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NBA News

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

Monday, December 15, 2025

Shaedon Sharpe Explodes for 35 Points in Blazers' Win

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Portland Trail Blazers guard Shaedon Sharpe delivered a stellar performance in Sunday's 136-131 win over the Warriors, erupting for 35 points (12-18 FG, 5-7 3Pt, 6-6 FT), three rebounds, four assists, and four steals in 33 minutes. This marks his fourth 30-point game in the last 13 outings, and his five made three-pointers set a new season high. After missing four games in November with a calf injury and initially returning off the bench, Sharpe has averaged 24.0 points, 4.2 boards, 3.3 assists, 2.5 threes, and 1.7 steals in 30.7 minutes over his last six games.

Jerami Grant Explodes for 35 Points, Ties Season High in Win

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Portland Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant poured in 35 points (12-22 FG, 7-13 3Pt, 4-4 FT), three rebounds, two assists, and one block across 34 minutes during Sunday's 136-131 victory over the Warriors. He tied Shaedon Sharpe for the team lead in scoring, matching his season high in points and setting a new high in made three-pointers. Grant has now scored in double digits for 10 consecutive games, averaging 22.3 points, 4.4 boards, 3.0 threes, 2.8 assists, and 1.5 combined blocks and steals over that impressive stretch.

Steve Kerr Takes Responsibility for Jimmy Butler's Lack of Production

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Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr has taken responsibility for Jimmy Butler's recent lack of offensive production, stating the team has not consistently put the ball in his hands or allowed him to control games as he did last season. Kerr emphasized the need to get Butler more involved in the half-court offense to stabilize games, especially when Stephen Curry is off the floor. He noted the team's increased reliance on a free-flowing approach has contributed to Butler's reduced involvement, and the staff and players must ensure they play through Butler more often.

RJ Barrett to Begin Return-to-Play Activities This Week

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Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (knee) is slated to commence "return-to-play activities" this week, according to Blake Murphy of Sportsnet.ca. While he has already been ruled out for Monday's game against the Heat, a return to the court is on the horizon. A potential return for Thursday's game against the Bucks has not been definitively ruled out, though it appears unlikely at this point given that Barrett is just beginning his ramp-up process.

Washington Poised for Expanded Role Amidst Mavs Frontcourt Injuries

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P.J. Washington is set for a significant opportunity with the Dallas Mavericks as Dereck Lively II is out for the season and Daniel Gafford lacks a return timeline. Washington, averaging 15.8 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.1 steals, 1.2 blocks, and 1.6 triples this season, becomes the most reliable option in Dallas's shallow frontcourt. His consistent, across-the-board production makes him an attractive fantasy option, with his rostered percentage likely to increase.

Dereck Lively II Out for Season, Impacts Mavericks Frontcourt Depth

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Dallas Mavericks' frontcourt depth takes a significant hit as Dereck Lively II has been confirmed out for the remainder of the season. This injury, coupled with Daniel Gafford's uncertain return timeline, creates a major opportunity for other players like P.J. Washington to step into expanded roles. Lively's absence leaves a void in the Mavericks' lineup, forcing adjustments to their rotation and strategy for the rest of the season.

Sunday, December 14, 2025

LeBron James, 40, Seals Chaotic Lakers Win After Brooks Clash

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LeBron James, 40, secured a chaotic 116-114 victory for the Lakers over the Suns, despite blowing a 20-point fourth-quarter lead. James was central to the late-game drama, witnessing Dillon Brooks' ejection for chest-bumping him after a go-ahead three. James missed the technical free throw but redeemed himself by sinking two crucial free throws after being fouled by Devin Booker on a three-point attempt with 3.9 seconds left. He finished with 26 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 blocks, and 8 turnovers, also blocking Grayson Allen's potential game-winner. James commented on the clash, 'It's the NBA, no boys allowed,' adding, 'We were able to get the last laugh.'

Suns' Brooks Ejected After Clutch Three, Cleared Despite Achilles Soreness

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Phoenix Suns forward Dillon Brooks was ejected from Sunday's game after hitting a go-ahead three-pointer with 12.2 seconds left and then chest-bumping LeBron James, earning his second technical foul. Brooks, cleared to play despite left Achilles soreness, finished with 18 points on 4-of-7 shooting from deep, including 11 points in the final 7:44 of the Suns' rally. LeBron James commented on the clash, stating, 'It's the NBA, no boys allowed.' Since returning from a groin injury, Brooks has averaged 22.2 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 2.1 threes, and 1.2 steals in 31.3 minutes over 16 games.

Kevin Huerter Returns with 16 Points, Season-High 4 Steals

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In his return from a four-game absence, Kevin Huerter recorded 16 points (6-12 FG, 4-8 3Pt), three rebounds, and a season-high four steals in 24 minutes during Sunday's 114-104 loss to the Pelicans. He scored efficiently and has been a late-round producer this season, averaging 12.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.6 triples, 0.9 steals, and 1.4 turnovers through 20 games.

