Victor Wembanyama Shines in Spurs’ Big Win Over Bucks

Victor Wembanyama delivered a standout performance with 30 points and 14 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 144-118 on Friday. The victory helped the Spurs snap a four-game home losing streak, and Wembanyama proved his mettle by holding his own against Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, particularly in a physical fourth quarter.

Wembanyama’s dominance, along with a strong effort from Keldon Johnson (24 points), led San Antonio to a commanding 22-point lead with 7:08 remaining. The Spurs capitalized on this advantage to finish strong, securing only their second win in their last seven games. Other notable contributors for the Spurs included Stephon Castle (20 points), Harrison Barnes (16 points), Devin Vassell (12 points), and Chris Paul (12 points).

Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 35 points and 14 rebounds, while Damian Lillard added 22 points and Khris Middleton contributed 21. Despite a back-and-forth game, the Bucks couldn’t keep pace with the Spurs, who gained momentum in the second half.

Tatum’s Late Heroics Lift Celtics Over Pelicans

Jayson Tatum’s clutch jumper with just 0.2 seconds remaining lifted the Boston Celtics to a dramatic 118-116 win over the New Orleans Pelicans. Tatum finished with 27 points, including 10 assists, while Jaylen Brown added 28 points in the victory.

The Pelicans, who are on a five-game losing streak, were led by Trey Murphy III, who scored a season-high 40 points. Despite New Orleans’ resilience, including a late 3-pointer from Jose Alvarado to tie the game at 114, Tatum’s last-second bucket secured the win for the Celtics.

The Pelicans also faced a setback when starting point guard Dejounte Murray suffered a lower leg injury in the first quarter and was unable to return.

Jokic Dominates Late to Propel Nuggets Past 76ers

Nikola Jokic posted 28 points, 13 assists, and nine rebounds as the Denver Nuggets edged out the Philadelphia 76ers 137-134. Jamal Murray led Denver in scoring with 31 points, while Michael Porter Jr. added 24.

Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with a staggering 42 points, but it was Jokic who took over in the final minutes, hitting key 3-pointers and a game-winning floater to seal the Nuggets’ victory. Denver withstood a late rally from the 76ers, including a missed heave by Guerschon Yabusele at the buzzer.

Coby White Powers Bulls Past Raptors, Ending Their Winning Streak

Coby White scored 25 points and added six assists to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 122-106 win over the Toronto Raptors. The victory ended Toronto’s five-game winning streak.

Nikola Vucevic contributed 21 points and 12 rebounds for the Bulls, while Jalen Smith provided a spark off the bench with 17 points. Toronto was led by Scottie Barnes, who posted 20 points and 10 rebounds, but they couldn’t overcome Chicago’s balanced scoring and strong bench play.

Cade Cunningham’s 40-Point Night Leads Pistons Past Mavericks

Cade Cunningham, who was named an All-Star earlier this week, poured in 40 points to lead the Detroit Pistons to a 117-102 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Cunningham’s big night helped the Pistons snap a three-game losing streak.

Tobias Harris added 17 points for Detroit, and Jalen Duren contributed a solid double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 28 points, but Dallas struggled with turnovers and couldn’t contain Cunningham’s scoring onslaught.

Despite a late push by the Mavericks, including a 3-pointer from P.J. Washington to bring the game within two points, the Pistons held off Dallas to secure the win.