Three Stars

Here are my “three stars” from yesterday’s NBA games, with the “first star” considered the top performer.

First ⭐️

Cade Cunningham scored a franchise playoff-record 45 points as the Detroit Pistons staved off elimination with a 116-109 win over the Orlando Magic in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference First Round series. Cunningham shot 13-23 from the field (5-8 on threes) and 14-14 from the free throw line. He also contributed five assists, four rebounds, and one steal in 44 minutes played.

Second ⭐️

Paolo Banchero dropped a playoff career-high 45 points, but it wasn’t enough in the Magic’s loss to the Pistons. Banchero went 17-31 from the floor, sinking six of his 11 attempts from 3-point range. He added a team-high nine rebounds, a game-high seven assists, and two steals in 41 minutes of action.

Third ⭐️

Evan Mobley produced team highs of 23 points and nine rebounds (tied with James Harden in both categories) to lead the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 125-120 victory over the Toronto Raptors, giving Cleveland a 3-2 lead in their Eastern Conference First Round series. Mobley shot 8-13 from the field, hitting all three of his 3-point attempts. He also blocked a game-high three shots (tied with two others) and swiped one steal in 33 turnover-free minutes.

Milestones

• As noted earlier, Cunningham broke the Detroit Pistons record for most points scored in a playoff game with 45. The previous mark of 44 points was set by Dave Bing on April 1, 1968 versus the Boston Celtics.

• Cunningham and Banchero became just the second pair of opposing players in NBA postseason history to each score at least 45 points in the same playoff game. The Utah Jazz’s Donovan Mitchell (51 points) and the Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray (50) were the first opponents to achieve the feat on Aug. 23, 2020.

• The Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James became the first player to reach 500 career steals in the NBA Playoffs, but the Houston Rockets stayed alive with a 99-93 win in Game 5 of their Western Conference First Round series. James’ two steals give him 501 for his playoff career, 106 more than the next closest player.

• The Cavaliers’ James Harden scored 23 points, becoming the 12th player in NBA postseason history to reach 4,000 career points. He also swiped two steals to increase his playoff career total to 292, tying Manu Ginobili for 10th place on the league’s all-time list.

Streaking

• Cunningham has scored at least 20 points in each of his last 11 playoff games, breaking a tie with George Yardley (April 5, 1956 to March 23, 1958) for the longest such streak in Detroit Pistons history. He’s averaged 28.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, and 7.9 APG over that span.

• Cunningham has recorded five straight 25-point games in the postseason, snapping a tie with Bob Lanier (April 12, 1975 to April 18, 1976) and Isiah Thomas (May 30, 1987 to May 2, 1988) for the longest such streak in Detroit Pistons history.

• James tallied a game-high 25 points, the 145th straight playoff game in which he’s scored in double figures. It’s the fifth-longest such streak in NBA postseason history.

Miscellany

• Banchero and Cunningham were the night’s top bucket getters, each netting 45 points. The were followed by the Raptors’ RJ Barrett (25 points), James (25), Harden (23), the Pistons’ Tobias Harris (23), and Mobley (23).

• The Lakers’ Deandre Ayton was the chairman of the boards, hauling in 17 rebounds last night. The Pistons’ Ausar Thompson was runner-up with 15 rebounds, while Barrett placed third with 12 boards.

• The Raptors’ Scottie Barnes was the nightly leader in assists, handing out 11 helpers. Next in line were the Rockets’ Alperen Sengun (eight assists), Banchero (seven), James (seven), and the Raptors’ Jamal Shead (seven).

• Thompson had 15 rebounds, six assists, and five steals, becoming the first player to record at least 15 rebounds, five assists, and five steals in a playoff game since Michael Jordan on May 13, 1989.

Three Stars

Here are my “three stars” from yesterday’s NBA games, with the “first star” considered the top performer.

First ⭐️

Jalen Brunson dropped a game-high 39 points in the New York Knicks’ 126-97 rout of the Atlanta Hawks, giving New York a 3-2 lead in their Eastern Conference First Round series. Brunson shot 15-23 from the field (3-5 on threes) and 6-8 from the free throw line. He also dished out a game-high eight assists and committed just one turnover in 35 minutes played.

Second ⭐️

Joel Embiid scored a game-high 33 points as the Philadelphia 76ers staved off elimination with a 113-97 win over the Boston Celtics in Game 5 of their their Eastern Conference First Round series. Embiid went 12-23 from the floor and 9-10 from the charity stripe. He added a game-high eight assists, four rebounds, and one block in 39 minutes of action.

Third ⭐️

Victor Wembanyama scored 17 points and grabbed a game-high 14 rebounds to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a series-clinching 114-95 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 5 of their Western Conference First Round matchup. Wembanyama shot 5-7 from the field and 6-6 from the free throw line. He also blocked a game-high six shots and was charged with just one turnover in 34 minutes played.

Milestones

• The Sixers’ Paul George scored 16 points to increase his playoff career total to 2,502 points. He’s the 47th player in NBA postseason history to reach 2,500 career points.

• The Celtics’ Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown scored 24 and 22 points, respectively, the 53rd time they’ve each scored at least 20 points in the same playoff game. That ties Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson for the sixth-most such games in NBA postseason history by a duo.

Streaking

• George hit four triples to extend his streak of playoff games with at least one 3-pointer made to 48, tying Luka Doncic (Aug. 17, 2020 to June 12, 2024) for the third-longest such streak in NBA postseason history.

• Brown has scored in double figures in each of his last 103 playoff games, the 13th-longest such streak in NBA postseason history.

• Wembanyama became the first player to record at least 15 points, 10 rebounds, and five blocks in back-to-back playoff games since Tim Duncan on May 16 and 18, 2007.

• The New York Knicks won Games 4 and 5 by 16 and 29 points, respectively, the first time in franchise history they’ve won back-to-back playoff games by 15 or more points.

• The Portland Trail Blazers made 11 threes, the 14th consecutive playoff game in which they’ve hit at least 10 triples. That matches the sixth-longest such streak in NBA postseason history.

Miscellany

• Brunson led the nightly scoring brigade, bagging 39 points. He was followed by Embiid (33 points), the Sixers’ Tyrese Maxey (25), and Tatum (24).

• Tatum was the top board man, pulling down 16 rebounds last night. The Celtics’ Neemias Queta, the Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns, and Wembanyama were runners-up with 14 boards apiece.

• The Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox was the night’s premier playmaker, handing out nine assists. Brunson and Embiid shared second place with eight dimes each.

• The San Antonio Spurs earned their first playoff series win since the 2016-17 season, when they advanced to the Western Conference Finals. They lost in the first round in 2017-18 and 2018-19, and did not qualify for the playoffs from 2019-20 through 2024-25.

Three Stars

Here are my “three stars” from yesterday’s NBA games, with the “first star” considered the top performer.

First ⭐️

Nikola Jokic recorded his 23rd career playoff triple-double, racking up game highs of 27 points (tied with Julius Randle), 12 rebounds, and 16 assists as the Denver Nuggets staved off elimination with a 125-113 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 5 of their Western Conference First Round series. Jokic shot 9-15 from the field and 8-10 from the free throw line. He also blocked two shots in 38 minutes played.

Second ⭐️

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a game-high 31 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a series-ending 131-122 victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 of the Western Conference First Round matchup. Gilgeous-Alexander went 10-17 from the floor (2-4 on threes) and 9-11 from the charity stripe. He also dished out a game-high eight assists and blocked one shot in 38 minutes of action.

Third ⭐️

Franz Wagner scored 19 points despite sitting out the fourth quarter of the Orlando Magic’s 94-88 win over the Detroit Pistons, giving Orlando a 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference First Round series. Wagner shot 7-15 from the field and 4-4 from the free throw line. He added five rebounds, a game-high four steals, and three assists in 24 turnover-free minutes.

Milestones

• Jokic recorded at least 25 points, 15 assists, and 10 rebounds in a playoff game for the second time in his career. The only other player in NBA postseason history to produce multiple such games is Oscar Robertson, also with two.

• Jokic produced his 221st career triple-double in the regular season and playoffs combined, tying Russell Westbrook for the highest such total in NBA history. He also recorded his 75th career double-double in the playoffs, becoming the 19th player in NBA postseason history to reach that mark.

• The Nuggets’ Jamal Murray scored 24 points and handed out seven assists, reaching 2,000 points and 500 assists for his playoff career. He’s one of 42 players in NBA postseason history to attain both of those milestones.

• The Suns’ Devin Booker made his 115th career 3-pointer in the playoffs, tying Dan Majerle’s franchise postseason record for most career 3-pointers made.

• The Pistons’ Isaiah Stewart broke the franchise record for most blocks in a playoff game with eight. The previous mark of seven blocks had been achieved four times, most recently by Rasheed Wallace on April 20, 2008.

• The Magic’s Jalen Suggs went just 1-11 from beyond the arc, tying the franchise record for most 3-pointers missed in a playoff game. He shares the mark of 10 misses with Nick Anderson (May 9, 1999) and Franz Wagner (April 25, 2025).

• Led by Murray’s four steals, the Denver Nuggets broke the franchise record for most steals in a playoff game with 16. The previous mark of 15 thefts had been achieved three times, most recently on May 3, 2009.

• The Minnesota Timberwolves set a franchise record for most turnovers in a playoff game with 25, eclipsing the 24 errors they committed on May 12, 2004 versus the Sacramento Kings.

Streaking

• The Pistons’ Cade Cunningham scored a game-high 25 points to extend his streak of 20-point playoff games to 10. That ties George Yardley (April 5, 1956 to March 23, 1958) for the longest such streak in franchise postseason history.

• Gilgeous-Alexander has recorded 13 straight 20-point games, five straight 25-point games, and three straight 30-point games in the playoffs. He’s averaged 32.4 PPG and 6.8 APG with a free throw percentage of 90.5% over the former span.

• Jokic has scored at least 20 points in each of his last 10 playoff games, a stretch in which he’s posted figures of 26.7 PPG, 13.7 RPG, and 7.6 APG with a free throw percentage of 89.2%.

• The Oklahoma City Thunder have scored at least 120 points in three straight playoff games for the first time in franchise history. They recorded back-to-back 120-point playoff games on May 26 and 28, 2025.

• The Phoenix Suns have lost 10 consecutive playoff games, the longest such streak in franchise history and tied for the seventh-longest such streak in NBA history. They’ve been outscored by an average margin of 17.0 PPG over that span.

Miscellany

• Gilgeous-Alexander led the nightly scoring brigade, bagging 31 points. He was followed by Jokic (27 points), the Timberwolves’ Julius Randle (27), Cunningham (25), Booker (24), the Thunder’s Chet Holmgren (24), and Murray (24).

• Three players shared the nightly lead in rebounds with 12 apiece: the Thunder’s Isaiah Hartenstein, Holmgren, and Jokic. The Magic’s Wendell Carter Jr. also collected double-digit boards with 11.

• Jokic was the night’s premier playmaker, handing out 16 assists. Gilgeous-Alexander was runner-up with eight assists, while Murray placed third with seven dimes.

• Jokic’s 23 career playoff triple-doubles rank third on the NBA’s all-time postseason list, trailing only Magic Johnson (30) and LeBron James (28).

• Jokic and Murray have each recorded at least 20 points and five assists in the same playoff game 36 times, the most such games in NBA postseason history by a duo.

• The Orlando Magic recorded a field goal percentage of 32.6%, the lowest such figure in a playoff win in franchise history. Leaguewide, only four teams in the 3-point era have shot worse from the floor in a postseason victory.

Three Stars

Here are my “three stars” from yesterday’s NBA games, with the “first star” considered the top performer.

First ⭐️

Victor Wembanyama scored 27 points and grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds in the San Antonio Spurs’ 114-93 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, giving San Antonio a 3-1 series lead in their Western Conference First Round series. Wembanyama shot 9-17 from the field and 8-8 from the free throw line. He also recorded game highs of seven blocks and four steals in 34 minutes played.

Second ⭐️

Payton Pritchard came off the bench to drop a playoff career-high 32 points as the Boston Celtics routed the Philadelphia 76ers 128-96 to take a 3-1 lead in their Eastern Conference First Round series. Pritchard went 12-21 from the floor, sinking six of his 12 attempts from 3-point range. He added five assists, four rebounds, and one steal in 35 turnover-free minutes.

Third ⭐️

Tari Eason scored 20 points and swiped a game-high five steals to lead the Houston Rockets to a 115-96 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, giving Houston its first win in Game 5 of their Western Conference First Round series. Eason shot an efficient 7-10 from the field, including two 3-pointers made. He also grabbed a team-high eight rebounds (tied with Jabari Smith Jr.) and blocked one shot, posting a game-high rating of plus-31 points in 30 minutes of action.

Milestones

• The Lakers’ LeBron James made just two field goals, but that was enough to become the first player in NBA postseason history to reach 3,000 career field goals made. He’s connected on 644 more field goals than the next-closest player, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

• James Harden delivered a game-high eight dimes to break a tie with Tony Parker for sixth place on the NBA’s all-time leaderboard for playoff assists, but the Cleveland Cavaliers fell to the Toronto Raptors 93-89 to knot their Eastern Conference First Round series at two games apiece. Harden has 1,151 career assists in the postseason.

• The Boston Celtics broke the franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a playoff game with 24. The previous mark of 22 triples had been achieved three times, most recently on May 14, 2025 versus the New York Knicks.

• The Celtics tied the NBA record for most 30-point wins in a single playoff series with two. Nine other teams have posted two such wins in a playoff series, most recently the Oklahoma City Thunder versus the Denver Nuggets in the 2025 Western Conference Semifinals.

• On the flip side, the Philadelphia 76ers tied the NBA record for most 30-point losses in a single playoff series with two. It’s the first time in franchise history the Sixers have suffered two such defeats in a single postseason.

