NBA · Game Review

NBA game reviews – 2026-01-21

High-Scoring Night in the NBA: Full Slate Game Review

It was a massive night of NBA action, packed with points, big stat lines and a few wild momentum swings. From tight finishes in Philadelphia and Minneapolis to offensive explosions in Chicago and Toronto, punters and fans had plenty to sink their teeth into. Below is a full game-by-game review, breaking down scores and standout performances using the numbers from the box scores.

Whether you’re looking back to see how your bets shaped up or scouting form for the next slate, these recaps will give you a clean, stats-backed snapshot of each matchup — perfect context for anyone using an odds comparison tool to find value.

Phoenix Suns vs Philadelphia 76ers

Phoenix edged out Philadelphia 116–110 in a tight, seesaw affair where the Suns won both halves by the slimmest of margins. The Suns led 57–53 at the break and 59–57 in the second half, with the game really cracking open in a high-octane third quarter.

The Sixers started well, taking the first quarter 30–27 before Phoenix responded 30–23 in the second. The third term proved pivotal: the Suns dropped 40 points to the Sixers’ 31, creating just enough buffer to survive a late push, as Philly took the fourth 26–19.

Key Suns performances

Devin Booker was the standout for Phoenix across multiple categories. He finished with:

  • 27 points
  • 3 rebounds
  • 4 assists
  • 34 PRA (points + rebounds + assists)
  • 2 made threes

Booker also had 7 combined turnovers, steals and blocks (6 turnovers and 1 steal, plus 0 blocks), underlining how involved he was in everything — good and bad. Despite the turnovers, his scoring punch and playmaking were central to the Suns’ win.

Phoenix got strong balance behind him:

  • Grayson Allen: 16 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 threes, 27 PRA
  • Jordan Goodwin: 16 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 threes, 23 PRA
  • Collin Gillespie: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 threes, 20 PRA
  • Oso Ighodaro: 12 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 20 PRA
  • Dillon Brooks: 6 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 12 PRA

It was a genuine “strength in numbers” performance: eight different Suns reached double figures in PRA, with Devin Booker (34 PRA) and Grayson Allen (27 PRA) leading the way.

Sixers’ effort falls just short

Offensively, