NBA Daily Rewind
Hosted by Big Dill
About This Episode
Generated sports podcast with host Big Dill based on prompt: NBA news from the past day. Cover any NBA games, highlights or news.
Transcript
Welcome to "NBA Daily Rewind"! I'm Dillon, your host from Big Dill Sports, where we dive into the latest and greatest happenings across the NBA. Today, we’re unpacking a thrilling Thursday slate filled with buzzer-beaters, record-breaking performances, and standout rookies. So, let's jump right into it!
Kicking things off in Indianapolis, the New York Knicks snatched a dramatic win over the Pacers, thanks to Jalen Brunson's clutch three-pointer with just 5.6 seconds on the clock. Brunson's all-around effort with 25 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists was stellar. Despite trailing by 16, the Knicks’ late-game rally secured their seventh straight victory. Indiana fought hard with Andrew Nembhard dropping 31, but it just wasn't enough.
Over in Charlotte, the Hornets spoiled Trae Young’s return, outgunning the Hawks 133-126. LaMelo Ball was on fire, scoring 28 and dishing out 13 assists while going lights out from downtown. Despite Jalen Johnson’s near triple-double for Atlanta, Charlotte's three-point barrage sealed the deal.
Down in Brooklyn, the Miami Heat finally thawed out their cold streak with a 106-95 victory against the Nets. Norman Powell's 24 points and rookie Kel’el Ware’s impressive double-double led the way. The Nets struggled with three-point shooting, while Miami's tight defense shined.
Milwaukee fans missed their stars as the Bucks fell to the Raptors 111-105. Toronto’s Brandon Ingram and Scottie Barnes stepped up, filling the stat sheet and helping their squad control the paint. The Bucks, missing Giannis and Kuzma, leaned on Bobby Portis, but it wasn’t enough.
In a game full of drama, the Pelicans overcame a massive 25-point deficit to defeat the Rockets in overtime, 133-128. Saddiq Bey and Trey Murphy III spearheaded the comeback, while Houston’s Kevin Durant was electric but couldn’t close it out in the end.
The Thunder continued their home dominance, crushing the Clippers 122-101. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was spectacular again, scoring 32 points and stretching his 20-point game streak to 98. The Clippers, playing without James Harden, couldn’t handle the Thunder’s relentless defensive pressure.
San Antonio bounced back in style after their NBA Cup final disappointment, cruising past the Wizards 119-94. Rookie Dylan Harper had a breakout performance while Victor Wembanyama made his presence felt despite limited minutes.
In Dallas, the Mavericks edged out the Pistons 116-114 in overtime. Rookie sensation Cooper Flagg and veteran Anthony Davis led the way, capitalizing on Detroit’s missed opportunities from deep. Cade Cunningham’s triple-double effort fell just shy of turning the tide.
A historic night unfolded in Denver as Nikola Jokić became the NBA’s all-time assists leader among centers, guiding the Nuggets to a 126-115 win over Orlando. Jokić posted a triple-double, while Jamal Murray’s strong second quarter was pivotal.
Luka Dončić dazzled in Salt Lake City with a 45-point triple-double, leading the Lakers past the Jazz. LeBron James added his veteran flair, helping LA outscore Utah in a high-octane fourth quarter.
Phoenix edged Golden State by a single point, thanks to a clutch free throw by Jordan Goodwin in the final second. Despite a tough outing from Stephen Curry, the Warriors couldn’t match the Suns’ resilience down the stretch.
Finally, the Trail Blazers narrowly survived the Kings in a thrilling overtime showdown. Deni Avdija was ice-cold from the line, sealing the win with crucial free throws. It was a night to remember with standout performances across the board.
Before we wrap up, it’s time for our “Big Dill” spotlight. Today, it's all about Nikola Jokić. Setting a new assists record for centers while leading his team to victory truly makes him a big deal in the league right now.
Thanks for tuning into "NBA Daily Rewind" on Big Dill Sports. I'm Dillon, and I'll catch you next time as we continue to unravel the excitement of the NBA season. Stay passionate, stay inspired, and keep loving the game!
### December 18, 2025 NBA Roundup
Thursday’s NBA slate featured 12 games, headlined by last-second heroics, historic milestones, and breakout performances across both conferences. Defending Eastern Conference champion New York came through in dramatic fashion, Denver’s Nikola Jokić rewrote the record books, and rookies from Portland to Dallas made significant impacts. Here’s a detailed look at each contest, key statistics, and notable news items from around the league.