• The Toronto Raptors set franchise records for most offensive rebounds and most total rebounds in a playoff game with 21 and 59, respectively. They surpassed the previous single-game marks of 20 offensive rebounds (three times) and 57 total rebounds (Aug. 23, 2020).

• The Houston Rockets tied the franchise record for most steals in a playoff game with 17. They also recorded 17 thefts on April 21, 1981 versus the Kansas City Kings.

Streaking

• James was held to just 10 points, but that was enough to extend his streak of playoff games with double-digit scoring to 144. It’s the fifth-longest such streak in NBA postseason history.

• The Celtics’ Jaylen Brown had 20 points, his 102nd straight playoff game scoring in double figures. Only 12 players in NBA history have produced a longer such streak in the postseason.

• The Sixers’ Paul George made all three of his attempts from 3-point range, the 47th consecutive playoff game in which he’s hit at least one triple. It’s the fourth-longest such streak in NBA postseason history.

• The Celtics became just the fifth team in NBA history to make 20 or more 3-pointers in back-to-back playoff games. They join the Cleveland Cavaliers (May 4 and 6, 2016), the Utah Jazz (June 16 and 18, 2021), the LA Clippers (June 18 and 20, 2021), and the Golden State Warriors (May 2 and 4, 2023).

Miscellany

• Pritchard was the day’s leading scorer, dropping 32 points. He was followed by the Celtics’ Jayson Tatum (30 points), the Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox (28), Wembanyama (27), the Trail Blazers’ Deni Avdija (26), and the Sixers’ Joel Embid (26).

• The Cavaliers’ Jarrett Allen was the chairman of the boards, pulling down 15 rebounds yesterday. Also collecting double-digit boards were Wembanyama (11 rebounds), the Lakers’ Deandre Ayton (10), Embiid (10), and the Raptors’ Collin Murray-Boyles (10).

• Tatum was the daily leader in assists, delivering 11 dimes. James was runner-up with nine assists, while the Spurs’ Stephon Castle and Harden shared third place with eight apiece.

• Pritchard is just the second bench player to record a 30-point, 5-assist playoff game with zero turnovers since the NBA began tracking individual errors in 1977-78. The first bench player to accomplish the feat in a postseason game was Walter Davis on April 24, 1982.

• The Raptors recorded a field goal percentage of 32.0%, the lowest such figure in a playoff win since the Boston Celtics shot 31.6% from the floor in Game 4 of the 1969 NBA Finals.

Three Stars

Here are my “three stars” from yesterday’s NBA games, with the “first star” considered the top performer.

First ⭐️

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a playoff-career-high 42 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Phoenix Suns 121-109 to take a commanding 3-0 lead in their Western Conference First Round series. Gilgeous-Alexander shot a sizzling 15-18 from the field and made 11 of his 12 free throw attempts. He also contributed a game-high eight assists, four rebounds, and one steal in 38 minutes played.

Second ⭐️

Ayo Dosunmu came off the bench to score a career-high 43 points to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 112-96 victory over the Denver Nuggets, giving Minnesota a 3-1 lead in their Western Conference First Round series. Dosunmu was red-hot, going 13-17 from the floor (5-5 on threes) and 12-12 from the charity stripe. He also recorded four rebounds, one block, and just one turnover in 42 minutes of action.

Third ⭐️

Karl-Anthony Towns recorded his first career playoff triple-double, scoring 22 points to go with game highs of 10 rebounds (tied with OG Anunoby) and 10 assists in the New York Knicks’ series-tying 114-98 win over the Atlanta Hawks in Game 4 of their Eastern Conference First Round series. Towns shot 6-10 from the field and 7-9 from the free throw line. He also swiped two steals in 29 minutes played.

Milestones

• Gilgeous-Alexander is just the fifth player in NBA history to record a 40-point playoff game with 80% shooting from the field. He joins Terry Porter (May 19, 1992), Elton Brand (May 8, 2006), Dirk Nowitzki (May 17, 2011), and Devin Booker (May 5, 2023).

• Dosunmu became just the fourth bench player to score at least 40 points in a playoff game since the NBA began tracking starters in 1970-71. The others to achieve the feat are Fred Brown (April 15, 1976), Nick Van Exel (May 10, 2003), and Stephen Curry (May 9, 2016).

• Gilgeous-Alexander and Dosunmu each scored at least 40 points on 75% shooting from the field. It’s the first time in NBA postseason history there have been two such performances on the same day.

• Towns is just the fourth player in New York Knicks history to record a triple-double in a playoff game, joining Walt Frazier (four times), Dick McGuire, and Josh Hart.

• Desmond Bane tied the franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a playoff game with seven as the Orlando Magic defeated the Detroit Pistons 113-105 to take a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference First Round series. Dennis Scott also hit seven triples in a playoff game for the Magic on May 25, 1995.

• The Pistons’ Cade Cunningham set a franchise record for most turnovers in a playoff game with nine, surpassing the eight errors committed by Isiah Thomas on May 26, 1988 and Chauncey Billups on May 25, 2005.

Streaking

• Gilgeous-Alexander has scored at least 20 points in each of his last 12 playoff games, a stretch in which he’s posted figures of 32.5 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 6.8 APG, 1.5 SPG, and 1.,1 BPG.

• The Phoenix Suns have lost nine consecutive playoff games, the longest such streak in franchise history by four games. They have been outscored by an average margin of 17.9 PPG over that span, with eight of those losses coming by double digits.

Miscellany

• Dosunmu was the day’s top bucket getter, netting 43 points. He was followed by Gilgeous-Alexander (42 points), the Suns’ Dillon Brooks (33), the Nuggets’ Jamal Murray (30), and Cunningham (27).

• The Magic’s Wendell Carter Jr. was the leading rebounder yesterday, pulling down 17 boards. Also snagging double-digit rebounds were the Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert (15), the Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic (15), the Magic’s Paolo Banchero (12), the Knicks’ OG Anunoby (10), the Suns’ Collin Gillespie (10), and Towns (10).

• Towns took home daily honors in assists, handing out 10 helpers. Banchero, Cunningham, and Jokic were runners-up with nine dimes apiece.

• Dosunmu recorded a true shooting percentage of 96.5%, the third-highest such figure in NBA history in a 40-point playoff game. The two players ahead of him both accomplished the feat playing for the Portland Trail Blazers: Terry Porter (101.7% on May 19, 1992) and Damian Llllard (96.8% on June 1, 2021).

• The Pistons’ Jalen Duren and Ausar Thompson each recorded five blocks. The last teammates to each block at least five shots in the same playoff game were the Indiana Pacers’ David West and Roy Hibbert on May 3, 2014.

Three Stars

Here are my “three stars” from yesterday’s NBA games, with the “first star” considered the top performer.

First ⭐️

Dylan Harper came off the bench to score 27 points in the San Antonio Spurs’ 120-108 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, giving San Antonio a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference First Round series. Harper was very efficient, going 9-12 from the field (4-5 on threes) and 5-6 from the free throw line. He added a team-high 10 rebounds (tied with Luke Kornet), three assists, one steal, and one block, committing just one turnover in 30 minutes played.

Second ⭐️

Marcus Smart scored 21 points and dished out a game-high 10 assists as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 112-108 in overtime to take a commanding 3-0 lead in their Western Conference First Round series. Smart shot 5-9 from the floor (2-4 on threes) and 9-11 from the charity stripe. He also contributed a game-high five steals, four rebounds, and a team-high two blocks (tied with Jaxson Hayes) in 39 minutes of action.

Third ⭐️

Jayson Tatum scored a team-high 25 points (tied with Jaylen Brown) to lead the Boston Celtics to a 108-100 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, taking a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference First Round series. Tatum went 9-17 from the field, hitting five of his nine 3-point attempts. He also recorded a game-high seven assists, five rebounds, and one steal, and was charged with just one turnover and one personal foul in 42 minutes played.

Milestones

• Tatum reached 3,000 career points in the playoffs, becoming the 31st player in NBA postseason history to attain that milestone. At 28 years and 52 days old, he’s the second-youngest player to achieve the feat, trailing only LeBron James (27 years, 156 days).

• Tatum also made his 300th career playoff 3-pointer, becoming the 10th player in NBA postseason history to reach that mark. He’s the youngest player to attain that milestone, surpassing Klay Thompson (28 years, 115 days).

• Tatum and teammate Jaylen Brown (25 points) each scored at least 25 points in the same playoff game for the 20th time, becoming just the seventh duo in NBA postseason history to attain that milestone. Elgin Baylor and Jerry West are the all-time leaders with 50 such games.

• At 21 years and 174 days old, the Spurs’ Stephon Castle (33 points) became the youngest player in franchise history to score at least 30 points in a playoff game. The previous mark of 21 years and 354 days was set by Tony Parker on May 5, 2004.

• Castle and Harper are just the second teammates in NBA postseason history to each score at least 25 points in the same playoff game at the age of 21 years or younger. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook were the first duo to accomplish the feat on April 22, 2010.

• The Lakers’ LeBron James and Bronny James connected on the first father-to-son assist in NBA postseason history. Bronny laid in an alley-oop from LeBron with 7:11 remaining in the second quarter.

• The San Antonio Spurs tied the franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a playoff game with 16. They also sank 16 threes in a playoff game on June 11, 2013.

Streaking

• The Sixers’ Paul George made four 3-pointers, extending his streak of playoff games with at least one triple to 46 games. It’s the fourth-longest such streak in NBA postseason history.

• James (29 points) scored in double figures for the 143rd consecutive playoff game, the fifth-longest such streak in NBA postseason history.

• Smart became just the second Los Angeles Lakers player to record at least five steals in back-to-back playoff games since the NBA began tracking the statistic in 1973-74. He joins Magic Johnson, who accomplished the feat on April 9 and 11, 1980.

Miscellany

• Castle and the Rockets’ Alperen Sengun were the night’s leading scorers, each tallying 33 points. They were followed by the Sixers’ Tyrese Maxey (31 points), the Trail Blazers’ Jrue Holiday (29), and James (29).

• Sengun was also the top board man, collecting 16 rebounds last night. James was runner-up with 13 rebounds, while the Trail Blazers’ Donovan Clingan and the Rockets’ Amen Thompson shared third place with 11 apiece.

• Smart took home nightly honors in assists, handing out 10 helpers. Next in line were the Trail Blazers’ Deni Avdija (nine assists), the Rockets’ Reed Sheppard (seven), and Tatum (seven).

• Smart is just the second Los Angeles Lakers player to produce at least 20 points, 10 assists, and five steals in a playoff game since the NBA began tracking steals in 1973-74. He joins Magic Johnson, who achieved the feat three times.

• Sengun became the first Houston Rockets player to record at least 30 points and 15 rebounds in a playoff game since Charles Barkley accomplished the feat on May 13, 1999.

Three Stars

Here are my “three stars” from yesterday’s NBA games, with the “first star” considered the top performer.

First ⭐️

Scottie Barnes produced playoff career highs of 33 points and 11 assists to lead the Toronto Raptors to a 126-104 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, cutting Cleveland’s lead to 2-1 in their Eastern Conference First Round series. Barnes shot 11-17 from the field (3-5 on threes) and 8-10 from the free throw line. He aded five rebounds, one steal, and one block, committing just one turnover in 35 minutes played.

Second ⭐️

OG Anunoby scored a game-high 29 points, but it wasn’t enough as the New York Knicks were edged out by the Atlanta Hawks 109-108 to give Atlanta a 2-1 lead in their Eastern Conference First Round series. Anunoby went 9-16 from the floor (4-8 on threes) and 7-7 from the charity stripe. He also contributed nine rebounds, a game-high three blocks, and one steal in 37 turnover-free minutes.

Third ⭐️

Ayo Dosunmu came off the bench to score a team-high 25 points in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 113-96 win over the Denver Nuggets, giving Minnesota a 2-1 lead in their Western Conference First Round series. Dosunmu was very efficient, going 10-15 from the field and 5-6 from the free throw line. He also dished out a game-high nine assists in 32 minutes of action.

Milestones

• Dosunmu broke the Minnesota Timberwolves’ record for most points scored off the bench in a playoff game with 25. The previous mark of 24 points was set by Jaden McDaniels on April 29, 2022.

• The Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards (6-15 field goals) became the franchise’s playoff career leader in field goals made with 419, surpassing Kevin Garnett’s 415 makes.

• The Raptors’ Collin Murray-Boyles (22 points) became the first rookie in franchise history to record a 20-point game in the playoffs.

• The Cavaliers’ James Harden (18 points, four assists) moved up the NBA’s playoff career leaderboards for points with 3,963 (passing Dwyane Wade to take over 12th place) and assists with 1,143 (tying Tony Parker for sixth place).

• The Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic (7-26 field goals) became the 40th player in NBA history to reach 1,000 career field goals made in the playoffs.

Streaking

• Edwards has scored at least 15 points in each of his 45 career playoff games. The only other players in NBA history to open their postseason careers with at least 45 such games in a row are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Karl Malone.

• The Hawks’ CJ McCollum (2-4 on threes) has made at least one 3-pointer in 44 consecutive playoff games, tying Reggie Miller (May 13, 1995 to April 29, 2000) for the fifth-longest such streak in NBA postseason history.

Miscellany

• Barnes and Raptors teammate RJ Barrett were the night’s top bucket getters, each netting 33 points. They were followed by Anunoby with 29 points, Jokic with 27, and the Hawks’ Jalen Johnson with 26.

• The Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns was the chairman of the boards, hailing in 17 rebounds last night. Also pulling down double-digit rebounds were Jokic (15), the Hawks’ Dyson Daniels (13), the Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert (12), Johnson (10), and the Timberwolves’ Jaden McDaniels (10).

