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NBA News

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

Tuesday, December 16, 2025

Bucks Resist Trading Giannis, Seek Roster Upgrades Amid Calf Strain

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The Milwaukee Bucks are actively resisting trade talks for superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, instead signaling their intent to be buyers at the trade deadline to bolster the roster and keep him content. Despite ongoing discussions about his future, Giannis has not demanded a trade. He is currently sidelined with a calf strain suffered Dec. 3, expected out 2-4 weeks, as the Bucks struggle at 3-11 in their last 14 games. Speculation continues regarding potential trade destinations like San Antonio, though Milwaukee is focused on improving the team around him with limited draft assets.

Warriors Owner Lacob Defends Jimmy Butler Amid Team Struggles

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Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob has offered a swift response to a frustrated fan email, explicitly stating that Jimmy Butler "is not the problem" for the struggling team. This defense from the owner comes as the Warriors recently fell below .500 after suffering a loss to the Trail Blazers on Sunday, underscoring the team's current performance issues and Lacob's view on individual player accountability amidst the challenges.

Zach LaVine (ankle) out 1 week; Kings considering trade

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Sacramento Kings guard Zach LaVine has been diagnosed with a moderate left ankle sprain and will be re-evaluated in one week, missing at least the next three games. Nique Clifford is expected to start in his absence. This injury comes amidst reports that LaVine is on the trade block due to a disconnect with head coach Doug Christie's staff. The Kings are struggling, and the front office may look to move LaVine and other veterans before the deadline as they address performance issues.

Cooper Flagg's Historic 42-Point Game Propels Rookie's Rise

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Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, 18, is surging, averaging 24.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.2 stocks over the last two weeks with 54% FG and 82% FT. He recently made history as the youngest player to score 40 points in a game, dropping 42 points and 70 fantasy points on Monday. Flagg's aggressive play, including 20 free throw attempts, highlights his growing role as a primary scoring option for the Mavericks, consistently exceeding 40 fantasy points in six of his last ten outings.

Tyler Herro Day-to-Day with Big Toe Contusion

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Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro is considered day-to-day after an MRI confirmed a big toe contusion, according to Anthony Chiang of the Miami Herald. This injury forced him to miss Monday's game against the Raptors. Herro is currently questionable for Thursday's upcoming game against the Nets.

Zach Edey's Durability Questioned Amidst Young Big Men Injuries

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Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey is mentioned in the context of recent injuries to young 7-footers, which are prompting increased scrutiny regarding their long-term durability in the NBA. This general discussion underscores the physical challenges faced by developing big men in the league.

Young Big Men Durability Concerns Include Dereck Lively

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Dallas Mavericks center Dereck Lively is among the young 7-footers whose recent injury concerns are raising broader questions about player durability in the NBA. While specific details about Lively's current status are not provided in this context, the general trend highlights potential challenges for developing big men to consistently stay on the court.

Trae Young Assigned to G League for MCL Rehab

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Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, sidelined since late October with a sprained MCL, was assigned to the G League's College Park Skyhawks on Tuesday. This assignment marks a positive step in his recovery process. If Young successfully completes this rehab stint without complications, he could potentially be cleared to return to the Hawks' lineup sometime in December.

Westbrook, LaVine, DeRozan Facing Potential Kings Trade

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The Sacramento Kings are exploring trade options for veteran players Russell Westbrook, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan, stemming from reported friction with head coach Doug Christie's coaching staff. The Kings have seen a decline in performance, missing the playoffs and starting the current season poorly. Westbrook, who signed a one-year deal in October, along with LaVine and DeRozan, are part of an older veteran group that may be moved before the February trade deadline as the team re-evaluates its direction.

DeRozan, Westbrook, LaVine Could Be Traded by Kings

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The Sacramento Kings are reportedly considering trades for veteran players DeMar DeRozan, Russell Westbrook, and Zach LaVine due to a perceived disconnect with head coach Doug Christie's staff. This comes as the Kings have struggled, missing the playoffs in recent seasons and starting the current season with a 6-20 record. The team, which also features younger talent like Keegan Murray, faces a crossroads with its aging veteran core as the February trade deadline approaches. DeRozan was acquired in the 2024 offseason, Westbrook signed a one-year deal in October, and LaVine joined via a three-team trade.

