Trail Blazers 121, Brooklyn 102
⭐⭐TOP PERFORMERS⭐⭐
- Jayson Tatum: 46 points (19-37 FG), 16 rebounds, nine assists, three blocks
- Donovan Mitchell: 41 points (13-26 FG), three rebounds, five assists, one steal
- Nikola Jokić: 23 points (6-12 FG), 17 rebounds, 15 assists, one steal, two blocks
- Pascal Siakam: 36 points (13-21 F, 8-11 3PM), six rebounds, two assists, two steals
Top Storylines👉📝
- After starting the game in a 25-3 hole, Cleveland fought back to earn a statement win over Boston. Donovan Mitchell leads a victorious bunch Friday, but can this really be perceived as besting Boston when Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis didn’t play?
- A maligned element of the Knicks’ ongoing excellent campaign is a lack of quality wins, as New York is 0-7 versus the league’s top-3 teams at any given time. A clutch shot from OG Anunoby sealed a win over the 38-21 Grizzlies, who currently hold the No.3 seed in the Western Conference.
- LeBron James and Luka Dončić were the only Lakers to reach double-digit scoring in Friday’s win — serving as a testament to the power of this duo, as well as a reminder that the surrounding cast can be inconsistent without Austin Reaves (calf) — who exited in the first quarter.
NBA STANDINGS UPDATE ‼️
▪️ CLE (#1 in East) wins 9th straight▪️ DEN rises to #2 in West▪️ LAL (#4 in West) wins 5th straight
▪️ OKC (#1 in West) moves to 48-11
Download the NBA App for more: https://t.co/pBKIAWNToa pic.twitter.com/fpfgyWI2y9
— NBA (@NBA) March 1, 2025
Cavaliers win. #LetEmKnow
Cleveland completes their largest comeback of the season, overcoming a 22-point deficit to beat the Celtics 123-116 in Boston.
Jrue Holiday (finger) and Kristaps Porziņģis (illness) didn’t play, but the Cavaliers nonetheless had to deal with Boston’s fastball. Jayson Tatum boomed for 46 points (19-37 FG), 16 rebounds and nine assists with only three turnovers, while Jaylen Brown erupted for 37 points (13-24 FG) of his own.
Donovan Mitchell (41 points, 13-26 FG) was Cleveland’s go-to in the clutch. De’Andre Hunter (12 points, five rebounds) blocked Tatum’s final shot to secure Cleveland’s victory. Darius Garland delivered a clutch three and helped run the show with a 7:1 AST:TO ratio, ultimately tacking on 20 points (9-23 FG).
Donovan Mitchell brought his best to Boston in the Cavs’ 9th straight win!
🕷️ 41 PTS (26 in 2H)🕷️ 5 AST
🕷️ 5 3PM
Superstar performance on the biggest stage. pic.twitter.com/wu8lL5zi67
— NBA (@NBA) March 1, 2025
OG Anunoby hits the dagger 🗡️🗡️
OG Anunoby delivered the game-winning three for New York, escaping Memphis with a 115-114 victory. Anunoby finished with 19 points (7-17 FG, 4-10 3PM), helping buoy a Knicks’ squad that connected on just 32.1% of 28 3PM otherwise.
Jalen Brunson stuffed the stat sheet with 23 points (10-23 FG), seven rebounds, six assists and three steals while leading the Knicks in scoring.
Anunoby’s heroics spoiled Ja Morant’s heroics. Morant finished with 25 points (9-22 FG, 0-6 3PM, 7-7 FT) including tough buckets down the stretch. Desmond Bane co-starred with 24 points, 12 rebounds and four assists, but he also recorded six turnovers.
OG ANUNOBY CLUTCH THREE WINS THE GAME FOR NEW YORK 🚨 pic.twitter.com/cdukljFQID
— NBA TV (@NBATV) March 1, 2025
CLUTCH THREE BY BRUNSON 😱
Knicks & Grizzlies battling late in the 4Q! pic.twitter.com/VwspcIOMB2
— NBA TV (@NBATV) March 1, 2025
🗣🗣🗣Walker Kessler game-winner
Walker Kessler dunks with authority off a scramble drill to give Utah a one-point lead which would ultimately turn into the final score of Friday’s 117-116 upset victory over Minnesota.
John Collins boomed for 29 points (12-18 FG) and 12 rebounds. Rookie Isaiah Collier posted a double-double of his own with 11 points (4-8 FG) and 14 assists, although he also had six turnovers.
Naz Reid countered Collins’ big night, posting 27 points (10-25 FG, 6-15 3PM), 11 rebounds, five assists and three steals in 41 minutes of action. Minnesota was playing without Anthony Edwards (suspension) after he was ejected from Thursday’s loss against the Lakers.