• Barnes was the nightly leader in assists, delivering 11 dimes. Next in line were Dosunmu (nine assists), Johnson (eight), the Timberwolves’ Donte DiVincenzo (seven), and the Cavaliers’ Evan Mobley (seven).

• Barnes and Barrett became the first duo in Toronto Raptors history to each record at least 30 points and five assists in the same playoff game.

• The Toronto Raptors snapped an NBA-record-tying 12-game postseason losing streak to the Cleveland Cavaliers, securing their first playoff win over Cleveland since Game 4 of the 2016 Eastern Conference Finals.

Three Stars

Here are my “three stars” from yesterday’s NBA games, with the “first star” considered the top performer.

First ⭐️

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander dropped a game-high 37 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Phoenix Suns 120-107 to take a 2-0 lead in their Western Conference First Round series. Gildeous-Alexander shot 13-25 from the field (2-5 on threes) and 9-9 from the free throw line. He also contributed a game-high nine assists, five rebounds, and one steal in 38 minutes played.

Second ⭐️

Cade Cunningham scored a game-high 27 points to lead the Detroit Pistons to a 98-83 victory over the Orlando Magic, knotting their Eastern Conference First Round series at one game apiece. Cunningham made 11 of his 19 attempts from the floor, including one 3-pointer. He added a game-high 11 assists, six rebounds, one steal, and one block in 37 minutes of action.

Third ⭐️

Dillon Brooks scored a team-high 30 points, but it wasn’t enough in the Suns’ loss to the Thunder. Brooks shot 12-23 from the field, hitting five of his nine 3-point attempts. He also grabbed six rebounds and committed just one turnover in 38 minutes played.

Milestones

• The Orlando Magic set a franchise record for most steals in a playoff game with 16, easily surpassing the previous mark of 12 thefts achieved three times. Nine Magic players recorded at least one steal, led by Franz Wagner with four.

Streaking

• Gilgeous-Alexander has scored at least 20 points in each of his last 11 playoff games, a stretch in which he’s posted figures of 31.6 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 6.6 APG, 1.5 SPG, and 1.2 BPG.

• The Phoenix Suns have lost eight consecutive playoff games, the longest such streak in franchise history by three games. They have been outscored by an average margin of 18.6 PPG over that span, with seven of those losses coming by double digits.

Miscellany

• Gilgeous-Alexander was the night’s top bucket getter, netting 37 points. He was followed by Brooks (30 points), Cunningham (27), and the Suns’ Devin Booker (22).

• The Pistons’ Tobias Harris was the leading rebounder last night, securing 11 boards. The Thunder’s Isaiah Hartenstein was runner-up with 10 rebounds, while the Pistons’ Jalen Duren and the Suns’ Royce O’Neale shared third place with nine boards apiece.

• Cunningham took home nightly honors in assists, handing out 11 helpers. Next in line were Gilgeous-Alexander (nine assists), the Magic’s Paolo Banchero (eight), and the Suns’ Collin Gillespie (six).

• Cunningham produced his second career 25-point, 10-assist playoff game. The only other player in Detroit Pistons history to record multiple such games is Isiah Thomas with 10.

• The Detroit Pistons snapped an 11-game home playoff losing skid, the longest such streak in NBA history. It was Detroit’s first home playoff win since Game 4 of the 2008 Eastern Conference Finals.

Three Stars

Here are my “three stars” from yesterday’s NBA games, with the “first star” considered the top performer.

First ⭐️

VJ Edgecombe produced team highs of 30 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to a 111-97 victory over the Boston Celtics, knotting their Eastern Conference First Round series at one game apiece. Edgecombe shot 12-20 from the field, hitting six of his 10 attempts from 3-point range. He also swiped a game-high two steals (tied with Tyrese Maxey) and did not commit a personal foul in 35 minutes played.

Second ⭐️

Marcus Smart scored 25 points as the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets 101-94 to take a 2-0 lead in their Western Conference First Round series. Smart went 8-13 from the floor, sinking five of his seven 3-point attempts. He added a team-high seven assists (tied with LeBron James), a game-high five steals, and one block in 35 minutes of action.

Third ⭐️

Scoot Henderson scored a game-high 31 points in the Portland Trail Blazers’ 106-103 win over the San Antonio Spurs, tying their Western Conference First Round series at one game each. Henderson shot 11-17 from the field, knocking down five of his nine tries from beyond the 3-point arc. He also contributed one steal and one block in 38 minutes played.

Milestones

• At 20 years and 265 days old, Edgecombe became the youngest player in NBA history to record at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in a playoff game. The previous mark of 20 years and 276 days was set by Magic Johnson in Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals.

• Edgecombe is also the youngest player in Philadelphia 76ers history to score at least 30 points in a playoff game. He surpassed teammate Tyrese Maxey, who was 21 years and 163 days old when he achieved the feat on April 16, 2022.

• At 22 years and 77 days old, Henderson became the youngest player in Portland Trail Blazers history to record a 30-point playoff game. The previous mark of 23 years and 201 days was set by Lionel Hollins in Game 2 of the 1977 Western Conference Finals.

• The Rockets’ Kevin Durant (23 points) became just the seventh player in NBA postseason history to reach 5,000 career points. The others to achieve the feat are LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal, and Tim Duncan.

• Durant (four defensive rebounds) passed Al Horford to move into ninth place on the NBA’s playoff career leaderboard for defensive rebounds with 1,202. Note that defensive boards have been tracked since the 1973-74 season.

• The Celtics’ Jayson Tatum (8-19 field goals) and Jaylen Brown (11-24 field goals) each ended the game with exactly 1,000 career field goals made in the playoffs. They are the third- and ninth-youngest players in NBA postseason history, respectively, to reach that mark.

• Tatum (2-8 on threes) and Brown (5-12 on threes) both moved up the NBA’s playoff career leaderboard for 3-pointers made. Tatum passed J.R. Smith to take over 10th place with 295 triples, while Brown passed Chauncey Billups to take over 16th place with 270 triples.

Streaking

• Durant has scored in double-figures in 171 consecutive playoff games, tying Kobe Bryant (June 19, 2000 to May 21, 2012) for the second-longest such streak in NBA postseason history. The record of 179 such games in a row is held by Michael Jordan.

• The Lakers’ LeBron James (28 points) has scored at least 10 points in 142 straight playoff games, the fifth-longest such streak in NBA postseason history.

• Brown has scored 10 or more points in each of his last 100 playoff games. He’s the 13th player in NBA postseason history to record at least 100 such games in a row.

• The Sixers’ Paul George (2-5 on threes) extended his 3-point streak to 45 games, breaking a tie with Reggie Miller (May 13, 1995 to April 29, 2000) for the fourth-longest such run in NBA postseason history.

Miscellany

• Brown was the night’s leading scorer, dropping 36 points. He was followed by Henderson (31 points), Edgecombe (30), the Sixers’ Tyrese Maxey (29), and James (28).

• Tatum was the top rebounder last night, collecting 14 boards. Also grabbing double-digit rebounds were the Spurs’ Devin Vassell (12), the Rockets’ Alperen Sengun (11), the Trail Blazers’ Donovan Clingan (10), and Edgecombe (10).

• Four players shared nightly honors in assists with nine dimes each: the Trail Blazers’ Jrue Holiday, Maxey, Tatum, and the Rockets’ Amen Thompson. Next in line were James and Smart with seven assists apiece.

• Durant was charged with nine turnovers, matching his postseason career high. He also committed nine errors in playoff games on May 23, 2011 and April 15, 2019.

Three Stars

Here are my “three stars” from yesterday’s NBA games, with the “first star” considered the top performer.

First ⭐️

CJ McCollum scored a game-high 32 points in the Atlanta Hawks’ 107-106 comeback win over the New York Knicks, squaring their Eastern Conference First Round series at one game apiece. McCollum shot 12-22 from the field (3-10 on threes) and 5-7 from the free throw line. He also contributed a team-high six assists (tied with Nickeil Alexander-Walker), a game-high two steals (tied with three others), and one block in 35 minutes played.

Second ⭐️

Donovan Mitchell scored a game-high 30 points as the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Toronto Raptors 115-105 to take a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference First Round series. Mitchell went 13-23 from the floor, sinking four of his 10 attempts from 3-point range. He added seven rebounds, a game-high five assists (tied with two others), and one steal, committing just one turnover in 37 minutes of action.

Third ⭐️

Anthony Edwards scored a game-high 30 points (tied with Jamal Murray) to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 119-114 victory over the Denver Nuggets, tying their Western Conference First Round series at one game each. Edwards shot 10-25 from the field (3-11 on threes) and 7-9 from the free throw line. He also recorded a team-high 10 rebounds, a game-high two blocks, and one steal in 40 minutes played.

Milestones

• The Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic (24 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists) recorded his 50th career 20-point, 10-rebound, 5-assist game in the playoffs. The only other player in NBA postseason history to reach that mark is LeBron James with 94 such games.

• The Cavaliers’ James Harden (28 points, four assists, five steals, five turnovers) moved up several of the NBA’s postseason career leaderboards: seventh in assists with 1,139, passing Rajon Rondo; seventh in turnovers with 599, passing Tony Parker; 11th in steals with 289, passing Chris Paul; and 15th in 20-point games with 103, breaking a tie with John Havlicek.

• Edwards broke the Minnesota Timberwolves’ playoff career record for most free throws attempted with 280. The previous mark of 272 attempts was held by Kevin Garnett.

Streaking

• Edwards has scored at least 15 points in each of his 44 playoff games. The only other players in NBA history to start their playoff careers with at least 44 such games in a row are Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Karl Malone.

• McCollum has made at least one 3-pointer in each of his last 43 playoff games, the sixth-longest such streak in NBA history.

• The Nuggets’ Cameron Johnson (1-6 on threes) has made at least one 3-pointer in 33 straight playoff games, tying Fred VanVleet (May 17, 2019 to present) for the 10th-longest such streak in NBA history.

• The Cleveland Cavaliers have won 12 consecutive playoff games versus the Toronto Raptors, matching the longest such streak in NBA postseason history against a single opponent. The Raptors have not beaten the Cavaliers in a playoff game since Game 4 of the 2016 Eastern Conference Finals.

Miscellany

• McCollum led the nightly scoring brigade, bagging 32 points. He was followed by Edwards (30 points), Mitchell (30), the Nuggets’ Jamal Murray (30), and the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson (29).

• Jokic was the night’s top board man, pulling down 15 rebounds. The Knicks’ Josh Hart was runner-up with 13 rebounds, while Edwards and the Raptors’ Sandro Mamukelashvili shared third place with 10 boards apiece.

• Jokic was the leading playmaker last night, dishing out eight assists. Brunson and Murray tied for second place, each delivering seven dimes.

• Brunson recorded his 30th career 25-point playoff game with the New York Knicks, breaking a tie with Walt Frazier for the second-most such games in franchise history. Patrick Ewing is the franchise’s all-time leader with 43 such games.

• The Cavaliers’ Evan Mobley (25 points, 11-13 field goals) recorded a field goal percentage of 84.6%, the second-highest such figure in franchise history by a player in a 25-point game. The high of 85.7% was achieved by Kevin Love on April 17, 2017.

• The Atlanta Hawks won despite trailing by 12 points after three quarters. It’s the fourth time in franchise history they’ve won a playoff game in which they trailed by at least 10 points entering the fourth quarter.

• On the flip side, it’s just the second time the New York Knicks have blown a playoff game in which they held a double-digit lead through three quarters. They fell to the Indiana Pacers on June 1, 1994 despite holding a 12-point lead entering the final period.

Three Stars

Here are my “three stars” from yesterday’s NBA games, with the “first star” considered the top performer.

First ⭐️

Jayson Tatum scored 25 points and grabbed a game-high 11 rebounds as the Boston Celtics routed the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference First Round series. Tatum shot 9-17 from the field and 6-6 from the free throw line. He added a team-high seven assists and a game-high two steals (tied with two others), committing just one turnover and one personal foul in 32 minutes played.

Second ⭐️

Victor Wembanyama scored a game-high 35 points in his playoff debut to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 111-98 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Game 1 of their Western Conference First Round series. Wembanyama went 13-21 from the floor, sinking five of his six 3-point attempts. He also snagged five rebounds and blocked a game-high two shots (tied with Devin Vassell) in 33 minutes of action.

Third ⭐️

Jalen Williams compiled 22 points, seven rebounds, and six assists in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s 119-84 demolition of the Phoenix Suns in Game 1 of their Western Conference First Round series. Williams made nine of his 15 attempts from the field, including two 3-pointers. He also swiped one steal and blocked one shot, and was charged with only one turnover and one personal foul in 29 minutes played.

Milestones

• Wembanyama broke the San Antonio Spurs’ record for most points scored by a player in his playoff debut with 35. The previous mark of 32 points was set by Tim Duncan on April 23, 1998.

• Tatum recorded his 1,000th career rebound in the playoffs. He’s the seventh player in Boston Celtics history to attain that milestone.

• Tatum took over sole possession of 11th place on the NBA’s playoff career leaderboard for 3-pointers made with 293, breaking a tie with Kobe Bryant.

• Tatum recorded his 59th career 25-point game in the playoffs, tying Russell Westbrook and Nikola Jokic for 19th place on the league’s all-time list.

• Tatum and teammate Jalyen Brown (26 points) each scored at least 20 points in the same playoff game for the 50th time. Only seven other duos in NBA history have reached that mark, led by Elgin Baylor and Jerry West with 74 such games.

• The Sixers’ Paul George (1-2 on threes) made his 277th career 3-pointer in the playoffs, breaking a tie with Paul Pierce for 14th place on the NBA’s all-time postseason list.

• The Trail Blazers’ Deni Avdija (30 points, 10 rebounds, five assists) became the first player in franchise history to record at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a playoff game.

