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NBA News

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

Tuesday, January 6

Draymond Green Jokingly Recalls Kerr Clash After Coach's Fiery Ejection

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Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green reacted to coach Steve Kerr's fiery ejection during the team's loss to the LA Clippers, where Kerr demonstratively argued a missed goaltending call. When asked if he'd ever seen Kerr that angry, Green humorously replied, 'Yeah, when he was ready to kill me the other day in the huddle,' referencing their December clash against the Magic. Green's ability to joke about the incident suggests improved team morale, and players like Steph Curry appreciated Kerr's passion.

Hawks Advised Against Trading for Anthony Davis Amidst Concerns

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NBA analysts strongly advise the Atlanta Hawks against pursuing a trade for Anthony Davis. Concerns stem from his age (soon-to-be 33), extensive injury history, perceived loss of athletic step, and a substantial contract ($111 million owed after this season). Experts believe acquiring Davis would not transform a Trae Young-less Hawks roster into a championship contender, suggesting it would be a move born of desperation rather than strategic team building.

Claxton Returns to Play Wednesday vs. Magic After Personal Absence

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Nic Claxton (personal) will be available for Wednesday's game against the Magic, as reported by Sharif Phillips-Keaton. The Nets center missed the past two games but is currently en route back to Brooklyn and is expected to reclaim his starting spot from Day'Ron Sharpe.

Cooper Flagg Dominates Clutch: Rookie Scores 70 Points, 6th Best in NBA

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Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, 19, is quickly establishing himself as one of the league's most clutch performers. He has already amassed an impressive 70 points in clutch situations this season, a remarkable feat that ranks him sixth overall in the entire NBA. This exceptional performance is making a strong case for Flagg as one of the most impactful rookies in recent history, especially as the Mavericks continue to play in close contests.

Jaquez Confirmed Out for Tuesday's Game vs. Minnesota with Ankle Injury

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Jaime Jaquez (ankle) has been confirmed out for Tuesday's game against Minnesota, marking the second time he's been ruled out for this contest after being upgraded to questionable Monday night. The Heat forward is considered day-to-day with a potential return on Thursday against Chicago. Nikola Jovic and Pelle Larsson may see increased minutes in his absence.

Durant Hits Game-Winner vs. Suns, Expresses Raw Emotions Post-Game

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Houston Rockets superstar Kevin Durant sank a 27-foot game-winning shot against his former Suns teammates, leading his team to a 100-97 victory. Durant finished with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Post-game, he expressed raw emotions, stating it 'felt good to beat them and hit a game-winning shot' after feeling 'scapegoated' by the Suns last year. Coach Ime Udoka emphasized getting the ball to Durant in clutch moments. The Rockets have now won five of their last six games, with Durant's talent proving crucial, as he didn't mince words after the win.

Rookie VJ Edgecombe Continues Impressive Performance for 76ers

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Philadelphia 76ers rookie guard VJ Edgecombe, the 2025 third-overall pick, has consistently been one of the best-performing rookies this season. He recorded 23 or more points in three consecutive games, tallied 10 steals, and shot 12-of-25 from beyond the arc. In a recent overtime loss, he added five more triples and four stocks, showcasing his strong offensive and defensive contributions.

Anfernee Simons' Strong Play Complicates Celtics Trade Deadline Plans

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Boston Celtics guard Anfernee Simons is making a compelling case to remain with the team despite being on an expiring $27.7 million contract and previously floated in trade rumors. He poured in 27 second-half points in a recent win, averaging 20.5 points per 36 minutes (2nd on team) and shooting 39.6% from three. Simons boasts a +168 plus-minus since December 1st (2nd in NBA) and a 108.1 defensive rating. While his value as a second-unit spark plug is clear, the Celtics may still consider trading him for a veteran big man to bolster their frontcourt.

Clippers Rookie Kobe Sanders Explodes for Career-High 20 Points

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Los Angeles Clippers rookie Kobe Sanders delivered a standout performance Monday night, stepping up to score a career-high 20 points and grab seven rebounds in the team's win. Sanders' impressive outing came after James Harden was a late scratch from the lineup, providing a significant boost for the Clippers. The late addition proved crucial, showcasing the rookie's potential and ability to contribute when called upon in a key moment for the team.

Monday, January 5

Curry Fouls Out in Warriors' Close Loss to Clippers; Future Moves Debated

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Stephen Curry fouled out for the first time since 2021, scoring 27 points on 9-of-23 shooting, including late back-to-back threes, in the Warriors' 103-102 loss to the Clippers. Coach Steve Kerr was also ejected. Despite Curry's elite performance this season (28.8 PPG, 64.2% true shooting at age 37), the 19-17 Warriors are play-in bound. Kerr's recent comments downplaying title contention and reluctance to use draft assets for a co-star have drawn criticism, raising questions about the team's trade deadline strategy and potential to waste Curry's prime.