Terrence Shannon once again stepped up in his absence, delivering 17 points (7-16 FG 3-5 3PM), four rebounds and five assists. The rookie is playing with distinct energy and furious downhill attacking — for better or worse at times.
Rudy Gobert was unavailable for a sixth consecutive contest due to a back injury.
WALKER KESSLER FIGHTS THROUGH TRAFFIC TO WIN IN IT UTAH!!! pic.twitter.com/HWSfNHnciq
— NBA (@NBA) March 1, 2025
Birthday win for Luka🎉🎉
Luka Dončić responded after limping to 6-for-20 shooting Thursday, bouncing back in the form of a 31-point effort (9-22 FG, 3-9 3PM, 10-11 FT) in Friday’s 106-102 victory over the Clippers. The Slovenian phenom turned 26 today, walking away with a dub as a present.
LeBron James’ efficiency (28 points, 12-21 FG) was important for the Lakers, as he and Dončić were the only players to exceed eight points. James also ripped down 13 rebounds. James has combined for 52 rebounds across his last three games.
Ivica Zubac boomed for team-highs 27 points and 16 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough as the Lakers led for almost the entirety of the second half, managing to keep the Clippers an arm’s-length away.
The Lakers take a 2-1 series advantage in the 2024-25 Battle for Los Angeles.
This photo of LeBron and Luka 🔥
📸: Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images pic.twitter.com/xpEBYmeDXJ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 1, 2025
BACK-TO-BACK LUKA STEPBACKS 🎯🎯
Lakers leading late on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/yZEtNUf4hY
— NBA (@NBA) March 1, 2025
♦️♦️Bulls steal a W ♦️♦️
After only possessing the lead for three minutes in regulation, Chicago knocked down their free throws and capitalized on Toronto’s mistakes en route to a 125-115 overtime victory.
In the final minute of the fourth quarter, Gradey Dick split a pair of free throws to give Toronto a four-point lead. On the next possession, Coby White erased that lead — converting a four-point play after being fouled on a three.
The Bulls would then smother Toronto in overtime, with clutch buckets from Lonzo Ball and Ayo Dosunmu headlining Chicago’s comeback. In total, eight players reached double-digit scoring for Chicago. White’s 24 points (8-19 FG) led the way. Zach Collins recorded a double-double with 15 points and 13 rebounds.
Josh Giddey’s delivered impressive play once again. The 22-year-old entered Friday’s contest averaging 24.3 points, 12.0 rebounds and 8.0 assists across his last four games, then followed it up with 19 points, eight rebounds and 12 assists. His improved effort and impact defensively has been an underrated storyline of his season.
Coby White hits the clutch shot to force overtime and lifts the @chicagobulls to the win!
Josh Giddey: 19 PTS, 12 AST, 8 REBZach Collins: 15 PTS, 13 REB, 5 AST
Kevin Huerter: 15 PTS, 4 3PM pic.twitter.com/nrilo8fEOw
— NBA (@NBA) March 1, 2025
Miami emerges victorious from high-octane affair
The Heat defended homecourt with a 125-120 victory over Indiana in a game highlighted by explosive offense.
Tyler Herro cut up Indiana, delivering final blows down the stretch by getting to his mid-range floater. He finished with 29 points (11-25 FG) and seven assists. Duncan Robinson co-starred with 20 points (8-10 FG, 4-6 3PM) and five assists.
Pascal Siakam was on a heater, leading all scorers with 36 points (13-21 FG, 8-11 3PM), including 18 fourth-quarter points. His eight 3PM represents a career high for the 30-year-old.
Tyrese Haliburton (19 points, 8-15 FG) and Andrew Nembhard (nine points 4-7 FG) combined for 21 assists and just three turnovers.
Both teams combined for just 24 total turnovers despite an up-tempo battle.
#HEATWin final – Miami 125, Indiana 120
🔥 Herro: 29pts (3 3s), 7asts & 3rebs🔥 Robinson: 20pts (4 3s) & 5asts🔥 Adebayo: 18pts, 7rebs & 7asts🔥 Burks: 13pts (3 3s) & 3rebs🔥 Jaquez Jr.: 11pts & 4rebs
🔥 Mitchell: 10pts, 8asts & 3rebs pic.twitter.com/ZAeIPz8Hqq
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) March 1, 2025
Dubs for OKC & Phoenix
In a classic shootout versus Atlanta in which both teams knocked down over 41.0% of their threes, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31 points), Jalen Williams (20 points and Lu Dort (20 points) anchored the Thunder offense. Oklahoma City 135, Atlanta 119.
Onyeka Okongwu racked up 23 points and 13 rebounds. Caris LeVert (23 points, 9-16 FG) joined him in co-leading the Hawks in scoring.
Meanwhile in Phoenix, Bol Bol continues to flash talent as Phoenix cruised to a victory over New Orleans. Pelicans’ rookie Yves Missi Notch the career high 24 points (11-14 FG)
Bol Bol came up big in the @Suns win tonight ☀️
🔥 25 PTS🔥 9-12 FG
🔥 5-8 3PT
He’s averaging 21.0 PPG over his last 3 games 📈 pic.twitter.com/IkaojiiwJm
— NBA TV (@NBATV) March 1, 2025
Nuggets core goes crazy🔥🔥
Nikola Jokić recorded the 13th game of his career with at least 20 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists as Denver cruise to a 134-119 victory over Detroit.
Jamal Murray (31 points) led Denver in scoring on a night when everybody ate — delivering a scorching 56.0 FG% as a team, including knocking down 54.8% of 31 3PA.
Malik Beasley led Detroit with 16 points (6-18 FG, 4-11 3PM). He was one of six Pistons with double-digit scoring. Detroit put together a clean game, only recording 10 turnovers and shooting a passable 45.5 percent from the field. Denver was simply on a heater Friday.
A good ol’ Friday night win 🎥
Mal: 31 PTS / 3 REB / 4 ASTMPJ: 28 PTS (6 3PM) / 9 REB Jok: 23 PTS / 17 REB / 15 AST
CB: 23 PTS / 6 REB / 2 AST pic.twitter.com/Vp8QiT96Ul
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) March 1, 2025
Shaedon Sharpe stays hot. Trail Blazers win again.
Portland wins their fourth consecutive game, led by Shaedon Sharpe’s 25 points (9-14 FG, 4-6 3PM, 3-5 FT), four rebounds and five assists. Sharpe’s efficient scoring set the tone as the Trail Blazers buried 57.7% of their shots as a team.
Dalano Banton (23 points, 8-11 FG) provided microwave shooting off the bench. Seven members of Portland’s rotation scored at least 11 points.
Nic Claxton, Cam Thomas, and Killian Hayes each recorded 16 points in a three-way tie atop Brooklyn’s scoring leaders Friday. The Nets limped just 41.4% shooting as a team and real reason were plagued by 21 turnovers.
🚨🚨 OT IN CHICAGO 🚨🚨
Coby White converts the tough three and the free throw as Toronto commits the cardinal sin of fouling a three-point shooter while up four in the final seconds. Chicago has trailed since the middle of the first quarter but have given themselves new life. Tied at 110, OT is on the way.
COBY WHITE FOUR-POINT PLAY TO TIE THE GAME.@CHSN__ | @CobyWhite pic.twitter.com/qMzFP2qNQp
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) March 1, 2025
Cleveland comeback
Cleveland gets their first lead of the game in the middle of the fourth quarter, coming back from down 22 points vs. Boston. Jayson Tatum (44 points) and Jaylen Brown (33 points) has not been able to fend off potent scoring from Donovan Mitchell (34 points) and a balanced attack from the rest of Cleveland’s rotation.
FIRST LEAD OF THE NIGHT FOR THE CAVS ‼️
Evan Mobley gives Cleveland a 19-5 run in Boston on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/8iFWIG3u2h
— NBA (@NBA) March 1, 2025
Darius Garland🤌🤌
No words for this clip — just tune in and admire a beautiful handle.
This Darius Garland handle is mesmerizing 🤩🤩
Cavs/Celtics battling in the 3Q on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/HwxpPHfgrp
— NBA (@NBA) March 1, 2025
BOARD MAN GETS PAID
Aaron Nesmith flies in for the putback slam. Nesmith’s athleticism and shooting is a huge part of Indiana’s rotation.
THE PUTBACK 🤯
Aaron Nesmith rising up for the putback slam is tonight’s @FlyWithLift Flying High Moment of the Night 💥 pic.twitter.com/RpaJCGnORc
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) March 1, 2025
Nikola Jokić: Man among boys
The three-time MVP records the 158th triple-double of his career. The fact that Jokić is developing a knack for piling up these stats in just three quarters of action is a testament to his 1-of-1 impact on the game.
Denver leads Detroit 119-101 with seven minutes remaining in the fourth.
Nikola with a monster triple-double in just THREE quarters
18 PTS / 17 REB / 14 AST pic.twitter.com/MBKJKZ0AZ3
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) March 1, 2025
Jayson Tatum hooping👀👀
Boston jumped out to a 10-point lead over Cleveland at halftime and have expanded the gap to 13 in the opening seconds of the third quarter, fueled by excellence from Jayson Tatum.
