday night in the NBA delivered statement wins, historic margins, and superstar performances across the league, highlighted by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s brilliance and a record-setting rout at Madison Square Garden.

Thunder rout Bucks behind SGA’s 40 points

The Oklahoma City Thunder continued to look every bit like a title contender, rolling past the Milwaukee Bucks, 122–102, despite being short-handed. Gilgeous-Alexander was unstoppable, pouring in 40 points to go with 11 assists and seven rebounds as OKC seized control early and never looked back. Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 19 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists, but Milwaukee struggled to keep pace after a slow start.

Jaylen Brown’s double-double leads Celtics over Pacers 

Boston also flexed its muscle at home, turning back the Indiana Pacers, 119–104, behind a strong all-around effort. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals, while Pascal Siakam tried to will Indiana back with 32 points and 10 boards in a losing effort.

Knicks make history in blowout win against Nets 

In New York, the Knicks authored a night for the history books, demolishing the Brooklyn Nets, 120–66, for the largest margin of victory in franchise history. New York dominated from the opening tip, racing to a 38-point first quarter and never easing off the gas. Brooklyn failed to find any offensive rhythm, with Ziaire Williams’ 11 points leading a Nets team held to just 66 total.

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The Knicks just won by 54 POINTS (!!!)

This final score is crazy. pic.twitter.com/nzfN3WXBlO

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 22, 2026

Cavaliers with gritty away win versus Hornets 

In Charlotte, the Cleveland Cavaliers leaned on defense and composure late to edge the Hornets, 94–87. Evan Mobley anchored the Cavs with 14 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks, helping Cleveland grind out a low-scoring road win. Rookie wing Kon Knueppel stood out for Charlotte with 21 points and 11 rebounds. 

Hawks escape Grizzlies in Memphis 

Atlanta survived a late Memphis push to escape with a 124–122 win over the Grizzlies in one of the night’s most entertaining games. Jalen Johnson stuffed the stat sheet with 32 points, 15 rebounds, and eight assists, while Ja Morant countered with 23 points, 12 assists, and three blocks in a narrow defeat.

Pistons extend surge against Pelicans 

The Detroit Pistons continued their strong run, holding off the New Orleans Pelicans, 112–104, behind a dominant interior performance from Jalen Duren, who posted 20 points and 15 rebounds. New Orleans was led by M. Peavy’s 17 points, seven rebounds, and four steals, but couldn’t close the gap late. 

Raptors show out in second half to beat Kings 

Out west, the Toronto Raptors pulled away in the second half to beat the Sacramento Kings, 122–109, at Golden 1 Center. Scottie Barnes paced Toronto with 23 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, while Russell Westbrook matched him with 23 points and three steals for Sacramento in the loss.

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