• The Boston Celtics’ 32-point margin of victory is the largest in a playoff opener in franchise history. The previous mark of 30 points was set on March 21, 1967 versus the New York Knicks.

• On the flip side, the Philadelphia 76ers’ 32-point loss was the worst in a playoff opener in franchise history. The previous mark of 25 points was set on March 22, 1964 versus the Cincinnati Royals.

Streaking

• George has made at least one 3-pointer in each of his last 44 playoff games, tying Reggie Miller (May 13, 1995 to April 29, 2000) for the fourth-longest such streak in NBA postseason history.

• The Detroit Pistons extended their NBA-record streak of home playoff losses to 11, falling to the Orlando Magic 112-101 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference First Round series. Detroit’s last home playoff win came on May 26, 2008 in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

• The Phoenix Suns have lost seven consecutive playoff games, the longest such streak in franchise history. They have been outscored by an average margin of 19.4 PPG over that span, with six of those losses coming by double figures.

Miscellany

• The Pistons’ Cade Cunningham was the day’s leading scorer, dropping 39 points. He was followed by Wembanyama (35 points), Avdija (30), Brown (26), the Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (25), and Tatum (25).

• Tatum was the top board man, pulling down 11 rebounds yesterday. Avdija was runner-up with 10 rebounds, while the Magic’s Paolo Banchero and the Suns’ Oso Ighodaro shared third place with nine boards each.

• The Trail Blazers’ Jrue Holiday took home daily honors in assists, handing out 11 helpers. The Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox and the Sixers’ Tyrese Maxey tied for second place with eight assists apiece.

Three Stars

Here are my “three stars” from yesterday’s NBA games, with the “first star” considered the top performer.

First ⭐️

LeBron James scored 19 points and dished out a game-high 13 assists to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 107-98 victory over the Houston Rockets in Game 1 of their Western Conference First Round series. James was efficient, sinking nine of his 15 attempts from the field. He also contributed eight rebounds, two steals, and one block in 38 minutes played.

Second ⭐️

Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, scoring 25 points to go with game highs of 13 rebounds and 11 assists as the Denver Nuggets beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-105 in Game 1 of their Western Conference First Round series. Jokic made 11 of his 19 attempts from the floor, including two 3-pointers. He also swiped one steal in 40 minutes of action.

Third ⭐️

Donovan Mitchell scored a game-high 32 points in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ 126-113 win over the Toronto Raptors in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference First Round series. Mitchell went 11-20 from the field (4-7 on threes) and 6-7 from the free throw line. He added four assists, three rebounds, and a game-high two steals (tied with two others) in 31 minutes played.

Milestones

• Mitchell made his 200th career 3-pointer in the playoffs. He reached that mark in 64 games, becoming the third-fastest player in NBA postseason history to do so behind Stephen Curry (50 games) and Damian Lillard (62).

• Mitchell’s backcourt mate, James Harden (22 points), moved into 13th place on the NBA’s career postseason scoring list with 3,917 points, surpassing Larry Bird. It was Harden’s 102nd career 20-point playoff game, tying John Havlicek for 22nd place on the all-time leaderboard.

• The Nuggets’ Jamal Murray (16-16 free throws) set a franchise record for most free throws made in a playoff game. His 16 makes eclipses the previous mark of 14 shared by three players, most recently Carmelo Anthony on April 19, 2010.

• Jokic and Murray each scored at least 25 points in the same playoff game for the 20th time, becoming just the sixth duo in NBA postseason history to reach that mark. Elgin Baylor and Jerry West are the all-time leaders with 50 such games.

• The Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards (22 points, seven assists) became the franchise’s carer leader in playoff assists with 237, surpassing Kevin Garnett. Edwards also broke a tie with Garnett for most career 20-point playoff games in franchise history with 32.

• Karl-Anthony Towns (25 points) reached 1,000 career points in the playoffs as the New York Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks 113-102 in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference First Round series.

• The Los Angeles Lakers (40-66 field goals, 10-19 on threes) recorded an effective field goal percentage of 68.2%, the highest such figure in a playoff game in franchise history. The previous mark of 67.3% was set on April 21, 2009.

Streaking

• Mitchell has scored at least 30 points in nine straight series openers, the longest such streak in NBA postseason history.

• James has scored in double figures in each of his last 141 playoff games, the fifth-longest such streak in NBA postseason history.

• The Hawks’ CJ McCollum (4-9 on threes) has made at least one 3-pointer in 42 consecutive playoff games, the sixth-longest such streak in NBA postseason history.

Miscellany

• Mitchell was the day’s leading scorer, netting 32 points. He was followed by Murray (30 points), the Knicks’ Jalen Brunson (28), the Lakers’ Luke Kennard (27), and McCollum (26).

• The Knicks’ Josh Hart was the chairman of the boards, collecting 14 rebounds. Jokic was runner-up with 13 rebounds, while the Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr. placed third with 12 boards.

• James took home daily honors in assists, handing out 13 helpers. Also delivering double-digit dimes were the Hawks’ Dyson Daniels (11 assists), Jokic (11), and Harden (10).

• Jokic produced his 22nd career triple-double in the playoffs. He ranks third on the NBA’s all-time postseason list, trailing only Magic Johnson (30 triple-doubles) and LeBron James (28).

• Brunson recorded his 29th career 25-point playoff game, tying Walt Frazier for second place on the New York Knicks’ all-time list. The franchise record of 43 such games is held by Patrick Ewing.

Three Stars

Here are my “three stars” from yesterday’s NBA games, with the “first star” considered the top performer.

First ⭐️

Jalen Green dropped a game-high 36 points to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 111-96 victory in the Play-In Tournament. Green shot 14-20 from the field, sinking eight of his 14 attempts from 3-point range. He also contributed six rebounds, four assists, a game-high three blocks, and two steals in 40 minutes played.

The Suns will move on to the Western Conference Playoffs as the No. 8 seed, where they will face the No. 1 seed Oklahoma City Thunder. Meanwhile, the Warriors have been eliminated from postseason competition.

Second ⭐️

Paolo Banchero scored a game-high 25 points as the Orlando Magic routed the Charlotte Hornets 121-90 in the Play-In Tournament. Banchero went 9-17 from the floor and 5-8 from the charity stripe. He added a game-high six assists (tied with two others), five rebounds, two steals, and one block in 33 minutes of action.

The Magic advanced to the Eastern Conference Playoffs as the No. 8 seed, setting up a matchup with the No. 1 seed Detroit Pistons. The Hornets, on the other hand, were stopped short in their bid to claim the franchise’s first playoff spot since the 2015-16 season.

Third ⭐️

Jordan Goodwin scored 19 points in the Suns’ win over the Warriors. Goodwin shot 7-11 from the field, hitting four of his seven 3-point attempts. He also grabbed a team-high nine rebounds and swiped a game-high six steals, committing just one turnover and one personal foul in 34 minutes played.

Milestones

• Goodwin broke the Play-In Tournament record for most steals in a game with six. The previous mark of five was shared by Gary Trent Jr. (Aug. 15, 2020), Kent Bazemore (May 19, 2021), and Jimmy Butler III (April 17, 2024).

• Green tied a Play-In Tournament record for most 3-pointers made in a game with eight, matching Keegan Murray’s effort on April 16, 2024.

• The Orlando Magic set Play-In Tournament records for the largest lead at the end of the first quarter (22 points), the largest lead at halftime (31, tied), the largest lead at the end of the third quarter (31), and the largest margin of victory (31).

• The Phoenix Suns tied the Play-In Tournament for highest free throw percentage in a game, making all 15 of their attempts. They share the record with the Charlotte Hornets (9-9 on April 14, 2026) and the LA Clippers (17-17 on April 15, 2026).

Streaking

• The Charlotte Hornets have failed to reach the playoffs in each of the last 10 seasons, the longest active drought in the NBA and tied for the fifth-longest drought in NBA history.

Miscellany

• Green was the night’s top point producer, netting 36 points. He was followed by Banchero (25 points), the Hornets’ LaMelo Ball (23), the Warriors’ Brandin Podziemski (23), and the Suns’ Devin Booker (20).

• Podziemski was the top board man last night, collecting 10 rebounds. Goodwin was runner-up with nine rebounds, while the Hornets’ Moussa Diabate and the Warriors’ De’Anthony Melton shared third place with eight boards apiece.

• Booker took home nightly honors in assists, handing out eight helpers. Next in line were four players with six assists each: Banchero, Green, the Magic’s Jalen Suggs, and the Magic’s Franz Wagner.

Here’s my mega statistical recap of the 2025-26 NBA regular season. All per-game factoids are based on a minimum of 70% of team games played (58 games in an 82-game season), and all shooting-percentage factoids are based on a minimum number of makes that would qualify for league leadership using the current guidelines.

Note that the NBA began recording offensive rebounds, defensive rebounds, steals, and blocks in the 1973-74 season; individual turnovers have been tracked since the 1977-78 season; and the 3-point shot was introduced in the 1979-80 season.

Before I begin, please consider becoming a subscriber if you’re not already signed up. And if you’re a free subscriber, please give some thought to upgrading to a paid subscription, or you could simply buy me a coffee. Thank you for your support.

League Leaders

The league leaders in points, rebounds, assists, steals, blocks, double-doubles, and triple-doubles were:

• PTS — Luka Doncic, 2,143

• REB — Donovan Clingan, 892

• AST — Nikola Jokic, 697

• STL — Cason Wallace, 150

• BLK — Victor Wembanyama, 197

• DD2 — Karl-Anthony Towns, 56

• TD3 — Nikola Jokic, 34

The league leaders in PPG, RPG, APG, SPG, and BPG were:

• PPG — Luka Doncic, 33.5

• RPG — Nikola Jokic, 12.9

• APG — Nikola Jokic, 10.7

• SPG — Ausar Thompson, 2.0

• BPG — Victor Wembanyama, 3.1

The league leaders in field goal percentage, 3-point field goal percentage, and free throw percentage were:

• FG% — Rudy Gobert, 68.2%

• 3P% — Luke Kennard, 47.8%

• FT% — Cam Spencer, 94.0%

The league leaders in various “milestone” games were:

• 20+ PTS — Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, 68

• 30+ PTS — Luka Doncic, 44

• 40+ PTS — Luka Doncic, 16

• 50+ PTS — Luka Doncic, Nikola Jokic, and Jamal Murray, 2

• 10+ REB — Karl-Anthony Towns, 59

• 15+ REB — Donovan Clingan and Nikola Jokic, 21

• 20+ REB — Nikola Jokic, 5

• 10+ AST — Nikola Jokic, 42

• 15+ AST — Nikola Jokic, 7

• 5+ STL — John Konchar and Tyrese Maxey, 4

• 5+ BLK — Victor Wembanyama, 17

NBA Records

LeBron James broke the NBA records for most seasons played with 23 (surpassing Vince Carter’s 22), most career games played with 1,622 (surpassing Robert Parish’s 1,611), and most career field goals made with 15,961 (surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 15,837).

LeBron James’ NBA-record streak of 1,297 regular season games scoring in double figures came to an end on Dec. 4, 2025, when he was held to eight points versus the Toronto Raptors.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ended the season having scored at least 20 points in each of his last 140 regular season games, the longest such streak in NBA history. He surpassed Wilt Chamberlain’s previous mark of 126 such games in a row on March 12, 2026.

Kon Knueppel smashed the NBA rookie records for most 3-pointers made and attempted with 273 and 642, respectively. He easily outpaced the previous marks of 206 makes (Keegan Murray, 2022-23) and 550 attempts (Donovan Mitchell, 2017-18).

Bam Adebayo set NBA single-game records for most free throws made (36) and attempted (43) on March 10, 2026, when he recorded the second-highest scoring game in NBA history with 83 points. The previous mark of 28 makes* was shared by Wilt Chamberlain (March 2, 1962) and Adrian Dantley (Jan. 4, 1984), while the prior record of 39 attempts** was held by Dwight Howard (twice).

* Bob Cousy made 30 free throws in a four-overtime playoff game on March 21, 1953.

** Shaquille O’Neal attempted 39 free throws in a playoff game on June 9, 2000.

Cody Williams recorded a plus-minus of minus-60 points on Jan. 10, 2026, the lowest such figure in the NBA’s play-by-play era (i.e., since 1997-98). The previous low of minus-58 points was shared by Scoot Henderson (March 29, 2024) and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (April 11, 2025).

Nikola Jokic broke the NBA record for most points scored in an overtime period with 18 on Dec. 25, 2025. The previous mark of 16 points* was set by Gilbert Arenas on Dec. 17, 2006.

* Stephen Curry scored 17 points in the first overtime of a playoff game on May 9, 2016.

The Cleveland Cavaliers broke the NBA record for most consecutive games with 10 or more 3-pointers made. The streak started on April 6, 2024 and reached 110 games, 13 more than the previous mark of 97 held by the Houston Rockets. It came to an end on Dec. 5, 2025 versus the San Antonio Spurs.

The Miami Heat set the NBA record for most 140-point games in a season with 12, topping the Indiana Pacers’ 11 such games in 2023-24. The Heat recorded a total of just eight 140-point games in the franchise’s first 37 seasons of existence.

The Washington Wizards broke the NBA record for most 20-point losses in a season with 28. The previous mark of 26 such losses was set by the Dallas Mavericks in 1992-93.

The Golden State Warriors (Jan. 13–19, 2026) and the Charlotte Hornets (Feb. 20–26, 2026) both tied the NBA record for most consecutive games with 20 or more 3-pointers made, each recording four such games in a row.

The Memphis Grizzlies (April 6, 2026) and the Boston Celtics (April 10, 2026) each tied the NBA record for most 3-pointers made in a game with 29.

Franchise Records

Atlanta Hawks

Jalen Johnson set franchise records for most career triple-doubles with 15 and most triple-doubles in a season with 13. He easily surpassed the previous marks of seven and four triple-doubles held by Mookie Blaylock and Bill Bridges, respectively.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker broke the franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a season with 251. The previous mark of 240 makes was set by Bogdan Bogdanovic in 2023-24.

