Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden made a strong first impression with his new team, leading them to a 132-126 victory over the Sacramento Kings on . Harden finished with 23 points and 8 assists, 15 of those points coming in a pivotal fourth quarter where he connected with Donovan Mitchell to secure the win.
The Cavaliers mounted a 17-5 run over the final 3 minutes and 30 seconds, fueled by Harden and Mitchell, who scored 35 points overall. Jarrett Allen also delivered a significant performance, recording a double-double with 29 points and 10 rebounds. Former King, Dennis Schroder, saw limited action, scoring 7 points on 3-of-9 shooting.
Elsewhere, the Oklahoma City Thunder, the reigning NBA champions, suffered a setback at home, falling to the Houston Rockets 112-106. The absence of star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, sidelined for the second consecutive game due to an abdominal issue, along with Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitch, proved costly for the Thunder.
The Rockets overcame a 15-point deficit, igniting their offense in the third quarter with a 34-22 run. Tari Eason led the charge with a season-high 26 points, supported by Jabari Smith Jr.’s 22 points and 10 rebounds, and Alperen Swengun’s 17 points and 12 rebounds. Kevin Durant also contributed 20 points for Houston.
In a Texan derby, the San Antonio Spurs continued their impressive form, defeating the Dallas Mavericks for the second time in as many days, this time with a decisive 138-125 victory at the Frost Bank Center. Stephon Castle spearheaded the Spurs’ attack, delivering a career-best performance with 40 points, 12 rebounds, and 12 assists. Seven Spurs players scored in double figures, including Victor Wembanyama, who finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds despite a 6-of-14 shooting night.
The Los Angeles Lakers secured a Californian derby win against the Golden State Warriors, prevailing 105-99. With both Luka Doncic (Lakers) and Steph Curry (Warriors) absent, LeBron James stepped up, leading his team with 20 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds. The Lakers closed out the game with an 11-0 run to seal the victory.
The Charlotte Hornets extended their winning streak to nine games with a 126-119 triumph over the Atlanta Hawks. Miles Bridges and Kon Knueppel led the Hornets’ scoring, contributing 26 and 23 points respectively.
The Denver Nuggets also secured a win, defeating the Chicago Bulls 136-120. Nikola Jokic showcased his all-around game with 22 points, 17 assists, and 14 rebounds. The Brooklyn Nets defeated the Washington Wizards 127-113, the Orlando Magic beat the Utah Jazz 120-117, the Philadelphia 76ers overcame the Phoenix Suns 109-103, and the Portland Trail Blazers edged out the Memphis Grizzlies 122-115, rounding out the night’s results.
Harden’s debut performance for the Cavaliers signals a potential boost for a team looking to contend in the Eastern Conference. His ability to create scoring opportunities, as evidenced by his connection with Mitchell in the fourth quarter, could be a key factor in Cleveland’s success. The Cavaliers will need to continue to rely on Allen’s inside presence and Schroder’s playmaking to maintain their momentum.
The Thunder’s loss to the Rockets highlights the importance of Gilgeous-Alexander’s presence. His absence clearly impacted the team’s offensive flow, and the Rockets capitalized on the opportunity. Oklahoma City will need to find ways to compensate for his absence until he returns to full health.
The Spurs’ victory over the Mavericks further solidifies their position as a rising force in the Western Conference. Castle’s outstanding performance is a testament to the team’s developing talent and Wembanyama’s continued growth. The Spurs’ ability to have seven players score in double figures demonstrates their balanced attack and depth.
The Lakers’ win against the Warriors, despite the absence of key players, underscores their resilience and James’ continued ability to lead. The team’s late-game execution, highlighted by the 11-0 run, demonstrates their composure under pressure. The Lakers will need to maintain this level of performance as they navigate a challenging schedule.
The Hornets’ nine-game winning streak is a remarkable achievement, showcasing their improved teamwork and offensive firepower. Bridges and Knueppel have emerged as key contributors, and the team’s overall chemistry is evident in their recent success. Charlotte will look to continue their momentum as they face tougher opponents in the coming weeks.
