Key Highlights
- Nikola Jokić’s absence puts Denver Nuggets in a tough spot.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Thunder to victory over Jazz in overtime.
- Lakers-Spurs game is part of a 12-game night on ESPN, with Luka Dončić and Victor Wembanyama as key matchups.
- Brooklyn Nets’ Paolo Banchero and Toronto Raptors’ Immanuel Quickley deliver buzzer-beaters to secure wins for their teams.
NBA’s 12-Game Night: Highlights from Key Matchups
The National Basketball Association (NBA) was alive with excitement on the night of January 7, 2026, as a total of 12 games were played across various teams. One of the most anticipated matchups was between the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs, featuring Luka Dončić and Victor Wembanyama. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets overcame their absence of star player Nikola Jokić to defeat the Boston Celtics in a thrilling contest.
Denver Nuggets vs. Boston Celtics: A Test Without Jokić
The Denver Nuggets were without their key center, Nikola Jokić, who was sidelined due to an injury. Despite this setback, Jamal Murray had an outstanding performance with 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 17 assists. His brilliance was complemented by Peyton Watson’s 30-point contribution for the Nuggets. The Celtics were led by Jaylen Brown with 33 points, but it wasn’t enough as Denver secured a narrow victory of 114-110.
Thunder vs. Jazz: Gilgeous-Alexander’s Dominant Night
In another gripping game, the Oklahoma City Thunder took on the Utah Jazz in overtime. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had an MVP-caliber performance with 46 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists. His incredible shooting accuracy and leadership were pivotal for the Thunder’s victory over the Jazz by a score of 129-125.
Lakers vs. Spurs: Key Players in Showdown
The Lakers faced the Spurs on a 9:30 ET game, part of ESPN’s doubleheader. Luka Dončić was one of the standout players for the Lakers, scoring 22 points along with 7 rebounds and 7 assists. The Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama, fought back strongly but ultimately couldn’t overcome their opponent’s bench contributions which included a former Olympic gold medalist.
Bench Bounces: Spurs’ Depth Shines Through
The San Antonio Spurs showcased the strength of their bench, racking up 24 points. This contribution was crucial in securing the win against the Lakers. The team’s ability to rely on its substitutes demonstrated the depth and quality of coaching and player development.
Buzzer-Beaters: Quickley and Banchero’s Clutch Moments
Elsewhere, Immanuel Quickley delivered a game-winning triple for the Toronto Raptors over the Charlotte Hornets. Similarly, Paolo Banchero’s buzzer-beating shot helped the Orlando Magic defeat the Brooklyn Nets. These moments underscored the importance of clutch performances in deciding games.
Conclusion
The NBA’s 12-game night was filled with thrilling performances and critical decisions that defined each match. From Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s dominant game to Luka Dončić and Victor Wembanyama’s impactful matchups, the evening highlighted the exciting dynamics of the league. As the season progresses, fans can look forward to more such riveting moments that will continue to shape the narrative of basketball in 2026.