The Hawks set franchise single-season records for most 3-pointers made (1,201), most 3-pointers attempted (3,237), most assists (2,471), and most points scored (9,714).

The Hawks set a franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a game with 25 on Dec. 29, 2025 versus the Oklahoma City Thunder, then matched that effort on March 23, 2026 versus the Memphis Grizzlies.

Boston Celtics

Neemias Queta broke the franchise record for highest field goal percentage in a season with a figure of 65.3%. The previous mark of 60.9% was set by Cedric Maxwell in 1979-80.

The Celtics tied the franchise record (as well as the NBA record) for most 3-pointers made in a game with 29 on April 10, 2026 versus the New Orleans Pelicans.

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets tied the franchise record for largest margin of victory in a game, blowing out the Milwaukee Bucks by 45 points on Dec. 14, 2025.

Charlotte Hornets

Kon Knueppel set a franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a season with 273, eclipsing Kemba Walker’s 260 triples in 2018-19.

LaMelo Ball broke the franchise record for most 3-pointers attempted in a season with 740. Kemba Walker set the previous mark of 731 attempts in the 2018-19 campaign.

Ball tied the franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a game with 10 on Feb. 22, 2026. Four other Hornets have hit 10 triples in a game, most recently Kelly Oubre Jr. on Jan. 26, 2022.

The Hornets broke numerous franchise single-season records: most 3-pointers made (1,343), most 3-pointers attempted (3,549), highest free throw percentage (81.8%), most rebounds (3,778), most points scored (9,513), highest scoring average (116.0 PPG), and largest point differential (+4.8 PPG).

The Hornets tied the franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a game with 26 on March 24, 20216 versus the Sacramento Kings. They also set a franchise single-game record for most 3-pointers attempted with 59 on Jan. 10, 2026 versus the Utah Jazz.

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls tied the franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a game with 25 on Jan. 20, 2026 versus the LA Clippers.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers set a franchise record for most 3-pointers attempted in a game with 65 on Nov. 10, 2025 versus the Miami Heat. The Houston Rockets are the only team in NBA history to hoist more shots from beyond the arc in game (twice).

Denver Nuggets

Nikola Jokic set franchise records for most career offensive rebounds with 2,175 and most career turnovers with 2,419. He surpassed Alex English in both categories.

Nikola Jokic tied his own franchise single-season record for most triple-doubles with 34, matching his mark from last season. It’s tied for the fourth-highest single-season total in NBA history.

Jamal Murray broke the franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a season with 245, surpassing Michael Porter Jr.’s 220 makes in 2023-24.

Nikola Jokic broke the franchise record for most free throws made in a game with 22 on Dec. 25, 2025. The previous mark of 20 was set by David Thompson on April 10, 1977.

The Nuggets recorded the most 3-pointers made (1,161) and the highest 3-point field goal percentage (39.6%) in a single season in franchise history.

The Nuggets posted the largest margin of victory in a game in franchise history, walloping the Portland Trail Blazers by 54 points on Feb. 20, 2026.

The Nuggets tied the franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a game with 24 on Dec. 22, 2025 versus the Utah Jazz. They also a franchise single-game record for most 3-pointers attempted with 50 on Feb. 4, 2026 versus the New York Knicks.

Detroit Pistons

Cade Cunningham set a franchise record for most field goals attempted in a game with 45 on Nov. 10, 2025. The previous mark of 41 attempts was established by Bob Lanier on Dec. 25, 1971.

The Pistons recorded the highest average margin of victory (+8.2 PPG) in a single season in franchise history.

The Pistons broke the franchise record for largest margin of victory in a game, destroying the Brooklyn Nets by 53 points on Feb. 1, 2026.

Golden State Warriors

The Warriors set a franchise record for most 3-pointers attempted in a season with 3,616.

Indiana Pacers

The Pacers set franchise records for most losses (63) and most 3-pointers attempted (3,084) in a single season.

The Pacers set a franchise record for most 3-pointers attempted in a game with 54 on April 12, 2026 versus the Detroit Pistons. They tied the franchise record* for most defensive rebounds in a game with 53 on April 9, 2026 versus the Brooklyn Nets.

* Since the franchise joined the NBA in 1976.

LA Clippers

James Harden (traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers midseason) broke the franchise record for most career triple-doubles with eight. The previous record of seven triple-doubles was shared by Bob Kauffman, Lamar Odom, and Blake Griffin.

James Harden (Nov. 22, 2025) and Kawhi Leonard (Dec. 28, 2025) set and tied, respectively, the franchise record for most points scored in a game with 55. They bested the previous mark of 52 points which had been achieved by Bob McAdoo (twice) and Charles Smith.

Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Doncic set franchise records for most 3-pointers made (254) and attempted (694) in a season. The previous marks of 226 makes and 545 attempts were established by D’Angelo Russell in 2023-24.

Rui Hachimura recorded the highest 3-point field goal percentage in a season in franchise history. His figure of 44.3% eclipsed the previous mark of 43.7% set by Sasha Vujacic in 2007-08.

Memphis Grizzlies

Cam Spencer recorded a free throw percentage of 94.0%, the highest such figure in franchise history and the 10th-highest such figure in NBA history. The previous mark of 90.3% was set by Desmond Bane in the 2021-22 season.

The Grizzlies set franchise single-season records for most 3-pointers made (1,143), most 3-pointers attempted (3,241), and highest free throw percentage (79.3%).

The Grizzlies broke the franchise records for most 3-pointers made and attempted in a game on April 6, 2026 versus the Cleveland Cavaliers, going 29-59 from beyond the arc. They also set a franchise record with 42 assists on Nov. 20, 2025 versus the Sacramento Kings.

Miami Heat

Bam Adebayo set a franchise record for most career defensive rebounds with 4,341, eclipsing Udonis Haslem’s total of 4,176.

Bam Adebayo broke the franchise record for most points in a game with 83 on March 10, 2026, the second-highest scoring game in NBA history. The previous mark of 61 points was set by LeBron James on March 3, 2014.

Bam Adebayo also set franchise single-game records for most free throws made (36), most free throws attempted (43), most field goals attempted (43), and most 3-pointers attempted (22) on March 10, 2026.

The Heat broke numerous franchise single-season records: most field goals made (3,582), most field goals attempted (7,648), most 3-pointers attempted (3,107), most assists (2,374), most points scored (9,911), and highest scoring average (120.9 PPG).

The Heat set the franchise record for most assists in a game with 44 on Feb. 1, 2026 versus the Chicago Bulls. They also tied the franchise single-game records for most field goals made (58 on April 12, 2026), most 3-pointers made (24 on Dec. 1, 2025 and April 1, 2026), and most free throws made (47 on March 10, 2026).

Milwaukee Bucks

AJ Green broke the franchise record for most 3-point field goals made in a season with 233. Ray Allen’s previous mark of 229 triples had stood since the 2001-02 campaign.

Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded the highest field goal percentage in a season in franchise history with a figure of 62.4%. He had set the previous mark of 61.1% in 2023-24.

AJ Green set a franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a game with 11 on April 10, 2026. The previous mark of 10 triples was shared by Ray Allen (April 14, 2002) and Damian Lillard (Nov. 2, 2024).

The Bucks broke the franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a season with 1,240.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards posted the highest scoring average in a season in franchise history, averaging 28.8 PPG. That tops the previous record of 27.6 PPG he set last season.

Rudy Gobert broke the franchise record for highest field goal percentage in a season with a figure of 68.2%. He had recorded the previous high of 66.9% last season.

The Timberwolves set franchise records for most points scored (9,676) and highest scoring average (118.0 PPG) in a single season.

The Timberwolves broke the franchise record for most defensive rebounds in a game with 53 on Jan. 6, 2026 versus the Miami Heat.

New Orleans Pelicans

Trey Murphy III set franchise records for most career 3-pointers made (814) and attempted (2,131). The previous marks of 692 makes and 1,817 attempts were held by CJ McCollum and Jrue Holiday, respectively.

Trey Murphy III broke the franchise records for most 3-pointers made and attempted in a game on Feb. 4, 2026, going 12-19 from beyond the arc. He surpassed the previous marks of 11 makes (held by C.J. McCollum) and 17 attempts (shared by Lonzo Ball and Murphy III).

The Pelicans set franchise single-season records for most steals (726) and most points (9,473) and tied the franchise record for most free throws made in a season (1,649).

The Pelicans broke the franchise single-game records for most field goals made (61) and most points scored (156) on April 7, 2026 versus the Utah Jazz,

New York Knicks

The Knicks broke the franchise records for most 3-pointers made (1,168) and attempted (3,133) in a season.

The Knicks set a franchise record for largest margin of victory in a game, demolishing the Brooklyn Nets by 54 points on Jan. 21, 2026.

The Knicks broke the franchise record for most 3-pointers attempted in a game with 55 on Nov. 11, 2025 versus the Memphis Grizzlies.

Orlando Magic

The Magic recorded the highest free throw percentage (80.1%), the most points scored (9,491), and the highest scoring average (115.7 PPG) in a single season in franchise history.

The Magic suffered the worst loss in franchise history on March 29, 2026, falling to the Toronto Raptors by 52 points.

The Magic broke the franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a game with 27 on Feb. 19, 2026 versus the Sacramento Kings.

Philadelphia 76ers

Tyrese Maxey became the franchise’s career leader in 3-point field goals made with 916, topping Allen Iverson’s previous record of 885 triples.

Paul George tied the franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a game with nine on Jan. 27, 2026. Three other Sixers have achieved this feat, most recently Tyrese Maxey on Oct. 28, 2022.

Phoenix Suns

Devin Booker broke the franchise records for most career free throw made with 3,984 (surpassing Kevin Johnson) and most career field goals attempted with 13,588 (surpassing Walter Davis).

Collin Gillespie set a franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a season with 232. He topped the previous mark of 226 tripes set by Quentin Richardson in 2004-05.

Grayson Allen broke the franchise records for most 3-pointers made (10) and attempted (20) in a a game on Nov. 10, 2025 and Jan. 15, 2026, respectively. The previous mark of nine makes had been achieved eight times (three by Allen), while the prior record of 17 attempts had been reached three times (once by Allen).

The Suns suffered the worst loss in franchise history on Dec. 10, 2025, bowing to the Oklahoma City Thunder by 49 points.

The Suns set franchise records for most 3-pointers made (1,210) and attempted (3,348) in a single season.

The Suns broke the franchise record for most 3-pointers attempted in a game with 58 on March 6, 2026 versus the New Orleans Pelicans.

Portland Trail Blazers

Donovan Clingan broke the franchise record for most offensive rebounds in a season with 347, eclipsing Robin Lopez’s 326 offensive boards in 2013-14.

Donovan Clingan set a franchise record for most offensive rebounds in a game with 13 on Jan. 27, 2026, surpassing Enes Freedom’s 12 offensive boards on April 10, 2021.

The Trail Blazers broke the franchise records for most 3-pointers made (1,186) and attempted (3,463) in a single season.

The Trail Blazers set the franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a game with 25 on April 6, 2026 versus the Denver Nuggets. They also tied the franchise single-game record for most 3-pointers attempted with 55 on Oct. 29, 2025 versus the Utah Jazz.

San Antonio Spurs

Julian Champagnie set franchise records for most 3-pointers made (195) and attempted (512) in a season. The previous mark of 191 makes belonged to Danny Green (2014-15), while Champagnie himself owned the prior record of 480 attempts (2024-25).

Julian Champagnie broke the franchise single-game records for 3-pointers made and attempted in Dec. 31, 2025, going 11-17 from downtown. He bested the previous marks of nine makes (Chuck Person) and 16 attempts (achieved four times by three players).

The Spurs recorded 2,921 defensive rebounds, the franchise’s highest such total since entering the NBA in 1976.

The Spurs set the franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a game with 25 on March 17, 2026 versus the Sacramento Kings.

Toronto Raptors

Scottie Barnes tied the franchise record for most rebounds in game with 25 on Dec. 28, 2025, matching Bismack Biyombo’s effort on March 17, 2016.

The Raptors set franchise single-season records for most field goals made (3,495), most assists (2,417), most points scored (9,400), and highest scoring average (114.6 PPG).

The Raptors broke the franchise single-game records for most points scored (145 on Jan. 20, 2026), most assists (49 on March 23, 2026), and most steals (20 on March 29, 2026).

Utah Jazz

Ace Bailey broke the franchise record for most 3-pointers attempted in a game with 19 on March 19, 2026. The previous mark of 18 attempts was set by Bojan Bogdanovic on March 6, 2022.

The Jazz set franchise single-season records for most assists (2,429), most points scored (9,642), and highest scoring average (117.6 PPG).

The Jazz tied the franchise record for most defensive rebounds in a game with 52 on April 10, 2026 versus the Memphis Grizzlies.

Washington Wizards

CJ McCollum (traded to the Atlanta Hawks midseason) tied the franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a game with 10 on Nov. 25, 2025. He equaled Trevor Ariza’s performance on Feb. 12, 2014.

Career Milestones

Games Played

Harrison Barnes, Nikola Vucevic, Tobias Harris, and Jonas Valanciunas each appeared in their 1,000th regular season game.

Minutes

LeBron James became the first player in NBA history to reach 60,000 career minutes, attaining that milestone on Jan. 28, 2026.

Field Goals Made

Kevin Durant became the ninth player in NBA history to reach 11,000 career field goals made. He ended the season eighth on the league’s all-time list with 11,258 makes.

3-Pointers Made

CJ McCollum and Tim Hardaway Jr. became the 18th and 19th players in NBA history, respectively, to reach 2,000 career 3-pointers made. They ended the season ranked 16th and 19th, respectively, on the league’s all-time list.

