NBA Recap 2/7/26: Record-Breaking Triple-Doubles and Star Debuts

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Saturday night in the NBA delivered one of the most statistically significant nights of the season. From historic milestones in Chicago to blockbuster debuts in Sacramento, the league-wide action provided a perfect preamble to next week’s All-Star festivities.

Jokić Passes the “Big O”

Nikola Jokić made history at the United Center as the Denver Nuggets snapped a three-game skid with a 136–120 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

The Milestone: Jokić recorded his 182nd career triple-double (22 pts, 17 ast, 14 reb), officially surpassing Oscar Robertson for second all-time on the NBA’s regular-season triple-double list.
The Run: Denver trailed 104–97 late in the third, but a vintage Jokić-led 20–2 surge to open the fourth quarter silenced the “new-look” Bulls.
Bulls Debut: Chicago’s newly acquired Anfernee Simons and Nick Richards each chipped in 15 points, but the Bulls’ defense dissolved late, allowing Denver to shoot 67% in the final frame.

The “Beard” Arrives in Cleveland

James Harden made his highly anticipated debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the early returns suggest the Eastern Conference has a new problem.

The Result: Cleveland defeated the Sacramento Kings 132–126.
Harden’s Line: In his first game since the blockbuster trade from the Clippers, Harden put up 23 points and 8 assists, shooting 5-of-8 from deep.
Mitchell Takes Over: Donovan Mitchell carried the heavy lifting with 35 points, including 29 in a dominant second half that doomed the Kings to their 12th consecutive loss.

Stephon Castle’s Monster Night

The San Antonio Spurs continued their mid-season surge with a 138–125 win over the Dallas Mavericks, fueled by a historic performance from rookie sensation Stephon Castle.

Triple-Double Terror: Castle erupted for a career-high 40-point triple-double (adding 12 rebounds and 12 assists). He becomes one of the youngest players in NBA history to record a 40-point triple-double.
Supporting Cast: Victor Wembanyama added 16 points and 11 rebounds, while De’Aaron Fox notched 15 points in his return to form.
Mavs Struggle: Without a fully healthy supporting cast, Dallas fell despite 19 points from Klay Thompson.

Injury & Absence Report

Lakers 105, Warriors 99: The Lakers secured a signature win without Luka Dončić (hamstring), led by LeBron James (20 pts, 10 ast). The Warriors were equally shorthanded, playing without Stephen Curry (knee).
76ers 109, Suns 103: Joel Embiid dominated the desert with 33 points, holding off a returning Devin Booker (21 pts) to win their sixth in seven games.
Rockets 112, Thunder 106: Tari Eason (26 pts) and Alperen Sengun (17/12/11 triple-double) took down an OKC team still missing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.