Tatum drops 33 as Celtics dominate Heat

The Boston Celtics extended their dominance over the Miami Heat with a commanding 103-85 victory Monday night, marking their fifth consecutive win over Miami.

Jayson Tatum led the charge with 33 points, while Kristaps Porzingis contributed 17 points in the win. Boston showcased its perimeter-heavy approach, attempting 53 three-pointers compared to just 32 two-pointers.

On the other side, Bam Adebayo was a bright spot for Miami, posting 22 points and 12 rebounds. The Heat were short-handed, missing Tyler Herro and Jaime Jaquez Jr. due to illness. Andrew Wiggins, acquired in the Jimmy Butler trade, debuted with 11 points, but Miami struggled offensively, shooting just 33.7 percent from the field.

Boston’s recent matchups against Miami have been one-sided, with the previous four victories coming by margins of 20 points or more. The Celtics played without Jaylen Brown (knee swelling) and Jrue Holiday (shoulder issue), but head coach Joe Mazzulla downplayed concerns, calling them "opportunities" instead of setbacks.

Meanwhile, Miami’s new acquisitions Wiggins, Davion Mitchell, and Kyle Anderson combined for a lackluster 5-for-25 shooting night, including 2-of-13 from three.

OKC Rolls Past Pelicans
The Oklahoma City Thunder cruised to a 137-101 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's 31 points. Aaron Wiggins stepped up with 24 points, while Trey Murphy III paced New Orleans with 23 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Cavaliers Hold Off Anthony Edwards' 44-Point Explosion
Anthony Edwards delivered a stunning 44-point performance, but it wasn’t enough as the Minnesota Timberwolves fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers 107-128.

Cleveland took control early, with Evan Mobley (28 points) and Donovan Mitchell (23 points) leading the way. The Cavaliers are now 21-3 when Mobley scores at least 20 points.

Hawks Edge Magic Behind Trae Young’s Clutch Fourth Quarter
Trae Young scored 11 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Atlanta Hawks secure a 112-106 win over the Orlando Magic.

Despite struggling from the field (6-for-17, nine turnovers), Young contributed eight assists and five rebounds on the same night he was named an All-Star injury replacement for Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Franz Wagner (35 points) and Paolo Banchero (31 points, career-high 20 in the third quarter) led Orlando’s offense.

Wembanyama Dominates in Spurs Win Over Wizards
Victor Wembanyama continued to showcase his superstar potential, tallying 31 points and 15 rebounds as the San Antonio Spurs outlasted the Washington Wizards 131-121.

The rookie sensation hit his first four three-pointers within the opening eight minutes and controlled the game throughout. De'Aaron Fox (30 points) and Chris Paul (10 assists) also played key roles for the Spurs.

Nets Beat Hornets as LaMelo Ball Exits With Injury
The Brooklyn Nets capitalized on LaMelo Ball’s early exit to take down the Charlotte Hornets 97-89.

Nic Claxton led Brooklyn with 16 points, while Cam Johnson and Day'Ron Sharpe chipped in 14 each.

Charlotte’s Moussa Diabate had a breakout night with 21 points and 10 rebounds but left with an eye injury. Ball, returning from an ankle injury, played just 10 minutes before being ruled out at halftime.

Lillard vs. Curry Duel Ends in Warriors Win
In a high-profile showdown, Damian Lillard and Steph Curry both dropped 38 points, but the Golden State Warriors prevailed 125-111 over the Milwaukee Bucks, who were without Giannis Antetokounmpo.

New addition Jimmy Butler made an impact for Golden State, scoring 20 points in the win.

DeRozan Lifts Kings Over Mavericks in OT Thriller
DeMar DeRozan delivered a 38-point performance, including a clutch game-winner, as the Sacramento Kings edged the Dallas Mavericks 129-128 in overtime.

With the game tied at 116, Kyrie Irving hit a layup to put Dallas ahead. However, DeRozan answered with a fadeaway jumper to send the game to overtime.

In the extra period, Klay Thompson briefly gave Dallas the lead with a go-ahead three-pointer (128-127, 10 seconds left), but DeRozan had the final say, burying a three-pointer to seal the victory.