Free Throws Made

Russell Westbrook made his 6,000th career free throw, becoming the 24th player in NBA history to reach that milestone. He currently ranks 21st on the all-time list with 6,109 makes.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jimmy Butler III each made their 5,000th career free throw, a mark only 39 other players in NBA history have reached. They ended the season ranked 36th and 37th, respectively, on the league’s all-time list.

Rebounds

LeBron James became the 23rd player in NBA history to reach 12,000 career rebounds. He’s the only player on that list to never average 10 or more RPG in a season; each of the others has done so at least six times.

Andre Drummond recorded his 11,000th career rebound, becoming the 32nd player in NBA history to attain that milestone. He ended the season ranked 27th on the league’s all-time list with 11,513 rebounds.

Rudy Gobert became the 45th player in NBA history to reach 10,000 career rebounds. He’s currently ranked 36th on the league’s career leaderboard with 10,572 rebounds.

Assists

LeBron James became just the fourth player in NBA history to reach 12,000 career assists, joining John Stockton, Chris Paul, and Jason Kidd. He ended the season with 12,016 assists.

Russell Westbrook recorded his 10,000th career assist, becoming the eighth player in NBA history to attain that milestone. He currently ranks fifth on the all-time list with 10,351 assists.

Nikola Jokic became the 43rd player and the first center in NBA history to reach 6,000 career assists, setting a new career record for centers in the process. The former record-holder for centers was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with 5,660 assists.

Steals

Russell Westbrook recorded his 2,000th career steal, becoming the 14th NBA player to attain that milestone. His single-season high of 163 steals is the second-lowest among the players on that list (Karl Malone, 152).

Double-Doubles

Rudy Gobert and Andre Drummond each recorded their 500th career double-double, a mark only 21 other players who debuted after the ABA-NBA merger have reached.

Triple-Doubles

Nikola Jokic became just the third player in NBA history to reach 175 career triple-doubles, joining Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson. He ended the season ranked second on the all-time list with 198 triple-doubles.

LeBron James recorded his 125th career triple-double, becoming the fifth player in NBA history to reach that mark. He joins Russell Westbrook, Nikola Jokic, Oscar Robertson, and Magic Johnson.

Josh Giddey produced his 25th career triple-double, making him one of only 23 players in NBA history to attain that milestone. At 23 years and 74 days old, he’s the fourth-youngest player to reach that mark.

Season Milestones

Points

Kevin Durant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, and Jaylen Brown each reached the 2,000-point mark. It’s the eighth such season for Durant, the fourth such season for Gilgeous-Alexander (consecutive), the third such season for Doncic, and the first such season for Brown.

Double-Doubles

Nikola Jokic and Karl-Anthony Towns reached 50 double-doubles for the seventh and sixth time, respectively. Towns was the league leader with 56, while Jokic was runner-up with 55.

Triple-Doubles

Nikola Jokic reached 30 triple-doubles for the second time, also achieving the feat last season. The only other players in NBA history to record at least 30 triple-doubles in a season are Russell Westbrook (three times), Oscar Robertson, and Wilt Chamberlain.

Jalen Johnson and Josh Giddey each reached 10 triple-doubles in a season for the first time. Johnson is the first player in Atlanta Hawks history to accomplish the feat, while Giddey joined Michael Jordan (1988-89) as the only Chicago Bulls to do so.

Miscellany

Nikola Jokic averaged a triple-double for the second time in his career, posting figures of 27.7 PPG, 12.9 RPG, and 10.7 APG. The only other players in NBA history to produce such a season are Russell Westbrook (four times) and Oscar Robertson.

Nikola Jokic became the first player in NBA history to lead the league in both rebounds per game and assists per game in the same season. Previously, the closest any player had come to achieving the feat was Wilt Chamberlain in 1967-68, when he ranked first in rebounds per game and second in assists per game.

Nikola Jokic ranked in the top 10 in the league in total points, rebounds, and assists for the fifth time, breaking a tie with Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain for the most such seasons in NBA history.

Nikola Jokic became the first player in NBA history to record at least 55 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists in a single game, tallying 56 points, 16 rebounds, and 15 assists on Dec. 25, 2025.

On March 24 and 25, 2026, Nikola Jokic became the first player in NBA history to record at least 15 points, 15 rebounds, and 15 assists in back-to-back games. He tallied 23 points, 17 rebounds, and 17 assists in the first contest and 23 points, 21 rebounds, and 19 assists in the second.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.1 PPG in 68 games, his fourth straight qualifying season with a scoring average of at least 30 PPG. The only players in NBA history with a longer such streak are Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan, each of whom achieved the feat in seven consecutive seasons.

Victor Wembanyama led the NBA in total blocks for the third consecutive season. The only other players to achieve that feat are Dikembe Mutombo (five in a row) and Serge Ibaka (four in a row).

On April 1, 2026, LeBron James appeared in his 1,229th win (regular season and postseason), passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the most such games in NBA history.

LeBron James averaged 20.9 PPG in 60 games, his 19th qualifying season averaging at least 20 PPG. That’s the most such seasons in NBA history, two more than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone.

On Feb. 12, 2026, LeBron James became the oldest player in NBA history to record a triple-double. At 41 years and 44 days old, he surpassed the previous mark of 40 years and 127 days held by Karl Malone. James would break the record two more times, on March 19, 2026 (41 years, 79 days) and March 30, 2026 (41 years, 90 days).

Kevin Durant averaged 26.0 PPG in 78 games, his 13th qualifying season averaging at least 25 PPG. The only other player in NBA history to produce at least 13 such seasons is LeBron James with 16.

Kevin Durant shot 52.0% from the field, 41.3% from 3-point range, and 87.4% from the free throw line. It’s his seventh qualifying season recording 50/40/80 shooting splits, breaking a tie with Steve Nash for the most such seasons in NBA history.

Rudy Gobert recorded a league-leading field goal percentage of 68.2%, his ninth qualifying season shooting at least 65% from the floor. No other player in NBA history has produced more than four such seasons.

Four qualified players shot at least 65% from the field: Rudy Gobert (68.2%), Deandre Ayton (67.1%), Neemias Queta (65.3%), and Jalen Duren (65.%). That ties the 2022-23 campaign for the most such players in a single season in NBA history.

Stephen Curry posted a free throw percentage of 92.3%, his 12th qualifying season shooting at least 90% from the charity stripe. No other player in NBA history has produced more than eight such seasons.

On Dec. 14, 2025, Stephen Curry recorded his 48th 40-point game since turning 30 years old, breaking a tie with Michael Jordan for the most such games in NBA history.

Cooper Flagg became the youngest player in NBA history to record a 40-point game (42 on Dec. 15, 2025) and a 50-point game (51 on April 3, 2026). He was 18 years and 359 days old on the former date and 19 years and 103 days old on the latter date.

Kon Knueppel became the first rookie in NBA history to lead the NBA in 3-pointers made. Previously, the highest such finish by a rookie was fourth place by Dennis Scott (1990-91) and Jason Williams (1998-99).

Kon Knueppel became the fastest player in NBA history to make 100 career 3-pointers (29 games) and 200 career 3-pointers (58 games), reaching those marks in 12 and nine fewer games, respectively, than the next closest player.

Kon Knueppel and LaMelo Ball are just the second teammates in NBA history to finish a season ranked first and second, respectively, in the league in 3-pointers made, joining Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson (four times).

Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray are just the fourth teammates in NBA history to each record multiple 50-point games in the same season. They join Elgin Baylor and Jerry West (1961-62 Los Angeles Lakers); Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving (2021-22 Brooklyn Nets); and Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey (2023-24 Philadelphia 76ers).

On April 10, 2026, the Utah Jazz’s John Konchar and Bez Mbeng and the Memphis Grizzlies’ Jahmai Mashack each recorded a triple-double, the first time in NBA history that’s been done by three players in the same game.

The Oklahoma City Thunder went a league-best 64-18, the second straight season in which they’ve won at least 64 games. The only other teams in NBA history to achieve this feat are the Golden State Warriors (2014-15 to 2016-17) and the Chicago Bulls (1995-96 and 1996-97).

On the flip side, the Washington Wizards posted a league-worst record of 17-65, the third straight season in which they’ve lost at least 64 games. No other team in NBA history has achieved this ignominious feat.

The San Antonio Spurs (62-20) and the Detroit Pistons (60-22) became the first teams in NBA history to record a 60-win season two seasons after posting a 60-loss season. The Spurs and Pistons went 22-60 and 14-68, respectively, in the 2023-24 campaign.

The Oklahoma City Thunder led the league with an average point differential of plus-11.1 PPG, joining the Milwaukee Bucks (1970-71 and 1971-72) as the only teams in NBA history to record an average point differential or plus-11 PPG or higher in back-to-back seasons. In fact, only four other teams have even recorded one such season: the 1971-72 Los Angeles Lakers, the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, the 2016-17 Golden State Warriors, and the 2023-24 Boston Celtics.

The Washington Wizards finished last in the league with an average point differential of minus-12.0 PPG, becoming the first team in NBA history to post a figure of minus-11 PPG or worse in back-to-back seasons.

The Oklahoma City Thunder opened the season with 24 wins in their first 25 games, tying the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors for the best 25-game start in NBA history.

The Philadelphia 76ers became the first team in NBA history to lose three home games by 40 or more points in a single season. They fell by 41 points to the Orlando Magic on Nov. 25, 2025; 49 points to the New York Knicks on Feb. 11, 2026; and 40 points to the San Antonio Spurs on March 3, 2026.

The Western Conference won the interconference battle for the third straight season, posting a cumulative record of 232-220 in matchups versus Eastern Conference teams. It’s the 24th time in the last 27 seasons the West has outpaced the East.

A total of eight NBA teams won less than one-third of their games, the most in a single season in league history. The previous high of seven such teams had occurred seven times, most recently in 2023-24.

Across the NBA, there were:

• 700 games decided by 10 or more points

• 457 games decided by 15 or more points

• 281 games decided by 20 or more points

• 170 games decided by 25 or more points

• 96 games decided by 30 or more points

All are the highest such totals in a single season in league history.

The average margin of victory in the NBA this season was 13.3 PPG, easily outpacing the previous high of 12.7 PPG set last season. Five of the six highest such figures in league history have been posted in the last six seasons, the lone exception being the 1971-72 campaign.

Seven NBA teams allowed at least 120 PPG, three more than any other season in league history. There were four such teams in the 1960-61 and 2023-24 campaigns.

Two NBA teams recorded an average point differential of minus-10 PPG or worse: the Washington Wizards (minus-12.0 PPG) and the Sacramento Kings (minus-10.0 PPG). It’s the first time in league history there have been two such teams in the same season.

Three Stars

Here are my “three stars” from yesterday’s NBA games, with the “first star” considered the top performer.

First ⭐️

Stephen Curry scored a game-high 35 points to lead the Golden State Warriors to a 126-121 victory over the LA Clippers in the Play-In Tournament. Curry shot 12-23 from the field, sinking seven of his 12 attempts from 3-point range. He also dished out four assists and swiped one steal in 36 minutes played.

The Warriors stayed alive in their bid to claim a spot in the Western Conference Playoffs, while the Clippers have been eliminated from postseason competition. Golden State will battle for the No. 8 seed on Friday when they travel to Phoenix to face the Suns.

Second ⭐️

Tyrese Maxey scored a team-high 31 points as the Philadelphia 76ers knocked off the Orlando Magic 109-97 in the Play-In Tournament. Maxey went 11-25 from the floor (3-9 on threes) and 6-8 from the charity stripe. He added a game-high six assists, one steal, and one block in 42 minutes of action.

The Sixers will move on to the Eastern Conference Playoffs as the No. 7 seed, where they will face the No. 2 seed Boston Celtics. Meanwhile, the Magic head back to Orlando to face a do-or-die game for the No. 8 seed on Friday versus the Charlotte Hornets.

Third ⭐️

Desmond Bane scored a game-high 34 points, but it wasn’t enough in the Magic’s loss to the Sixers. Bane shot 10-16 from the field (4-6 on threes) and 10-11 from the free throw line. He also recorded three rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 40 minutes played.

Milestones

• The Golden State Warriors (19-41 on threes) set a Play-In Tournament record for most 3-pointers made in a game. Their 19 triples eclipsed the previous mark of 18 shared by the Sacramento Kings (April 16, 2024) and the Charlotte Hornets (April 14, 2026).

• The LA Clippers (15 steals) tied the Play-In Tournament record for most steals in a game, matching the 15 thefts recorded by the Los Angeles Lakers on May 19, 2021.

Streaking

• Curry has scored at least 20 points in each of his five career Play-In Tournament games. He’s averaged 34.0 PPG on 48.2/50.0/94.4 shooting splits in those contests, scoring at least 35 points four times.

Miscellany

• Curry was the night’s top bucket getter, netting 35 points. He was followed by Bane (34 points), Maxey (31), and the Clippers’ Bennedict Mathurin (23).

• The Magic’s Wendell Carter Jr. and the Sixers’ VJ Edgecombe were the chairmen of the boards, pulling down 11 rebounds apiece last night. The Sixers’ Andre Drummond also recorded double-digit rebounds with 10.

• The Clippers’ Kris Dunn was the nightly leader in assists, handing out 10 helpers. The Warriors’ Draymond Green was runner-up with nine assists, while the Clippers’ Darius Garland placed third with eight dimes.

Three Stars

Here are my “three stars” from yesterday’s NBA games, with the “first star” considered the top performer.

First ⭐️

Deni Avdija produced game highs of 41 points and 12 assists to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 114-110 victory over the Phoenix Suns in the Play-In Tournament. Avdija shot 15-22 from the field (3-8 on threes) and 8-13 from the free throw line. He also grabbed seven rebounds and blocked two shots in 38 minutes played.

