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NBA News

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

Thursday, December 18, 2025

Uncharacteristic Play: Draymond Green's Turnovers Draw Scrutiny for Warriors

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Draymond Green's recent play has drawn scrutiny, with the Warriors veteran exhibiting uncharacteristic carelessness. He committed five turnovers in a loss to the Suns and eight in a prior defeat to the Trail Blazers, totaling 13 over two games. Coach Steve Kerr believes Green is "trying too hard" and needs to "slow down." Green admitted to "bad reads, bad decisions" and vowed to be more decisive. Despite these on-court struggles, Green's long-standing friendship with Klay Thompson remains strong, highlighted by a recent "cathartic dinner" with Thompson and Steph Curry, where Thompson was processing his Warriors departure.

Dylan Harper Hits Career-High 24 Points, Faces Spurs' Guard Depth Challenge

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San Antonio Spurs' Dylan Harper impressed with a career-high 24 points in Thursday's win over the Wizards. Despite his intriguing production and playing at least 22 minutes in five of the past six games (scoring 30+ fantasy points in three), his long-term playing time remains a concern due to the team's guard depth, including De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, and Keldon Johnson. Harper is considered a risky but talented short-term fantasy addition.

Jaylen Wells Turns Season Around, Averages 32.3 Fantasy Points in Last Four

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Memphis Grizzlies' Jaylen Wells has turned his season around, becoming a key waiver wire pickup. Over the past month, he's scored at least 30 fantasy points in five of ten games, averaging 32.3 fantasy points in his last four outings. While his fantasy value is primarily tied to points and threes, Wells has also contributed defensively, averaging 2.0 steals per game over the same four-game span, making him a valuable addition as the Grizzlies push for the Play-In picture.

Bub Carrington's Production Soars with Increased Role, Top-90 Fantasy Value

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Bub Carrington has significantly stepped up for the Washington Wizards, averaging 17.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.0 steals, and 3.3 three-pointers in 37.0 minutes over his last four games, scoring double digits in four straight. This surge, a stark contrast to his five double-digit games in the first 21, is fueled by increased minutes due to injuries to Bilal Coulibaly, Alex Sarr, and Khris Middleton. The 2024 first-round pick has emerged as a top-90 fantasy player in the last two weeks, with his expanded role expected to continue.

Booker sheds groin-protecting shorts, ignites for 25 points in Suns' win

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Devin Booker scored 25 points (9-19 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 5-6 FT), adding two rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 33 minutes during Thursday's 99-98 win over the Warriors. After a slow start with just two points by halftime, Booker caught fire in the second half, hitting clutch shots. He attributed his improved play to shedding protective shorts worn for groin protection, confirming he will no longer use them. Booker has played well since returning from his groin injury and looks to continue against the Warriors on Saturday.

Butler's 31 Points, Clutch Three Wasted in Warriors' Last-Second Loss

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Jimmy Butler delivered a strong performance, scoring a team-high 31 points (11-17 FG, 1-1 3Pt, 8-9 FT) along with three rebounds, three assists, and one steal in 34 minutes. This bounce-back effort included a clutch three-pointer that tied the game with 35 seconds left. Despite his assertive play, the Golden State Warriors suffered a disappointing 99-98 last-second loss to the Phoenix Suns, sealed by a late foul on Moses Moody. The Warriors' record dropped to 13-15, marking their third straight loss and a 4-9 run over their last 15 games.

Anthony Davis Battles Illness, Posts Double-Double After Brief Exit

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Anthony Davis played through illness, vomiting twice during Thursday's game against the Pistons. Despite a brief exit due to the undisclosed ailment, he returned to finish with 15 points (7-18 FG, 1-2 3Pt), 14 rebounds, two assists, and three blocks in 37 minutes. This confirms his calf issue is resolved, and his knee is also fine. Davis's status for Saturday's game in Philly will be monitored as he maintains strong December form for the Dallas Mavericks.

Keyonte George Drops 34 Points, Extends 30-Point Streak

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Keyonte George registered an impressive 34 points (9-20 FG, 5-11 3Pt, 11-12 FT), along with four rebounds and eight assists in 39 minutes during Thursday's 143-135 loss to the Lakers. George has been on a scoring tear, drilling five three-pointers in three straight matchups and finishing with 30-plus points in all three appearances for the Utah Jazz.

LeBron James Shakes Off Knee Scare, Delivers 28 Points in Lakers Win

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LeBron James powered through a brief left knee scare after a collision to deliver 28 points, 10 assists, and seven rebounds in the Lakers' 143-135 victory over the Jazz. He eventually got up and continued to play after the incident in the second quarter. This performance comes as ESPN's Zach Kram analyzes James's current statistics against his career trends, examining what they might signal about his future with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Cade Cunningham Posts Near Triple-Double in Pistons OT Loss

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Cade Cunningham recorded 29 points (12-30 FG, 2-9 3Pt, 3-4 FT), 10 rebounds, nine assists, and one block over 45 minutes during Thursday's 116-114 overtime loss to the Dallas Mavericks. Despite Cunningham's game-high scoring and strong all-around performance, the Detroit Pistons were unable to secure a victory, marking their sixth loss of the season.

