NBA Recap 1/24/26: A Night for Legends, Thrillers, and Comebacks

Read Time:2 Minute, 50 Second

Saturday night in the NBA was defined by emotional tributes and massive fourth-quarter shifts. From a jersey retirement in Chicago to a high-stakes comeback in Dallas, the league delivered a memorable slate of games.

The Rose Garden: Bulls Stun Celtics on DRose Night

In the most emotional game of the season, the Chicago Bulls (23-22) retired Derrick Rose’s No. 1 jersey and then proceeded to honor him with a thrilling 114–111 upset over the Boston Celtics.

The Hero: Kevin Huerter cemented his place in Bulls lore by draining a game-winning three-pointer with just 0.2 seconds remaining.
Sharp Shooting: The Bulls were unconscious from deep, hitting 21-of-45 (46.7%) from beyond the arc. Coby White and Matas Buzelis set the tone early, while Patrick Williams exploded for key buckets in the fourth.
The Aftermath: The win moves Chicago back over .500 for the first time since November, while a “gassed” Celtics team—coming off a double-overtime game the night before—struggled to find their perimeter defense.

The King & The Luka: Lakers Erase Dallas Lead

In a heavyweight clash at the American Airlines Center, the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off a stunning 116–110 comeback win over the Dallas Mavericks.

The Turnaround: Trailing by 14 points (93–79) in the fourth quarter, the Lakers closed the game on an incredible 27–8 run over the final six minutes.
Rui the Spark: While LeBron James and Luka Dončić traded highlights, it was Rui Hachimura who acted as the catalyst, providing the energy and rebounding that sparked the LA surge.
Clutch Factor: The Lakers continue to be the NBA’s most dangerous late-game team, moving to 14–2 in clutch games this season.

Knicks hold off Sixers

In a high-stakes installment of Rivals Week, the New York Knicks survived a chaotic finish to defeat the Philadelphia 76ers 112–109 at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Saturday. Jalen Brunson led the charge with 31 points and six assists, while OG Anunoby provided a crucial 23-point performance, including a late-game steal that finally iced the win. Despite Joel Embiid’s dominant 38-point, 11-rebound double-double, the 76ers were undone by a cold third quarter where they were outscored 30–13.

The closing seconds were particularly wild: Philadelphia nearly erased a late deficit, but Tyrese Maxey (22 points) airballed a potential game-tying heave after a defensive miscommunication, and Embiid turned the ball over on the final possession as the Knicks narrowly avoided a fourth-quarter collapse.

Around the League

Cavaliers 119, Magic 105

Donovan Mitchell was a man possessed in Orlando, scoring 36 points (27 in the second half) to lead Cleveland to their fifth win in six games. Despite a 27-point effort from Paolo Banchero, the Magic couldn’t overcome a poor 27.5% shooting night from the three-point line.

Heat 147, Jazz 116

Miami put on an offensive clinic in Salt Lake City, dropping nearly 150 points in a blowout win. Every Heat starter scored in double figures as they dismantled a struggling Jazz defense.

Hornets 112, Wizards 108

LaMelo Ball hit the “big ones” down the stretch to secure back-to-back wins for Charlotte for the first time in two weeks. Washington clawed back to make it a one-possession game, but the Hornets’ defense held firm in the closing seconds.