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NBA News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Friday, February 20

James Harden Delivers All-Around Performance in Cavaliers' Victory

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden showcased an impressive all-around performance in Thursday's 112-84 win against the Nets, totaling 16 points (6-8 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 1-2 FT), five rebounds, nine assists, and three steals in a team-high 28 minutes. Harden continues to look comfortable with the Cavaliers, nearly achieving his third consecutive double-double. His efficient scoring was complemented by a strong defensive impact, highlighted by his three steals. In his four games with Cleveland, Harden is now averaging 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 8.8 assists, demonstrating his consistent contribution.

Cade Cunningham Delivers MVP-Caliber 42-Point Masterpiece in Pistons' Sweep of Knicks

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Cade Cunningham delivered a dominant performance at Madison Square Garden, leading the Detroit Pistons to a 126-111 victory and completing a regular-season sweep of the Knicks. The All-Star guard recorded a masterpiece of 42 points, 13 assists, and 8 rebounds, shooting 17-of-34 from the field and 5-of-11 from three. This win improves the Pistons' record to an NBA-best 41-13. Coach JB Bickerstaff hailed Cunningham, 24, as a 'superstar' and the current 2025-26 NBA MVP frontrunner, noting his impact on both ends of the court and the team's remarkable turnaround from a 14-68 record two years prior.

Thursday, February 19

Jaylen Brown Notches Triple-Double, Remains 'Pissed' at Beverly Hills

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Jaylen Brown delivered his third triple-double of the season with 23 points (10-18 FG), 15 rebounds (career-high), and 13 assists (career-high) in the Celtics' 121-110 win over the Warriors. This extends his 20-point streak to 17 games. Off-court, Brown remains critical of the City of Beverly Hills, despite their apology for inaccurate statements regarding the shutdown of his All-Star weekend event. Beverly Hills retracted claims of a denied permit and prior violations, but Brown stated he felt "targeted" and "embarrassed" by the "half ass apology," asserting the private event had no proven code violations.

Porziņģis Debuts for Warriors with 12 Points in Loss to Celtics

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Kristaps Porziņģis made his Golden State Warriors debut against his former team, the Celtics, scoring 12 points (5-9 FG, 2-5 3Pt) with 1 rebound, 1 assist, and 1 block in 17 minutes during the 121-110 loss. After being sidelined for over a month, he initially appeared a step slow but found his rhythm, exceeding expectations. Porziņģis started from the bench and hit his first three-pointer for his new team, marking his return to action.

Wembanyama Dominates with 17 Points, 11 Boards, 5 Blocks in Spurs Win

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Victor Wembanyama posted 17 points (7-15 FG), 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 5 blocks, and 1 steal in just 25 minutes during the Spurs' 121-94 victory over the Suns, marking his fifth double-double in six games. He leads the NBA in total blocks (106) and blocks per game (2.7), significantly altering opponent shot attempts and percentages. Wembanyama remains focused on improvement, stating his athleticism is "nowhere near my peak." The Spurs (39-16) extended their winning streak to seven games, positioning themselves for a strong playoff push.

Mathurin Explodes for 38 Points in Clippers Home Debut Victory

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Bennedict Mathurin delivered an impressive performance in his home debut for the Los Angeles Clippers, scoring a team-high 38 points (12-22 FG) off the bench in their narrow 115-114 victory over the Denver Nuggets. This was only his third game as a Clipper since being acquired from Indiana at the trade deadline, and his explosive performance was crucial in securing the win.

Pistons' Jalen Duren Sidelined Due to Prior Brawl

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Jalen Duren was sidelined for the Detroit Pistons' game against the New York Knicks on Thursday, missing the contest due to his involvement in a prior brawl. His absence, alongside Isaiah Stewart, left the Pistons' frontcourt depleted, a situation the Knicks struggled to capitalize on in the first half of their game.

Pistons' Isaiah Stewart Sidelined Due to Prior Brawl

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Isaiah Stewart was sidelined for the Detroit Pistons' game against the New York Knicks on Thursday, missing the contest due to his involvement in a prior brawl. His absence, alongside Jalen Duren, left the Pistons' frontcourt depleted, a situation the Knicks struggled to capitalize on in the first half of their game.

Towns' Inconsistent Offense Raises Questions in Knicks Loss

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Karl-Anthony Towns recorded 21 points and 11 rebounds in the Knicks' 126-111 loss to the Pistons, but his offensive role drew scrutiny. He managed only 2 points on three shots in the first half, failing to capitalize on Detroit's depleted frontcourt. Towns then scored 19 of his points in the second half, including 12 consecutive for the Knicks. Coach Mike Brown stated they are "continuing to try to do different things to help free him up," while Towns emphasized the team's adherence to its established offensive system.

Suns' Booker Exits Spurs Game with Right Hip Soreness, Status Uncertain

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Devin Booker exited Thursday's game against the Spurs in the first half due to right hip soreness and was ruled out for the remainder. He recorded five points (2-6 FG) and one rebound in nine minutes before his departure. Coach Jordan Ott stated Booker "wasn't moving great" and the decision was made to "save himself from himself." This injury follows a recent seven-game absence due to an ankle sprain. His availability for Saturday's game against Orlando is currently uncertain.

