Deadspin | NBA roundup: Nikola Jokic’s historic triple-double too much for Wolves in OT

Deadspin | NBA roundup: Nikola Jokic’s historic triple-double too much for Wolves in OT

Dec 25, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) and center Luke Kornet (7) celebrate at the end of the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Nikola Jokic compiled 56 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists as the host Denver Nuggets rallied from nine down in overtime to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 142-138 on Thursday night.

The 30-year-old star produced the first NBA game ever with at least 55 points, 15 rebounds and 15 assists. Jokic also logged the third-highest point total ever registered on Christmas Day, behind 60 points from Bernard King in 1984 and 59 from Wilt Chamberlain in 1961.

It was the 15th triple-double of the season for Jokic. He now has 179 in his career during the regular season and 21 in the postseason. Jamal Murray finished with 35 points and 10 assists for the Nuggets, who had lost two of their previous three games.

Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards scored 24 of his 44 points in the fourth quarter and overtime before picking up his second technical foul with 21 seconds left in the extra session.

Knicks 126, Cavaliers 124

Jalen Brunson hit the go-ahead 3-pointer with 1:05 left for host New York, which overcame a 17-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat Cleveland.

Brunson scored 13 of his 34 points over the final 7:15 for the Knicks, who mounted their biggest comeback win of the season. Reserves Jordan Clarkson (25 points) and Tyler Kolek (16 points, nine assists) had big games while Karl-Anthony Towns (11 points, 14 rebounds) posted a double-double.

Donovan Mitchell scored 34 points for the Cavaliers, who blew a pair of double-digit leads and lost a game they led entering the fourth quarter for the first time this season. Darius Garland recorded a double-double with 20 points and 10 assists while Jaylon Tyson (16 points), Evan Mobley (14 points, nine rebounds in his return after a five-game absence) and De’Andre Hunter (13 points) all got into double figures off the bench.

Spurs 117, Thunder 102

De’Aaron Fox scored 29 points as San Antonio handed host Oklahoma City back-to-back losses for the first time this season.

The Spurs have won eight consecutive games — which does not include the NBA Cup final loss to the New York Knicks on Dec. 16 — to extend their longest winning streak since 2018-19. Three of the Thunder’s five defeats this season, including both of their last two, have come to San Antonio.

Victor Wembanyama, who came off the bench for the sixth consecutive game since missing nearly a month due to a calf injury, finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds in nearly 26 minutes for the Spurs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led Oklahoma City with 22 points but was just 7-for-19 from the field, including 1 of 6 from beyond the arc. Isaiah Hartenstein paired 13 points with 12 rebounds, and no other player scored more than 12 for the Thunder.

Warriors 126, Mavericks 116

Stephen Curry lost a personal scoring duel with Cooper Flagg in their first head-to-head matchup, but joined with Gary Payton II to stall a late rally as Golden State held off Dallas in San Francisco.

Curry led the Warriors with 23 points in Golden State’s 13th consecutive appearance in the NBA holiday showcase. After the Mavericks closed within 110-104 with 4:28 to play, Payton converted a Draymond Green pass into his momentum-swinging dunk and Curry bombed in a 26-footer on Golden State’s next possession to reopen a double-digit lead with 3:45 left.

Flagg went for a game-high 27 points and Brandon Williams added 26 for the Mavericks, who lost Anthony Davis for the game after he experienced right groin spasms in the fourth minute of the second quarter. He finished with three points, three rebounds and two blocks in 11 minutes.

Rockets 119, Lakers 96

Amen Thompson scored a game-high 26 points and Kevin Durant added 25 as visiting Houston never trailed Los Angeles to cap a 2-4 road trip on a good note.

Jabari Smith Jr. notched 16 points while Alperen Sengun contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds as the Rockets transformed a 10-point halftime lead into an 81-58 lead on Smith’s tip-in with 5:52 left in the third quarter.

Luka Doncic paced the Lakers with 25 points and seven assists while LeBron James posted 18 points in his 19th Christmas Day game. Austin Reaves scored 12 points in the first half, but did not play in the second half due to left calf soreness. The Lakers were outrebounded 48-25.

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | WNBA approves expansion into Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia  The Cleveland WNBA logo is seen during event celebrating the return of professional women’s basketball to Ohio, Sept. 16, 2025, at Rocket Arena, in Cleveland.   The WNBA announced formal approval for expansion teams in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia on Thursday.  The move certifies those three cities, previously announced, gained authorization to join the league on their own timelines.  Cleveland is set to begin play in 2028, with Detroit following in 2029 and then Philadelphia in 2030, bringing the total number of teams in the league up to 18.  Just 13 teams competed in the league in 2025.  Less than a week ago, the WNBA’s two previously added franchises, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, held their expansion draft.  “Great demand for WNBA franchises,” commissioner Cathy Engelbert said last June at a news conference announcing the growth. “There was huge demand. Really proud of what my team has done. Looking forward to future conversations as the league continues to grow.”   The latest announcement comes amid a flurry of activity within the league. In addition to the expansion draft, the free agency signing period is set to begin on Saturday, with the collegiate draft occurring on Monday.  The WNBA labor dispute only recently reached a positive conclusion after the league, in partnership with the Women’s National Basketball Player’s Association, officially announced on March 20 a seven-year collective bargaining agreement.  After being ratified, the deal will run through the 2032 season.  The revenue-sharing pact will increase the average salary to 3,000 this season and the maximum salary to .4 million, while providing over  billion in salaries and benefits over the contract.  “We love this game enough to push for what it can become, not just for ourselves, but for those who built this league and those who will carry it forward,” WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike said.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #WNBA #approves #expansion #Cleveland #Detroit #PhiladelphiaThe Cleveland WNBA logo is seen during event celebrating the return of professional women’s basketball to Ohio, Sept. 16, 2025, at Rocket Arena, in Cleveland.

