Luka-LeBron Era Hits High Gear as Grizzlies Stun Spurs at the Buzzer

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Tuesday night in the NBA was a masterclass in both superstar synergy and heart-stopping drama. From a generational display of chemistry by the Lakers’ new-look duo in New Orleans to a frantic buzzer-beater in Memphis, the slate proved that the league’s power balance is shifting in real-time. Whether it was seasoned legends defying age or rookie sensations like Cooper Flagg making their mark in crunch time, last night’s action offered a perfect microcosm of a season that refuses to follow a script.

1. The Power Shift: LeBron and Luka Stifle the Pelicans

Final: Los Angeles Lakers 111, New Orleans Pelicans 103

In a game that felt like a glimpse into the future of Western Conference dominance, the duo of LeBron James and Luka Dončić proved why the Lakers’ offseason gamble is paying off. Both stars finished with identical 30-point performances, but it was the fourth quarter where their chemistry would shine.

Dončić orchestrated a decisive 18–4 run to start the final period, hitting two “bail-out” three-pointers as the shot clock expired, while James added a breakaway dunk that silenced the Smoothie King Center. Despite a career-high 42 points from New Orleans’ Trey Murphy III, the Pelicans (8–30) were unable to overcome the Lakers’ length and playmaking, falling to their eighth consecutive loss.

Key Stat: DeAndre Ayton anchored the middle for LA with 18 points and 11 rebounds, outdueling Zion Williamson (15 points) in the paint.
Lakers Streak: Los Angeles has now won four of their last five as they climb the Western standings.

2. The Heart-Stopper: Grizzlies Edge Spurs on the Buzzer

Final: Memphis Grizzlies 106, San Antonio Spurs 105

FedExForum was the site of the night’s most dramatic finish. After a back-and-forth fourth quarter, San Antonio’s Julian Champagnie (23 points, 4 steals) seemed to have sealed it for the Spurs. However, Grizzlies guard Cam Spencer cemented his place in Memphis lore, driving through traffic to nail a contested floater as time expired.

Spencer was everywhere for Memphis, finishing with a near triple-double of 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. The Spurs were hampered by a rare off-night from De’Aaron Fox, who shot just 4-for-18 from the floor.

3. The Blowout: Timberwolves Maul the Heat

Final: Minnesota Timberwolves 122, Miami Heat 94

Minnesota continued their hot start to the new year, dismantling a struggling Heat squad. Anthony Edwards was the engine, providing a well-rounded 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks in just 29 minutes of play. The Wolves’ defense held Miami to a dismal 36% shooting from the field.

Twin Towers 2.0: Julius Randle (15 pts, 11 reb) and Rudy Gobert (13 pts, 16 reb) dominated the glass, out-rebounding Miami 58 to 39.
Miami’s Slide: The Heat have now dropped three in a row as they struggle to find consistent scoring outside of Jimmy Butler.

Around the Association: January 6, 2026

Game	Result	Top Performer
CLE @ IND	Cavaliers 120, Pacers 116	Darius Garland: 29 pts, 6 ast
ORL @ WAS	Wizards 120, Magic 112	Alex Sarr: 23 pts, 7 reb, 4 blk
DAL @ SAC	Mavericks 100, Kings 98	Cooper Flagg: 20 pts, 8 reb, 6 ast
LAL @ NOP	Lakers 111, Pelicans 103	LeBron James: 30 pts, 8 reb, 8 ast

Takeaway of the Night: The Cooper Flagg Factor

In Sacramento, the “New Look” Dallas Mavericks—now led by rookie sensation Cooper Flagg and veteran Anthony Davis—showed remarkable poise in a 100–98 win. Flagg’s 20-point performance included a crucial block on Zach LaVine in the closing seconds. With Luka Dončić now in LA and Anthony Davis thriving in Dallas, the Mavericks are successfully transitioning into a new, defensive-minded era.