The NBA regular season delivered a packed slate of action on January 4–5, featuring eight games, late-game drama, and standout individual performances. Devin Booker decided the Suns–Thunder matchup with a last-second three-pointer, Luka Dončić led the Lakers past Memphis once again, and Detroit continued its strong run against Cleveland. Here is a complete recap of the night’s NBA results.
Cavaliers Fall to Pistons Despite Donovan Mitchell’s 30 Points
Detroit continued its impressive stretch by defeating Cleveland 114–110 on the road. The Cavaliers received a strong scoring effort from Donovan Mitchell, who finished with 30 points on efficient shooting, but it was not enough to overcome Detroit’s balanced attack.
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 27 points and 7 assists, while Detroit’s bench provided a crucial boost, helping them erase Cleveland’s early advantage and control the middle quarters of the game.
Final score: Cleveland 110, Detroit 114
Magic Outscore Pacers in High-Scoring Battle
Orlando claimed a 135–127 win over Indiana in a game defined by pace and offensive execution. The Magic received major contributions across the lineup, led by Desmond Bane, who recorded 31 points and 6 assists, and Paolo Banchero, who added 28 points and 12 rebounds.
Indiana countered with a big night from Pascal Siakam, who scored 34 points, but Orlando’s depth and efficiency proved decisive.
Final score: Orlando 135, Indiana 127
Nets Defeat Nuggets as Egor Demin Makes Impact
Brooklyn secured a 127–115 victory over Denver behind a strong team performance and efficient scoring. Michael Porter Jr. led the Nets with 27 points and 11 rebounds, while Egor Demin delivered a solid all-around contribution with 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists in 27 minutes.
Denver received a productive night from Jamal Murray, who finished with 27 points and 16 assists, but defensive lapses and Brooklyn’s third-quarter surge shifted the game in the Nets’ favor.
Final score: Brooklyn 127, Denver 115
Timberwolves Dominate Wizards Behind Anthony Edwards
Minnesota controlled its matchup against Washington from start to finish, earning a convincing 141–115 road win. Anthony Edwards led all scorers with 35 points, while Rudy Gobert delivered a strong interior presence with 18 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks.
Washington struggled to keep pace defensively, despite balanced scoring from its starters and bench.
Final score: Minnesota 141, Washington 115
Heat Take Care of Pelicans at Home
Miami earned a 125–106 win over New Orleans with a strong offensive showing. Norman Powell paced the Heat with 34 points, while Bam Adebayo contributed as a facilitator, finishing with 12 points and 6 assists.
New Orleans was led by Trey Murphy, who scored 27 points, but Miami’s consistency across all four quarters kept the Pelicans from mounting a serious comeback.
Final score: Miami 125, New Orleans 106
Booker’s Last-Second Three Decides Suns vs Thunder Thriller
Phoenix delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the night, edging Oklahoma City 108–105. The game was decided by Devin Booker, who knocked down a game-winning three-pointer with 0.7 seconds remaining.
Booker finished with 24 points and 9 assists, while Oklahoma City received strong performances from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, who combined for 48 points. Despite a late push by the Thunder, Phoenix executed in the final possession.
Final score: Phoenix 108, Oklahoma City 105
Bucks Pull Away from Kings Behind Giannis
Milwaukee defeated Sacramento 115–98, led by a dominant performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo, who posted 37 points and 11 rebounds. The Bucks controlled the paint and limited Sacramento’s offensive rhythm throughout the game.
Kevin Porter Jr. added 25 points and 10 assists, helping Milwaukee maintain separation in the second half.
Final score: Milwaukee 115, Sacramento 98
Dončić Leads Lakers Past Grizzlies for Second Win in Three Days
The Lakers completed another victory over Memphis, winning 120–114 at home. Luka Dončić once again led Los Angeles with a near triple-double performance, finishing with 36 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists.
LeBron James provided additional playmaking with 26 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds, while the Lakers closed the game strongly in the fourth quarter to secure their second win over the Grizzlies in three days.
Final score: Lakers 120, Memphis 114
Looking Ahead
With the NBA schedule continuing at full speed, these results further shape the regular-season standings and momentum across both conferences. Late-game execution, depth contributions, and star performances once again proved decisive as teams move deeper into January.
For the latest NBA news, game recaps, and updated standings, stay tuned to our coverage throughout the season.