The WNBA announced formal approval for expansion teams in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia on Thursday.

The move certifies those three cities, previously announced, gained authorization to join the league on their own timelines.

Cleveland is set to begin play in 2028, with Detroit following in 2029 and then Philadelphia in 2030, bringing the total number of teams in the league up to 18.

Just 13 teams competed in the league in 2025.

Less than a week ago, the WNBA’s two previously added franchises, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, held their expansion draft.


“Great demand for WNBA franchises,” commissioner Cathy Engelbert said last June at a news conference announcing the growth. “There was huge demand. Really proud of what my team has done. Looking forward to future conversations as the league continues to grow.”

The latest announcement comes amid a flurry of activity within the league. In addition to the expansion draft, the free agency signing period is set to begin on Saturday, with the collegiate draft occurring on Monday.

The WNBA labor dispute only recently reached a positive conclusion after the league, in partnership with the Women’s National Basketball Player’s Association, officially announced on March 20 a seven-year collective bargaining agreement.

After being ratified, the deal will run through the 2032 season.

The revenue-sharing pact will increase the average salary to $583,000 this season and the maximum salary to $1.4 million, while providing over $1 billion in salaries and benefits over the contract.

“We love this game enough to push for what it can become, not just for ourselves, but for those who built this league and those who will carry it forward,” WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike said.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #WNBA #approves #expansion #Cleveland #Detroit #Philadelphia">Deadspin | WNBA approves expansion into Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia  The Cleveland WNBA logo is seen during event celebrating the return of professional women’s basketball to Ohio, Sept. 16, 2025, at Rocket Arena, in Cleveland.   The WNBA announced formal approval for expansion teams in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia on Thursday.  The move certifies those three cities, previously announced, gained authorization to join the league on their own timelines.  Cleveland is set to begin play in 2028, with Detroit following in 2029 and then Philadelphia in 2030, bringing the total number of teams in the league up to 18.  Just 13 teams competed in the league in 2025.  Less than a week ago, the WNBA’s two previously added franchises, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, held their expansion draft.  “Great demand for WNBA franchises,” commissioner Cathy Engelbert said last June at a news conference announcing the growth. “There was huge demand. Really proud of what my team has done. Looking forward to future conversations as the league continues to grow.”   The latest announcement comes amid a flurry of activity within the league. In addition to the expansion draft, the free agency signing period is set to begin on Saturday, with the collegiate draft occurring on Monday.  The WNBA labor dispute only recently reached a positive conclusion after the league, in partnership with the Women’s National Basketball Player’s Association, officially announced on March 20 a seven-year collective bargaining agreement.  After being ratified, the deal will run through the 2032 season.  The revenue-sharing pact will increase the average salary to 3,000 this season and the maximum salary to .4 million, while providing over  billion in salaries and benefits over the contract.  “We love this game enough to push for what it can become, not just for ourselves, but for those who built this league and those who will carry it forward,” WNBPA president Nneka Ogwumike said.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #WNBA #approves #expansion #Cleveland #Detroit #Philadelphia

Deadspin | Tre Jones helps Bulls beat Wizards for second time in 3 days  Apr 9, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill (16) drives to the basket as Chicago Bulls forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) and Bulls guard Collin Sexton (2) defend in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images   Tre Jones scored 31 points, Collin Sexton had 27 and Leonard Miller recorded a career-high 26, fueling the visiting Chicago Bulls to a 119-108 victory over the Washington Wizards on Thursday.  Jones sank 9 of 14 shots from the floor and all 12 of his attempts from the free-throw line for the Bulls (31-49), who rode a strong finish to the third quarter en route to defeating the Wizards for the second time in three days. Chicago snapped a seven-game losing skid with a 129-98 victory over Washington on Tuesday.  Miller, who made 11 of 14 shots from the floor, added 11 rebounds to record his second double-double in three games.  The Bulls enjoyed a 68-50 edge in points in the paint and 26-18 advantage in fast-break points.  Washington rookie Will Riley collected 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, and Julian Reese recorded 16 points and 15 boards.  Leaky Black and Anthony Gill each scored 14 points for the undermanned Wizards (17-63), who dressed the league-minimum eight players on Thursday. The end result essentially was the same for Washington, which lost for the 24th time in 25 games.   Jamir Watkins drained a 3-pointer to pull Washington within one at 71-70 with 4:03 remaining in the third before Chicago ignited a 16-4 run to end the quarter. The Bulls made three straight layups to start the surge, and Jones capped it after converting at the rim following a behind-the-back pass from Rob Dillingham.  The Wizards trimmed their deficit to 10 points at 103-93 with 6:25 to play in the fourth quarter after Justin Champagnie drained a 3-pointer to cap a 7-0 run.  Sexton’s layup halted that surge, and the Bulls kept the Wizards at bay before Patrick Williams sank a 3-pointer to increase the lead to 117-98.  Prior to the game, Wizards coach Brian Keefe announced forward Alex Sarr is likely done for the season because of a toe injury,  Chicago’s Guerschon Yabusele sustained a sprained left shoulder in the third quarter and did not return to the game.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Tre #Jones #helps #Bulls #beat #Wizards #time #daysApr 9, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill (16) drives to the basket as Chicago Bulls forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) and Bulls guard Collin Sexton (2) defend in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Tre Jones scored 31 points, Collin Sexton had 27 and Leonard Miller recorded a career-high 26, fueling the visiting Chicago Bulls to a 119-108 victory over the Washington Wizards on Thursday.

