Denver Nuggets (33-19, third in the Western Conference) vs. Chicago Bulls (24-28, 11th in the Eastern Conference)
Chicago; Saturday, 8 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Denver looks to end its three-game losing streak with a victory over Chicago.
The Bulls have gone 15-11 in home games. Chicago is third in the NBA with 34.9 defensive rebounds per game led by Josh Giddey averaging 7.4.
The Nuggets are 19-9 on the road. Denver is 14-13 against opponents over .500.
The Bulls score 117.0 points per game, 0.8 more points than the 116.2 the Nuggets allow. The Nuggets average 13.8 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.1 fewer makes per game than the Bulls allow.
The teams play for the second time this season. The Bulls won the last meeting 130-127 on Nov. 18. Giddey scored 21 points to help lead the Bulls to the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Matas Buzelis is averaging 15 points and 5.3 rebounds for the Bulls. Jalen Smith is averaging 10.7 points over the last 10 games.
Nikola Jokic is averaging 29.1 points, 12.1 rebounds and 10.5 assists for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray is averaging 22.2 points and 6.9 assists over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Bulls: 4-6, averaging 115.1 points, 43.9 rebounds, 28.9 assists, 6.3 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 120.0 points per game.
Nuggets: 4-6, averaging 109.8 points, 41.9 rebounds, 25.1 assists, 7.1 steals and 5.5 blocks per game while shooting 45.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 112.2 points.
INJURIES: Bulls: Noa Essengue: out for season (shoulder), Tre Jones: day to day (hamstring), Zach Collins: out (toe), Collin Sexton: day to day (not injury related), Josh Giddey: day to day (hamstring).
Nuggets: Cameron Johnson: out (knee), Spencer Jones: day to day (head), Tamar Bates: out (foot), Aaron Gordon: out (hamstring), Peyton Watson: day to day (hamstring).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Golden State Warriors (28-24, eighth in the Western Conference) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (30-19, fifth in the Western Conference)
Los Angeles; Saturday, 8:30 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Brandin Podziemski and the Golden State Warriors take on Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers in Western Conference action.
The Lakers are 4-6 against Pacific Division opponents. Los Angeles is fifth in the Western Conference with 51.8 points per game in the paint led by Deandre Ayton averaging 11.8.
The Warriors have gone 18-14 against Western Conference opponents. Golden State is the NBA leader averaging 16.5 made 3-pointers per game while shooting 36.5% from downtown. Stephen Curry leads the team averaging 4.5 makes while shooting 39.1% from 3-point range.
The Lakers make 49.9% of their shots from the field this season, which is 2.9 percentage points higher than the Warriors have allowed to their opponents (47.0%). The Warriors average 115.9 points per game, 0.3 fewer than the 116.2 the Lakers allow to opponents.
The teams square off for the second time this season. The Warriors won 119-109 in the last meeting on Oct. 22. Jimmy Butler III led the Warriors with 31 points, and Doncic led the Lakers with 43 points.
TOP PERFORMERS: Doncic is averaging 33.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, 8.7 assists and 1.5 steals for the Lakers. LeBron James is averaging 18.5 points over the last 10 games.
Podziemski is averaging 11.8 points and 3.5 assists for the Warriors. Moses Moody is averaging 13.1 points over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Lakers: 6-3, averaging 115.9 points, 42.6 rebounds, 25.7 assists, 8.8 steals and 4.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 111.6 points per game.
Warriors: 5-5, averaging 116.6 points, 41.0 rebounds, 30.1 assists, 11.5 steals and 4.9 blocks per game while shooting 46.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.4 points.
INJURIES: Lakers: Luka Doncic: day to day (leg), Adou Thiero: out (knee).
Warriors: Jimmy Butler III: out for season (knee), Kristaps Porzingis: day to day (illness), LJ Cryer: day to day (hamstring), Stephen Curry: day to day (knee), Seth Curry: out (back).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Dallas Mavericks (19-32, 12th in the Western Conference) vs. San Antonio Spurs (35-16, second in the Western Conference)
San Antonio; Saturday, 6 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: San Antonio is looking to extend its three-game win streak with a victory over Dallas.
The Spurs are 9-3 against division opponents. San Antonio is second in the Western Conference in rebounding averaging 46.5 rebounds. Victor Wembanyama paces the Spurs with 11.1 boards.
The Mavericks are 3-8 against opponents in the Southwest Division. Dallas is 8-9 when it has fewer turnovers than its opponents and averages 14.3 turnovers per game.
The Spurs are shooting 47.3% from the field this season, 1.0 percentage point higher than the 46.3% the Mavericks allow to opponents. The Mavericks are shooting 47.1% from the field, 1.5% higher than the 45.6% the Spurs' opponents have shot this season.
The teams play for the third time this season. The Spurs won the last meeting 135-123 on Feb. 6, with Wembanyama scoring 29 points in the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Wembanyama is averaging 24.2 points, 11.1 rebounds and 2.7 blocks for the Spurs. De'Aaron Fox is averaging 17.1 points over the last 10 games.
Cooper Flagg is averaging 20.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 4.2 assists for the Mavericks. Naji Marshall is averaging 17.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 3.4 assists over the past 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Spurs: 7-3, averaging 115.6 points, 45.6 rebounds, 28.4 assists, 7.0 steals and 7.3 blocks per game while shooting 47.9% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 109.9 points per game.
Mavericks: 4-6, averaging 118.5 points, 47.4 rebounds, 25.6 assists, 7.5 steals and 5.3 blocks per game while shooting 47.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 116.7 points.
INJURIES: Spurs: Luke Kornet: day to day (ankle), Lindy Waters III: day to day (knee), Jeremy Sochan: day to day (quad).
Mavericks: Dereck Lively II: out for season (foot), P.J. Washington: day to day (concussion protocol), Brandon Williams: day to day (leg), Kyrie Irving: out (knee).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Washington Wizards (14-36, 13th in the Eastern Conference) vs. Brooklyn Nets (13-37, 14th in the Eastern Conference)
New York; Saturday, 3 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Brooklyn heads into the matchup with Washington as losers of three straight games.
The Nets are 9-21 in Eastern Conference games. Brooklyn is 1-2 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.
The Wizards are 9-20 in Eastern Conference play. Washington has a 4-25 record against opponents above .500.
The Nets' 13.8 made 3-pointers per game this season are only 0.1 more made shots on average than the 13.7 per game the Wizards give up. The Wizards average 12.9 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.5 more makes per game than the Nets allow.
The teams square off for the third time this season. The Wizards won the last meeting 119-99 on Jan. 3, with Justin Champagnie scoring 20 points in the win.
TOP PERFORMERS: Michael Porter Jr. is scoring 25.1 points per game with 7.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Nets. Egor Demin is averaging 10.4 points and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 43.2% over the past 10 games.
Alex Sarr is averaging 17.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2.1 blocks for the Wizards. Bub Carrington is averaging 2.9 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Nets: 1-9, averaging 99.6 points, 40.7 rebounds, 23.4 assists, 6.7 steals and 3.2 blocks per game while shooting 42.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.7 points per game.
Wizards: 4-6, averaging 111.1 points, 43.8 rebounds, 25.8 assists, 9.8 steals and 5.7 blocks per game while shooting 44.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 117.0 points.
INJURIES: Nets: Ochai Agbaji: day to day (not injury related).
Wizards: Dante Exum: out for season (knee), Anthony Davis: out (finger), Cam Whitmore: out for season (shoulder), D'Angelo Russell: day to day (illness), Tre Johnson: day to day (ankle), Trae Young: out (quad).
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Philadelphia 76ers (29-21, sixth in the Eastern Conference) vs. Phoenix Suns (31-21, seventh in the Western Conference)
Phoenix; Saturday, 9 p.m. EST
BOTTOM LINE: Philadelphia aims to keep its five-game win streak alive when the 76ers take on Phoenix.
The Suns are 17-8 on their home court. Phoenix is third in the Western Conference at limiting opponent scoring, allowing just 111.4 points while holding opponents to 46.8% shooting.
The 76ers are 14-9 on the road. Philadelphia ranks fourth in the Eastern Conference with 12.3 offensive rebounds per game led by Charles Bassey averaging 3.5.
The Suns score 113.8 points per game, 1.6 fewer points than the 115.4 the 76ers give up. The 76ers average 12.9 made 3-pointers per game this season, 0.5 more makes per game than the Suns allow.
The teams meet for the second time this season. The Suns won 116-110 in the last matchup on Jan. 21.
TOP PERFORMERS: Mark Williams is scoring 12.3 points per game and averaging 8.1 rebounds for the Suns. Dillon Brooks is averaging 22.0 points and 4.9 rebounds over the last 10 games.
Joel Embiid is scoring 26.1 points per game and averaging 7.4 rebounds for the 76ers. Tyrese Maxey is averaging 20.7 points and 3.0 rebounds over the last 10 games.
LAST 10 GAMES: Suns: 6-4, averaging 111.3 points, 41.4 rebounds, 23.6 assists, 9.5 steals and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 46.4% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 110.2 points per game.
76ers: 6-3, averaging 117.2 points, 41.2 rebounds, 27.6 assists, 9.8 steals and 3.8 blocks per game while shooting 48.6% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 115.3 points.
INJURIES: Suns: Isaiah Livers: day to day (shoulder), Grayson Allen: day to day (knee), Jalen Green: day to day (hip), Devin Booker: day to day (ankle).
76ers: None listed.
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The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.
Feb 5, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jeff Green (32) handles the ball against the Charlotte. He was, unfortunately, the best Rocket going tonight. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images | Erik Williams-Imagn Images
All of us have a player we like more than others on the team. All of us probably have a player we don’t like as much on the team. Tonight’s game pretty much united both, as with the exception of the deep bench, and maybe, Durant’s night, everyone on the Rockets was fairly dismal. It was a dismal loss, coming back to back on a another dismal loss.
You might look at Kevin Durant’s 31pt 11-21 shooting night and conclude he had a good outing. He didn’t, in my opinion. It wasn’t that he lacked effort, and didn’t make the typically very difficult looks he often gets, he did for the most part. But the fact that Durant is getting mostly tough looks is a deeper problem in itself, whether he can make them most nights or not. The bad part was that KD had 6 liveball turnovers (and a couple of bad plays that weren’t ruled as turn overs but sort of were) to one assist. I’m not a great turnover worrier, but these were almost all back breaking, progress killers. They were almost all of the “pressing to make a pass, to make it happen, to be a hero” sorts, but that pass rarely seemed to connect with anyone but a Hornet. Durant and Amen Thompson recorded 12 of their 18 turnovers.
Charlotte scored 17pts off those turnovers. The Hornets have been, contrary to expectation, rather good lately. They’re 9-1 in their last 10 games, compared to the Rockets 6-4. Since getting a taste of success, the Hornets have seemed hungry for more, and are playing hard. Playing with much more energy tonight than the Rockets, anyway. The Rockets were playing back to back, and the Hornets had rested three days, but if a team fancies itself as one that might go far in the playoffs, that excuse just doesn’t play. The Hornets themselves had 20 turnovers, but it didn’t hurt them as much, it seems. About midway through the third quarter it was clear to me that the Rockets flaccid offense wasn’t going to get the job done.
You might look at Kevin Durant’s night as a good one, turnovers aside. Well, then, that is arguably worse, because earlier in the season the Rockets would generally win games where Durant had a good offensive night. Tonight, despite that, it wasn’t close. The ten point margin was due to the deep bench crew, lead by Uncle Jeff, narrowing the gap, and forcing the Hornets to play their starters late. While that was the most enjoyable Rockets stretch of the game, the outcome never seemed in the balance.
Every Rocket starter besides Jabari Smith Jr, had a pretty bad game. Jabari might have bad nights, but I will say I rarely can fault his effort. I suppose Josh Okogie didn’t stink, but after scoring the opening five points for the Rockets, went on to score one point more all evening. Amen was 3-7 with 7ast against 5 To. Sengun was 3-11, but with 9 boards and 5 assists. Reed was bad, too. The exceptional lift he used to get on his threes is gone right now, and he’s shooting some almost as a set shot. They aren’t going in that way.
The Rockets, despite having less energy than the Hornets tonight, did try. They were all clearly trying. But the most recent Spurs game saw the move of attacking Sengun, and teams that are awake, and the Hornets and Boston are in that group, have been doing it, too. (Hat tip to AK.) We’re seeing tons of offenses call up Sengun in pick and roll actions, and then use a guard or small forward to beat him to the rim. If help comes at the rim, the pass goes to the corner, over and over. Or it doesn’t come, and it’s an easy basket. The reaction to counter this by the Rockets has been impossible to detect, by me, anyway.
Meanwhile, on offense, I counted very few moments when Sengun didn’t have four defenders around him in the paint. Clint Capela was the single Rockets player with a positive game +/-. Sengun was the only regular whose – wasn’t double digits. The deep bench was +12 against starters in garbage time, though!
What I’m seeing is a team with no answers on defense, or offense, other than, you guessed it, try harder. That’s an answer that can work sometimes, but it’s also exhausting if that’s appears to be a coach’s sole response to adversity. The Rockets look like a team for whom the stimulant blast of “TriHrdR” brand energy drink has flatlined.
If the defense is lacking answers, though, the offense doesn’t even know the questions. The Rockets totaled fewer than 200 points in two nights. Their opponents, in those two nights, did not score more than the average for NBA teams, and below their own season average. The Rockets weren’t close to winning either one, because the offense, when it loses the rebounding battle, as it did the last two nights, shows just how weak, inept, and fundamentally outmoded it is. Over the past two nights the Rockets, who trail only the Sacramento Kings in lowest number of 3pt shots attempted, shot around 40 fewer threes than the opposition, and in equal portions.
Let’s look at KD’s night one more time through the three point lens. He went 3-4. That’s nice, but the volume is nothing much. That means, though, he shot 8-17 from two, and that’s just not quite efficient enough to justify that many shots for two points. Not quite breaking even analytically isn’t good enough. Neither is Sengun going 3-11. Jabari Smith’s 6-9 from two is fine, but unusual. Simply said, to compete with that high a three point attempt margin against them, the team has to do something else exceptionally well. Score from two point range. Shooting a ton of free throws well. Having the sort of massive rebounding edges the Rockets enjoyed early on, (once again, opponents have adjusted to this by devoting the same amount of effort to the boards, to blunt that edge). The Rockets had none of these.
Bluntly, the Rockets do not run an offensive system in the sense of players knowing what to do and when to do it. Watch their organization on offense, and their lack of reaction to what teammates are doing. Nobody seems to know what actions they should run with what teammates, or what they should be doing except “spacing” around the arc for an offense that hardly shoots any threes by modern standards. I could go on, but simply put, the offense barely exists, and what does exist is outmoded and inadequate.
The average number of points scored in an NBA game this season is around 114. The Rockets lost decisively not breaking 100 points in two games. Their opponents scored fewer than average points, and yet the Rockets had no viable chance of winning either game.
The answer isn’t more defense when the team holds an opponent to under NBA average points. How much additional effort would equalize 40 fewer three point attempts in two nights?
The schedule features OKC in OKC on Saturday. I don’t see things improving immediately.
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 5: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 5, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
For the better part of three quarters of this game, it felt like the typical “first home game after a long road trip” performance from the Lakers. They lacked energy, focus and their superstar as Luka Dončić left the game late in the first half due to injury.
Then, everything flipped in the third quarter as the Lakers not only got back into the game but took control. A chaotic ending made things hairy at the end but the result was as unexpected a win as the Lakers have had in some time.
While Austin Reaves is going to take home lots of plaudits in this one, a lot of guys had their hands all over this victory.
So, let’s dive into the win. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
This was a very rough showing from LeBron. He felt out of rhythm throughout and while he had a couple of highlight reel dunks, he also had some really frustrating turnovers, including one that nearly sparked a miracle comeback late.
LaRavia didn’t do much wrong in this. The main reason he didn’t play more was because head coach JJ Redick rode a lineup predominantly of bench players in the fourth quarter.
You can look at Ayton’s game in two ways. He was either a player who was fine in his minutes before Redick stuck with Maxi Kleber on a night he was incredible or he was a starting center who just got benched for the third-string center.
There was a lot of Marcus Smart in this one. In another game, he probably fouls out of the game. But the officials were certainly letting him play in this one, so he was up to his old Marcus Smart tricks.
Still, he missed some late free throws and also had a part in the crazy turnover late that nearly let the Sixers steal the game back.
We were well on track to a disappointing Luka game before he left with an injury. He was a pretty big part in the lethargic and lackluster first half from the Lakers in this one.
Put this one up there with his outing in Utah earlier this season as wins Maxi Kleber had a huge hand in. The stats don’t tell the whole story in this one, but each one of his rebounds came on the offensive end and it felt like all four led to a bucket.
Another solid night off the bench for Rui, who started in place of Luka in the second half. He had some really big baskets late in the third quarter as part of a run that really flipped the tide.
A truly chaotic Vando game, especially in the fourth quarter. He was a big part of the second half comeback, especially defensively. But if I never see another corner three from Vando, that’ll be too soon.
Saving the best for one of the last, it’s hard to describe just how good Reaves was in this one. He only returned to the court days ago after over a month and just had one of his best games of the season. He was everything the Lakers needed both with and without Luka, including a pair of huge 3-pointers to start the fourth quarter.
Grade: A+
Dalton Knecht
He had one shift, made multiple mistakes defensively and then didn’t play again. The only surprise of the day for Knecht is that he wasn’t traded.
JJ Redick
I had some questions about the zone and how ineffective the team was defensively, but there’s only so much he can do on that end. I always appreciate when a coach rides the hot hands, which he certainly did in the second half. He also managed Reaves well to keep him under his minutes restriction while keeping him on the floor for the end of the game.
Grade: B+
Thursday’s DNPs: Bronny James, Nick Smith Jr., Drew Timme
For three quarters Wednesday night, the San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks traded punches beneath the bright lights of the American Airlines Center, neither willing to blink. When the moment finally demanded composure, the Spurs found it — in their stars, in their depth and in a closing burst that turned a tight contest into a statement road victory.
Behind a sharp finish in the final minutes, San Antonio pulled away for a 135-123 win, silencing a raucous Dallas crowd and capping one of the Spurs’ most complete offensive performances of the season.
“We did a little bit better in our game plan and execution,” Spurs Head Coach Mitch Johnson said. “We were wanting to be perfect, but we did a good job. Especially at the end of shoring it up.”
The Spurs let their intentions be known early. The ball zipped from side to side, shooters stepped confidently into open looks, and Victor Wembanyama wasted little time making his presence felt. The 7-foot-4 franchise piece stretched the floor with early three-pointers and punished switches inside, setting the tone for a night in which San Antonio’s offense rarely stalled.
Dallas answered with its own firepower. Each Spurs run seemed to be met by a Mavericks response, and by halftime the game had settled into a rhythm — fast, physical and unrelenting. The Mavericks leaned on their young talent to keep pace, repeatedly attacking the rim and refusing to let the visitors create separation.
“Vic’s energy, especially lately, has just been setting the tone for us, anchoring us defensively. Offensively, it’s obviously great to make shots, but his ability to just draw so much attention, make plays, being a willing passer, that’s just allowed us to get into a flow,” Spurs forward Harrison Barnes said.
That resistance peaked in the third quarter. San Antonio’s lead shrank as Dallas chipped away possession by possession, briefly turning the game into a one-score affair. The building stirred, and momentum threatened to swing.
Instead, the Spurs steadied themselves.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, San Antonio leaned on patience and execution. De’Aaron Fox, quiet for stretches, found his rhythm when it mattered most, burying a pair of critical three-pointers that pushed the Spurs back in front. Wembanyama continued to draw defensive attention, creating space for teammates and anchoring the offense during the game’s defining stretch.
With the Mavericks pressing, the Spurs answered nearly every challenge. A timely basket here, a defensive stop there — and suddenly the margin grew. A late emphatic finish at the rim punctuated a decisive closing run, draining the remaining hope from Dallas’ comeback bid.
By night’s end, balance told the story. Seven Spurs reached double figures, a reflection of an offense that never relied on a single answer and a roster that proved capable of closing on the road.
For San Antonio, Thursday was a confident road win forged in pressure, sealed by poise, and carried home with the quiet satisfaction that comes from finishing the job when it mattered most.
“If there’s one message to take away, it’s that we trust ourselves,” Wembanyama said. “We trust the process. And what I appreciate is that the leadership trusts those guys, just as I do. So we’re all on the same wavelength.”
Game Notes
With the win, the Spurs are now at 35 wins, surpassing their win total from a year ago.
The victory marked another confidence-building road performance for a young Spurs roster learning how to finish games away from home.
