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NBA News

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

Friday, December 5, 2025

Coward Notches Career-High 14 Rebounds in Double-Double Win

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Cedric Coward recorded 23 points (10-18 FG, 1-6 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 14 rebounds, five assists, and one steal over 28 minutes during Friday's 107-98 win over the Clippers. This marks his fourth career double-double and a new career-high in rebounds. Coward had been in a shooting funk in the three games prior, going just 11-for-34 from the floor, but delivered an efficient scoring performance for the Memphis Grizzlies. He will look to continue his strong play Sunday versus Portland.

George Scores 20 Points, Plays Season-High 30 Minutes in Win

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Paul George generated 20 points (7-15 FG, 2-6 3Pt, 4-4 FT), five rebounds, five assists, and one steal across a season-high 30 minutes in Friday's 116-101 win over the Bucks. This performance indicates he's nearing full health after missing the first few weeks of the season recovering from offseason knee surgery. The 35-year-old has played in just seven games this season, with Friday marking his second 20-point game. He also tied his previous high in assists and recorded no turnovers for the first time this year for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Avdija Explodes for 35 Points, Nears Double-Double in Loss

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Deni Avdija generated an efficient 35 points (9-16 FG, 3-7 3Pt, 14-15 FT), nine rebounds, seven assists, and one steal in 38 minutes during Friday's 122-116 loss to the Pistons. He led all players in points and attempted 14-plus free throws for the fifth straight game. The 24-year-old forward also led the Portland Trail Blazers in assists, dishing out at least seven in each of his last five games. During that span, Avdija has averaged 31.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 9.2 assists across 37.6 minutes per contest.

Cunningham's 29-Point, 9-Assist Outburst Powers Pistons Victory

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Cade Cunningham generated 29 points (7-15 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 13-14 FT), nine assists, four rebounds, three steals, and one block across 36 minutes in Friday's 122-116 win over Portland. He led the Detroit Pistons in points and assists, turning the ball over just once. This marks his fourth game this season with at least four combined steals-plus-blocks. After a brief dip in scoring, Cunningham bounced back with this outburst, averaging 27.7 points, 9.2 assists, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.6 steals across 36.7 minutes per game on the year.

Josh Hart Retains Starting Role, Continues Strong Play for Knicks

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Josh Hart has solidified his starting spot for the New York Knicks, with coach Mike Brown opting to keep him in the lineup alongside returning OG Anunoby. After an early-season nerve injury, Hart has averaged 15.7 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 6.4 assists over his last nine games, shooting 55.3% from the field. In his return to the starting five against the Jazz, he contributed 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists in 28 minutes, aiding the Knicks' 23-0 start.

Mitchell Scores 28 Points, Tweaks Right Hand in Cavaliers Win

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Donovan Mitchell racked up 28 points (9-17 FG, 1-5 3Pt, 9-11 FT), two rebounds, eight assists, and three steals across 32 minutes during Friday's 130-117 win over the Spurs. However, Mitchell appeared to tweak something in his right hand during the game, according to Ethan Sands of The Cleveland Plain Dealer. While he played through it, this could lead to him being added to the injury report for Saturday's game with the Warriors. If he misses the game, Darius Garland and Craig Porter would see increased roles for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Johnson Makes Hawks History with Triple-Double in a Half

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Jalen Johnson supplied 21 points (9-20 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 2-2 FT), 18 rebounds, 16 assists, and two steals across 38 minutes in Friday's 134-133 loss to the Nuggets. Johnson became the first Atlanta Hawks player in franchise history to record a triple-double in a single half. He tied his career high in rebounds and set a new one in assists. This marks his third triple-double in just 21 regular-season games, matching Doc Rivers (1987-88) for the most in a single season in franchise history. Johnson has also scored at least 20 points in four straight games.

Vassell Ties Season-High 7 Threes, Scores 28 Points in Loss

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Devin Vassell generated 28 points (8-16 FG, 7-13 3Pt, 5-6 FT), three rebounds, three assists, and one block across 30 minutes in Friday's 130-117 loss to Cleveland. Vassell tied his season high with seven three-pointers, a record he previously set on Nov. 28 against Denver. After scoring over 20 points only once in his first 16 appearances this season, Vassell has now cleared the 20-point threshold in four of his last six outings for the San Antonio Spurs. During this six-game stretch, he is averaging 22.5 points and 4.0 rebounds, shooting 51.6% from the field and 48.9% from three-point range.

Franz Wagner Explodes for 32 Points, Leads Magic to Victory

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Orlando Magic's Franz Wagner delivered a game-high 32 points (12-22 FG, 4-9 3Pt, 4-6 FT), along with 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal in 34 minutes during Friday's 106-105 win over the Heat. This marks his second 30-plus point performance of the season, matching his season-high in triples and contributing to the Magic's fourth win in their last five games.