Jones sank 9 of 14 shots from the floor and all 12 of his attempts from the free-throw line for the Bulls (31-49), who rode a strong finish to the third quarter en route to defeating the Wizards for the second time in three days. Chicago snapped a seven-game losing skid with a 129-98 victory over Washington on Tuesday.

Miller, who made 11 of 14 shots from the floor, added 11 rebounds to record his second double-double in three games.

The Bulls enjoyed a 68-50 edge in points in the paint and 26-18 advantage in fast-break points.

Washington rookie Will Riley collected 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, and Julian Reese recorded 16 points and 15 boards.


Leaky Black and Anthony Gill each scored 14 points for the undermanned Wizards (17-63), who dressed the league-minimum eight players on Thursday. The end result essentially was the same for Washington, which lost for the 24th time in 25 games.

Jamir Watkins drained a 3-pointer to pull Washington within one at 71-70 with 4:03 remaining in the third before Chicago ignited a 16-4 run to end the quarter. The Bulls made three straight layups to start the surge, and Jones capped it after converting at the rim following a behind-the-back pass from Rob Dillingham.

The Wizards trimmed their deficit to 10 points at 103-93 with 6:25 to play in the fourth quarter after Justin Champagnie drained a 3-pointer to cap a 7-0 run.

Sexton’s layup halted that surge, and the Bulls kept the Wizards at bay before Patrick Williams sank a 3-pointer to increase the lead to 117-98.

Prior to the game, Wizards coach Brian Keefe announced forward Alex Sarr is likely done for the season because of a toe injury,

Chicago’s Guerschon Yabusele sustained a sprained left shoulder in the third quarter and did not return to the game.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Tre #Jones #helps #Bulls #beat #Wizards #time #days">Deadspin | Tre Jones helps Bulls beat Wizards for second time in 3 days  Apr 9, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Anthony Gill (16) drives to the basket as Chicago Bulls forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) and Bulls guard Collin Sexton (2) defend in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images   Tre Jones scored 31 points, Collin Sexton had 27 and Leonard Miller recorded a career-high 26, fueling the visiting Chicago Bulls to a 119-108 victory over the Washington Wizards on Thursday.  Jones sank 9 of 14 shots from the floor and all 12 of his attempts from the free-throw line for the Bulls (31-49), who rode a strong finish to the third quarter en route to defeating the Wizards for the second time in three days. Chicago snapped a seven-game losing skid with a 129-98 victory over Washington on Tuesday.  Miller, who made 11 of 14 shots from the floor, added 11 rebounds to record his second double-double in three games.  The Bulls enjoyed a 68-50 edge in points in the paint and 26-18 advantage in fast-break points.  Washington rookie Will Riley collected 23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, and Julian Reese recorded 16 points and 15 boards.  Leaky Black and Anthony Gill each scored 14 points for the undermanned Wizards (17-63), who dressed the league-minimum eight players on Thursday. The end result essentially was the same for Washington, which lost for the 24th time in 25 games.   Jamir Watkins drained a 3-pointer to pull Washington within one at 71-70 with 4:03 remaining in the third before Chicago ignited a 16-4 run to end the quarter. The Bulls made three straight layups to start the surge, and Jones capped it after converting at the rim following a behind-the-back pass from Rob Dillingham.  The Wizards trimmed their deficit to 10 points at 103-93 with 6:25 to play in the fourth quarter after Justin Champagnie drained a 3-pointer to cap a 7-0 run.  Sexton’s layup halted that surge, and the Bulls kept the Wizards at bay before Patrick Williams sank a 3-pointer to increase the lead to 117-98.  Prior to the game, Wizards coach Brian Keefe announced forward Alex Sarr is likely done for the season because of a toe injury,  Chicago’s Guerschon Yabusele sustained a sprained left shoulder in the third quarter and did not return to the game.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Tre #Jones #helps #Bulls #beat #Wizards #time #days

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