Victor Wembanyama set the tone early, stretching the floor and drawing defensive attention that opened looks for teammates. He finished with 29 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. In two games against Dallas this season, Wemby is averaging 34.5 points per game.
3 point shooting was won by the good guys: Spurs 41.5 % (17-41); Mavericks 38.7 % (12-31).
PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 5: Head Coach Steve Kerr and Moses Moody #4 of the Golden State Warriors celebrates during the game against the Phoenix Suns on February 5, 2026 at PHX Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors played their token post-trade deadline game on Thursday night, tipping off against the Phoenix Suns just seven hours after the deadline ended, and less than 24 hours after trading away Jonathan Kuminga, Buddy Hield, and Trayce Jackson-Davis, while receiving Kristaps Porziņģis and a second-round pick.
It’s always interesting to see how a team will do post-deadline or post-deal. You might recall last year’s game, where the team, openly emotional after trading Andrew Wiggins right before tip-off, brought the energy of a funeral to a loss against the lottery-bound Utah Jazz.
This Thursday was different. Sure, the Warriors had sent off three players who were loved and respected in the locker room. But in the grand scheme of things, it was a quieter deadline than it had the potential to be, and that was on display with how the Warriors played.
Draymond Green, who had been on the trading block for the first time in his career, knew that his historic run with the Warriors would continue. Brandin Podziemski, Moses Moody, De’Anthony Melton, Quinten Post, Al Horford, and Gary Payton II, who had seen their names floated in rumors and hypothetical deals, knew that this was still their home for the foreseeable future. Gui Santos and Will Richard, seeing that the team had not gone all-in, could trust that they would get steady developmental minutes going forward. And Pat Spencer, playing in his final game of eligibility on a two-way contract, was aware that both cap space and roster space had been created that would allow him to sign a guaranteed deal for the rest of the year.
And so the Warriors that took the court were not tense, nervous, or sad. They were free, joyful, and energized.
The task in front of them was difficult, however. The Suns have been one of the best teams in the NBA over the last month or so and are fully clicking: even with Devin Booker sidelined, they were heavy favorites against a Warriors team that is still playing without Steph Curry (and was quite shorthanded after trading three players, while Porziņģis is not yet with the team).
With only two centers at his disposal, Steve Kerr opted to open the game with a small ball lineup, starting the quintet of Melton, Spencer, Moody, Santos, and Green. Immediately that small lineup issued a warning sign, when Phoenix’s burly center, Mark Williams, climbed over Green for an offensive rebound on the first possession of the game. A crab dribble, a drop step, and a jump hook later, and the Suns were on the board with size and might that Golden State would be hard pressed to match up with.
But the Dubs used their lack of size to their advantage, with a perimeter-oriented attack that was almost comical. Half out of an inability to penetrate, and half a result of getting good looks, the Warriors first eight shots were all from three-point range. They made four of them, prompting an early Phoenix timeout and a 12-9 Golden State advantage.
The Warriors were giving Phoenix fits on the other end of the court, but it mostly didn’t matter. Because of the size advantage, the Suns were content to miss shots, knowing they’d simply get more; eight of their first 14 points came on second-chance opportunities, and they fueled a 10-2 run that gave Phoenix control of the game, and forced a Kerr timeout.
When the timeout ended, Kerr had put Santos back in the lineup, and he rewarded the decision by immediately draining a three, and setting to work doing everything on defense, the glass, and in loose-ball situations.
And still, the Warriors stayed behind the three-point line. A hilarious 19 of their first 20 shots came from distance, as the game started to resemble a three-point contest. Despite their contrasting styles, neither team could gain separation, and the Suns led 29-25 after the first quarter.
It wasn’t always a pretty defensive game, but it sure was early in the second quarter, as the Warriors absolutely put the clamps on the Suns. Their defense created looks for their offense, and Golden State ran off a 12-2 run to open the quarter as they started to take control of the game. They were still living almost entirely on threes, but with renewed defense — and a leap in rebounding effort and ability — they were starting to look good. Some of that improvement on rebounding came the way you would expect it: despite Kerr starting the game with no centers, he toyed in the second quarter with a two-center lineup, inserting both Post and Horford into the game as the Warriors started to equalize in the paint.
At halftime, the Warriors led 59-55, and had attempted 37 threes … and just one free throw. In that regard, the game was looking a lot like Tuesday’s blowout loss to the Philadelphia 76ers … but in almost every other regard, it was a much nicer game.
Except for one. In that game against Philly, the Warriors had played it close in the first half, and fallen apart in the second half. That, unfortunately, started to be the case for the Warriors against the Suns, too. Unlike against the Sixers, it wasn’t a case of energy or effort. Kerr ripped his team after Tuesday’s loss, criticizing their lack of heart — an understandable void, given the looming deadline.
But free and fearless on Thursday, the Warriors played with excellent energy, though in the second half it appeared, for a while, as though it wouldn’t matter. But before the bad, the good: the Warriors came firing out of the gates, simply bringing more energy than their counterparts, and pushing the lead to double-digits. The defense was great, the shots were falling, and life was good.
Then Phoenix drained back-to-back threes, forcing a Kerr timeout, and rudely punched Golden State in the face with a dunk out of the timeout. The effort and defensive performance remained strong, but it felt like the Warriors were clinging to the lead with the most tenuous of grips. Finally, with just over three minutes remaining in the third quarter, Phoenix successfully erased the entirety of the deficit, and took their first lead in a long while.
The wheels were starting to come off for the Dubs. There were a handful of turnovers, with both Kerr and the players feeling that fouls should have been called. As a result, their frustration was mounting, and it was entirely visible. Phoenix was on an 18-5 run, though the Warriors weren’t letting the score get out of hand. They trailed 82-76 entering the final frame, and while they were clearly still in the game, it was apparent that it could slip away from them at any moment.
But it was the start of the fourth quarter that truly made it feel like the Warriors would lose. On the first possession, Jamaree Bouyea drained a jumper. The Warriors missed a shot, then Collin Gillespie poured in a three. They turned the ball over, then Gillespie made another three. Just like that, the Suns had scored eight points in less than two minutes, and it was a 14-point game. It was now or never for the Warriors, and without Curry or Jimmy Butler III, you’d be forgiven for assuming “never” would win that battle.
It did not. The Warriors responded brilliantly. They held serve for a few minutes, keeping the game from turning into a blowout, but not yet mounting a proper run. Then the run came: a 12-3 spurt that pulled them within four points with four minutes remaining. It was a gritty, hard-fought, all-defense game now, with deflections galore and numerous bodies hitting the floor seemingly on every possession. The run turned to 16-5 with two minutes remaining, with the deficit now cut to two points. And then, with the tension molasses thick, the teams played a full minute without a bucket. The Warriors trailed 97-95 as the clock switched from minutes to seconds, but they had the ball.
The excitement was just beginning.
Melton, who has been playing at a near All-Star level pace lately, broke down the defense, got to the rim, and artistically laid in a game-tying finger roll with 55.8 seconds remaining. It was just early enough that the Suns couldn’t stall and play for a guaranteed two-for-one. They worked the clock a bit, though, in hopes of accomplishing just that, but the Warriors had different plans.
