NBA Roundup: Knicks edge Nets, LeBron features for Lakers, and Jokic stars for Nuggets

Knicks edge Nets, Blazers beat Heat, Raptors rally past Magic, Jokic stars in Nuggets' win, Lakers dominate Wizards.

In another exciting night of NBA action, a series of standout performances helped reshape the league's landscape.

From historic feats to high-scoring games, Tuesday’s matchups delivered thrilling moments that will resonate long after the final buzzer.

Knicks edge Nets in nail-biting finish, 99-95

The New York Knicks held on to defeat the Brooklyn Nets 99-95 in a tense encounter on Tuesday evening. Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks with 25 points and 16 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson contributed eight of his 17 points during a crucial stretch in the final minutes. OG Anunoby added 20 points, and Precious Achiuwa provided 11 points off the bench, securing New York's second successive win.

For Brooklyn, D'Angelo Russell registered 23 points and 10 assists, and Cam Johnson finished with 16 points. The Nets mounted a strong comeback, taking a one-point lead early in the final quarter.

However, Brunson's clutch shooting, including a vital step-back jumper with 1:25 remaining, helped the Knicks regain the advantage. Despite Russell’s late 3-pointer cutting the deficit to 97-95, Brunson sealed the win with two free throws, extending Brooklyn's losing streak to four games.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by New York Knicks 🏀 (@nyknicks)

Blazers overcome Heat, 116-107

The Portland Trail Blazers triumphed 116-107 over the Miami Heat in a thrilling contest. Anfernee Simons led Portland with 24 points, while Deandre Ayton added 22 points and 15 rebounds.

The Blazers took control with a 21-8 run in the third quarter, stretching their lead to 86-63. Jerami Grant finished with 18 points, and Deni Avdija added 16 points, helping secure the victory.

Miami, without leading scorer Tyler Herro due to groin tightness, fought valiantly. Duncan Robinson scored 22 points, and Jimmy Butler finished with 13. Despite a late 19-4 run cutting the gap to 112-105, Grant’s free throws down the stretch ensured Portland’s win. The Heat continued their struggles, marking their third consecutive defeat.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers)

Raptors rally to beat Magic, 109-93

The Toronto Raptors made a stunning comeback, overcoming a 21-point deficit to defeat the Orlando Magic 109-93. The Magic dominated the first quarter, leading 32-11, but Toronto surged in the second half, outscoring Orlando 40-20 in the third quarter to take a 15-point lead into the final period.

Scottie Barnes recorded a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while RJ Barrett added 19 points. Gradey Dick scored 17 points, including 10 in the third quarter, to fuel the Raptors' resurgence. Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 26 points and 12 rebounds, but the Magic’s woes continued, with this defeat marking their fourth straight loss.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by NBA (@nba)

Jokic shines in Nuggets’ 144-109 win over 76ers

Nikola Jokic put on yet another remarkable performance, posting 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists in the Denver Nuggets’ 144-109 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Jokic’s triple-double, his 19th of the season, led a dominant team display by the Nuggets, with six players reaching double figures. Aaron Gordon was nearly flawless, finishing with 19 points, including a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the arc.

Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 28 points and 10 assists, but Philadelphia struggled in the absence of Joel Embiid, sidelined with a knee injury. The Nuggets extended the 76ers’ losing streak to seven games with a commanding performance. The game, part of the NBA’s “Rivals Week,” had been expected to feature the last four MVPs, but Embiid’s injury overshadowed the matchup.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Denver Nuggets (@nuggets)

Lakers cruise past Wizards, 111-88

The Los Angeles Lakers dispatched the Washington Wizards 111-88 in a commanding performance. LeBron James registered his 121st career triple-double, contributing 21 points, 13 assists, and 10 rebounds, just one day after flying to Atlanta to watch a football game. Anthony Davis also had a stellar outing, scoring 29 points and grabbing 16 rebounds.

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Los Angeles Lakers (@lakers)

Washington, mired in an 11-game losing streak, was led by Bilal Coulibaly, who scored 17 points. Jordan Poole and Corey Kispert added 15 points apiece, but the Wizards were unable to match the Lakers’ firepower. Los Angeles sent Washington to their 11th consecutive defeat, with the Wizards’ road struggles continuing, as they dropped to 1-18 on the road.