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NBA News

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

Wednesday, November 19, 2025

Brunson Returns, Drops 28 Points in Knicks Victory

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Jalen Brunson returned to action, scoring 28 points on 11-of-23 shooting from the field, including 2-of-7 from three-point range, and 4-of-6 from the free-throw line. He also contributed five assists, three rebounds, one steal, and one block in 35 minutes during the New York Knicks' 113-111 win over the Mavericks. Brunson's career has seen significant growth, averaging a career-high 28.7 points per game in the 2023-24 season and leading the shorthanded Knicks to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite a fractured hand that required surgery, he is expected to be fully available for training camp. His fantasy value is projected to remain high, even with the additions of OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges, and trades involving Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle. Brunson has consistently finished within the top 50 in eight-category leagues for three consecutive campaigns, reaching a career-high 18th place last season. He averaged a career-best 24.0 points, 6.2 assists, and 0.9 steals per game in 68 starts during his first year with the Knicks in 2022-23, exceeding expectations from his free-agent signing. He is set to continue as the Knicks' starting point guard and primary playmaker, with nothing suggesting a decrease in his offensive role. His previous role with the Mavericks saw him average 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.2 three-pointers per game, with strong shooting percentages of 50.2% from the field and 84.0% from the free-throw line. In the 2021 playoffs, he stepped up significantly in Luka Doncic's absence, averaging 32.0 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists across three games against the Jazz. His time with the Mavericks also included a sixth-man role where he averaged career highs of 12.6 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.4 rebounds, with career-best field-goal (52.3%) and three-point (40.5%) percentages. Earlier in his career, as a rookie, he averaged 9.3 points, 3.2 assists, and 2.3 rebounds in 73 games, showing potential in an expanded role with 13.0 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.0 rebounds in 38 starts. His college career at Villanova was highlighted by leading the team to two National Championships and winning AP Player of the Year and the Wooden Award, averaging 18.9 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.1 rebounds in his final season.

Clingan Delivers Massive Double-Double in Narrow Defeat

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Donovan Clingan posted a season-high 17 points on 7-of-13 shooting from the field, including 1-of-3 from three-point range, and 2-of-3 from the free-throw line. He also secured a game- and career-high 21 rebounds, adding four assists, two blocks, and one steal in 34 minutes during the Portland Trail Blazers' 122-121 loss to the Bulls. This performance marked his third double-double in 15 regular-season appearances. Clingan has also recorded multiple blocks in four of his last five outings. He signed a two-year, $14.01 million contract with the Trail Blazers in July 2024, with a team option for the 2026-27 season picked up in October 2025. Clingan's collegiate career at UConn was highly successful, contributing to two National Championships. As a freshman, he averaged 30.3 points, 18.4 rebounds, and 6.2 blocks in high school and made an immediate impact at UConn. As a sophomore, he averaged 13.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 2.5 blocks in 22.5 minutes per game, playing a key role in another championship run. His sophomore season saw him rank nationally in block rate, defensive rating, win shares per 40 minutes, and defensive box plus/minus. Clingan's size and defensive awareness project him as a strong rim protector, though he may face challenges switching onto quicker players. Offensively, he is a strong finisher inside but has limited post moves and is not expected to develop a reliable jump shot soon. His free-throw percentage improved from 51.7% as a freshman to 57.4% as a sophomore.

Avdija Records 30-Point Triple-Double in Close Loss

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Deni Avdija achieved his third career triple-double, recording 32 points on 11-of-22 shooting, including 3-of-7 from three-point range, and 7-of-12 from the free-throw line. He added 11 rebounds and 11 assists, along with two steals and one block in 38 minutes during the Portland Trail Blazers' 122-121 loss to the Bulls. This marks the fourth time this season he has surpassed the 30-point mark, compared to only eight times in the entire 2024-25 regular season. Avdija is currently averaging 25.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in 15 games played this season. He signed a four-year, $55 million contract extension with the Wizards in October 2023 before being traded to the Trail Blazers in July 2024. Avdija's career began in Israel, where he played for Maccabi Tel Aviv and earned MVP honors at the Basketball Without Borders Europe camp. He joined the senior Israeli national team in 2019 and was drafted into the NBA in 2020. His professional career in Israel saw him average 9.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 21.7 minutes during the 2019-20 season, earning him the Israeli BSL MVP award. A notable performance that season included 23 points, seven rebounds, and five assists in just 24 minutes.

