Twelve games were played on January 8 in the NBA regular season, featuring dramatic overtime finishes, standout individual performances, and several surprising results. Egor Demin scored all of Brooklyn’s overtime points but saw Orlando escape with a buzzer-beating win, while Luka Dončić’s historic triple-double was not enough to prevent the Lakers from a road loss in San Antonio.
Spurs Shut Down Lakers Despite Dončić’s 38-Point Triple-Double
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 107–91, neutralizing a massive individual performance from Luka Dončić. The Lakers star recorded 38 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, but also committed seven turnovers as San Antonio controlled the game across all four quarters.
San Antonio relied on balanced scoring and interior presence off the bench, with key contributions arriving at decisive moments. Despite Dončić’s efficiency from the field and the free-throw line, the Lakers struggled to generate consistent offense outside their primary creators.
Game stats:
San Antonio Spurs 107, Los Angeles Lakers 91
Spurs: Keldon Johnson 27 pts, Victor Wembanyama 16 pts, 14 reb, 4 blk
Lakers: Luka Dončić 38 pts, 10 reb, 10 ast; Darius LaRavia 16 pts
Demin Scores All 10 Brooklyn Overtime Points, Orlando Wins at the Buzzer
One of the night’s most dramatic games took place in Brooklyn, where the Orlando Magic edged the Nets 104–103 in overtime. Egor Demin scored all 10 of Brooklyn’s points in the extra period, finishing the game with 18 points, five rebounds, five assists, a steal, and a block.
However, Paolo Banchero delivered the decisive moment, hitting a long-range shot at the buzzer to secure the win for Orlando. Despite Demin’s late heroics, Brooklyn was unable to close out the game.
Game stats:
Orlando Magic 104, Brooklyn Nets 103 (OT)
Magic: Paolo Banchero 30 pts, 14 reb, 6 ast
Nets: Kevin Porter Jr. 34 pts; Egor Demin 18 pts
Warriors Hold Off Bucks as Curry Shines
Golden State defeated Milwaukee 120–113 behind a strong performance from Stephen Curry, who scored 31 points while leading the Warriors through multiple momentum swings.
Milwaukee received a dominant outing from Giannis Antetokounmpo, who finished with 34 points and 10 rebounds, but Golden State’s bench production and late-game execution proved decisive in the final minutes.
Game stats:
Golden State Warriors 120, Milwaukee Bucks 113
Warriors: Stephen Curry 31 pts, 7 ast
Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo 34 pts, 10 reb
Thunder Survive Jazz in Overtime Behind Gilgeous-Alexander’s 46
The Oklahoma City Thunder outlasted the Utah Jazz 129–125 in overtime, powered by a spectacular performance from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The All-Star guard poured in 46 points while controlling the game offensively down the stretch.
Utah kept pace behind Lauri Markkanen and George, but Oklahoma City’s execution in overtime ultimately made the difference.
Game stats:
Oklahoma City Thunder 129, Utah Jazz 125 (OT)
Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 46 pts
Jazz: Lauri Markkanen 29 pts, 13 reb
Suns Dominate Memphis, Phoenix Depth Makes the Difference
Phoenix earned a convincing 117–98 road win over Memphis, using balanced scoring and strong rebounding to pull away after halftime. Dillon Brooks led the Suns with 21 points, while Devin Booker contributed both scoring and playmaking.
Memphis struggled to keep up offensively and could not recover once Phoenix established a double-digit lead.
Game stats:
Phoenix Suns 117, Memphis Grizzlies 98
Suns: Dillon Brooks 21 pts; Devin Booker 13 pts, 8 ast
Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr. 19 pts
Hawks Beat Pelicans as Trade News Sends Trae Young to Locker Room
Atlanta defeated New Orleans 117–100, but the game was overshadowed by off-court news involving Trae Young. The Hawks guard, sidelined due to injury, learned during the game that he had been traded to Washington.
Young spoke briefly with teammates and coaching staff before leaving for the locker room prior to the final buzzer. Due to injuries, the 27-year-old has appeared in only 10 games this season.
Game stats:
Atlanta Hawks 117, New Orleans Pelicans 100
Hawks: Zaccharie Risacher 25 pts, 8 reb
Pelicans: Zion Williamson 22 pts, 8 reb, 6 ast
Tari Eason’s Tip-In Waved Off at the Buzzer in Portland Win
In Portland, the Trail Blazers narrowly defeated Houston 103–102 in a game that ended with controversy. After a successful coach’s challenge by Ime Udoka, the Rockets gained possession for the final play.
Kevin Durant’s potential game-winner missed the mark, and Tari Eason appeared to tip the ball in at the buzzer. However, officials ruled after review that the ball left Eason’s hand after time had expired, confirming Portland’s victory.
Game stats:
Portland Trail Blazers 103, Houston Rockets 102
Blazers: Deni Avdija 41 pts
Rockets: Kevin Durant 37 pts; Amen Thompson 24 pts
For more NBA coverage, including full schedules, standings, and daily results, visit our NBA schedule and results section, where all games are updated throughout the regular season.