Trey Murphy Secures Fourth Double-Double, Continues Hot Streak

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Trey Murphy amassed 20 points (8-14 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 2-3 FT), 10 rebounds, and two assists over 34 minutes in Sunday's 114-104 win over the Bulls. This marked his fourth double-double of the season and his third consecutive game with just one turnover. Murphy has been on a tear over his last six games, averaging 25.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 1.8 triples, and 1.5 steals, which has translated to top-15 value in 9-cat leagues.

Jalen Johnson Achieves Fourth Straight Triple-Double, Sets Hawks Record

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Jalen Johnson accumulated 12 points (5-17 FG, 0-1 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 10 rebounds, 12 assists, one block, and one steal over 35 minutes in Sunday's 120-117 victory over Philadelphia. This performance marked his fourth consecutive triple-double and the eighth of his career, moving him to the No. 1 spot on Atlanta's all-time triple-double list. The 24-year-old forward is having a fantastic season, averaging 22.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, 8.2 assists, 1.5 triples, and 1.6 steals per game.

Paul George Explodes for Season-High 35 Points Despite Sixers Loss

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Paul George delivered a season-high 35 points (11-21 FG, 7-10 3Pt, 6-6 FT), adding 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block in 33 minutes during the Sixers' 120-117 loss to the Hawks. With Tyrese Maxey sidelined, George's usage rate surged to 28, averaging 29.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 5.5 triples on impressive 50/65/100 shooting splits over his last two games. He hit a season-high seven three-pointers, improving his season long-range efficiency to 43.3%.

Joel Embiid Records Season-High 14 Rebounds, First Double-Double in Loss

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Joel Embiid was available for Sunday's game against Atlanta, following a 39-point performance on Friday. He played 30 minutes, contributing 22 points (8-20 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 5-6 FT), a season-high 14 rebounds, one assist, two blocks, and one steal in the 76ers' 120-117 loss to the Hawks. This marked his first double-double of the season and his first time playing two games in three nights. Embiid has now logged at least 30 minutes in three consecutive games.

Curry Explodes for 48 Points, Extends 30-Point Streak Post-Injury

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Stephen Curry delivered a stellar performance, scoring 48 points (16-26 FG, 12-19 3Pt, 4-4 FT) along with three rebounds, two assists, three steals, and one block in 35 minutes during Sunday's 136-131 loss to Portland. This follows his 39-point outing (14-28 FG, 6-15 3Pt, 5-7 FT) with five rebounds and five assists in Friday's loss to the Timberwolves. Curry has been red hot since returning from his quadriceps injury, achieving at least 30 points in seven of his last nine games.

Zion Williamson Returns from Hip Injury, Scores 18 Off Bench

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Zion Williamson made his anticipated return to the New Orleans Pelicans lineup on Sunday, coming off the bench to score 18 points. This marked his first game back after missing five consecutive games due to a hip injury. His performance provides a crucial boost as he reintegrates into the team's rotation, signaling a positive step forward for the Pelicans.

Fears Drops 20 Points, Continues Strong Play for Pelicans

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Jeremiah Fears delivered 20 points (7-13 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 5-6 FT), three rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 28 minutes during the Pelicans' 114-104 win over the Bulls on Sunday. This performance continues a solid stretch for Fears, who has averaged 16.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 steals, and 0.8 three-pointers on 45.7 percent shooting over his last six games, bouncing back from a five-point outing on Dec. 8.

Naz Reid Posts Double-Double, Steps Up in Gobert's Absence

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Naz Reid recorded a double-double with 20 points (7-12 FG, 4-7 3Pt, 2-2 FT) and 11 rebounds, adding three assists, two steals, and one block in 35 minutes during Sunday's 117-103 win over the Kings. With Rudy Gobert exiting early, Reid stepped up significantly. He has been on a hot streak for the Timberwolves, averaging 16.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 3.7 three-pointers over his last six games.

Zach LaVine Suffers Left Ankle Injury, Exits Game vs. Wolves

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Sacramento Kings leading scorer Zach LaVine injured his left ankle midway through the second quarter of Sunday's game against Minnesota. He was subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the contest. Further updates on the severity and timeline for his return are pending.

Noah Clowney Scores 16 Points in Nets' Record-Tying 45-Point Rout

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Noah Clowney contributed 16 points, helping the Brooklyn Nets achieve a dominant 127-82 victory over the short-handed Milwaukee Bucks. This 45-point win matched the franchise record for margin of victory, a feat last accomplished in 1993. The Nets, who never trailed, improved their recent record to four wins in six games after a 3-13 start, and three wins in four home games after an 0-9 start. The Bucks were without star Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf strain) and struggled, losing three of their last four games.

Gobert Exits Kings Game Early Due to Personal Reasons

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Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert exited Sunday's game against the Kings early due to personal reasons and did not return. Prior to his departure, Gobert recorded seven points (3-4 FG, 1-6 FT), 12 rebounds, three assists, and one block across 20 minutes of play. With Gobert taking an early exit, Naz Reid is expected to see increased minutes to close out the game.