The Trail Blazers will move on to the Western Conference Playoffs as the No. 7 seed, where they will face the No. 2 seed San Antonio Spurs. Meanwhile, the Suns face a do-or-die game for the No. 8 seed on Friday versus the winner of the LA Clippers–Golden State Warriors matchup.

Second ⭐️

Miles Bridges scored 28 points and blocked the potential game-winning layup at the end of overtime as the Charlotte Hornets beat the Miami Heat 127-126 in the Play-In Tournament. Bridges went 10-18 from the floor, sinking five of his 10 attempts from 3-point range. He also contributed nine rebounds, a team-high three blocks, and one steal in 43 turnover-free minutes.

The Hornets stayed alive in their bid to claim a spot in the Eastern Conference Playoffs, while the Heat have been eliminated from postseason competition. Charlotte will battle for the No. 8 seed on Friday when they face the loser of the Philadelphia 76ers–Orlando Magic game.

Third ⭐️

Davion Mitchell scored a team-high 28 points in the Heat’s season-ending loss to the Hornets. Mitchell shot 12-24 from the field, hitting four of his nine 3-point attempts. He added six assists, four rebounds, a game-high two steals (tied with Coby White), and one block, and was not charged with a turnover in 48 minutes of action.

Milestones

• Avdija became the first player in Play-In Tournament history to record a 40-point, 10-assist game.

• The Hornets’ LaMelo Ball (12-31 field goals) set a Play-In Tournament record for most field goals missed in a game with 19. The previous mark of 18 misses was shared by four players, most recently Tyler Herro on April 17, 2024.

• Ball (2-16 on threes) also tied the Play-In Tournament record for most 3-pointers attempted in a game (matching De’Aaron Fox’s 16 attempts) and broke the record for most 3-pointers missed in a game (surpassing Fox’s 12 misses).

• The Heat’s Kel’el Ware (five blocks) tied the Play-In Tournament record for most blocks in a game. Four other players have blocked five shots in a Play-In Tournament game, most recently Bam Adebayo on April 18, 2025.

• The Charlotte Hornets set Play-In Tournament single-game records for most field goals attempted (113), most 3-pointers attempted (56), and most 3-pointers missed (38). They also tied the Play-In Tournament records for most field goals missed (63) and most 3-pointers made (18).

Streaking

• The Miami Heat have participated in the Play-In Tournament in each of the last four seasons, tying the Atlanta Hawks (2021-22 to 2024-25) for the longest such streak since the current format was introduced in 2020-21.

Miscellany

• Avdija was the night’s leading scorer, dropping 41 points. He was followed by the Suns’ Jalen Green (35 points), Ball (30), Bridges (28), and Mitchell (28).

• The Heat’s Kel’el Ware was the top board man last night, hauling in 19 rebounds. The Hornets’ Moussa Diabate was runner-up with 14 rebounds, while the Trail Blazers’ Donovan Clingan placed third with 11.

• Avdija took home nightly honors in assists, handing out 12 helpers. Also delivering double-digit dimes was Ball with 10 assists.

This is my last game notes column of the 2025-26 NBA regular season. If you’re a free subscriber, please give some thought to upgrading to a paid subscription, or you could simply buy me a coffee. Thank you for your support.

Three Stars

Here are my “three stars” from yesterday’s NBA games, with the “first star” considered the top performer.

First ⭐️

Paul Reed scored a game-high 26 points as the Detroit Pistons beat the Indiana Pacers 133-121 to reach 60 wins for the season. Reed did not miss a shot, going 11-11 from the field and 4-4 from the free throw line. He also contributed six rebounds, three assists, a team-high three steals (tied with two others), and a team-high three blocks in 22 turnover-free minutes.

Second ⭐️

Joan Beringer produced career highs of 24 points, 13 rebounds, and seven blocks to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 132-126 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Beringer went 9-12 from the floor and 6-9 from the charity stripe. He was not charged with a turnover in 31 minutes of action.

Third ⭐️

Scottie Barnes recorded his ninth career triple-double, compiling 18 points, a team-high 12 rebounds, and a game-high 12 assists in the Toronto Raptors’ 136-101 rout of the Brooklyn Nets. Barnes was very efficient, hitting eight of his 11 attempts from the floor. He added a game-high three blocks and one steal, committing just one turnover and no personal fouls in 32 minutes played.

Milestones

• Reed broke the Detroit Pistons’ record for most field goals made in a game without a miss with 11. The previous mark of 10 makes without a miss was set by Dennis Rodman on March 14, 1987.

• Nikola Jokic (23 points) reached 18,000 career points as the Denver Nuggets beat the San Antonio Spurs 128-118 to pick up their 12th straight win. He’s the 14th active player and the 84th player in NBA history to attain that milestone.

• Stephen Curry (24 points, 7-14 field goals) recorded his 748th career 20-point game in the Golden State Warriors’ 115-110 loss to the LA Clippers, tying Moses Malone for 15th place on the NBA’s all-time list. He also moved into 25th place on the league’s career leaderboard for field goals made with 9,022, surpassing Jerry West.

• Klay Thompson (4-9 on threes) made his 200th 3-pointer of the season in the Dallas Mavericks’ 149-128 win over the Chicago Bulls. It’s the 11th time he’s reached that mark, the second-most such seasons in NBA history behind Curry’s 12.

• The Mavericks’ Ryan Nembhard (23 assists) set a franchise record for most assists in a game by a rookie, besting Jason Kidd’s 17 helpers on March 13, 1995. Only three rookies in NBA history have recorded more assists in a game: Ernie DiGregorio (25 on Jan. 1, 1974), Nate McMillan (25 on Feb. 23, 1987), and Ramon Sessions (24 on April 14, 2008).

• AJ Green (5-14 on threes) broke the franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a season in the Milwaukee Bucks’ 126-106 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Green’s 232 triples eclipsed the previous mark of 229 set by Ray Allen in 2001-02.

• LaMelo Ball (5-16 on threes) set the franchise record for most 3-pointers attempted in a season in the Charlotte Hornets’ 110-96 win over the New York Knicks. His 740 tries from beyond the arc exceeded the previous mark of 731 established by Kemba Walker in 2018-19.

• The Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox (4-14 on threes) tied the franchise record for most 3-pointers missed in a game with 10. Victor Wembanyama (twice), Patty Mills, and Devonte’ Graham are the other Spurs who have missed 10 triples in a game.

• The Pelicans’ Jeremiah Fears (36 points, 10 rebounds) and Derik Queen (30 points, 22 rebounds) became just the second rookie teammates in NBA history to each record at least 30 points and 10 rebounds in the same game. They join the Boston Celtics’ Bill Russell and Tom Heinsohn, who achieved the feat on Feb. 22, 1957.

• The Detroit Pistons reached 60 wins in a season for just the third time in franchise history. They previously won 63 games in 1988-89 and a franchise-record 64 games in 2005-06.

• The Indiana Pacers set a franchise record with their 63rd loss of the season, topping the previous high of 62 losses in the 1982-83 campaign. They also tied the NBA record for most losses by a team that reached the Finals the previous season, matching the 1964-65 San Francisco Warriors and the 2018-19 Cleveland Cavaliers.

• The Utah Jazz lost their 60th game of the season, falling to the Los Angeles Lakers 131-107. It’s just the second time in franchise history they’ve reached that mark, with the first such occurrence coming last season.

• The Sacramento Kings also lost their 60th game of the season, bowing to the Portland Trail Blazers 122-110. It’s only the second time the franchise has reached that undistinguished mark, the first coming in the 2008-09 season.

• The LA Clippers finished the season with a record of 42-40, becoming the first team in NBA history to post a winning record after falling at least 15 games below .500 during the season. They were just 6-21 after losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Dec. 18, 2025.

• The Brooklyn Nets suffered their eighth loss by 35 or more points this season, tying the 2022-23 San Antonio Spurs for the most such losses in a single season in NBA history.

• The Miami Heat (58-103 field goals) tied the franchise record for most field goals made in a game in their 143-117 blowout win over the Atlanta Hawks. They previously made 58 field goals on April 11, 2025.

• The Pacers (23-54 on threes) broke the franchise record for most 3-pointers attempted in a game with 54, surpassing their 52 attempts on Dec. 21, 2023.

• The Atlanta Hawks (117 points) set the franchise record for most points scored in a season with 9,714, topping their 9,711 points in the 2022-23 campaign.

• The Charlotte Hornets (110 points) broke the franchise record for most points scored in a season with 9,513. The previous mark of 9,457 points was set in 2021-22.

• The Memphis Grizzlies (13-49 on threes) set a franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a season in their 132-101 loss to the Houston Rockets. They hit 1,143 triples, two more than the previous mark established last season.

• The New Orleans Pelicans (126 points, 31-38 free throws) broke the franchise single-season record for points scored with 9,473 and tied the franchise single-season record for free throws made with 1,649. They eclipsed the 9,466 points they scored in 2018-19, and matched the 1,649 free throws they made in 2005-06.

• The Toronto Raptors (136 points, 51-80 field goals) set franchise single-season records for points scored with 9,400 and field goals made with 3,495. The previous marks of 9,384 points and 3,466 field goals made were established in 2018-19 and 2023-24, respectively.

• The Jazz (107 points, 25 assists) broke the franchise records for most points and most assists in a season. The prior marks of 9,600 points and 2,407 assists were set in 2022-23 and 1987-88, respectively.

Streaking

• Fears became the first teenager in NBA history to record three consecutive 35-point games. The only other player in New Orleans Pelicans history to produce at least three such games in a row is Anthony Davis (three times).

• Curry (4-9 on threes) has made at least one 3-pointer in 92 straight games, the ninth-longest such streak in NBA history. He’s hit at least two triples in each of his last 32 contests, the 10th-longest such streak in league history.

• Team(s) with a winning streak of five or more games: Denver Nuggets (12).

• Team(s) with a losing streak of five or more games: Washington Wizards (10) and Memphis Grizzlies (eight).

• The Nuggets have won 12 straight games, matching the second-longest such streak since the franchise joined the NBA in 1976. The franchise record of 15 wins in a row was set in the 2012-13 season.

Miscellany

• Fears led the nightly scoring brigade, bagging 36 points. He was followed by the Hawks’ Buddy Hield (31 points), Queen (30), the Boston Celtics’ Baylor Scheierman (career-high 30), and the Jazz’s Oscar Tshiebwe (29).

• Queen was the chairman of the boards, hauling in a career-high 22 rebounds last night. The Mavericks’ Moussa Cisse was runner-up with a career-high 20 rebounds, while Tshiebwe placed third with 17 boards.

• Nembhard was the night’s top playmaker, handing out a career-high 23 assists. Also delivering double-digit dimes were the Pistons’ Cade Cunningham (14 assists), the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nikola Topic (career-high 14), Barnes (12), the Orlando Magic’s Paolo Banchero (career-high-tying 11), the Sixers’ VJ Edgecombe (career-high-tying 11), the Grizzlies’ Jahmai Mashack (11), the Trail Blazers’ Deni Avdija (10), the Timberwolves’ Joe Ingles (10), the Bulls’ Lachlan Olbrich (career-high 10), and the Lakers’ Marcus Smart (10).

• Olbrich produced his first career triple-double, registering career highs of 10 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists. He’s the fourth rookie in Chicago Bulls history to record a triple-double, joining Michael Jordan (three times), Jay Williams, and Kirk Hinrich.

• Banchero recorded his fifth career triple-double, compiling 23 points, 10 rebounds, and a career-high-tying 11 assists in the Magic’s 113-108 loss to the Celtics. He’s the second player in franchise history to reach that mark, joining Elfrid Payton (eight).

• Queen is just the second rookie this century to record a 30-point, 20-rebound game. He joins Victor Wembanyama, who accomplished the feat on March 29, 2024.

Three Stars

Here are my “three stars” from yesterday’s NBA games, with the “first star” considered the top performer.

First ⭐️

Victor Wembanyama scored a game-high 40 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 139-120 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Wembanyama shot 14-23 from the field and 10-11 from the free throw line. He added a game-high 13 rebounds, five assists, a team-high two blocks (tied with Julian Champagnie), and one steal in just 26 minutes played.

Second ⭐️

Amen Thompson poured in a career-high 41 points, but it wasn’t enough as the Houston Rockets fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves 136-132. Thompson was incredibly efficient, going 17-22 from the floor and 7-7 from the charity stripe. He also recorded a game-high nine rebounds, seven assists, and a game-high two steals (tied with two others) in 42 minutes of action.

Third ⭐️

AJ Green dropped a career-high 35 points in the Milwaukee Bucks’ 125-108 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Green scored 33 of his points from beyond the arc, making a franchise-record 11 of his 16 attempts. He also contributed five rebounds, four assists, and a team-high two steals in 41 turnover-free minutes.

Milestones

• As noted above, Green broke with the Milwaukee Bucks’ record for most 3-pointers made in a game with 11. The previous mark of 10 triples was shared by Ray Allen (April 14, 2002) and Damian Lillard (Nov. 2, 2024).

• LeBron James (12 assists) became just the fourth player in NBA history to reach 12,000 career assists as the Los Angeles Lakers routed the Phoenix Suns 101-73. He joins John Stockton, Chris Paul, and Jason Kidd in that exclusive club.

• Stephen Curry (11 points) moved into 19th place on the NBA’s all-time scoring list in the Golden State Warriors’ 124-118 loss to the Sacramento Kings. His 26,504 points are eight more than Tim Duncan, the player he displaced.

• Andre Drummond (10 points, 16 rebounds) recorded his 500th career double-double in the Philadelphia 76ers’ 105-94 win over the Indiana Pacers. He’s the sixth active player and the 23rd player since the ABA-NBA merger to attain that milestone.