Jamal Murray Scores 35 in Overtime Thriller

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Jamal Murray poured in 35 points, shooting 9-of-17 from the field and 14-of-15 from the free-throw line, in the Denver Nuggets' 128-125 overtime victory against the Rockets. He also contributed three rebounds and five assists in 43 minutes. This marks his fourth 30-point game in the last eight, averaging 28.3 points and 6.9 assists during that stretch.

Rudy Gobert Set to Return Wednesday

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Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch confirmed that Rudy Gobert will return to action Wednesday against the Grizzlies. Gobert left Sunday's game for personal reasons but is expected to play without limitations. He had seven points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and one block in 20 minutes before departing Sunday.

Keyonte George Drops 37 in Jazz OT Victory

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Keyonte George led the Utah Jazz with 37 points, shooting 11-of-20 from the field and 5-of-10 from three-point range, in their 140-133 overtime win against Dallas. He also added five rebounds and six assists in 41 minutes. This is his second consecutive 30-point game and fifth in the last 13, averaging 25.5 points and 6.5 assists.

Paul George Continues Strong Play, Healthy for Sixers

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Paul George is showing signs of a strong return to form for the Sixers, scoring at least 20 points in three of his last four games, including a recent 35-point performance where he hit seven three-pointers. He has logged at least 30 minutes in each of his last four games, demonstrating improved health and consistent fantasy production.

Chris Paul-Clippers Reunion Deemed Doomed From Start

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The reunion between Chris Paul and the Los Angeles Clippers is described as having been doomed from nearly the beginning. The narrative focuses on Paul, a future Hall of Famer nearing the end of his career seeking a final opportunity, and the Clippers, a team struggling at the end of a largely unsuccessful era.

Jaylen Brown Carries Celtics, Needs More Support

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Jaylen Brown scored 34 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and dished 7 assists, taking blame for the Celtics' loss. Despite his MVP-caliber play, averaging 30+ points in 8 of the last 9 games, Brown's 29 drives and 15 pull-up points highlighted his offensive load. The team struggled with catch-and-shoot opportunities, and the bench contributed minimally. Brown's defensive efforts were also notable, limiting opponents and securing contested rebounds. The article emphasizes the need for increased contributions from his teammates to support his consistent high-level performance.

Monday, December 15, 2025

Cooper Flagg Makes NBA History with 42 Points, Youngest to Score 40

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Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg made NBA history, becoming the youngest player ever to score 40 points. The 18-year-old, and number one draft pick, recorded a career-high 42 points (13-27 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 15-20 FT), seven rebounds, six assists, one steal, and two blocks in 42 minutes during a 140-133 overtime loss to the Jazz. He surpassed LeBron James' 37-point mark from 2003 and equaled Mark Aguirre's Mavericks rookie record. Flagg, who had 24 points by halftime, also set career highs in free-throw attempts and makes. He is the third teenager (after James and Durant) to achieve 40 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.

Ja Morant Tweaks Ankle in Loss to Clippers

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Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant suffered an ankle injury during the fourth quarter of Monday's game against the Clippers, with 3:40 remaining. He was in obvious pain and did not return. Morant had 21 points, four rebounds, 10 assists, and one block in 25 minutes, as he continues to be on a minutes restriction following his return. The Grizzlies are easing him back into action. The team intends to re-evaluate the star point guard Tuesday, hoping to avoid a significant injury.

Sengun Records First Triple-Double of Season in OT Loss

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Houston Rockets' Alperen Sengun posted his first triple-double of the 2025-26 season on Monday, recording 33 points (14-27 FG, 0-2 3Pt, 5-6 FT), 10 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals, and a block in 42 minutes during a 128-125 overtime loss to the Nuggets. Sengun battled Nikola Jokic, with both players achieving triple-doubles. He has now posted a triple-double or double-double in his last four appearances since Dec. 1.

LeBron James' 18-Year-Old Scoring Record Broken by Cooper Flagg

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LeBron James' long-standing NBA scoring record for an 18-year-old was broken on Monday by Dallas Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, who dropped 42 points. James originally set the record on December 13, 2003, scoring 37 points against the Boston Celtics during his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers. James and Flagg are now the only two players in NBA history to exceed 24 points in a single game at 18 years old, a mark also reached by Dwight Howard and Kobe Bryant.