Jaylen Brown (22 points 7-12 FG) is also cooking for the Celtics…tough to stop them with the J’s are like this.
Jayson Tatum’s first half was one for the history books 📕
30 PTS | 9 REB | 7 AST
That’s the first time in the play-by-play era (1997-98) that those numbers have been reached in ANY half 🤯 pic.twitter.com/BFZ4R4eCIr
— NBA (@NBA) March 1, 2025
Mitchell Robinson back in action!
The Knicks’ center returns from ankle surgery for his first NBA action since May 6. True to his style, Robinson dunks for his first bucket of the campaign.
The shot-blocking, rebound-hunting big will further boost New York’s 10th ranked offensive rebounding rate.
Welcome back, Mitchell Robinson!
He gets on the board with a FLUSH in his 2024-25 season debut 💥 pic.twitter.com/NJ3f9k8nCM
— NBA (@NBA) March 1, 2025
🔥 Blazing start for Portland
The Trail Blazers hit their first 10 field goal attempts tonight in Brooklyn en route to taking a 33-25 lead over the Nets going into the second-quarter.
Shaedon Sharpe still hasn’t missed, having made all six of his shots thus far including a pair of threes.
Tune in to catch the action on NBA League Pass.
Toumani Camara caps off a PERFECT 10-10 start for the Trail Blazers 👀 pic.twitter.com/PT4wCE0usT
— NBA (@NBA) March 1, 2025
👀 Celtics not messing around
The Boston Celtics have jumped out to a 25-3 lead over the East’s No.1 seed, the Cleveland Cavaliers. That’s right, 25-3.
The Celtics have come out blistering from deep with seven made 3’s on nine attempts in under five minutes of action. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have eight points apiece.
Meanwhile, Cleveland has yet to hit a three and is just 1-for-7 from the floor to start.
Plenty of game left, but this is quite the early statement from the reigning champs.
IT HAPPENS THAT QUICKLY IN BOSTON 🍀
The Celtics start on an 11-0 run in the first 1:56 of action!
CLE-BOS on ESPN 🍿 pic.twitter.com/FxbWHhLW9g
— NBA (@NBA) March 1, 2025
💪 Bench mob flexing
The Pistons got off to a rocky start and trailed the Nuggets by as many as 18 in the first quarter at home.
Detroit got a much-needed spark off the bench to get back into the game and cut the deficit to five. Malik Beasley has canned three triples and totaled 11 points in seven minutes off the bench to key the Pistons’ comeback.
Catch the action now on NBA League Pass
Malik Beasley hits the corner 3 then busts a move 🕺
He leads DET with 11 PTS through 1 as they seek 9 straight wins! pic.twitter.com/9dCVXuEP5Q
— NBA (@NBA) March 1, 2025
☘️ Celtics. Cavs. Tune in
Two of the best teams, not only in the Eastern Conference but in the entire league, will square off tonight in the Garden with the Celtics hosting the Cavaliers.
The Celtics took down the Cavaliers in their last meeting in Cleveland by a score of 112-105. Cleveland will look to return the favor on the road tonight.
Donovan Mitchell (24.0 PPG) leads the East #1 Cavs 🕷️
Jayson Tatum (26.6 PPG) leads the East #2 Celtics 🍀
The final matchup of the regular season between the East’s top 2 teams is coming up at 7:30pm/et on ESPN! pic.twitter.com/iXWLblvuM7
— NBA (@NBA) March 1, 2025
Defense ➡️ Offense
Detroit is buzzing with the Pistons going for a ninth-straight win tonight. Ausar Thompson is helping to keep that excitement going with a steal to a dunk to open the scoring against the Nuggets.
Ausar Thompson steals it and takes it all the way for the jam ‼️ pic.twitter.com/UNzEvekjJP
— NBA TV (@NBATV) March 1, 2025
📰Top NBA storylines tonight
- Beasts of the East square off: The top two teams in the Eastern Conference go toe-to-toe tonight with the Celtics hosting the top-seeded Cavaliers. The Celtics have gotten the better of the Cavs in two of their three meetings this season. Cleveland will look to even the season series and will have to do so on the road.
- Number 9, Number 9: The Detroit Pistons have officially gotten the league’s attention with eight straight wins to mark their longest winning streak in nearly two decades. Tonight they’ll have a mountain to climb to get to nine with Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets coming to town.
- LA LA Land: It’s a Tinsel town throwdown tonight at crypto.com Arena with the Lakers hosting the cross-town Clippers. The two teams have split their first two matchups but will be plenty familiar with one another over the weekend with tonight’s game followed by a rematch Sunday.
✍️ Latest NBA news
