🏀 Friday Night Hoops 🏀
📰 Friday’s Headlines ✍️
- The Celtics make a statement: The defending champion Boston Celtics are just fine. That’s the takeaway from tonight’s 121-94 win over the Orlando Magic. Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis and Jaylen Brown did the heavy lifting as they combined for 73 points. They’ve dropped seven of their last 15 games, but tonight’s dominant performance against a credible Magic squad reminded the league what they’re capable of.
- Anthony Edwards shuts down MSG: Ant has been vocal about Minnesota’s recent bumps in the road, but tonight his play did all the talking. We saw everything that makes the former No. 1 pick so captivating – 36 points, nonstop three-pointers and his trademark poster slam dunks. He owned the spotlight in Minnesota’s 116-99 win.
- Jokić & Murray spoil Jimmy’s return: Social media was buzzing following Jimmy Butler’s press release that channeled his inner Jordan, but the Nuggets didn’t care. The Joker notched his 17th triple-double of the season, while Jamal Murray turned in 30 points himself. The result was a 20-point Denver victory while Butler tallied 18 points, three rebounds and two assists coming off his seven-game suspension from the team.
- Charlotte outlasts Chicago in a fun, family affair: It was a family reunion in the Windy City. LaMelo and Lonzo Ball shared the court for the first time in three years, with LiAngelo in attendance. Seth Curry was big off the bench, playing for his father’s former team with Dell in attendance. WNBA veteran Elizabeth Williams saw her ‘little’ brother Mark drop a 19 points and 19 boards as the Hornets escaped with the win at the buzzer.
⭐️⭐️ Top Performers ⭐️⭐️
- Anthony Edwards – 36 points (12-21 FG, 8-13 3PM), 13 rebounds, seven assists in win over Knicks
- Giannis Antetokounmpo – 35 points (12-20 FG), 13 rebounds, three assists, one steal, one block in win over Raptors
- Austin Reaves – 38 points (13-23 FG, 4-8 3PM), three rebounds, three assists, two steals, one block in win over Nets
- Nikola Vučević – 40 points (17-25 FG, 2-6 3PM), 13 rebounds, three assists, one steal in loss to Hornets
🟣🟡 Lakers Survive 3-point Shootout 🟡🟣
Brooklyn and LA combined for 14 three-pointers in the fourth quarter alone in a wild back-and-forth affair. Fittingly, D’Angelo Russell hoisted a potential game-winner from long range that hit front iron, and was batted away as time expired.
Though it wasn’t pretty, a win is a win. The Lakers avoided the upset and their record improves to 22-17. Fans of the purple and gold will hope to see Anthony Davis return when they head across town to face the Clippers inside the Intuit Dome on Sunday.
CAREER-HIGH AND THE W FOR AUSTIN REAVES 💰 pic.twitter.com/PYScYlKz5G
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 18, 2025
LeBron James also hammered home this sweet dime from Reaves in the closing minutes.
Finishing touches from LeBron 🔨@Lakers win the close one over BKN! https://t.co/l0Xg9b2Z00 pic.twitter.com/bv0aQHiWR4
— NBA (@NBA) January 18, 2025
🔥🔥 AR15 on Fire 🔥🔥
Austin Reaves has a new career high in scoring and he’s not done yet. He’s up to 38 points on the night, delivering on difficult jumpers time and time again the fourth quarter. The heroics are much needed as LA’s bench is being outscored by Brooklyn’s 49-12.
The Lakers hold a small lead in the final two minutes.
Austin Reaves is FEELIN’ his jumper 💦💦
Mixes up the handle for 3.
Splits the screen for a tough 2.
LAL leads BKN by 5 on NBA League Pass! pic.twitter.com/GnmvDnWnlB
— NBA (@NBA) January 18, 2025
Looking for revenge 👀
D’Angelo Russell is back in Crypto Arena tonight with his new team, after the Lakers shipped him to Brooklyn in exchange for Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton. He’s got 13 points and five assists as both teams are tied at 74 in the final frame.
any three @Dloading makes, @thejalenwilson makes one from further pic.twitter.com/mMsrxQJNUH
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 18, 2025
D LOADING pic.twitter.com/KnXGL1dK5t
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 18, 2025
Aldama, Bane Shine while Spurs Slide
The Memphis Grizzlies turned what was a feisty game into a landslide 28-point victory. Desmond Bane played the role of maestro tonight with Ja Morant sidelined, finishing with 22 points and 14 assists. Santi Aldama was exceptional off the bench as well, leading all scorers and setting a new career high with 29 points along with eight rebounds.
