NBA Roundup: Timberwolves edge Mavericks, Thunder’s Alexander scores 54, Celtics win in overtime

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, Wednesday's matchups delivered thrilling moments that will resonate long after the final buzzer.

Timberwolves edge Mavericks 115-114 as McDaniels scores career-high

Jaden McDaniels scored a career-high 27 points, including a critical free throw with three seconds left, to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 115-114 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. Anthony Edwards contributed 21 points, while Mike Conley’s late free throws gave Minnesota a 114-111 lead with 11.8 seconds to play.

Kyrie Irving, who scored 36 points, missed a crucial three-pointer before McDaniels secured the rebound and added one free throw. Irving hit a running three-pointer at the buzzer to cut the deficit. P.J. Washington Jr. added a season-high 30 points for the Mavericks, who remain tied with Minnesota at 23-21 in the Western Conference standings.

Cade Cunningham recorded 32 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists as the Detroit Pistons defeated the Atlanta Hawks 107-96. Cunningham dominated the third quarter with 19 points, helping the Pistons turn an 80-80 tie into a 90-80 lead heading into the final period.

Jalen Duren added 16 points and 14 rebounds for Detroit, while Malik Beasley scored 17 off the bench. The Pistons shot 48% from the field and connected on 10 of 27 three-pointers.

Fred VanVleet led Atlanta with 20 points, while Jalen Green contributed 19. The Hawks struggled offensively, shooting 39% from the field and 11 of 39 from three-point range.

Suns cruise past Nets 108-84 behind Booker’s 32 points

Devin Booker scored 32 points, marking his 200th career 30-point game, as the Phoenix Suns secured a 108-84 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Kevin Durant added 24 points against his former team, while Nick Richards grabbed 15 rebounds for Phoenix.

The Suns, now 22-21, shot 50% from the field and overcame the absence of Bradley Beal. Booker’s efficiency from the floor helped Phoenix control the game from start to finish.

Keon Johnson led the Nets with 20 points, but Brooklyn suffered its fifth straight loss and extended its home losing streak to nine games. The Nets were missing key players, including Cam Johnson and Ben Simmons.

Rockets survive Cavaliers 109-108 thanks to Sengun’s late free throws

Alperen Sengun hit two clutch free throws with 4.5 seconds remaining as the Houston Rockets edged the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-108. Sengun finished with 26 points, helping Houston rally after squandering a 13-point fourth-quarter lead.

Darius Garland had a chance to tie the game after being fouled on a three-point attempt, but he missed two of three free throws. Donovan Mitchell’s three-point attempt at the buzzer was off target, sealing Cleveland’s loss.

Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 29 points, while Garland added 22. The Rockets shot 46% from the field and held on despite late-game miscues.

Grizzlies down Hornets 132-120 behind balanced scoring

Desmond Bane scored 24 points, and Luke Kennard added a season-high 23 with seven three-pointers as the Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Charlotte Hornets 132-120. Jaren Jackson Jr. contributed 22 points, while Ja Morant posted 16 points and 13 assists.

The Grizzlies took control early, outscoring Charlotte 40-23 in the second quarter and building a lead that stretched to 34 points. Memphis shot 50% from the field in their fourth consecutive win.

Mark Williams led the Hornets with a career-high 38 points on 14 of 18 shooting. LaMelo Ball added 22 points, but Charlotte’s three-game winning streak came to an end.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored a career-high 54 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 123-114 win over the Utah Jazz. Gilgeous-Alexander shot 17 of 35 from the field and 17 of 18 from the free-throw line, while also contributing eight rebounds and five assists.

Jalen Williams scored 25 points for Oklahoma City, which improved to 36-7, tying Cleveland for the NBA’s best record. The Thunder shot 48% and controlled the game throughout.

John Collins led the Jazz with 22 points and 12 rebounds. Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler added 18 and 17 points, respectively, for Utah, which lost its fourth straight.

Kings rally past Warriors 123-117 behind DeRozan’s 32

DeMar DeRozan scored 32 points, including 19 in the third quarter, as the Sacramento Kings overcame an 18-point deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors 123-117. Domantas Sabonis added 26 points and 18 rebounds, while Malik Monk had 20 points and nine assists.

The Kings capitalised on their free-throw opportunities, making 30 of 32 attempts, while Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with 25 points. Steph Curry added 14 points and 12 assists but shot just 6 of 19 from the field.

Sacramento extended its winning streak to three games and seven straight at home under interim coach Doug Christie.

Celtics outlast Clippers 117-113 in overtime

Jaylen Brown scored 25 points and Jayson Tatum added 24 as the Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 117-113 in overtime. Derrick White scored 20 points, hitting a pivotal three-pointer in the extra period.

Derrick Jones Jr. scored a career-high 29 points for the Clippers, including a late steal and score to force overtime. Kevin Porter Jr. contributed 26 points for Los Angeles, which was without Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.

The Celtics started overtime with three straight three-pointers from White, Tatum, and Brown to build an insurmountable lead, improving their record against undermanned opponents.