#### Knicks 114, Pacers 113
In Indianapolis, Jalen Brunson drilled a go-ahead 3-pointer with 5.6 seconds left to lift the short-handed New York Knicks to a 114-113 comeback win over the Indiana Pacers ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/jalen-brunsons-winner-propels-knicks-past-pacers--flm-2025-12-19/?utm_source=openai)). Brunson finished with 25 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while Jordan Clarkson (18 points) and Tyler Kolek (16 points, 11 assists) supplied vital bench support. Despite a 16-point hole in the third quarter, New York rallied behind a 16-6 run to close the period and secured their seventh straight victory. Indiana was paced by Andrew Nembhard’s 31 points and Pascal Siakam’s 26, but couldn’t hold off New York’s late charge ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/jalen-brunsons-winner-propels-knicks-past-pacers--flm-2025-12-19/?utm_source=openai)).
#### Hornets 133, Hawks 126
Charlotte spoiled Trae Young’s long-awaited return from a 22-game absence, beating Atlanta 133-126 at Spectrum Center. LaMelo Ball erupted for 28 points and 13 assists, hitting 7-of-9 threes in the first half as the Hornets set an NBA half-high mark of 18 triples ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401810226?utm_source=openai)). Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller added 28 and 26 points, respectively, while Jalen Johnson flirted with a triple-double (43 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists) for the Hawks. Atlanta forced several late turnovers but couldn’t overcome Charlotte’s 24-of-49 three-point barrage ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401810226?utm_source=openai)).
#### Heat 106, Nets 95
The Miami Heat snapped a five-game losing streak by defeating the Brooklyn Nets 106-95 at Barclays Center. Norman Powell led the way with 24 points, and rookie Kel’el Ware posted a 22-point, 12-rebound, four-block double-double ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/norman-powell-heat-handle-nets-end-5-game-skid--flm-2025-12-19/?utm_source=openai)). Miami shot 46.1% overall and limited Brooklyn to just 22.4% from deep. Michael Porter Jr. tallied 28 points for the Nets, and Nic Claxton nearly posted a triple-double (16 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists), but inefficiency plagued Brooklyn’s offense ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/norman-powell-heat-handle-nets-end-5-game-skid--flm-2025-12-19/?utm_source=openai)).
#### Raptors 111, Bucks 105
In Milwaukee, Brandon Ingram’s 29 points and Scottie Barnes’ 24-point, 11-rebound double-double propelled the Toronto Raptors to a 111-105 victory over a shorthanded Bucks squad ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/brandon-ingram-scottie-barnes-lift-raptors-over-bucks--flm-2025-12-19/?utm_source=openai)). Toronto shot 50% from the field and dominated the paint (44-28), offsetting the absence of RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl. Milwaukee missed Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) and Kyle Kuzma (illness), though Bobby Portis still managed 24 points and 12 rebounds ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/brandon-ingram-scottie-barnes-lift-raptors-over-bucks--flm-2025-12-19/?utm_source=openai)).
#### Pelicans 133, Rockets 128 (OT)
New Orleans matched its franchise record for largest comeback by overturning a 25-point deficit to down the Houston Rockets 133-128 in overtime. Saddiq Bey led the rally with 29 points, and Trey Murphy III added 27 for the Pelicans ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/pelicans-match-franchises-biggest-comeback-down-rockets-ot--flm-2025-12-19/?utm_source=openai)). Derik Queen’s 16-point, 12-rebound performance included a clutch regulation-tying free throw with 9.4 seconds left. For Houston, Kevin Durant scored a game-high 32 points, while Alperen Şengün posted 28 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists, but couldn’t close out the comeback ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/pelicans-match-franchises-biggest-comeback-down-rockets-ot--flm-2025-12-19/?utm_source=openai)).
#### Thunder 122, Clippers 101
Oklahoma City improved to a perfect 13-0 at home by routing the Los Angeles Clippers 122-101. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander poured in 32 points, seven rebounds, and six assists before sitting out the fourth quarter, marking his 98th straight 20-point game ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/shai-gilgeous-alexander-puts-up-32-thunder-race-past-clippers--flm-2025-12-19/?utm_source=openai)). The Thunder forced a season-high 29 turnovers, converting them into 38 points. Kawhi Leonard (22 points) and John Collins (20) led the Clippers, who were without James Harden due to a calf contusion ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/shai-gilgeous-alexander-puts-up-32-thunder-race-past-clippers--flm-2025-12-19/?utm_source=openai)).