• Brook Lopez (six rebounds) grabbed his 7,000th career rebound in the LA Clippers’ 116-97 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. He’s the 18th active player and the 124h player in NBA history to reach that mark.

• The Rockets’ Kevin Durant (33 points) reached 2,000 points in a season for the eighth time. At 37 years and 193 days old, he’s the oldest player in NBA history to attain that season milestone, surpassing Karl Malone (36 years and 263 days).

• Brandon Miller (2-8 on threes) made his 200th 3-pointer of the season in the Charlotte Hornets’ 118-100 loss to the Detroit Pistons. He’s the third Hornet to reach that mark this season, joining Kon Knueppel and LaMelo Ball. Only three other teams in NBA history have featured three such players: the 2016-17 Houston Rockets, the 2022-23 Golden State Warriors, and the 2024-25 Boston Celtics.

• Jahmai Mashack (10 turnovers) set a franchise record for most turnovers in a game as the Memphis Grizzlies were destroyed by the Utah Jazz 147-101. The previous mark of nine errors was shared by Pau Gasol and Ja Morant, each of whom did so twice.

• The Boston Celtics (29-59 on threes) tied the NBA record for most 3-pointers made in a game in their 144-118 demolition of the New Orleans Pelicans. They matched the mark of 29 triples previously shared by the Milwaukee Bucks (Dec. 29, 2020), the Celtics themselves (Oct. 22, 2024), and the Memphis Grizzlies (April 6, 2026).

• The Indiana Pacers tied the franchise record for most losses in a season, matching their 62 defeats in the 1982-83 season. They also tied the franchise record for most 3-pointers attempted in a season, matching their 3,030 attempts in the 2022-23 season.

• The Minnesota Timberwolves (136 points) broke the franchise single-season scoring record with 9,544 points, exceeding the previous mark of 9,507 points set in 2021-22.

• The Atlanta Hawks (27 assists) broke the franchise record for most assists in a season in their 124-102 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. They’ve recorded 2,440 helpers this season, surpassing the previous mark of 2,426 set last season.

• The Charlotte Hornets (41 rebounds) set a franchise record for most rebounds in a season with 3,732, eclipsing the previous mark of 3,728 set in 2017-18.

• The Milwaukee Bucks (24-48 on threes) broke the franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a season with 1,227, topping the 1,217 triples they hit in the 2022-23 season.

• The Miami Heat (20-37 on threes) set a franchise record for most 3-pointers attempted in a season as the blew out the Washington Wizards 140-117. Their 3,070 attempts exceeds the previous mark of 3,060 set last season.

Streaking

• The Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard (24 points) recorded his 57th consecutive 20-point game, tying Bob McAdoo (Jan. 7 to Nov. 21, 1975) for the longest such streak in franchise history. He’s averaged 28.6 PPG on 50.6/38.5/88.4 shooting splits over that span.

• Curry (2-6 on threes) has made at least one 3-pointer in 91 straight games, the ninth-longest such streak in NBA history. He’s made multiple 3-pointers in each of his last 30 games, tying three other players for the 10th-longest such streak in NBA history.

• The Celtics’ Jaylen Brown (23 points) has scored at least 20 points in each of his last 11 games, a run in which he’s posted figures of 31.4 PPG, 6.2 RPG, and 5.1 APG with 46.9/37.1/82.5 shooting splits.

• The Jazz’s John Konchar (11 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists) produced his second straight triple-double. He’s the third player in franchise history to record consecutive triple-doubles, joining Jusuf Nurkic (three in a row) and Pete Maravich.

• Team(s) with a winning streak of five or more games: Denver Nuggets (11), New York Knicks (five), and Orlando Magic (five).

• Team(s) with a losing streak of five or more games: Washington Wizards (nine) and Memphis Grizzlies (seven).

• The Wizards became the first team in NBA history to lose at least 64 games in three consecutive seasons. Over that stretch, they have a cumulative record of 50-195 (.204) with an average point differential of minus-11.2 PPG.

• The Bucks have made 15 or more 3-pointers in each of their last eight games, breaking a tie for the longest such streak in franchise history. They had recorded seven such games in a row from Jan. 6–17, 2023.

Miscellany

• Thompson was the night’s leading scorer, pouring in a career-high 41 points. He was followed by Wembanyama (40 points), the Pelicans’ Jeremiah Fears (36), the Trail Blazers’ Deni Avdija (35), and Green (career-high 35).

• The Jazz’s Oscar Tshiebwe was the top board man last night, hauling in a career-high 22 rebounds. The Nuggets’ Jonas Valanciunas was runner-up with 17 rebounds, while Drummond placed third with 16 boards.

• Mashack took home nightly honors in assists, handing out a career-high 14 helpers. Ten more players delivered double-digit dimes: the Hawks’ Dyson Daniels (12 assists), the Bucks’ Ousmane Dieng (career-high 12), James (12), the Jazz’s Bez Mbeng (career-high 11), the Oklahoma City Thunder’s Nikola Topic (career-high 11), the Jazz’s Kennedy Chandler (career-high 10), the Spurs’ De’Aaron Fox (10), Konchar (career-high-tying 10), the Celtics’ Payton Pritchard (10), and the Nets’ Malachi Smith (career-high 10).

• Mbeng recorded his first career triple-double, compiling career highs of 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists. He and Konchar are the first duo in Utah Jazz history to each record a triple-double in the same game.

• Mashack also recorded his first career triple-double, scoring 13 points to go with his career highs of 15 rebounds and 14 assists. He was one of three players (alongside Mbeng and Konchar) to record a triple-double in the Grizzlies-Jazz game, the first time in NBA history that’s occurred.

• The Jazz’s Chandler, Konchar, and Mbeng are just the second trio since the ABA-NBA merger to each record a points-assists double-double in the same game. The Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Russell Westbrook also accomplished the feat on Dec. 30, 2024.

• Daniels produced his second career triple-double, scoring 13 points and snagging 10 rebounds to go with his aforementioned 12 assists.

Three Stars

Here are my “three stars” from yesterday’s NBA games, with the “first star” considered the top performer.

First ⭐️

Brandon Ingram scored a season-high 38 points to lead the Toronto Raptors to a 128-114 victory over the Miami Heat. Ingram shot 13-23 from the field (2-3 on threes) and 10-11 from the free throw line. He added seven rebounds, a team-high seven assists, and one steal, committing just one turnover and no personal fouls in 37 minutes played.

Second ⭐️

LeBron James produced game highs of 26 points and 11 assists as the Los Angeles lakers downed the Golden State Warriors 119-103. James shot 11-17 from the floor, making three of his five 3-point attempts. He also recorded a team-high eight rebounds, two steals, and one block in 32 minutes of action.

Third ⭐️

Tre Jones scored a game-high 31 points in the Chicago Bulls’ 119-108 win over the Washington Wizards. Jones went 9-14 from the field and 12-12 from the charity stripe. He also contributed six rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 30 turnover-free minutes.

Milestones

• James was his team’s outright leader in points, rebounds, and assists for the 164th time, tying Nikola Jokic for the most such games in NBA history.

• The Lakers’ Bronny James and LeBron James teamed up for the first son-to-father assist in NBA history. Bronny fed LeBron for a fast-break dunk with 49 seconds remaining in the first quarter.

• Kevin Durant (6-8 free throws) moved into sixth place on the NBA’s career leaderboard for free throws made in the Houston Rockets’ 113-102 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. His 7,697 makes are three more than Oscar Robertson, the player he displaced.

• The Indiana Pacers (53 defensive rebounds) tied the franchise record for most defensive rebounds in a game as they routed the Brooklyn Nets 123-94. They previously grabbed 53 defensive boards on Jan. 23, 1989.

• The Toronto Raptors set a franchise record for most assists in a season with 2,357, surpassing the 2,340 dimes they distributed last season.

• The Golden State Warriors (9-30 on threes) broke the franchise record for most 3-pointers attempted in a season with 3,541. The previous mark of 3,540 attempts was set in 2022-23.

• The New York Knicks (15-35 on threes) set a franchise record for most 3-pointers attempted in a season in their 112-106 win over the Boston Celtics. They’ve attempted 3,062 triples, eclipsing the previous mark of 3,029 established in 2021-22.

Streaking

• Team(s) with a winning streak of five or more games: Houston Rockets (eight).

• Team(s) with a losing streak of five or more games: Washington Wizards (eight).

Miscellany

• Ingram was the night’s leading scorer, netting 38 points. He was followed by Jones (31), Durant (29), the Bulls’ Collin Sexton (27), the Knicks’ Josh Hart (26), James (26), the Nets’ E.J. Liddell (career-high 26), the Bull’s Leonard Miller (career-high 26), and the Pacers’ Obi Toppin (26).

• The Sixers’ Andre Drummond and the Wizards’ Julian Reese were the top board men last night, pulling down 15 rebounds apiece. Next in line were the Pacers’ Micah Potter (14 rebounds), the Warriors’ Charles Bassey (13), and the Celtics’ Jayson Tatum (13).

• James and the Heat’s Davion Mitchell took home nightly honors in assists, each handing out 11 helpers. The Knicks’ Jalen Brunson (10 assists) also delivered double-digit dimes.

Three Stars

Here are my “three stars” from yesterday’s NBA games, with the “first star” considered the top performer.

First ⭐️

Chet Holmgren produced game-highs of 30 points and 14 rebounds as the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the LA Clippers 128-110 to pick up their seventh straight win. Holmgren shot a sizzling 10-13 from the field (3-4 on threes) and 7-10 from the free throw line. He also contributed five assists, a game-high four blocks, and two steals in 31 minutes played.

Second ⭐️

Terrence Shannon Jr. came off the bench to drop a career-high 33 points in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 132-120 loss to the Orlando Magic. Shannon Jr. was incredibly efficient, going 11-14 from the floor (5-7 on threes) and 6-6 from the charity stripe. He also dished out a team-high five assists in 31 minutes of action.

Third ⭐️

Devin Booker scored a game-high 37 points to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 112-107 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Booker went 13-27 from the field and 9-9 from the free throw line. He also recorded a game-high nine assists and five rebounds in 37 minutes played.

Milestones

• Nikola Jokic (14 points, 16 rebounds, 10 assists) recorded his 34th triple-double of the season as the Denver Nuggets raced past the Memphis Grizzlies 136-119 to extend their winning streak to 10 games. He tied Russell Westbrook (2018-19) and himself (2024-25) for fourth place on the NBA’s single-season list.

• The Nuggets’ Jonas Valanciunas appeared in his 1,000th regular season game. He’s the 19th active player and the 156th player in NBA history to attain that milestone.

• The Orlando Magic (132 points) set a franchise record for most points scored in a season with 9,256. The previous mark of 9,136 points was established in the 2022-23 campaign.

• The Phoenix Suns (14-35 on threes) broke the franchise record for most 3-pointers made in a season with 1,183, eclipsing the 1,176 triples they hit last season.

• The Memphis Grizzlies (19-50 on threes) set a franchise record for most 3-pointers attempted in a season with 3,140. The previous mark of 3,106 attempts was established last season.

Streaking

• The Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (20 points) has scored at least 20 points in each of his last 140 regular season games, the longest such streak in NBA history by 14 games. He’s averaged 32.1 PPG and 6.5 APG with 53.8/38.4/88.9 shooting splits over that span.

• The Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard (20 points) extended his streak of 20-point games to 56, one shy of the franchise record of 57 such games in a row held by Bob McAdoo. Over that stretch, he’s averaged 28.6 PPG on 50.6/38.7/88.3 shooting.

• Team(s) with a winning streak of five or more games: Denver Nuggets (10) and Oklahoma City Thunder (seven).

• Team(s) with a losing streak of five or more games: Memphis Grizzlies (six).

• The Nuggets have recorded their first double-digit winning streak since winning a franchise-record 15 games in a row from Feb. 23 to March 23, 2014.

• The Nuggets have scored at least 130 points in four consecutive games, all wins. The only other team this century to record four such wins in a row is the 2022-23 Sacramento Kings.

• The Milwaukee Bucks (17-50 on threes) made 15 or more 3-pointers for the seventh straight game in their 137-111 loss to the Detroit Pistons, matching the longest such streak in franchise history (Jan. 6–17, 2023).

Miscellany

• Booker led the nightly scoring brigade, bagging 37 points. He was followed by Shannon Jr. (career-high 33 points), the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell (31), Holmgren (30), and the Portland Trail Blazers’ Deni Avdija (29).

• The Cavaliers’ Evan Mobley was the top board man last night, matching his career high with 19 rebounds. Next in line were Jokic (16 rebounds), the Magic’s Goga Bitadze (15), Holmgren (14), and the Suns’ Khaman Maluach (career-high 14).

• Gilgeous-Alexander was the night’s premier playmaker, handing out 11 assists. Also delivering double-digit dimes were the Pistons’ Cade Cunningham, Jokic, and the Bucks’ Jericho Sims, each with 10 assists (a career high for Sims).

• Sims produced his first career triple-double, registering 11 points and 11 rebounds to go with his career-high 10 assists.

• The Nuggets have scored at least 120 points in 53 games this season, tying the 1966-67 Philadelphia 76ers for the fourth-most such games in a single season in NBA history.

• The San Antonio Spurs beat the Trail Blazers 112-101 to improve to 29-3 in their last 32 games, with 23 of those wins coming by double digits. They’ve outscored their opponents by an average of 13.6 PPG over that span.

• Not to be outdone, the Oklahoma City Thunder have posted a record of 22-2 since the All-Star break, recording an average point differential of plus-13.0 PPG over that stretch. They have clinched the best record in the NBA and the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.

• The Thunder are just the third team in NBA history to win at least 64 games in consecutive seasons, joining the Golden State Warriors (2014-15 to 2016-17) and the Chicago Bulls (1995-96 and 1996-97).