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Tuesday, January 20

Ayton Exits Nuggets Game with Left Eye Injury, Status for Clippers Game Uncertain

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Lakers center Deandre Ayton was officially ruled out of Tuesday's game against the Nuggets after suffering a left eye injury in the second quarter. He did not return for the second half, finishing with 4 points (2-5 FG) and 8 rebounds in 15 minutes. This injury forces the Lakers to rely on Jaxson Hayes and Drew Timme. Ayton, who has played 37 of 42 games this season and averages 14.2 points and 8.8 rebounds, previously missed time with left knee soreness. His availability for Thursday's game against the Clippers is pending further updates on the injury's severity.

Murray Cleared to Play, Scores 28 Points in Nuggets' Loss to Lakers

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Denver Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray was cleared to play Tuesday against the Lakers despite left knee inflammation and an illness. He delivered a strong first half, scoring 26 of his 28 points and adding 11 assists, including a 56-foot buzzer-beater. However, he struggled in the second half, shooting just 1-for-5, as the Nuggets fell 115-107. Murray had been averaging 31.5 points, 5.5 assists, 2.0 rebounds, 3.0 threes, and 1.5 steals over 34.8 minutes per game in his last four outings.

LeBron Misses All-Star Starter Nod, Scores 19 in Lakers' Rally Win

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LeBron James scored 19 points, adding 9 rebounds and 8 assists, in the Lakers' 115-107 comeback victory over the Nuggets on Tuesday. This comes after he was not named an NBA All-Star starter for the first time in 22 years, ending his record streak, though he is still eligible as a reserve. The 41-year-old, averaging 22.6 points, 6.9 assists, and 5.9 rebounds this season, has shown improved performance since January 1st. He is also currently facing criticism regarding a controversial new shoe design.

Luka Dončić Triple-Double Powers Lakers' Comeback Victory

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Luka Dončić delivered a dominant performance, recording a triple-double with 38 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists, to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a 115-107 rally win over the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday. Dončić started hot, scoring 16 points in the first quarter and remaining perfect from the field early. He secured the Lakers' first lead of the game in the fourth quarter with free throws, sparking a decisive 16-0 run that propelled them to victory.

Marcus Smart Delivers 15 Points in Lakers' Second-Half Rally

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Marcus Smart played a pivotal role in the Los Angeles Lakers' 115-107 comeback victory over the Denver Nuggets, contributing 15 crucial points and 2 rebounds. His second-half dominance included a six-point run that extended the Lakers' lead and a timely triple. Smart was also instrumental on the defensive end, helping to stifle the Nuggets' offense and contributing to a five-minute scoring drought for Denver.

Reed Sheppard Scores 12 Fourth-Quarter Points in Rockets' Rally

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Reed Sheppard was instrumental in the Houston Rockets' 111-106 comeback victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday, scoring 12 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter. He made critical plays down the stretch, including blocking a 3-point attempt and sinking two free throws to seal the win. Sheppard's scoring surge, including a key triple, helped the Rockets overcome a 16-point deficit and secure their third consecutive victory.

Kevin Durant Adds 18 Points in Rockets' Third Straight Win

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Kevin Durant contributed 18 points to help the Houston Rockets secure a 111-106 comeback victory over the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday night. His scoring was instrumental in the Rockets' effort to rally from a 16-point deficit, marking their third consecutive win.

Sengun Dominates with Near Triple-Double in Rockets' Comeback Win

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Alperen Sengun delivered a stellar performance in the Houston Rockets' 111-106 comeback victory over the Spurs on Tuesday. He nearly achieved a triple-double, recording 20 points (7-13 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 5-5 FT), 13 rebounds, nine assists, and two blocks in 34 minutes. This marked his fourth double-double in five games and third consecutive 20-point outing. Sengun also led all players in rebounds and assists, demonstrating his impact on both ends of the court and hitting a key basket late to seal the win.

Ace Bailey Scores 20 Points, Sparks Jazz Rally with Electrifying Dunk

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Rookie Ace Bailey contributed 20 points and 4 rebounds for the Utah Jazz in their 127-122 comeback win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Bailey, who continues to show improvement, sparked a crucial 11-2 run in the fourth quarter with an electrifying dunk and a 3-pointer that gave the Jazz the lead. His impactful play was vital in securing the victory.

Isaiah Collier Delivers 18 Points, 10 Assists in Jazz Victory

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Isaiah Collier had one of the most complete games of his career, tallying 18 points, 10 assists, and 4 rebounds, as the Utah Jazz rallied to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-122. His strong all-around performance was crucial in securing the Jazz's win, marking a significant contribution alongside Keyonte George and Ace Bailey, especially in the absence of leading scorer Lauri Markkanen.