#### Spurs 119, Wizards 94
San Antonio bounced back from their NBA Cup final loss by cruising past Washington 119-94. Rookie Dylan Harper erupted for a career-high 24 points off the bench in just 23 minutes, and Victor Wembanyama added 15 points, eight rebounds, and four blocks under a minutes restriction ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/dylan-harper-has-career-game-spurs-blow-past-wizards--flm-2025-12-19/?utm_source=openai)). The Spurs led for all but 22 seconds of the contest, while Washington was paced by Alex Sarr’s 18 points. San Antonio has now won four straight and 11 of 14 overall ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/dylan-harper-has-career-game-spurs-blow-past-wizards--flm-2025-12-19/?utm_source=openai)).
#### Mavericks 116, Pistons 114 (OT)
Dallas prevailed 116-114 in overtime at home against the Eastern Conference-leading Detroit Pistons. Rookie Cooper Flagg tallied 23 points and 10 rebounds, and Anthony Davis contributed 15 points and 14 rebounds, including the alley-oop dunk that put Dallas up for good at 114-112 in OT ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/cooper-flagg-scores-23-mavericks-hang-edge-pistons-ot--flm-2025-12-19/?utm_source=openai)). Cade Cunningham flirted with a triple-double for Detroit (29 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists), but Detroit’s 6-for-33 three-point shooting and late free-throw misses proved costly ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/cooper-flagg-scores-23-mavericks-hang-edge-pistons-ot--flm-2025-12-19/?utm_source=openai)).
#### Nuggets 126, Magic 115
Nikola Jokić passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time assists leader among centers (5,667) as Denver defeated Orlando 126-115 ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/nikola-jokic-becomes-assist-king-among-centers-nuggets-top-magic--flm-2025-12-19/?utm_source=openai)). Jokić recorded a triple-double (23 points, 13 assists, 11 rebounds), and Jamal Murray poured in 32 points, including 20 in a game-turning second quarter. Paolo Banchero registered a 26-point, 16-rebound, 10-assist triple-double for Orlando, but the Magic couldn’t sustain their early lead ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/nikola-jokic-becomes-assist-king-among-centers-nuggets-top-magic--flm-2025-12-19/?utm_source=openai)).
#### Lakers 143, Jazz 135
In Salt Lake City, Luka Dončić notched his fifth triple-double of the season with 45 points, 14 assists, and 11 rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Lakers past the Utah Jazz 143-135 ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/luka-doncics-45-point-triple-double-carries-lakers-past-jazz--flm-2025-12-19/?utm_source=openai)). LeBron James chipped in 28 points and 10 assists, while Jaxson Hayes was a perfect 7-for-7 en route to 16 points. Despite shooting 65% in the first half, Utah fell short as the Lakers outscored the Jazz 41-29 in the fourth quarter ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/luka-doncics-45-point-triple-double-carries-lakers-past-jazz--flm-2025-12-19/?utm_source=openai)).
#### Suns 99, Warriors 98
Phoenix edged Golden State 99-98 on Jordan Goodwin’s free throw with 0.4 seconds remaining. Devin Booker scored 23 of his 25 points in the second half, and Dillon Brooks added 24 ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/id/401810233?utm_source=openai)). Golden State led by 14 in the third quarter but committed 20 turnovers that Phoenix converted into 30 points. Stephen Curry struggled (3-of-13 FG, 15 points), while Jimmy Butler led the Warriors with 31 points ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/id/401810233?utm_source=openai)).
#### Trail Blazers 134, Kings 133 (OT)
Portland survived a furious Sacramento rally to win 134-133 in overtime. Deni Avdija paced the Blazers with 35 points and sank two free throws with 1.5 seconds left to seal the victory ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/deni-avdija-comes-through-line-ot-blazers-nip-kings--flm-2025-12-19/?utm_source=openai)). DeMar DeRozan’s 33 points (22 came in the fourth quarter and OT) forced extra time, but Portland’s late execution and Jerami Grant’s overtime contributions secured back-to-back wins for the Trail Blazers ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/deni-avdija-comes-through-line-ot-blazers-nip-kings--flm-2025-12-19/?utm_source=openai)).
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League-wide news included De’Aaron Fox earning All-Tournament honors for his standout NBA Cup play (22.3 PPG, 7.7 APG) ([expressnews.com](https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/spurs-de-aaron-fox-lauded-stellar-nba-cup-play-21250541.php?utm_source=openai)), and key injury updates such as Lakers guard Gabe Vincent’s lower back tightness (out one week) and Suns guard Gabe Vincent’s return timeline ([silverscreenandroll.com](https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/lakers-injury-report/103073/lakers-injury-report-gabe-vincent-lower-back-tightness-status-return-update-austin-reaves?utm_source=openai)). With half the season in the books, Thursday’s outcomes have reshuffled playoff seeding, intensified MVP conversations, and underscored the impact of emerging young talent across the league.
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