Moody, whose defense all night was excellent, blocked a Gillespie shot while Santos leaked out. The result? A Santos transition layup with 28.7 seconds remaining. The Warriors had successfully flipped the two-for-one, and led 99-97, knowing they’d get another possession even if Phoenix scored.
What followed was one of the wildest sequences of the season. With the shot clock running down for the Suns — after a sensational defensive possession by the Dubs — the offensively-revived Dillon Brooks was forced to chuck up a very difficult three. He missed, but the rebound soared long and high, fully up for grabs. The smallest player on the court fittingly grabbed it, with Gary Payton II rising above the trees for the rebound.
He was immediately hounded by a Phoenix team that needed to foul or force a turnover quickly. They effectively avoided the former, and nearly caused the latter. Payton, surrounded by reaching limbs, desperately tried to clear the ball out to Horford, and appeared to throw it out of bounds instead. Horford raced to the baseline, grabbed the ball as he fell out of bounds, and hurled it back into play, attempting to save it. It seemed as though it would end up in the hands of Gillespie, with enough time left for another shot, but Moody played the role of a free safety, turning a deflection into a 50-50 ball, and winning that effort-driven coin flip. Falling to the floor as the ball drifted towards the sideline, Moody dove and smacked the ball up the court into the waiting hands of Melton, alone on the other end of the court.
As the clock rushed to zero, Melton dribbled, jumped, and laid the ball in. It glided through the net as the buzzer sounded and the Warriors, who had ended the game on a 22-5 run, somehow had escaped with a 101-97 victory.
The Warriors were beaten in the paint 32-22, but found other ways to win. Despite the early struggles, they somehow outrebounded Phoenix 53-42, and had 17 fast-break points, while allowing just nine. They finished the night 20-for-55 on threes, for a 36.4% clip.
Spencer led the way with a career-high 20 points on 6-for-11 shooting, and added six rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Santos was tremendous, with 18 points on 6-for-9 shooting, plus four rebounds, seven assists, a steal, and a block. Melton had 17 points and three steals while being a game-high +21, while Payton finished with 15 points and eight rebounds. The only Warrior who struggled with Podziemski, who played just 12 minutes and took himself out of the game as he was battling an illness.
Brooks led the Suns with 24 points, but needed 24 shots to get there. Grayson Allen added 21, and Williams finished with a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds. The Warriors improved to 28-24, and will now head back to California, but stay on the road: they visit the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night at 5:30 p.m. PT on ABC. Porziņģis is expected to be with the team by then and, if he’s cleared by the doctors, will make his Warriors debut.
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 5: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on February 5, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
2025-26 Sixers Bell Ringer standings: Tyrese Maxey – 19 Joel Embiid – 7 VJ Edgecombe – 7 Paul George – 6 Dominick Barlow – 2 Andre Drummond – 2 Jared McCain – 2 Adem Bona – 1 Justin Edwards – 1 Quentin Grimes – 1 Kelly Oubre Jr. – 1 Trendon Watford – 1 15th roster spot – 1
The Philadelphia 76ers’ win streak has been cut at five games with a late-night loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, just hours after the NBA trade deadline passed.
The Sixers had some serious command of this game at points, looking like the more energetic and solid team for the first two and a half quarters. The Lakers were committing a ton of turnovers (many of which were unforced) and the Sixers were able to build up a 14-point lead at one point in the third. Then, it began to fall apart towards the later half of the third period. Stop me if you’ve heard this one before…
The Lakers took their first lead of the game early in the fourth period and quickly built upon it. It took three and a half minutes of the final frame before the Sixers were able to score a point (off free throws). It took five and a half for them to put up a field goal.
What started out as a great, widespread effort from four of the starting five quickly devolved into an absolute mess for Philadelphia. The Sixers fell 119-115.
It’s been a long day. Let’s get to the Bell Ringer for this one. Or should we say, let’s check out the Bell Ringer for about three periods?
<p>(Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)</p><br> | NBAE via Getty Images
Joel Embiid was looking great once again for the Sixers, setting the tone out of the gate for the squad with a floor-leading 12 points in the first frame on 4-for-6 field goal shooting. By halftime, he was up to 20 points on 7-for-10 field goal shooting with five rebounds, four assists and a steal. Those assists, by the way, have some absolute dimes mixed in. We have all been captivated by how well Embiid has been moving and scoring recently, but his improved playmaking and passing deserve a shoutout as well.
The big fella has always found ways to get points on the board, but the best thing right now is seeing how comfortably Embiid is making it happen on the floor. He takes the fouls they’ll give him and is good from the foul line, but he’s hardly relying on them. Not only has Embiid’s agility and footwork been impressive, but he has been sinking jumpers and finishing at the rim alike with an insane efficiency as of late. He truly is operating on another level right now, putting up 35 points and making it look relatively easy in the process.
Embiid finished with 35 points on 13-for-19 (68.4%) field goal shooting. He also had seven rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and one steal.
Joel Embiid with the bucket, the foul and the cross-court celebration with his teammates on the bench pic.twitter.com/THJ41zKtgs
<p>(Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)</p><br> | NBAE via Getty Images
Dominick Barlow got right to work showing the Sixers why he deserved to be converted to a standard contract for the team just before tonight’s game. Barlow didn’t have quite as many rebounds tonight, finishing with just three, but it wasn’t for lack of aggression on the boards or defensively. He had a number of alley-oops contributing to his 13 total points, and it’s impressive to watch him make the most of a lob even if it’s not thrown exactly on the money.
Barlow finished with 13 points on 6-for-10 field goal shooting with three rebounds, two steals and a block.
Dominick Barlow tips the ball into the hands of Tyrese Maxey, who notches his 10th assist of the night on the alley-oop lob back to Barlow! pic.twitter.com/YnK4BNDsJk
<p>(Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)</p><br> | NBAE via Getty Images
The shots weren’t always falling for Tyrese Maxey tonight by any means, but he still was able to contribute throughout with a number of great defensive plays and some excellent playmaking throughout the first half. Maxey actually hit the double-digit assists mark just a minute into the second half, coming a few minutes before before he had hit the 10-point mark. By that point in the game, it seemed like Maxey had settled a bit more. He was relying more on his speed to get into the paint and taking advantage of better opportunities to score there rather than throwing up ill-advised shots that just weren’t falling tonight. He also seemed to be the only one who could manage to score anything in the finale frame.
Maxey finished this one with a 26-point, 13-assist double-double. He also had four steals.
<p>(Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)</p><br> | NBAE via Getty Images
Edgecombe was also the only Sixer able to hit anything from long range. Sincerely. The rookie had two triples by halftime and they were the only two three-pointers the Sixers had by the break. He wasn’t scoring a ton early, so he instead contributed by being a monster on the boards and a defensive menace to the Lakers. Otherwise, he kept his head up and chipped in points here and there when he had the opportunities to. It rarely feels like this rookie forces anything.
There’s also something to be said about this kid never getting down or giving up at the same time. When the game looked like it was already out of reach, Edgecombe gave them a serious shot at clawing victory from the jaws of defeat when he made this incredible defensive play and sunk the off-balance triple (video below!).
