Adebayo, Doncic, and Harden Shine as NBA Friday Sees Record Nights and Big Wins

Bam Adebayo set the tone early, scoring 18 of his 24 points in the opening quarter as the Miami Heat cruised to a commanding 146–114 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. The result not only gave Miami a comfortable win but also etched a record in the Grizzlies’ books — the most points ever conceded by Memphis in regulation.

Miami exploded for 86 points in the first half, another record for a Grizzlies opponent, shooting an impressive 57.7% from the field. Adebayo’s early dominance, supported by Nikola Jokic’s 20 points and six rebounds, and Kel’el Ware’s near double-double of 19 points and nine boards, made the night one-sided from the start. Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 17 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists in a balanced Miami effort.

Memphis, led by Jaren Jackson Jr. with 19 points, struggled to find rhythm. Rookie Cedric Coward added 16, while Ja Morant managed just 12 on a rough 4-of-16 shooting night as Miami’s offense proved too much to handle.

In Portland, interim coach Tiago Splitter — the first Brazilian to coach an NBA game — began his tenure with a statement win as the Trail Blazers routed the Golden State Warriors. Deni Avdija led eight Portland players in double figures with 26 points, six assists, and five rebounds. Jerami Grant contributed 22 off the bench, while Toumani Camara impressed with 19 points, seven rebounds, and three steals. Stephen Curry was the lone bright spot for Golden State, sinking seven 3-pointers en route to 35 points before exiting early.

At Crypto.com Arena, Luka Doncic delivered a masterclass, pouring in 49 points — 32 of them in the first half — alongside 11 rebounds and eight assists as the Los Angeles Lakers dismantled the Minnesota Timberwolves 128–110. Austin Reaves and Rui Hachimura chipped in 25 and 23 points, respectively, to help avenge last season’s playoff loss. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 31 points in defeat.

Elsewhere, Giannis Antetokounmpo powered Milwaukee past Toronto with 31 points and 20 rebounds, while Trae Young’s clutch free throws lifted Atlanta over Orlando 111–107. Cade Cunningham’s late heroics sealed Detroit’s 115–111 road win over Houston, and Karl-Anthony Towns’ double-double carried the Knicks to a 105–95 victory over Boston.

Victor Wembanyama flirted with a triple-double — 29 points, 11 rebounds, and nine blocks — as San Antonio edged New Orleans 120–116 in overtime. Domantas Sabonis’ late tip-in gave Sacramento a 105–104 thriller over Utah, while rookie Kyshawn George’s career-best 34 points lifted Washington past Dallas. Finally, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard combined for 57 points as the Clippers rolled over Phoenix to close a wild night of NBA action.