NBA Roundup: Tatum Sparks Celtics’ Comeback, Jokic Shines, Curry Leads Warriors

Jayson Tatum delivered a stellar performance with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, helping the Boston Celtics erase a 17-point deficit to beat the Milwaukee Bucks 113-107. 

Boston’s Payton Pritchard added 18 points off the bench, hitting 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 43-point, 13-rebound effort, the Bucks faltered at home, dropping to 1-3.  

Boston’s defense tightened in the second half, holding Milwaukee to just 38 points after allowing 40 in the first quarter. Jrue Holiday’s late free throws sealed the victory, keeping the Bucks at bay in the final minutes.  

Curry’s Hot Hand Powers Warriors  

Stephen Curry scored a season-high 36 points, including seven 3-pointers, as the Golden State Warriors survived a late rally to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder 127-116. Golden State built a 30-point lead but had to withstand a late Thunder push led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who scored 24 points.  

Jonathan Kuminga contributed 20 points for the Warriors, who matched their season high with 21 made three-pointers. The win solidifies Golden State’s position as one of the league’s most dangerous perimeter-shooting teams.  

Jokic’s Triple-Double Edges Mavericks  

Nikola Jokic showed his brilliance with 37 points, 18 rebounds, and 15 assists to guide the Denver Nuggets to a thrilling 122-120 win over the Dallas Mavericks. Michael Porter Jr. hit a clutch floater with 6.5 seconds left to secure Denver’s victory.  

Kyrie Irving was sensational for Dallas, scoring a season-high 43 points on 17-of-22 shooting, while Luka Dončić flirted with a triple-double, tallying 24 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists. However, late-game execution remained an issue for the Mavericks, who have now lost consecutive games in the final moments.  

Pacers Shine Behind Mathurin and Haliburton  

Bennedict Mathurin erupted for a career-high 38 points, and Tyrese Haliburton added 35 points and 14 assists as the Indiana Pacers defeated the New York Knicks 132-121. Mathurin’s seven 3-pointers and Haliburton’s fourth-quarter dominance sealed the victory for Indiana.  

Despite strong performances from Jalen Brunson (33 points, 10 assists) and Karl-Anthony Towns (30 points, 9 rebounds), the Knicks could not contain Indiana’s offensive firepower.  

 Other Highlights  

– Rockets 101, Pistons 99: Alperen Şengün’s 27 points and 10 rebounds lifted Houston past Detroit in a nail-biter.  

– Magic 121, Wizards 94: Franz Wagner’s 23 points powered Orlando past a struggling Washington team featuring three rookie starters.  

– 76ers 107, Hornets 105 (OT): Jared McCain scored a career-high 27 points to lead Philadelphia to an overtime victory, overcoming LaMelo Ball’s 38-point effort.  

– Heat 95, Timberwolves 94: Nikola Jovic’s three-point play in the closing seconds capped Miami’s dramatic win.  

– Kings 127, Suns 118 (OT): De’Aaron Fox and DeMar DeRozan combined for all of Sacramento’s overtime points, snapping Phoenix’s seven-game winning streak.  

– Lakers 123, Raptors 103: Anthony Davis scored 22 points before leaving with an eye injury, while LeBron James recorded a triple-double.  

– Grizzlies 134, Blazers 89: Memphis dominated Portland, with Jaren Jackson Jr. leading the way with 20 points in just 24 minutes.