Edgecombe finished this one with a 19-point, 10-rebound double-double with two assists and four steals.
Wow. The rookie VJ Edgecombe with a heads-up play to give the Sixers a shot to claw this one back. pic.twitter.com/b3QptkLypJ
The same can be said after a lengthy road swing, which the Lakers were coming off of after a two-week “Grammy” trip. APStar guard Luka Doncic left the game in the second quarter because of left leg soreness. NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers, already with Jaxson Hayes (one-game suspension) and Luke Kennard (trade acquisition) had to make significant changes to their already rotation, and even more once Doncic left the game.
All on top of just being two days removed from being in the Midwest and East Coast for 1 ½ weeks.
Despite all of the factors, the Lakers successfully pulled off a 14-point comeback behind a stellar second half from Austin Reaves, who led the Lakers with 35 points and six rebounds off the bench in just his second game back from his left calf injury.
LeBron James had a 17 point-10 assist double-double, having strong late moments to make up for his turnover struggles, with James scoring 10 points in the fourth. James had eight of the Lakers’ 22 giveaways, including a turnover on a late inbounds play.
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Maxi Kleber, who’s been in the Lakers’ rotation just once over the last month, provided game-changing energy. Even though it didn’t show up with traditional box score stats, Kleber had a game-best plus-23 individual plus/minus.
LeBron James had a 17 point-10 assist double-double, having strong late moments to make up for turnovers. NBAE via Getty Images
What it means
There were clear positives and negatives from Thursday night.
The positive: Reaves looked like his pre-injury self in just his second game back from a calf injury that sidelined him for nearly six weeks.
The clear negative was Doncic’s injury, with there being uncertanity about his status moving forward beyond Thursday.
But another positive was the Lakers moving to 31-19 on the season, maintaining a pace to win 50 games in the 50th game of the season.
Turning point
When Rui Hachimura scored seven straight points for the Lakers late in the third quarter to cut the team’s deficit to two entering the fourth.
The Lakers, who didn’t have a lead in the first three quarters, cut what was once a 14-point deficit early in the third to five multiple times later in the quarter.
But they needed one big push to truly threaten the 76ers, and Hachimura provided that.
On three straight possessions, Hachimura knocked down a corner 3, a stepback 14-footer and a pair of free throws after drawing a shooting foul to cut the Lakers’ deficit from 83-78 to 87-85 by the end of the third.
Hachimura finished with 14 points and seven rebounds off the bench.
MVP: Austin Reaves
Reaves scored 21 points in the second half, including key buckets early in the fourth to give the Lakers their first lead.
He shot 12-of-17 from the floor for the game, including 5 of 8 on 3s.
Stat of the game: 61
That’s how many poinst the Lakers got from their bench, which averages a league-worst 27.3 points.
Reaves was responsible for the scoring punch from the reserves, but he wasn’t alone, with each bench player having strong moments.
Up next
The Lakers’ will continue their lengthy homestand with a primetime matchup against the Golden State Warriors at Crypto.com Arena.
It’ll be the second of eight consecutive home games the Lakers have sandwiched around All-Star weekend.
Guerschon Yabusele caught a second wind in the Windy City.
Less than 24 hours after being traded to the Bulls ahead of the NBA trade deadline, the former Knick notched his fourth career double-double in Chicago’s 123-107 loss to the Raptors on Thursday night.
The 30-year-old forward totaled 15 points and 11 rebounds in his Chicago debut, adding three assists and two steals.
Guerschon Yabsuele notched a double-double in his Bulls debut on Thursday. NBAE via Getty Images
Yabusele also shot 6-for-11 from the field, including three-of-six from beyond the arc, across a season-high 33 minutes.
He reached double figures just once during his 41-game stint with the Knicks — an 11-point outing against the Jazz on Dec. 5 — and had not grabbed more than six boards in any game this season.
The French forward joined the Knicks before this season on a two-year deal worth roughly $12 million with a player option, fresh off a career-best campaign with the Sixers.
Yabusele, the 16th overall pick by the Celtics in the 2016 NBA Draft, spent two forgettable seasons in Boston from 2017-19 before rebuilding his career overseas in France and Spain.
He returned to the NBA last season with Philadelphia, averaging 11 points and 5.6 rebounds in 70 games.
Geurschon Yabusele appeared in 41 games with the Knicks this season. NBAE via Getty Images
The Knicks hoped he could replicate that success off the bench, but Yabusele struggled and eventually found himself out of the rotation but in trade rumors.
In 41 games, Yabusele averaged a meager 2.7 points and 2.1 rebounds for the Knicks.
The Knicks traded Yabusele to Chicago for Dalen Terry, who the team quickly flipped to the Pelicans in exchange for Brooklyn native Jose Alvarado on Thursday afternoon.
While his time in the Big Apple was brief, Yabusele expressed gratitude to the organization and its fans on social media.
“New York,” Yabusele’s X post began. “I imagined our journey differently, but in an athlete’s life, things don’t always go as planned. Still, I’m grateful for every moment wearing this legendary jersey. Thank you to the staff, my teammates, and the fans for the support and energy.
“Wishing you all the best moving forward. Le Bear.”
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 5: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on February 5, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Despite losing Luka Dončić in the first half, the Lakers used a vintage Austin Reaves performance and strong play from the bench to earn a comeback win against the Sixers, 119-115.
Luka left the game late in the second quarter and was ruled out for the contest with left leg soreness. Reaves picked up the slack with 35 points off the bench as he eases back into action from his injury.
The Lakers committed 22 turnovers leading to 24 Philly points. However, they outscored the Sixers 61-14 in bench points. A strong second-half defensive effort got them back into the game after trailing by as many as 14.
The game began poorly for the hosts as they were ice cold offensively. They went on a three-minute scoring drought until Deandre Ayton converted on a hook shot. Joel Embiid was already in double figures with 10 points. Ayton and Luka Dončić combined for eight points.
At the 5:12 mark, Los Angeles was down by 10.
Rui Hachimura drained a much-needed 3-pointer to stop some of the bleeding. The Lakers were playing very sloppily, turning the ball over seven times. Maxi Kleber saw some playing time because of Jaxson Hayes’ suspension and threw down an emphatic slam.
LA picked up some steam at the end of the first, making it just a six-point deficit after Philly’s lead had grown to 11.
Philly has missed all 8 of their 3-point attempts, and shot 44% overall, helping LA hang around despite 7 turnovers to 0 from the Sixers.
The Lakers hit only 1 of their 9 3's, and trail 27-21 after 12 minutes.
The second period began with Austin Reaves converting on a layup. Los Angeles had cut the deficit to two thanks to their improved offense. The Sixers responded with a quick 6-0 run to cushion their lead, opening it up to seven points at the four-minute mark.
LA started the quarter shooting 50% from the field, but it dropped as they started missing shots again. Luka was the only Laker in double figures with 10, but he was having a rough night, shooting 3-10 in the half so far.