Grant Leads Trail Blazers with 33 Points in Tight Loss

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Jerami Grant paced the Portland Trail Blazers in their 122-121 loss to the Bulls, scoring 33 points on 10-of-18 shooting from the field, including 5-of-9 from three-point range, and 8-of-10 from the free-throw line. He also contributed nine rebounds and four assists in 37 minutes. Grant has consistently been a high-volume scorer for the Trail Blazers, averaging 21.0 points per game on 45/40/82 shooting in 54 games last year, adding 3.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists. He is projected to continue as a roughly 20-point scorer. With a contract through the 2027-28 season, the Trail Blazers are expected to explore trade options for Grant. He has been a key player in Portland's developing young core, which includes Anfernee Simons, Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, Deni Avdija, and Donovan Clingan. Grant has a history of finishing as a top-80 fantasy player for three consecutive years. His first season in Portland saw him average 20.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, 0.8 steals, 0.8 blocks, and 2.3 three-pointers per game, logging 35.6 minutes. He was traded to Portland from Detroit and is expected to make a significant two-way impact. Grant has previously excelled on playoff-caliber teams, shooting 48.9% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range with Oklahoma City and Denver. In Detroit, he averaged career highs of 22.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.1 blocks, with 2.1 threes at a 35.0% clip. He occupied a sixth-man role with the Nuggets, averaging 12.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists, hitting 1.4 threes at 38.9%. Grant signed a three-year, $60 million contract with the Pistons, where he was expected to take on a larger role. With the Nuggets, he averaged 19.6 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per 36 minutes when Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray were off the court. His career has also included time with the Thunder, where he averaged 13.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.4 three-pointers, and the 76ers, where he averaged 4.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. Drafted 39th overall in 2014, Grant averaged 6.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.0 block in his rookie season. His college career at Syracuse saw him average 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.4 assists.

Zion Williamson: Scores 14 points in return

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Zion Williamson returned from a hamstring injury to contribute 14 points (6-13 FG, 2-4 FT), six rebounds, five assists, one steal, and one block in 29 minutes during Wednesday's 125-118 loss to the Nuggets. This follows a 2023-24 season where he played a career-high 70 games but was sidelined for the postseason due to a hamstring strain suffered in the Play-In Tournament.

Trey Murphy: Logs season high in loss

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Trey Murphy delivered a season-high performance in Wednesday's 125-118 loss to the Nuggets, scoring 23 points (7-14 FG, 5-12 3Pt, 4-4 FT) and adding five steals, three assists, two rebounds, and one block in 36 minutes. He finished as the Pelicans' second-leading scorer, hitting a season-high-tying five triples and recording a season-best five steals. Murphy has now tallied at least three steals in three consecutive games and has scored at least 18 points in each of his last seven outings. He signed a four-year, $112 million contract extension with the Pelicans in October 2024.

Jamal Murray: Shooting woes in win

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Jamal Murray contributed 16 points (5-14 FG, 2-7 3Pt, 4-5 FT) and eight assists in 36 minutes during Wednesday's 125-118 win over the Pelicans. Murray, who has averaged at least 20 points, six assists, four rebounds, and a steal in back-to-back seasons, shot career highs of 48.1% from the field and 42.5% from deep in 2023-24 despite minor issues. He remains the clear No. 2 option for the Nuggets behind Nikola Jokic and is under contract for two more seasons.

Peyton Watson: Posts career highs in win

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Peyton Watson, starting for the third consecutive game, erupted for career highs with 32 points (13-19 FG, 5-9 3Pt, 1-1 FT) and 12 rebounds, along with three assists and one block in 34 minutes, leading the Nuggets to a 125-118 win over the Pelicans on Wednesday. This performance marked his first double-double of the season. Watson is expected to continue in an increased role due to Christian Braun's (ankle) extended absence. The Nuggets exercised his $4.36 million team option for the 2025-26 season in October 2024.

LaMelo Ball delivers 18 points, 9 assists despite poor shooting in Wednesday's loss

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LaMelo Ball posted 18 points (5-21 FG, 2-11 3Pt, 6-6 FT), seven rebounds, nine assists, and two steals in 27 minutes during Wednesday's 127-118 loss to Indiana. He struggled with efficiency against the Pacers, recording six turnovers and scoring 18 points on 21 shots, which may have factored into him not playing the final four minutes. The former All-Star's performance has been erratic since his return from a five-game absence due to an ankle injury, though he is expected to maintain heavy usage when available. A 24-year-old guard, Ball signed a five-year, $205.9 million contract extension with the Hornets in July of 2023. His 2025 season stats include averages of 22.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, 9.6 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.1 blocks. Prior to his NBA career, Ball played professionally in Lithuania with Vytautas Prienu in 2017-18, averaging 6.5 points, 2.4 assists, and 1.1 rebounds in eight games. He also played for Illawarra in the Australian NBL, where he averaged 17.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.5 steals across 13 starts, notably achieving 32 points, 13 assists, 11 rebounds, and one steal in a win over Cairns. Ball did not attend college.