Rookie Stephon Castle impressed with 20 points of his own for San Antonio. Devin Vassell chipped in 21 while Victor Wembanyama had 19 points, 12 boards and six blocks. The team falls to 19-21 on the season and have now lost five of their last six games.
DHO 👉 Simmons Flush
Ben Simmons converts on a good pass from Keon Johnson following the dribble hand-off with a one-handed slam. The Nets are keeping pace with the Lakers, playing tonight without Anthony Davis. As the third quarter finishes up, this one is completely up for grabs.
THROW IT DOWN, BEN pic.twitter.com/k0Krpnahsg
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 18, 2025
😳 Grizz Blitz Spurs to End 3Q 😳
It had been a close game all night, until the end of the third. Memphis rattles off a 16-0 run, capped of by Desmond Bane’s buzzer-beating layup to take a 102-86 lead heading into the 4th quarter.San Antonio has to find answers defensively to come back and win this one.
The Grizzlies scored 40 points in the frame. Their bench outscoring San Antonio’s 21-2 in the quarter, demonstrating why they’re the best scoring bench unit in the league.
Grizzlies close the 3rd on a 16-0 run 🚨
Desmond Bane hits a difficult runner to cap it!
📺 MEM-SAS on ESPN pic.twitter.com/o4EZBxxWPA
— NBA (@NBA) January 18, 2025
Vassell slicing in transition 🌪️
Prior to the 16-0 run, Vassell brought the entire Frost Bank Center to their feet with a fast break dunk. He showcased a slick behind the back before lifting off and flushing it home.
DEVIN VASSELL GOES BEHIND THE BACK FOR THE DUNK 💥
Spurs bench was loving it 😂
📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/L8ZA6gJWKz
— ESPN (@espn) January 18, 2025
Greek Freak Highlights 🎥
Giannis Antetokounmpo had his way against the Raptors tonight. They’re just the latest team to feel Giannis’ wrath, as the former MVP has double-doubles in 12 consecutive game. Tonight, he finished with 35 points and 13 boards, shooting 60% from the field.
Damian Lillard was a great complementary piece, finishing with 26 points of his own and four triples. Milwaukee improves to 23-17 on the season with the win tonight on their home floor. They’re 6-1 in their last seven.
GIANNIS’ FRIDAY NIGHT GRIND:
😤 35 PTS 😤 13 REB
😤 60.0 FG%
His 12th straight double-double and the @Bucks 3rd win in a row! pic.twitter.com/M5XiWVriRr
— NBA (@NBA) January 18, 2025
Dinwiddie Daggers 🗡️🗡️
Dallas needed answers on offense to hold off the top team in the Western Conference, and Spencer Dinwiddie provided them. He hit two three-pointers in crunch time, putting the game out of reach and securing the Dallas win. He finished with 16 points on the night.
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) January 18, 2025
🤠 2nd Half Underway 🐻
The Spurs and Grizzlies are playing the latter of back-to-back matchups against each other. Memphis was victorious in the first meeting, winning by a final score of 129-115. The teams are just about knotted up heading into the second half of this one.
be right back! pic.twitter.com/nddzwLC8H6
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) January 18, 2025
The Grizzlies made themselves at home inside during the second quarter, one of the calling cards of their team this year. They rank 4th in among all teams, scoring 46.3% of their points in the point.
Went to 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤 in the Paint 💪 pic.twitter.com/QWBYQ1ISlF
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) January 18, 2025
J-dub leading OKC in the 4th
The Thunder are without their MVP candidate tonight, meaning Jalen Williams will be needed extra if OKC hopes to grind out the win against the Dallas Mavericks. They trail Dallas by single-digits in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter.
Dub makes a way 😤
Triple vote Dub for NBA All-Star 🗳️ https://t.co/2FFNkzy5oU pic.twitter.com/fxUZkaXGDf
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) January 18, 2025
🚨⌛️ Chaotic Sequence in Bulls-Hornets Final Seconds
The Charlotte Hornets led by just two points on the last possession of the game, after splitting a pair of free throws and relinquishing a double-digit lead in the final minutes. Nikola Vučević had 17 4th quarter points, but was short on a three that would have put them in front.
Zach LaVine chased down the rebound but missed as well. The ball ricocheted as time expired, leaving Chicago with a fourth consecutive loss.