At the 3:03 mark, Luka limped back to the locker room and did not return to the game. Reaves gave the team some life by scoring seven points, but it wasn’t enough as Los Angeles’s lack of defense was hindering them. Embiid was now at 20 points.
At halftime, the purple and gold were down by eight.
LA trail 59-51 at the half, due in no small part to 13 turnovers, relative to just 4 from the Sixers.
Reaves had 14 points and 4 boards in 11 minutes off the bench.
Dončić left the 2nd Q early as we await an update on his left leg.
The Sixers went on a quick 6-0 scoring run to start the third period, prompting an immediate Lakers timeout. Los Angeles eventually responded well, cutting the deficit back to single digits thanks to the efforts of Ayton, Hachimura and Jake LaRavia.
Embiid continued his strong play, scoring five points to push his total to 25. He was the only player for either team with at least 20 points. The Lakers then countered well again, scoring seven points in a row to pull back into the game.
Philly responded again with Embiid and Maxey combining for nine points. Reaves then took over the scoring for LA with six points to jump-start another momentum shift in favor of the Lakers. A 7-0 Lakers run made it a two-point game.
Austin Reaves has been cooking offensively tonight in his second game back from the calf strain, up to 21 points on 9 of 11 FG's in only 16 minutes.
Trendon Watford scored four for the Sixers. Hachimura’s seven points kept it a two-point affair going into the fourth period.
Reaves drained two straight 3-pointers to put the Lakers in the lead to start the final frame. Momentum had completely shifted to the purple and gold as the 76ers missed shots they were making consistently earlier in the game.
At the 9:02 mark, LA was up by six.
After a combined four points from Jarred Vanderbilt and LeBron, the Sixers were forced to call a timeout as the lead was growing for Los Angeles. Out of the break, Kelly Oubre Jr. converted on two free throws.
Marcus Smart knocked down back-to-back triples. Kleber was putting in a lot of great work with three offensive rebounds, three assists and three steals.
LeBron added another four points to the offensive onslaught by the Lakers. Still, the Sixers were keeping just within reach after another late run. It was now a nervous time for LA after they had taken control of the game.
Smart connected with LeBron for a dunk. On the other end, VJ Edgecombe dunked as well. Reaves was fouled and converted on both free throws, giving them some more cushion on their lead.
The final minute got chaotic as Philly scored a layup to make it six-point game before Edgecome stole the in-bounds and hit a 3-pointer while falling out of bounds to make it a three-point game with just over 30 seconds left.
After Smart knocked down a free throw, LA was up by four with 34.5 seconds left. Maxey scored on a floater, but on the other end, Kleber found Hachimura under the basket for a dunk that sealed the win.
Key Player Stats
In his first game at home in over a month, Reaves looked back to his early-season self with 35 points on 12-17 shooting overall and 5-8 shooting from range in 25 minutes.
Luka left the game in the first half with left leg soreness. He finished with 10 points, four rebounds and two assists. LeBron scored nine points with 10 assists.
Ayton notched 10 points with six rebounds. Hachimura scored 14 points with seven rebounds. Jake LaRavia had 14 points.
Kleber had a hugely impactful game with four points, four offensive rebounds, four assists and three steals. Vanderbilt notched six points with six rebounds in 23 minutes.
The Lakers’ next matchup will be against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday at 5:30 PM PT.You can follow Karin on Twitter at @KarinAbcarians.
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 03: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after scoring during the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on February 03, 2026 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Soobum Im/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It was quite the rollercoaster of a game tonight in Phoenix.
The Suns got off to a slow start with the Warriors in control at the half and even through the first few minutes of the third quarter. Then, they turned a switch on and stormed back in front. It looked like they had the game in the bag, up by as many as 14 in the 4th quarter… until they weren’t.
The Warriors went on a furious 10-0 run to close the game out. Brooks hero ball did not do the trick, as the offense went stagnant down the stretch and Phoenix went away from what makes them great — ball movement. To make matters worse, Grayson Allen went down with an injury late in the game.
Dillon Brooks finished with 24 points on 10 of 24 shooting to pace the Suns. Grayson Allen chipped in with 21 points on 7 of 17 shooting, and Mark Williams posted an 11 point 10 rebound double-double. Pat Curry Spencer had 20 points and nailed 6 threes. The Warriors had 5 players with 13+ points.
It was a bad loss.
Game Flow
First Half
The pace was rapid early on, with Phoenix jumping out to a 9-6 lead after a Royce O’Neale triple. Golden State quickly responded with a pair of threes to push the Warriors out in front, 12-9, leading to a Jordan Ott timeout.
Grayson Allen hit back-to-back threes to force a Steve Kerr timeout. They went back and forth, trading buckets, and were tied at 25, then the Suns closed out on a 4-0 run.
Mark Williams sent this ball to Egypt. He had 6 points and 5 rebounds in his first stint.
Phoenix led 29-25 after one, led by 8 points from Grayson Allen and Dillon Brooks each.
The Warriors opened the 2nd quarter on a 10-2 run to pull ahead 35-31, forcing a Suns timeout to regroup. Isaiah Livers injured his shoulder and went to the locker room.
Phoenix went on a stretch with six straight made field goals, but the Warriors answered nearly every Phoenix punch. The Warriors were 15 of 37 from deep in the half, letting it fly frequently as that was clearly their game plan entering this contest.
Brooks and Curry shared a hilarious moment after Dillon hit a fadeaway jumper off Gui Santos, who was trying to sell a charge with a flop.
The Suns trailed 59-55 at halftime. Dillon Brooks led the Suns with 15 points on 7 of 12 shooting. Grayson Allen chipped in with 13 on 3 of 6 shooting from long range.
The Warriors’ shooting barrage and defensive activity gave them the edge in the opening 24 minutes.
The Suns have 0 steals and 8 turnovers at halftime.
Golden State has made 15 threes. Phoenix has made 7.
That is not a winning combination. Expect several adjustments from Ott in the 2nd half.
It didn’t start much better to open the half, as the Warriors opened on a 5-0 run to extend their lead to nine.
Pat Spencer became Steph Curry, and the Warriors were doing all the things the Suns normally do. They were outplaying Phoenix straight up.
Then the Suns that we all know and love finally showed up. A pair of threes from Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale gave Phoenix a quick 6-0 push to cut the Golden State lead to four, 66-62. A Mark Williams transition dunk made it an 8-0 Suns run to pull them within two.
Phoenix went on an 18-5 run over a 5:30 stretch in the 3rd to retake the lead, 74-71. Collin Gillespie scored his first points of the game with a minute left in the third after drilling a three-pointer.
A Phoenix 26-10 run to end the quarter gave Phoenix an 82-76 lead heading into the final quarter.
Collin Gillespie is inevitable. He had zero points with one minute left in the 3rd. He now has 11 points in the blink of an eye. A three-ball from 40 feet out pushed the Suns’ lead to 14, forcing a Steve Kerr timeout. You read that right, a 44-10 run.
The Warriors would not go away. Draymond hit a three to make it a quick Golden State 6-0 run to get them back within striking distance.
