NBA roundup: Kyrie Irving leads Mavericks to victory over Thunder, Miami lose
Kyrie Irving delivered a stellar performance with 25 points as the Dallas Mavericks snapped the Oklahoma City Thunder's momentum, securing a 106-98 victory on Friday.
The Thunder, fresh off a dominant win over Eastern Conference leaders Cleveland on Thursday, faced their seventh loss of the season in a hard-fought battle against a determined Mavericks squad.
Irving was instrumental in Dallas’s success, scoring 17 of his 25 points during a massive 41-point second quarter that helped the Mavericks build a commanding 64-43 halftime lead.
Oklahoma City, missing key player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander due to a wrist injury, rallied in the third quarter to erase the deficit and briefly take the lead. However, Dallas, still playing without Luka Dončić, displayed resilience in the final quarter, outscoring the Thunder 29-22 to seal the win.
The victory lifted Dallas to a 23-19 record, while Oklahoma City maintained their spot atop the Western Conference standings at 34-7.
"We were flat in that third quarter," Dallas coach Jason Kidd said after the game.
"We said on the bench we needed to stay the course and stay together, and in the fourth quarter, we did. We feel like we have a talented team, and they have a talented team. So I thought tonight was a really good test for our group."
Miami Heat Stumble Despite Butler’s Return
In Denver, Jimmy Butler made his return for the Miami Heat after a seven-game suspension but was unable to prevent a 133-113 defeat to the Denver Nuggets.
Nikola Jokić recorded his 17th triple-double of the season with 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Jamal Murray led Denver's offense with 30 points as seven Nuggets players finished in double figures.
Butler, suspended earlier this month after expressing a desire to leave the Heat, scored 18 points in his return.
Tatum Shines as Celtics Bounce Back
Jayson Tatum led the Boston Celtics to a convincing 121-94 win over the Orlando Magic at the TD Garden. Tatum scored 30 points, supported by Kristaps Porzingis with 23 and Jaylen Brown’s 20-point contribution.
Boston rebounded from a disappointing loss to Toronto on Wednesday, improving to 29-12 and maintaining second place in the Eastern Conference.
Anthony Edwards Powers Timberwolves Past Knicks
Anthony Edwards was on fire in New York, scoring 36 points with eight three-pointers as the Minnesota Timberwolves cruised to a 116-99 victory over the Knicks. Naz Reid added 23 points off the bench, hitting 6-of-6 from beyond the arc.
Giannis and Lillard Lead Bucks Over Raptors
In Milwaukee, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 35 points and Damian Lillard’s 26 propelled the Bucks to a dominant 130-112 win over the Toronto Raptors. The Bucks improved to 23-17, securing their third straight victory and holding onto fourth place in the East.
Grizzlies Overpower Spurs Despite Wembanyama’s Defensive Efforts
Santi Aldama scored 29 points off the bench as the Memphis Grizzlies overwhelmed Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs, 140-112.
Wembanyama showcased his defensive prowess with six blocks, a steal, and 12 rebounds, but the Spurs were outmatched by Memphis’s balanced offensive attack, with six players finishing in double figures.
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