NBA Recap 1/4/26: Phoenix Ends OKC Streak; MPJ Shines in Denver Return

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Sunday night in the NBA featured a heavy eight-game slate highlighted by superstars delivering in the clutch, a “revenge game” in Brooklyn, and the league-leading Thunder finally being tested in the desert.

The Headliner: Doncic and LeBron Rally the Lakers

L.A. Lakers 120, Memphis Grizzlies 114

In a primetime showdown at Crypto.com Arena, the Lakers (21–11) overcame an 11-point third-quarter deficit to take down the reeling Grizzlies. Luka Doncic was spectacular, finishing with 36 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists, including a pair of dagger three-pointers in the final two minutes. LeBron James added 26 points, seven rebounds, and 10 assists.

The “Former Team” Factor: Jake LaRavia torched his former squad, contributing a vital 26 points.
Grizzlies’ Woes: Memphis lost their fourth straight as they continued to play without Ja Morant (calf). Rookie Cedric Coward provided a spark with 16 first-half points but exited early with an ankle injury, leaving Jaren Jackson Jr. to carry the load late.

The Statement: Booker Stuns the Thunder

Phoenix Suns 108, Oklahoma City Thunder 105

The Oklahoma City Thunder (30–6) looked nearly invincible entering 2026, but the Phoenix Suns handed them a rare defeat in a playoff-intensity battle. Devin Booker proved his clutch credentials once again, scoring 24 points, including the game winner.

The Defense: Phoenix held the league’s #5 offense to just 105 points, effectively closing out on the Thunder’s shooters in the final minutes.
OKC’s Resilience: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 25 points, but was off most of the night, shooting 8-22 from the floor.

The Revenge: MPJ Topples the Nuggets

Brooklyn Nets 127, Denver Nuggets 115

In one of the most emotional games of the season, Michael Porter Jr. faced the team he helped lead to a 2023 title. Returning from a brief illness, MPJ scorched his former teammates for 27 points and 11 rebounds, proving to be the difference-maker for Brooklyn.

Denver’s Injury Crisis: The Nuggets got Aaron Gordon (20 points) and Christian Braun back in the lineup, but the absence of Nikola Jokic (knee) was glaring. Jamal Murray did his best to keep pace, recording a career-high 16 assists alongside 27 points, but Denver lacked the interior presence to stop Brooklyn’s second-half surge.

Around the Association

Giannis Dominates: In Sacramento, Giannis Antetokounmpo reminded the world he is still the focal point of the Bucks’ offense, dropping 37 points in a 115–98 win over the Kings.
Timberwolves Offensive Clinic: Minnesota (22–13) poured it on against Washington, winning 141–115. Anthony Edwards followed up his strong Saturday with 35 points in just three quarters, while Rudy Gobert anchored the middle with 18 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 blocks.
Heat Stay Hot: Despite losing Jaime Jaquez Jr. early to injury, Miami cruised to a 125–106 win over the Pelicans. Norman Powell led the way with 34 points, continuing his stellar mid-season form.
Cade’s Road Magic: The Detroit Pistons snapped a long-standing losing streak at Cleveland’s Rocket Arena with a 114–110 win. Cade Cunningham (27 pts) and Daniss Jenkins (25 pts) combined for 52, with Jenkins exploding for 21 in the second quarter alone.

Sunday Night Scoreboard

Away	Home	Score	Top Performer
Detroit	Cleveland	114–110	C. Cunningham (27 Pts)
Indiana	Orlando	127–135	D. Bane (31 Pts)
Denver	Brooklyn	115–127	M. Porter Jr. (27 Pts)
New Orleans	Miami	106–125	N. Powell (34 Pts)
Washington	Minnesota	115–141	A. Edwards (35 Pts)
Oklahoma City	Phoenix	105–108	D. Booker (24 Pts)
Milwaukee	Sacramento	115–98	G. Antetokounmpo (37 Pts)
Memphis	L.A. Lakers	114–120	L. Doncic (36 Pts)