Derik Queen Achieves Career-High 30 Points, Leads Pelicans in Impressive All-Around Performance

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Rookie center Derik Queen delivered a career-high 30 points (12-18 FG, 1-2 3Pt, 5-8 FT), nine rebounds, four assists, two steals, and two blocks in 30 minutes during Wednesday's 125-118 loss to the Nuggets. This marked his third consecutive start, and he led the New Orleans Pelicans in points, rebounds, and blocks. The 20-year-old, 6-foot-10 big man, who signed a two-year, $10.57 million contract in July 2025, is expected to continue seeing ample playing time on the struggling Pelicans, having logged 25-plus minutes in eight straight games. Queen, a former Big Ten Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-Big Ten selection at Maryland, is known for his lethal face-up game and elite transition play, drawing many free-throw attempts. While his jumper and defensive technique are still developing, his size, athleticism, and versatility offer significant upside, with comparisons to Zach Randolph, Julius Randle, and Alperen Sengun.

Julius Randle Delivers Double-Double Performance for Timberwolves in Win

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Julius Randle posted a strong double-double with 32 points (11-19 FG, 1-4 3Pt, 9-13 FT), 10 rebounds, and six assists in 33 minutes during Wednesday's 120-109 win over the Wizards. Randle, who was traded from the Knicks to the Minnesota Timberwolves with Donte DiVincenzo, is currently in a build-up process ahead of training camp, and his role with the team is still unclear given the presence of Anthony Edwards, Mike Conley, and Rudy Gobert. He may see less usage than he's accustomed to, especially if Naz Reid's role expands. Randle's career has seen him earn the 2020-21 Most Improved Player award and an All-NBA Second Team selection, averaging 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 6.0 assists that season. He previously dislocated his right shoulder in January 2024, leading to him being shut down for the 2023-24 season.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Powers Thunder with 33 Points in Victory Over Kings

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Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 113-99 victory over the Kings on Wednesday, tallying 33 points (12-24 FG, 1-3 3Pt, 8-10 FT), eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals in 36 minutes. As the driving force behind the Thunder, who finished with the best record in the Western Conference (57-25) in 2023-24 and reached the Western Conference Finals, Gilgeous-Alexander was the MVP runner-up last season. He averaged career highs in assists (6.2), steals (2.0), and field-goal percentage (53.5%), leading the league in total steals (150) and made free throws (567). The Thunder recently traded Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso and added Isaiah Hartenstein, changes that may benefit other players but solidify SGA's status as an elite fantasy asset and the team's clear No. 1 option.

Kyshawn George Continues Breakout Campaign with Another 20-Point Performance

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Kyshawn George delivered 23 points (8-17 FG, 4-8 3Pt, 3-5 FT), seven rebounds, seven assists, a steal, and a block in 37 minutes during Wednesday's 120-109 loss to the Timberwolves. The 21-year-old forward led the Washington Wizards in points and assists, also tying for the team high in rebounds. This marks his second consecutive game with over 20 points, a feat he hadn't achieved in his previous seven outings, highlighting his breakout campaign where he's averaging 17.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists across 31.5 minutes. George, who signed a two-year, $5.79 million contract in July 2024 with a team option for 2026-27 picked up in October 2025, possesses deep range, advantageous size, and a handle to create separation, converting 42.7% of his catch-and-shoot threes. While his defense and ball-handling in pick-and-roll situations need development, his physical profile and shooting touch are strong pillars for his growth.

Naz Reid Paces Timberwolves Bench with 28 Points in Dominant Performance

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Naz Reid came off the bench to record 28 points (11-21 FG, 5-10 3Pt, 1-1 FT), five rebounds, two steals, one assist, and one block across 27 minutes in Wednesday's 120-109 win over the Wizards. Reid, who won Sixth Man of the Year last season, is an intriguing big man despite being in a bench role behind Rudy Gobert and the newly acquired Julius Randle. Last season, he averaged 12.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.8 blocks, and 1.8 threes in 23 minutes per game off the bench. In 14 starts, he averaged 17.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.2 steals, 1.4 blocks, and 2.9 threes. The 6-foot-9 big man signed a three-year, $42 million deal in the offseason and is considered one injury away from being a top-40 player due to his multi-faceted skill set.