Bam Adebayo Records 24-Point, 15-Rebound Double-Double

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Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo delivered a dominant performance with 24 points (9-15 FG, 2-4 3Pt, 4-6 FT), a season-high 15 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals in 40 minutes during Friday's 106-105 loss to Orlando. He helped the Heat win the battle of the boards 44-42 and has now scored 20-plus points in three consecutive games.

Norman Powell Scores 28 Points, Tweaks Ankle in Heat Loss

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Miami Heat's Norman Powell tallied 28 points (9-18 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 8-11 FT), 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block in 32 minutes during Friday's 106-105 loss to the Magic. Powell tweaked his left ankle during the game but played through it. He may appear on the injury report for Saturday's game against Sacramento, potentially boosting minutes for Jamie Jaquez, Pelle Larsson, and Dru Smith.

Immanuel Quickley Drops Season-High 31 Points for Raptors

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Toronto Raptors' Immanuel Quickley led his team with a game- and season-high 31 points (11-22 FG, 4-10 3Pt, 5-5 FT), 4 assists, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal in 31 minutes during Friday's 111-86 loss to the Hornets. Quickley, who took a season-high 22 field-goal attempts, has now posted at least 22 points in three of Toronto's last five outings, averaging 21.6 points, 7.0 assists, and 2.8 rebounds over that span.

Jalen Brunson Ignites for 33 Points in Knicks' Blowout Win

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New York Knicks' Jalen Brunson paced his team with 33 points (9-17 FG, 6-9 3Pt, 9-9 FT), 4 assists, and 2 rebounds in 31 minutes during Friday's 146-112 blowout win over the Jazz. Brunson caught fire from beyond the arc, delivering a much-needed bounce-back performance from three-point range. He has now racked up 33 or more points in three of his last six outings.

Reaves Scores 36 Points in Lakers' Loss Without James, Dončić

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Austin Reaves stepped up for the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 36 points on 9-of-18 shooting with eight assists in their 126-105 loss to the Boston Celtics. Playing without LeBron James and Luka Dončić, Reaves has now averaged 40 points per game in five contests where Dončić has been absent, showcasing his ability to lead the offense despite the team's struggles.

Brown Dominates with 30 Points in Celtics' Rout of Lakers

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Jaylen Brown led the Boston Celtics with 30 points on 10-of-22 shooting, adding 8 rebounds and 8 assists, in their dominant 126-105 victory over the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers. All five Boston starters scored in double figures, contributing to the team's strong performance.

Ball Ruled Out of Friday's Game Due to Left Ankle Soreness

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LaMelo Ball will not return to Friday's game against the Raptors due to left ankle soreness. He exited the game after appearing to tweak his leg and heading to the locker room. Before his departure, Ball recorded 11 points (4-9 FG, 0-4 3Pt, 3-3 FT), two rebounds, three assists, one steal, and two turnovers in 12 minutes. If Ball is unable to play in Sunday's game against the Nuggets, Brandon Miller is expected to see a significant increase in usage.

Thunder's Jaylin Williams Starting Friday vs. Mavericks

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Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jaylin Williams is confirmed to start Friday's game against the Mavericks. He will join Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Cason Wallace, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren in the first unit. In his last start this season, Williams recorded an impressive 12 points, four assists, three rebounds, four three-pointers, one steal, and one block across 23 minutes on the court. This move signals a significant role for Williams in the upcoming matchup.

Blake Griffin Slams Clippers Over Chris Paul's 'Disappointing' Exit

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Chris Paul (40) was unceremoniously released by the Los Angeles Clippers, drawing strong criticism from Blake Griffin. Griffin slammed the Clippers' "sloppy" handling and lack of communication with Paul, Ty Lue, and Steve Ballmer. Reports detail Paul's clashes with leadership, including weeks without speaking to Lue, and alleged criticism of team members, for which Paul apologized. Averaging a career-low 2.9 PPG for the 5-16 Clippers, Paul's meeting request with Lue was declined. Paul, "still scarred," aims to play until season's end. Despite the messy exit, the Hall of Famer ranks among the top 10 all-time point guards.

Antetokounmpo Out 2-4 Weeks with Calf Strain, Trade Rumors Intensify

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Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to miss 2-4 weeks, potentially a month, with a calf strain sustained in Wednesday's game. This injury further fuels trade rumors surrounding the 31-year-old, who previously explored a trade with the Knicks. While Atlanta, San Antonio, and Houston are potential suitors, executives are cautious about offering a massive haul for a player nearing his mid-30s and seeking a large contract extension, as the Bucks weigh their future options.

Celtics' Derrick White Returns to Game After Brief Arm Injury Exit

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Boston Celtics guard Derrick White briefly exited Friday's game against the Lakers in the first quarter due to an apparent arm injury after hitting the floor. He checked out with 1:59 remaining but returned to the bench shortly after. White then re-entered the game with 5:52 left in the second quarter and appears good to go for the remainder of the contest, alleviating concerns about the injury.