Rookie Kobe Sanders Steps Up with 20 Points in Clippers' Win

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Los Angeles Clippers rookie Kobe Sanders, a No. 50 pick and two-way player, delivered a significant performance, scoring 20 points while starting in place of the injured James Harden. His contribution helped the Clippers secure a tight 103-102 victory over the Golden State Warriors, showcasing his potential in an expanded role.

Kawhi Leonard Shines with 24 Points, 12 Rebounds in Clippers' Narrow Win

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Kawhi Leonard delivered a brilliant performance with 24 points and 12 rebounds, making crucial plays to help the Los Angeles Clippers secure a narrow 103-102 victory over the Golden State Warriors. This win marks the Clippers' seventh in their last eight games, with Leonard currently in one of his best career stretches, having played 18 consecutive games. He recently scored 45 fantasy points against the Jazz and is seen as singlehandedly lifting the team, despite being limited by Jaylen Brown in a prior matchup.

Brandon Miller Drops 28 Points, Hits 7 Threes After Knee Concern Cleared

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Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller was cleared to play Monday against the Oklahoma City Thunder despite prior knee concern. He exploded for a season-high 28 points, shooting 8-16 from the field and a blistering 7-10 from three-point range, adding six rebounds, one assist, two blocks, and two steals in 31 minutes during the 124-97 victory. Miller's performance, which included his first game with at least two steals and two blocks this season, led the Hornets' offense and contributed to a 27-point defeat for the Thunder, their worst of the season.

Durant Hits Game-Winner, Blasts Former Suns Team in Emotional Rockets Victory

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Kevin Durant hit a game-winning triple with 1.1 seconds left to lead the Houston Rockets to a 100-97 victory over his former team, the Phoenix Suns. Durant finished with 26 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block, marking his third double-double and extending his 20-plus point streak to 11 games. Post-game, he emotionally stated the Suns "booted him out" and made him a "scapegoat." With Alperen Sengun injured, the Rockets will heavily rely on Durant, who is also set to play in the NBA China Games 2026.

Jaime Jaquez Upgraded to Questionable for Tuesday's Game

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Miami Heat's Jaime Jaquez (ankle) has been upgraded to questionable for Tuesday's game against the Timberwolves, after initially being ruled out. He sustained a right ankle sprain in Saturday's loss to Minnesota, missing one game. Prior to the injury, Jaquez averaged 20.8 points, 4.8 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals over his last five games. If he remains sidelined, Pelle Larsson and Dru Smith could see increased minutes for the Heat.

Devin Booker's 27 Points Not Enough in Suns' Close Loss to Rockets

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Devin Booker led the Phoenix Suns with 27 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter, but his efforts weren't enough as the team fell 100-97 to the Houston Rockets on a Kevin Durant game-winner. Booker missed a potential game-tying shot in the final seconds, despite the Suns' late 10-0 run to briefly take the lead.

Jalen Johnson Records Double-Double, Nears Triple-Double vs. Toronto

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Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson posted 13 points (5-15 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 14 rebounds, seven assists, one block, and one steal across 37 minutes in Monday's 118-100 loss to Toronto. Despite struggling from the field, Johnson led the game in rebounding and secured his 25th double-double of the season, falling just three assists shy of a triple-double. Over his last 15 outings, the fifth-year pro has averaged 24.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 9.9 assists, 1.7 threes, and 1.1 steals.

Coby White Returns from Calf Injury, Struggles with 5 Points in 25 Minutes

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Chicago Bulls guard Coby White (calf) returned to action Monday against the Boston Celtics after a three-game absence. Despite being cleared, he came off the bench and was limited to 25 minutes. In his return, White struggled, recording five points (2-7 FG, 1-5 3Pt), six rebounds, and three assists in the 115-101 loss. He was expected to be limited to around 24 minutes and may be held out later this week. White had averaged 19.2 points, 4.7 assists, 3.2 rebounds in 16 games prior to injury.

Simons Ignites Celtics with 27 Points, 8 Threes in Second Half Surge

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Anfernee Simons paced the Boston Celtics in Monday's 115-101 win over Chicago, racking up 27 points (9-16 FG, 8-14 3Pt, 1-2 FT), three rebounds, and three assists across 27 minutes. After a scoreless first half, Simons exploded for all 27 of his points in the final two quarters, hitting eight of his 11 three-point attempts. He recorded season highs in both points and three-pointers, extending his double-digit scoring streak to five games, averaging 17.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 3.2 assists over that stretch.

Barnes Delivers Near Triple-Double with 18 Points, 10 Assists for Raptors

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Scottie Barnes posted a solid all-around performance for the Toronto Raptors in Monday's 118-100 win over the Hawks, totaling 18 points (8-16 FG, 0-3 3Pt, 2-2 FT), eight rebounds, and 10 assists in 37 minutes. Despite struggling from beyond the arc, Barnes finished second in team scoring with an efficient night from the field. He secured a double-double with his 10 assists, a mark he's reached in three of his last five appearances. Barnes failed to record a steal or block for the first time in four games.