NBA Recap 1/3/26: Jaylen Brown Nets 50, Curry's 3rd Quarter Sink Jazz

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Saturday night in the NBA was defined by historic individual performances and statement wins as the league officially crossed into the 2026 calendar year. From a 50-point masterpiece in Los Angeles to a divisional slugfest at Madison Square Garden, the hierarchy of both conferences is shifting rapidly.

Boston Celtics 146, L.A. Clippers 115

The Boston Celtics (22–12) put an exclamation point on their West Coast road trip, dismantling the Clippers behind a career-high-tying 50 points from Jaylen Brown. Brown was unstoppable, shooting 18-of-26 from the field and 6-of-10 from deep, effectively outplaying Kawhi Leonard (22 points) on both ends of the floor.

Derrick White added 29 points and 7 assists, while the Celtics shot a blistering 55% as a team.
The loss ended a six-game winning streak for Los Angeles, who struggled despite the return of Ivica Zubac from an ankle injury. James Harden finished with 18 points and 12 assists but was visibly frustrated by the fourth quarter as the Celtics’ lead ballooned to 31.

The Atlantic Clash: Sixers’ Youth Overwhelms Knicks

Philadelphia 76ers 130, New York Knicks 119

In a battle of two of the East’s best, the 76ers’ “new era” backcourt proved too much for the Knicks. Philadelphia was led by Tyrese Maxey and rookie sensation VJ Edgecombe, who exploited New York’s perimeter defense throughout the night.

Despite Jalen Brunson’s 31 points and Karl-Anthony Towns’ 23-point, 14-rebound double-double, New York (now 23–11) has lost three straight games for the first time this season.
The win cements the Sixers as a threat to the Knicks’ seeding, especially as they find ways to win while managing the minutes of Joel Embiid and Paul George.

The Return: Curry Ignites the Warriors

Golden State Warriors 123, Utah Jazz 114

After missing a game with an ankle sprain, Stephen Curry returned to Chase Center and reminded the league why the Warriors remain a threat. Curry exploded for 20 points in the third quarter alone, finishing with 31 points and six triples.

Jimmy Butler III contributed 15 points and 7 assists, providing the secondary playmaking Golden State desperately needed after their blowout loss to OKC on Friday.
Lauri Markkanen kept Utah in the game with a 35-point performance, but the Jazz (missing Jusuf Nurkic) couldn’t withstand the Warriors’ second-half surge.