Chet Holmgren Records 21 Points and Three Blocks in Thunder's Victory

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Chet Holmgren contributed 21 points (10-15 FG, 1-5 3Pt), seven rebounds, one assist, three blocks, and one steal over 31 minutes in the Oklahoma City Thunder's 113-99 win over the Kings on Wednesday. This performance marked the third time this season Holmgren recorded at least three blocks, and he has now scored at least 20 points in five of his last six games, averaging 21.2 points on 64.6 percent shooting, 7.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.3 blocks over 28.5 minutes in that span. The 23-year-old center, who signed a five-year, $240.7 million extension in July 2025, was the second overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft after an impressive collegiate career at Gonzaga, where he was named WCC Newcomer and Defensive Player of the Year.

Alperen Sengun Leads Rockets to Victory, Reflects on Breakout Year and Future Role

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Alperen Sengun delivered a dominant performance with 28 points (10-17 FG, 8-10 FT), 11 rebounds, seven assists, one block, and one steal in 38 minutes, leading Houston to a 114-104 win over the Cavaliers. This follows a significant Year 3 breakout where he achieved career highs averaging 21.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.2 steals in 32.5 minutes, despite his season ending prematurely in mid-March due to a severe right ankle sprain. He is expected to be fully healthy for 2024-25 training camp and retain his starting role. While his production might be affected by a crowded offensive lineup and a faster pace, the 22-year-old has established himself as an All-Star caliber player. His sophomore season saw him rank 83rd in standard formats, averaging 14.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, with flashes of triple-double potential. Sengun's ability to fill the box score draws comparisons to Nikola Jokic and Domantas Sabonis, making him a quality fantasy starter.

Bam Adebayo Delivers 20 Points, Two Blocks, Secures Long-Term Heat Future

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Bam Adebayo contributed 20 points (7-13 FG, 3-4 3Pt, 3-3 FT), seven rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and one steal in 29 minutes during the Heat's 110-96 victory over the Warriors. This performance follows a strong 2023-24 season where he averaged 19.3 points and 10.4 rebounds, earning an All-Defensive First Team selection. Adebayo recently signed a three-year extension, keeping him with the Heat until 2028-29. Known for his consistent all-around production despite a lack of a three-point shot, he has finished as a top-30 fantasy player in most recent seasons. The 26-year-old center is a key component for Miami, relied upon heavily on both ends of the court, and is considered a safe pick in fantasy drafts. His role is expected to remain unchanged, even with the addition of rookie Kel'el Ware, and a healthy supporting cast could further ease his burden. Adebayo's strong free-throw shooting (80.6% on 5.4 attempts) further enhances his fantasy value.

Bennedict Mathurin Records Double-Double in Return, Continues Strong Scoring Start

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Bennedict Mathurin posted an efficient 24 points (7-13 FG, 2-5 3Pt, 8-9 FT), 12 rebounds (tying for a game-high), two assists, and one steal in 34 minutes, contributing to the Pacers' 127-119 victory over the Hornets. This marks his second consecutive strong performance and second double-double in four regular-season appearances, following an 11-game absence due to a right big toe sprain. The 23-year-old forward has not scored fewer than 24 points this season and is expected to maintain a significant offensive role for an injury-riddled Pacers squad. Mathurin, who was the sixth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, signed a two-year, $13.5 million contract in July 2022, with team options exercised through 2025-26. His collegiate career at Arizona included being named Pac-12 Player of the Year and Consensus All-American Second Team as a sophomore.

Kon Knueppel Leads Hornets in Scoring with 28 Points, Shows Promising Rookie Form

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Kon Knueppel led the Hornets in scoring with 28 points (11-20 FG, 5-12 3Pt, 1-1 FT), adding eight rebounds and seven assists in 42 minutes during Wednesday's 127-118 loss to the Pacers. This marks his fifth game with at least 24 points in 15 appearances, and his seven assists were his second most in a game this season. The rookie forward has seen increased playing time, logging 34 or more minutes in six of his last seven games, averaging 22.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists during that stretch. Knueppel, a 20-year-old sharpshooter, signed a two-year, $20.53 million contract with the Hornets in July 2025. He played one season at Duke, where he averaged 14.4 points and 4.0 rebounds, showcasing his three-point shooting (41%) and playmaking potential, though his defense and finishing around the rim are still developing.

Tyrese Maxey Shines with Five Triples, Solidifying Role as 76ers' Second Option

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Tyrese Maxey delivered a strong performance Wednesday against the Raptors, recording 24 points, nine assists, three steals, one block, and two rebounds, including five three-pointers, in 39 minutes. This follows a significant leap in 2023-24 where he averaged career-highs of 25.9 points and 6.2 assists, earning his first All-Star selection and a five-year, $204 million max contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. Maxey is expected to remain the No. 2 offensive option behind Joel Embiid, even with Paul George's arrival. While his field-goal percentage remains a slight concern, his solidified leading role makes him a valuable middle-round fantasy target.