Enjoy the best of Friday’s schedule with the NBA.com live blog, featuring all of the meaningful moments, performances, observations, news, notes and highlights.
All-Access: Hornets-Bucks
Easiest and toughest schedules in January
Download the NBA App
What we know after Friday’s games:
The Cavaliers defeated the Nuggets 113-108 in the first game of our national doubleheader, as Donovan Mitchell (33 pts) out-dueled Jamal Murray (34 pts).
The Thunder beat the Warriors 131-94, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander contributed 30 points.
The Bucks held on to earn a 122-121 victory over the Hornets, as Giannis Antetokounmpo (30 pts, 10 reb, 5 ast) threw down a game-winning alley-oop with 4.7 seconds remaining.
1:10 AM / JANUARY 3, 2025
Lakers defeat Grizzlies
128-121. Luka Dončić (34 pts, 6 reb, 8 ast) and LeBron James (31 pts, 9 reb, 6 ast) led the way for the Lake Show.
12:56 AM / JANUARY 3, 2025
Lakers take late lead
121-112 Los Angeles with just under two minutes to play. Will Memphis make a comeback?
12:33 AM / JANUARY 3, 2025
Lakers and Grizzlies tied after three
For your nightcap, check out Lakers-Grizzlies, which is currently tied at 96-all.
Luka Dončić has 28 points; LeBron James has 21; ex-Laker Kentavious Caldwell-Pope leads the Grizzlies with 18.
Looks like a good finish on League Pass.
12:28 AM / JANUARY 3, 2025
Thunder roll over Warriors
Oklahoma City handed Golden State their worst loss of the season Friday night, winning 131-94 behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (30 pts) and Chet Holmgren (23 pts, 15 reb).
“Playing to our habits, playing to our fundamentals,” said SGA. “No matter who goes out there, we know what it takes to get dubs.”
Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler III did not play for the Warriors. Al Horford, Will Richard and Moses Moody each had 13 for the Bay Area representatives.
12:01 AM / JANUARY 3, 2025
Take a good look at the Greek Freak’s night
11:49 ET / JANUARY 2, 2025
The Spurs’ backcourt is thriving
San Antonio guards are shooting 48.2 percent from the field this season — second-best in the NBA.
Tonight, De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper put up 46 points on 55.8 percent shooting, spurring their squad to a 123-113 win over the Pacers.
11:36 ET / JANUARY 2, 2025
Russ passes The Big O
These two guards have often been named in the same breath, as Russell Westbrook has amassed triple-doubles and accolades over a 17-year career.
Oscar Robertson played 14 seasons, earning 12 NBA All-Star nods, eight straight All-NBA First Team honors and the 1963-64 NBA Most Valuable Player award.
A legendary moment on this Friday night.
Russ also passed Robert Parish to move into 19th on the all-time field goals list.
11:02 ET / JANUARY 2, 2025
The Don makes it look easy
Lakers are up 31-28 over Memphis on League Pass.
Before the game, Luka Dončić did what he does — magic.
10:38 ET / JANUARY 2, 2025
Bucks hang on to defeat Hornets
122-121, behind Giannis Antetokounmpo (30 pts, 10 reb, 5 ast) and Ryan Rollins (29 pts).
Kon Knueppel had 26 to lead the Hornets in his return to his native Wisconsin.
10:10 ET / JANUARY 2, 2025
Cavs defeat Nuggets on Prime
113-108.
Donovan Mitchell had 33 points, while Jamal Murray countered with 34, bringing to mind their classic duel in the 2020 NBA Playoffs.
The Cavaliers ended the game on a 10-0 run to ice, running their record to 20-16.
Darius Garland added 18 points and 8 assists for Cleveland.
9:55 ET / JANUARY 2, 2025
Murray in the clutch
9:30 ET / JANUARY 2, 2025
Nuggets-Cavaliers going down to the wire
101-100 with 7:25 to go on Prime! Jamal Murray and Donovan Mitchell are both up to 31. Check out the duel.
9:15 ET / JANUARY 2, 2025
Buzelis hits the trampoline
A 116.7 on the Dunk Score scale — fifth-best of the season!
8:00 ET / JANUARY 2, 2025
Long-range dimes to start Friday night
7:30 ET / JANUARY 2, 2025
The Blue Arrow at work
7:00 ET / JANUARY 2, 2025
Pacers rolling early in Indy
6:00 ET / JANUARY 2, 2025
Welcome to a 10-game night in the NBA!