Keyonte George Explodes for Career-High 43 Points in Jazz Win

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Keyonte George delivered a career-high 43 points and three assists, leading the Utah Jazz to a 127-122 rally win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. This marks his third time scoring over 30 points in his last six games, solidifying his emergence as a top-20 scorer and a late-game offensive engine for the Jazz. George hit a crucial 3-pointer from the corner with 59.2 seconds left to give the Jazz the necessary cushion to halt their four-game skid, and secure coach Will Hardy's 100th career victory.

Brunson Calls Players-Only Meeting After Return from 'Embarrassing' Ankle Sprain

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Knicks captain Jalen Brunson called a players-only meeting after Monday's 114-97 loss to the Mavericks, urging teammates to improve amid a defensive collapse and a 9-of-11 recent losing streak. Brunson had just returned from missing two games due to a right ankle sprain, which he humorously described as "embarrassing" for being self-inflicted. This is his third right ankle sprain, having missed time earlier this season and last year, and he plans to continue treatment to regain full strength.

Ayo Dosunmu Contributes 18 Points, Four Triples in Bulls' Win

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Ayo Dosunmu scored 18 points and made four 3-pointers in the Chicago Bulls' 138-110 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. His shooting helped the Bulls match a franchise record with 25 3-pointers, and he hit a pair of triples in the second quarter to extend Chicago's lead to 58-43, contributing to their dominant offensive performance.

Matas Buzelis Scores 21 Points, Four Triples in Bulls' Victory

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Matas Buzelis contributed 21 points and made four 3-pointers in the Chicago Bulls' 138-110 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. His strong shooting performance helped the Bulls match a franchise record with 25 3-pointers, playing a significant role in the team's dominant offensive display.

Kevin Huerter Adds 14 Points, Four Triples in Bulls' Record-Tying Win

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Kevin Huerter contributed 14 points and made four 3-pointers in the Chicago Bulls' 138-110 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. His shooting helped the Bulls match a franchise record with 25 3-pointers. Huerter also capped a decisive 17-3 run with a fastbreak layup, playing a key role in Chicago regaining control and securing the win.

Coby White Explodes for 27 Points, Six Triples in Bulls' Record-Tying Win

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Chicago Bulls guard Coby White delivered an impressive performance in Tuesday's 138-110 win over the Clippers, tallying 27 points (9-16 FG, 6-10 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in 31 minutes. White has been on a hot streak from beyond the arc, hitting 13-for-21 over his last two games, averaging 25.5 points, 4.5 assists, 6.5 triples, and 1.5 steals during this period. His contribution helped the Bulls match a franchise record with 25 3-pointers.

James Harden Scores 24 Amidst Continued Shooting Woes

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Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden recorded 24 points (9-25 FG, 3-9 3Pt, 3-3 FT), 6 assists, and 5 rebounds in 31 minutes during Tuesday's 138-110 loss to the Bulls. Harden led the Clippers in scoring, marking his fifth consecutive game with 20+ points. Despite this, he continued to struggle from three-point range, shooting just 19.6% over his last six outings. He maintained his playmaking, tying for the team-high in assists and dishing out at least six dimes in all 10 January appearances.

Tyrese Maxey Signs Signature Shoe Deal, Logs 20 Points & 7 Assists

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Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey has officially signed a deal with New Balance for his first signature shoe, set to debut in 2026. On court, Maxey logged 20 points (7-25 FG, 2-8 3Pt, 4-5 FT), 7 assists, 2 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block in a game-high 43 minutes during Tuesday's 116-110 loss to the Suns. Despite a back-to-back, he showed defensive prowess with three steals, following a career-high eight on Monday. Since Jan. 1, Maxey has averaged 27.7 points, 5.8 assists, 4.3 rebounds, 3.3 threes, 2.8 steals, and 1.4 blocks.

Oso Ighodaro Contributes 12 Points in Suns' Victory

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Phoenix Suns player Oso Ighodaro contributed 12 points to his team's 116-110 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday night. He scored 10 of his points in the first half, helping the Suns maintain their momentum.

Collin Gillespie Scores 12 Points in Suns' Win

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Phoenix Suns guard Collin Gillespie scored 12 points in Tuesday's 116-110 win against the Philadelphia 76ers. His contributions included a key jumper in the second quarter that put the Suns ahead 41-36, helping his team secure the victory.