Phoenix was caught in a cold streak, with Golden State going on a 12-3 run to cut the lead to four with just under 4 minutes remaining. Grayson Allen landed awkwardly and went to the locker room in the final minutes and would not return.
The Warriors’ run continued, as they tied the game at 97 with less than a minute remaining. A 20-5 run after a Gui Santos transition lay-up gave the Warriors a two-point lead, and they didn’t look back.
Just a rough, rough possession.
The offense was way too stagnant to close the game. Went away from what makes them great – ball movement. pic.twitter.com/vk6taWgHt2
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 5: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers plays defense during the game against Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers on February 5, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
All good things must come to an end.
After controlling the action for the first two and half quarters, the Sixers suffered a 119-115 loss to the Lakers in Los Angeles. After building a lead as large 14, the Sixers hit a lull in the middle of third which carried into the fourth. Their late comeback fell short and their season-high five-game win streak was snapped.
Joel Embiid, who cooled off a little after a hot start, led the Sixers with 35 points on 13-of-19 from the field. He added seven rebounds and seven assists. Tyrese Maxey couldn’t find his outside shot, but still finished with 26 points and 13 assists.
Austin Reaves gave the Lakers a huge boost off the bench, dropping 35 points. That helped L.A.’s reserves outscore the Sixers’ 61-14.
The Sixers’ record now sits at 29-22. They’ll continue their West Coast trip Saturday in a matchup against the Phoenix Suns.
Here are some thoughts from Thursday’s game.
First Quarter
It was a strong two-way start for Sixers. With Kelly Oubre Jr. on Luka Doncic and Dominick Barlow on LeBron James, the Sixers’ rotations were crisp early. The Sixers’ offensive process was strong, but they couldn’t get it going from long range.
As Joel Embiid got warm, the Lakers went to a zone. It didn’t really help as Embiid continued cooking — though his lob to VJ Edgecombe was … off the mark. Embiid had 12 in the first to lead all scorers.
Joel Embiid has 10 points in the first 7 minutes here in LA, 4-5 FG shooting so far 🔥 pic.twitter.com/syaRBnAZMp
After a strong start, the defense sagged a bit late in the quarter, as Luka started to get free.
It was a rough shooting first quarter for Tyrese Maxey, who went 0-for-5 from deep — with most of those being quality looks. The Sixers as a team didn’t make a three, missing all eight attempts. The Lakers didn’t shoot much better, going 1-of-7.
It might’ve been the Lakers’ feeling the fatigue of returning from a long road trip, but the Sixers seemed to have way more jump early. L.A. turned it over seven times and the Sixers held a 27-21 lead.
Second Quarter
Justin Edwards got some run to start the second. He committed two quick fouls and was way off on a three attempt. He dipped in for a nice midrange jumper off an aggressive closeout, the type of move he made regularly and confidently as a rookie.
The Lakers couldn’t get much going in the halfcourt, but the Sixers’ leaky transition defense reared its ugly head, as LeBron was able to get going with a couple fast-break opportunities. Austin Reaves, who is still coming off the bench as he ramps up from injury, also gave L.A. a spark.
Trendon Watford is starting to look more comfortable. He’s building a bit more chemistry with Embiid. Watford’s ability to play in the pick-and-roll and make accurate entry passes to the big fella is noticeable. Quentin Grimes also seems to have some jump for this bench unit, which was excellent against the Warriors.
The Sixers still had trouble converting from deep. They only made two threes in the half, both by Edgecombe.
Quentin Grimes has now claimed two bodies in Los Angeles this week. My goodness.
And another fantastic run in L.A. for Barlow. He scored off two sweet Maxey dimes in transition and also made an impressive block on Rui Hachimura. Though it was a tough shooting start for Maxey, he dished out eight assists to one turnover in the first half.
Dominick Barlow puts up the block, turns on the jets and gets the bucket down the other end 🔥 pic.twitter.com/VUKvuYqBRp
Doncic appeared to hurt his left leg and went back to the Lakers’ locker room. He did not return.
Reaves kept the Lakers in it, pouring in 14 points in 10 minutes, but turnovers were the story. L.A. turned it over 13 times, while the Sixers had just three. Embiid led all scorers with an even 20 points. He also had five boards and four assists. The Sixers had 21 assists on 24 makes on their way to a 59-51 halftime advantage.
Third Quarter
The Sixers picked up where they left off as Maxey dished out two more assists for easy Barlow buckets. After another forced turnover, Embiid hit Maxey with a pretty bounce pass for a layup, which led to an early JJ Redick timeout. The Sixers stretched the lead to 65-51. Maxey hit double-digit assists before points.
It was a different story for LeBron from his last matchup against the Sixers. The NBA legend struggled with turnovers and couldn’t get any shots to fall. Unfortunately, the Sixers got a bit sloppy with the basketball too, which helped the Lakers stay within arm’s reach.
Embiid just kept rolling, including this super fun and-one — which the bench loved, of course.
Joel Embiid with the bucket, the foul and the cross-court celebration with his teammates on the bench pic.twitter.com/THJ41zKtgs
The Sixers’ offense got a bit bogged down, which again helped the Lakers get transition opportunities. Marcus Smart and Jarred Vanderbilt were active in pestering the Sixers. L.A. closed the gap to 74-69 about midway through the third, forcing a Nick Nurse timeout.
A quick five points out of that timeout from Embiid helped stem the tide. He was up to 30 points and briefly got the lead back to double-digits. It was Reaves again though who gave the Sixers problems. If not for Reaves and the Sixers’ awful transition defense, this game could’ve been a blowout. Alas, it was far from it.
Just a dreadful, sloppy close to the third quarter for the Sixers and the Lakers were right back in the game. The Sixers committed seven turnovers. Watford was able to get a couple nice stabilizing baskets, but it was a 87-85 game heading into the fourth.
Fourth Quarter
Reaves buried two incredibly difficult threes to start the quarter and the Sixers committed two more turnovers. You could feel all the momentum shifting the Lakers’ way as they took their first lead of the night.
The Sixers got a bit preoccupied with the officials, too. The whistle was awfully kind to L.A., as they had nearly double the amount of free throws, but it’s a losing battle. They have to do better to just push through it.
The Lakers really ratcheted up the physicality in the fourth and the Sixers didn’t respond well. They couldn’t get anything going on offensively. They didn’t have a field goal and had only four points midway through the fourth. Maxey also picked up his fifth foul on a questionable call. L.A. pushed its lead to as much as 16.
The Sixers started to do some extra trapping in desperation. It worked on a couple possessions and they got the deficit down to six. Just when it looked like the Lakers might seal the game, Edgecombe stole an inbounds and immediately buried an off-balance three to make it a three-point game with under a minute left.
Wow. The rookie VJ Edgecombe with a heads-up play to give the Sixers a shot to claw this one back. pic.twitter.com/b3QptkLypJ
Smart split a pair of free throws to get it back to a two-possession game. A quick Maxey bucket made it a two-point game, but the Sixers gave up a ridiculously easy layup to Rui Hachimura to end it.