Brunson's Game-Winner Secures Knicks Victory, Extends 25+ Point Streak

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Jalen Brunson hit a game-winning step-back three with 4.4 seconds left, lifting the shorthanded New York Knicks to a 114-113 win over the Pacers. He finished with 25 points (10-23 FG, 3-8 3Pt), 7 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 blocks/steals in 34 minutes, marking his sixth consecutive game with 25+ points. Despite his clutch heroics, Brunson expressed frustration with his own performance. Earlier, he was named NBA Cup All-Tournament Team MVP, averaging 33.5 points and 6.5 assists, as the Knicks improved to 19-7 with six straight wins.

Saddiq Bey Explodes for 29 Points, 9 Rebounds in Pelicans' Comeback OT Win

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Saddiq Bey delivered a stellar performance in Thursday's 133-128 overtime win against Houston, recording 29 points (11-18 FG, 3-5 3Pt, 4-4 FT), nine rebounds, one assist, and two steals in 34 minutes. Bey led the New Orleans Pelicans in scoring, bouncing back from a previous low-scoring outing and playing a crucial role in overcoming a 25-point deficit. This win marked the Pelicans' third consecutive victory.

Paolo Banchero Records Triple-Double in Magic's Loss to Nuggets

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Paolo Banchero secured a triple-double in Thursday's 126-115 loss to the Nuggets, posting 26 points (9-21 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 8-12 FT), 16 rebounds, 10 assists, and one steal in 39 minutes. The Orlando Magic forward tied for the team lead in scoring and paced the team in both rebounds and assists. This marks his third consecutive game playing over 30 minutes since returning from a groin injury, indicating a full return to form.

Alperen Sengun Extends Double-Double Streak with 28 Points, 11 Rebounds

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Alperen Sengun recorded his fifth consecutive double-double and 14th of the season in Thursday's 133-128 overtime loss to New Orleans. The Houston Rockets center provided 28 points (11-26 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 6-10 FT), 11 rebounds, eight assists, two blocks, and two steals across 36 minutes. Sengun, described as a top-30 player, is averaging 23.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 0.9 triples, 1.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game in his age-23 season.

Tyler Kolek Achieves Career-High 16 Points, 11 Assists in Knicks Win

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Tyler Kolek delivered a career-best performance for the New York Knicks on Thursday against the Pacers, recording his first NBA double-double with a career-high 16 points and 11 assists in 26 minutes. Kolek was instrumental in the Knicks' comeback, posting a team-high plus-eight in the third quarter. With Miles McBride and Landry Shamet injured, Kolek is expected to see an expanded role, building on recent solid minutes in the NBA Cup semifinal and Finals. Teammates and coaches lauded his work ethic and capability.

Kawhi Leonard Scores 22 Points, Struggles from Three in Clippers Loss

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Kawhi Leonard contributed 22 points (9-17 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 4-4 FT), eight rebounds, six assists, one steal, and three turnovers in 32 minutes during the Clippers' 122-101 loss to the Thunder on Thursday. Leonard has been struggling from beyond the arc recently, shooting just 4-for-20 from three-point range over his last three games. He will look to break out of his shooting slump in Sunday's matchup against the Lakers, who have allowed opponents to shoot 38.1 percent from three this season.

SGA Leads Thunder to Dominant Win, MVP Pace; Named All-NBA Cup

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, an MVP frontrunner, led the Thunder to a 122-101 win over the Clippers on Thursday, registering 32 points (13-24 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 4-6 FT), 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 2 blocks in 29 minutes, including 19 points in the third quarter. He is leading the Thunder to a historic 24-2 start and 76-win pace and was named to the NBA Cup All-Tournament Team. SGA is averaging 32.4 points, 6.4 assists, 4.7 rebounds, 1.4 steals, and 0.8 blocks on efficient shooting (55.9% FG, 43.2% 3PT).

Kevin Porter Logs Double-Double with 22 Points, 13 Assists for Bucks

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Kevin Porter recorded a double-double for the Milwaukee Bucks in Thursday's 111-102 loss to the Raptors, tallying 22 points (7-18 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 6-7 FT), 13 assists (tying a season-high), four rebounds, one steal, and one block in 40 minutes. Porter led the team in both points and assists, though he also committed seven turnovers. He is enjoying an expanded role due to Giannis Antetokounmpo's calf absence, averaging 20.8 points, 8.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 threes, and 2.3 steals in eight games since returning from injury.

Knueppel Dominates with 28 Points, 6 Threes; Leads Rookies in Scoring

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Kon Knueppel delivered a stellar performance in Thursday's 133-126 victory over the Hawks, tallying 28 points (10-17 FG, 6-12 3Pt), 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals in 35 minutes, tying his career high in steals. This comes after being named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for October/November, where he leads all rookies in scoring and three-pointers made, maintaining elite production with 47/40/90 shooting splits over 883+ minutes. He has seen increased usage due to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller's absences.

Robinson Ruled Out for Thursday's Game with Knee Injury

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Duncan Robinson exited Thursday's game against the Bucks in the third quarter due to a leg injury, which was later specified as a knee injury. He has been ruled out for the remainder of the game and is now in jeopardy of missing Saturday's contest against the Hornets. In his absence, teammates Jaden Ivey, Caris LeVert, and Ronald Holland are expected to step into larger roles for the Detroit Pistons.