HUM DIDDLY DEE!
HORNETS WIN! #HiveMentality | @hornets pic.twitter.com/jRZfnXm5il
— Hornets On FanDuel Sports Network (@FDSN_Hornets) January 18, 2025
🪄 Magic Nullified 🚫 C’s Win
Boston got it done by committee tonight, proving to be too potent offensively even for one of the league’s best defenses. The Celtics hit 17 threes, just about their nightly average on the year, but they did so much more efficiently tonight. The Celtics average 49 shots from deep but made roughly half of their 35 attempts tonight.
Paolo Banchero finished with a solid 21 point, but was held to just seven in the second half when his team was outscored 55-40. Cole Anthony turned in a team-high 23 starting for the injured Jalen Suggs.
The @celtics were all about their business tonight 😮💨
☘️ Jayson Tatum: 30 PTS | 6 REB | 4 AST☘️ Jaylen Brown: 20 PTS | 6 REB | 6 AST
☘️ Kristaps Porziņģis: 23 PTS | 4 REB | 3 3PTS pic.twitter.com/xeBVuhbJ8D
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 18, 2025
🫨 Zion the Unstoppable 🫨
Zion Williamson turned in an absolutely dominant stretch late in the third and into the fourth quarter. The most sensational play being a two handed back scratcher all over Drew Eubanks. If that weren’t enough, he runs the lane in transition soon after to slam the alley-oop from Trey Murphy III.
ZION WILLIAMSON
JUST PUT YOU ON A POSTER pic.twitter.com/vv1AOhp0mJ
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 18, 2025
TREY TO ZION
IT’S HIGHLIGHT CITY IN THE SKC pic.twitter.com/vYXhlA4WLV
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 18, 2025
Before the above the rim highlights, Williamson beats the 3Q buzzer with a driving layup off the glass.
Z gets to where Z wants to pic.twitter.com/4V1V8fM7ye
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 18, 2025
🥶 Chicago-Charlotte Nail Biter 🥶
The Hornets pulled ahead by double-digits, just to give the lead right back. Chicago turned in a 12-0 run themselves and we’ve got a one-possession game in the final two minutes. Tune in now on NBA League Pass to see the finish.
🙈 No-Look Dime to AG 🤯
What’s the best part of this highlight? Is it the over-the-head dish from Nikola Jokić, or the Aaron Gordon tomahawk slam? We also shouldn’t overlook the outlet pass from Peyton Watson that made it all possible. Denver has this one totally in control down the stretch.
JOKIC NO-LOOK DIME BEHIND HIS HEAD 😱 pic.twitter.com/TS5SCHkzMB
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 18, 2025
The Joker also notched his 10th assist with this unreal dime, giving him a triple-double on the evening before the 4th quarter even began.
ANOTHER triple-double before the fourth
24 PTS / 12 REB / 10 AST
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) January 18, 2025
🍽️ Mark Williams Feasting 🍲
The Chicago Bulls have no answer for the Duke big man who has 19 points and 18 rebounds tonight. On this play, he taps the ball to himself multiple times before getting it to drop. He’s a big reason the Hornets are pulling away with hits one in Chicago.
lookin like big sis out there@MarkWi1liams | 📹 @FDSN_Hornets pic.twitter.com/c4BNM5g9pe
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) January 18, 2025
LiAngelo Ball isn’t the only marquee sibling in attendance tonight. Elizabeth Williams is also in the crowd, cheering on her younger brother. Williams plays for the WNBA’s Chicago Sky, explaining her appearance in the Windy City.
It’s a family affair tonight 🥹 pic.twitter.com/2Wpza3hP12
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) January 18, 2025
Guards off the Glass 🤌
The Pelicans are holding a double-digit lead against the Jazz, but there’s plenty of time left for Utah to make a run. CJ McCollum has a game-high 24 points, mostly from three, but also with finesse finishes like this one.
CJ off the glass for the and-1 pic.twitter.com/RngTZwb2kx
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 18, 2025
Collin Sexton answers CJ’s smooth high-glass finish with a dart to the rim of his own.
like a streetcar down st charles 🚎#TakeNote | @collinsexton02 pic.twitter.com/c9cxUZS9LP
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 18, 2025
💪 Giannis with Authority 💪
There’s already been a handful of monstrous slam dunks tonight and now the Greek Freak would like to have a word. He drives to the lane and puts one down over two Toronto defenders with the left hand plus the foul. He’s got a game-high 29 points.
