Saturday Night Recap Rockets Sweep Cavaliers, Knicks Pour in 143 Points, and Grizzlies Dominate Jazz

akash upadhyayJanuary 26, 2025

A thrilling night of NBA action featured standout performances, buzzer-beaters, and big victories. Here are the top highlights from Saturday’s packed schedule:

1. Rockets Complete Sweep of the Cavaliers
Houston secured their second consecutive win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, edging them 135-131 in a high-scoring thriller. Amen Thompson notched a triple-double with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists. Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun also contributed 26 points each. Darius Garland exploded for 39 points in a losing effort, but the Rockets’ balanced attack propelled them to a big win, moving them to second in the Western Conference.

2. Knicks Drop 143 Points in Blowout of Kings
The New York Knicks put on an offensive clinic, defeating the Sacramento Kings 143-120. OG Anunoby led the way with 33 points, while Josh Hart recorded a monster triple-double: 20 points, 18 rebounds, and 11 assists. Domantas Sabonis had a triple-double of his own for the Kings, finishing with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Knicks from dominating.

3. Grizzlies Dispatch Jazz in Blowout Victory
The Memphis Grizzlies took care of business in a 125-103 win over the Utah Jazz. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the charge with 28 points and three blocks, while Desmond Bane chipped in 17 points. Memphis outscored Utah 36-17 in the third quarter to seal the win and extend their streak to six consecutive victories.

4. Bucks Fall Short Against Clippers, 127-117
In an exciting matchup, the Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 127-117. James Harden stole the show with 40 points, five rebounds, and nine assists. Norman Powell added 33 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 36 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for the Bucks. Despite a strong performance from Damian Lillard (29 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists), the Clippers made a crucial 14-0 run to seize control.

5. Suns Hold Off Wizards, 119-109
Kevin Durant scored 29 points to lead the Phoenix Suns to a 119-109 win over the Washington Wizards. Nick Richards also had a career-high 20 points and 19 rebounds. Kyle Kuzma was a bright spot for Washington, recording 30 points and 11 rebounds, but the Wizards fell short once again as they continue to struggle at the bottom of the standings.

6. Lakers Handle Warriors, 118-108
Anthony Davis led the Lakers with 36 points and 13 rebounds, and LeBron James added 25 points and 12 assists as the Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Golden State Warriors 118-108. Stephen Curry struggled in the second half, going scoreless after halftime, as the Lakers took control of the game and secured the win.

7. Sixers Top Bulls, 109-97
Tyrese Maxey exploded for 31 points and nine assists, leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 109-97 victory over the Chicago Bulls. Kelly Oubre Jr. added 22 points and 12 rebounds, while Zach LaVine led Chicago with 25 points. The 76ers controlled the game in the second half, outscoring the Bulls 29-14 in the third quarter.

8. Magic Edge Pistons, 121-113
Paolo Banchero’s 32-point performance, combined with Franz Wagner’s 32 points and seven assists, helped the Orlando Magic edge the Detroit Pistons 121-113. Cade Cunningham had a big night for Detroit, scoring 35 points and dishing out 11 assists, but the Magic outlasted them in the final moments.

9. Hornets Cruise Past Pelicans, 123-92
Charlotte dominated New Orleans in a 123-92 win. LaMelo Ball contributed 25 points and seven assists, and Miles Bridges added 22 points. Zion Williamson led the Pelicans with 28 points and 11 rebounds, but New Orleans was outscored in every quarter and couldn’t keep up with the Hornets.

10. Raptors Down Hawks, 117-94
Scottie Barnes had 24 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists as the Toronto Raptors defeated the Atlanta Hawks 117-94. Chris Boucher contributed 23 points off the bench as Toronto earned its third straight win.

Top Performers of the Night

Anthony Edwards (34 points, 9 assists) – Timberwolves win vs. Nuggets
Paolo Banchero (32 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists) – Magic win vs. Pistons
Josh Hart (20 points, 18 rebounds, 11 assists) – Knicks win vs. Kings
Domantas Sabonis (25 points, 13 rebounds, 12 assists) – Kings loss to Knicks
Amen Thompson (23 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists) – Rockets win vs. Cavaliers
Darius Garland (39 points, 3 rebounds, 9 assists) – Cavs loss to Rockets
Tyrese Maxey (31 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists) – Sixers win vs. Bulls
Scottie Barnes (24 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists) – Raptors win vs. Hawks
Anthony Davis (36 points, 13 rebounds, 3 steals) – Lakers win vs. Warriors
James Harden (40 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists) – Clippers win vs. Bucks