Cunningham Explodes for 42 Points, 13 Assists in Dominant Win

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Cade Cunningham led the Pistons to a 126-111 win over the Knicks with a stellar 42 points (17-34 FG, 5-11 3Pt), 13 assists, eight rebounds, two blocks, and one steal in 38 minutes. This was his third 40-point game and sixth with 13+ assists this season. He shot 57.1% against OG Anunoby, the primary defender. Since Feb. 1, Cunningham has averaged 27.3 points, 9.4 assists, 6.1 rebounds, 2.4 threes, 1.4 steals, and 1.0 blocks, showcasing consistent high-level production for the Eastern Conference-leading Pistons.

Brunson Scores 33 Points, 7 Assists in Knicks' Loss to Pistons

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Jalen Brunson recorded 33 points (12-20 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 6-6 FT), seven assists, six rebounds, and two steals over 38 minutes in the Knicks' 126-111 loss to the Pistons. He scored 20 of his team-high points in the second half, attempting to lead a comeback. Brunson was the only New York player to find success from beyond the arc, marking his fourth game with at least 30 points in his last six outings. Despite his strong individual performance, the Knicks were swept by the Pistons in their season series.

Anunoby's 'Nightmarish' Return from Toe Injury Against Pistons

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OG Anunoby returned for the Knicks against the Pistons after a four-game absence due to a right toenail avulsion, which left him with an "open wound" and "a lot of pain." His comeback was described as "nightmarish," as he struggled defensively against Cade Cunningham, allowing him to shoot 57.1% as the primary defender. Anunoby also had a poor offensive outing, scoring just 8 points on 3-for-13 shooting (1-for-8 3Pt) in 32 minutes. His status for minute restrictions was unclear after not playing since Feb. 4.

Al Horford Struggles Offensively in Warriors Loss to Celtics

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Al Horford played 28 minutes for the Golden State Warriors against his former team, the Celtics, recording 5 points (2-10 FG, 1-6 3Pt), 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block. While his scoring was limited, he performed well in other facets, actively rebounding and protecting the rim. Coming off the bench, Horford was involved in a play that saw an initial foul call against him for an elbow overturned after a challenge.

Banchero Scores 30, Magic Set 3-Point Record in Rout of Kings

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Paolo Banchero led the Orlando Magic with 30 points (5-7 3Pt), 6 assists, and 5 rebounds in their 131-94 victory over the Sacramento Kings. The Magic set a new franchise record by making 27 three-pointers on 51 attempts. Banchero's strong offensive outing contributed to the Kings' franchise-record 15th consecutive loss, as Orlando improved to 29-25 and seventh in the East.

Ben Saraf Leads Long Island with 18 Points, Career-High 8 Assists

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Ben Saraf spearheaded the Long Island Nets to a 121-103 win, scoring a team-high 18 points (7-13 FG, 50% 3Pt) and matching his NBA G League career-highs with 8 assists and 6 rebounds. Saraf returned from a stint with the Brooklyn Nets, where he played 10 games, and built on his strong performances. This outing showcased one of his best shooting displays for the G League team, despite recording three turnovers.

Josh Minott Shines in Long Island Debut, Sets 3-Point Career-High

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Josh Minott delivered a promising performance in his Long Island Nets debut, tallying 17 points (5-10 FG, 5-9 3Pt), 1 rebound, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in their 121-103 victory. His five made three-pointers marked a new NBA G League career-high. Recently acquired by Brooklyn and assigned to Long Island, Minott is considered a 3-and-D prospect, with the Nets holding a $2.5 million team option for him next season.

Ingram Erupts for 31 Points, Leads Raptors to Victory Over Bulls

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Brandon Ingram powered the Toronto Raptors to a 110-101 win over the Bulls, recording a team-high 31 points (11-26 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 6-7 FT), 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals in 36 minutes. This performance marks his third 30-plus point game in his last seven outings and a strong bounce-back after scoring only 13 points in his two previous games. Ingram's offensive contributions were vital, particularly as a playmaker and rebounder, securing the Raptors' position at fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 33-23 record.

Mikal Bridges Benched Again in Knicks' Disappointing Loss

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Mikal Bridges was benched for the final 9.5 minutes of the Knicks' 126-111 loss to the Pistons, with Landry Shamet receiving playing time instead. Bridges, acquired for five first-round picks and signed to a $150 million extension, scored only 8 points in 25 minutes, including 0-for-3 from three-point range. This marks another instance of him being sidelined in crunch time, having also been benched in recent wins against the Sixers and Lakers.

Ausar Thompson Adds 10 Points in Pistons' Win Over Knicks

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Ausar Thompson contributed 10 points for the Detroit Pistons in their 126-111 victory over the New York Knicks on Thursday night. His scoring helped the Pistons complete a season sweep against New York, securing their third win against them this season.