COMING THROUGH 🌬️🌬️ https://t.co/mkF2DUYTo7 pic.twitter.com/fo1tiNF9rr
— NBA (@NBA) January 18, 2025
Scottie Barnes has the answer for Giannis defensively, as he picks his pocket before making the dazzling play in transition. He’s struggled with his shot, but has eight assists on the night.
DO IT ON BOTH ENDS 4️⃣ @ScottBarnes561 pic.twitter.com/cQiZ6mqHk9
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) January 18, 2025
Can NYK catch up ? ⏰
Time is of the essence for the Knicks to come back and take down the Timberwolves. Without Karl-Anthony Towns tonight, New York trails by double digits in the final four minutes of play.
PUTTING ON A SHOW. 🍿 pic.twitter.com/O1D3aDF5kH
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 18, 2025
Why Jump ?? 😱🐜
Anthony Edwards adds another monster dunk to his collection this season. Precious Achiuwa attempts to prevent Ant from getting a clean look at the rim, but spoiler alert – it doesn’t end well.
ADD THAT TO THE POSTER COLLECTION. 😮💨 https://t.co/Dq8bcpiT0k pic.twitter.com/F6S6ZDZqYc
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 18, 2025
👌 Brothers Trading 3’s 🔥
The Bulls and Hornets are having a shootout tonight in Chicago. Both teams had more than 70 at halftime, and are approaching 100 each with a few minute to play in the third quarter. No team has separated themselves in this one, setting up for a very compelling fourth quarter.
that’s @MELOD1P for ya@Lowes | 📹 @FDSN_Hornets pic.twitter.com/vzvwMena6c
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) January 18, 2025
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 18, 2025
😤 Mad O-Max 😤
This transition slam was downright angry from Olivier-Maxence Prosper. Jalen Williams found himself on the unfortunate end of a major poster.
😤-MAX bringing the 🔨 pic.twitter.com/guaqMgqcuA
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) January 18, 2025
No SGA for OKC
The Oklahoma City Thunder are without Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tonight, and the team struggled offensiely without him. Dallas raced out to a 10-0 lead with Kyrie Irving back in the lineup. The Thunder would recover before the end of the period, taking a 26-22 lead into the second quarter.
From downtown Dallas 🎯 pic.twitter.com/SCPlEo4OVy
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) January 18, 2025
Make it 10 😮💨 https://t.co/VfUkFoc6tb
— Dallas Mavericks (@dallasmavs) January 18, 2025
J’s Getting it Done ✅
Jayson Tatum has 27 points on the night, but flexed his defensive muscle by rejecting Tristan De Silva’s slam dunk attempt. This one is all Boston heading into the final frame.
JT said NAH 🚫 pic.twitter.com/0Zqr8ShbUY
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 18, 2025
Jaylen Brown on the other hand is taking care of business on the offensive end, drilling thos three to stretch Boston’s lead to 20+ in the 3rd quarter.
Let JB cook 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/d2FPd1G4dL
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 18, 2025
Duel in South Beach 🏖️
Nikola Jokić is well on his way to another triple-double after returning from a one-game absence. He finished with finesse in transition as the Nuggets hold the lead on Miami after one quarter of play.
Joker stuffing the stat sheet in the first quarter 🃏
8 PTS / 7 REB / 5 AST pic.twitter.com/2bqa8SsUwm
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) January 18, 2025
Welcome Back Jimmy
Jimmy Butler gets to the rim and finishes with two hands in his first game back from a seven-game suspension from the team. Tyler Herro, on the other hand, is demonstrating why he’s one of the top three point shooters this season as he drills one from steps inside halfcourt.
Jimmy Butler has ARRIVED 💥 pic.twitter.com/eAclzw86Jw
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 18, 2025
TYLER FROM THE (VICE) LOGO ‼️ pic.twitter.com/AODS2yMwQ1
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) January 18, 2025
Trey Murphy over his Teammate 🫢
This sideline inbounds was executed to perfection as Trey Murphy III slams the alley-oop, even with his teammate Jeremiah Robinson-Earl right under the rim. The Pels also shot the lights out from three in the first quarter, building a commanding 42-22 lead after one against the Jazz.
did Trey just put JRE on a poster 😭 pic.twitter.com/yYXIzOTXL8
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 18, 2025
CJ McCollum led the charge from three, sinking all five attempts in the first.
CJ CAN’T MISS.
15 PTS, 5/5 from 3 pic.twitter.com/11v4bNDmCK
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 18, 2025
Long time no see 🤝
Tonight is the first time in more than three years since the Ball brothers have played each other. LaMelo is one of the league’s best scorers, however, he’s struggled to find his shot so far only connecting on 1-7 shots in the first period. The Hornets still find themselves in the lead after one.
Family reunion ❤️ pic.twitter.com/F8HsET0YVR
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 18, 2025
We See You, Rook 👏
Rob Dillingham is putting together some impressive tape in the first half of the Timberwolves game against the Knicks. He has seven points and two assists, including a flashy alley-oop to Rudy Gobert, as the teams go back-and-forth early on.
that Ant ➡️ Rob connection. pic.twitter.com/2GvQyyvdUO
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 18, 2025
ROB LOB. 🤌 pic.twitter.com/YCq6od6lCl
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) January 18, 2025
Tatum Seal & Slam 💥
Jayson Tatum takes advantage of the size advantage inside over Cole Anthony and punctuates it with the and-one finish. He had a huge second quarters and is up to 20 points at the half as the Celtics lead Orlando 66-54.
DON’T JUMP WITH JT 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/fFdaDJIAOp
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 18, 2025
It’s Just Business 💼
Lonzo Ball shrugs off the hype of playing against his younger brother LaMelo as he enters the Arena for tonight’s Bulls-Hornets matchup. All he’s thinking about is getting the win. The Bulls are 10th right now in the Eastern Conference.
Lonzo is ready to play his brother 👀 pic.twitter.com/fhYLJHXldI
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 18, 2025
🛤️ Full Steam Ahead 💨
Banchero does it all himself, bringing the ball up and finishing through contact late in the first quarter. The Magic rallied late, but trail Boston 35-28 after one quarter. Kristaps Porzingis leads all scorers with 11 points on perfect 4-4 shooting.
Paolo Banchero went coast to coast for the and-1 😤 pic.twitter.com/Z7V33u2M4C
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 18, 2025
In that mode 😤 pic.twitter.com/X3OkREVxuR
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 18, 2025
🚫 No KAT for Wolves Rematch 👎
Karl-Anthony Towns was a game-time decision, and ultimately will miss his second game in a row with a thumb injury. The Knicks will start Jericho Sims in his place. Without Towns, the rebound battle may tilt in Minnesota’s favor with Rudy Gobert, Julius Randle and Naz Reid all suiting up tonight.
first up pic.twitter.com/sUZe1afnv6
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) January 18, 2025
Offense vs. Defense 👀
The lineups are set for one of tonight’s most notable matchups. The Magic are 5th in the East, while the defending champs boast the conference’s 2nd best record. Orlando will put its second-best defensive rating against the Celtics who are third in team offensive rating.
defense to offense baybeeee@CaldwellPope + @The_ColeAnthony pic.twitter.com/czuhmw49vz
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) January 18, 2025
Jalen Suggs will miss tonight’s game for the Magic, who are still without Franz Wagner. The Celtics, meanwhile, are at full strength with a healthy Kristaps Porzingis in the lineup.
Friday night hoops 🔜@DraftKings pic.twitter.com/59GdPi9hP2
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 17, 2025
first five 👇 pic.twitter.com/icqAAs5Qjd
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) January 17, 2025
Jimmy’s MJ Callback 😎
After serving a seven-game suspension, Jimmy Butler alludes to his return to the Miami Heat tonight in classic MJ fashion. Miami had a 3-4 record during that stretch and have a matchup with the Denver Nuggets tonight in South Beach.
Jimmy Butler with a message ahead of his return tonight 👀
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 17, 2025
📰 Top Storylines Tonight 📰
- Orlando taking on the C’s: If Paolo Banchero versus Jayson Tatum wasn’t enticing enough, this is also a showdown between two top-five teams in the Eastern Conference. The Magic were victorious in their sole outing this year, and that was without Banchero.
- Ball Brothers going head-to-head: Tonight marks just the fourth time these siblings have faced off, however it’s the first time since November 2021. Ball is one of four players scoring more than 29 points per game, while Lonzo is gaining his footing in Chicago’s starting lineup.
- Minnesota vs. New York II: Karl-Anthony Towns will look to follow up a 32-point, 20-rebound performance against his former team tonight as these two square off for the second time this season. Both teams are hitting bumps in the road as of late, entering this matchup 5-5 in their last ten games each.
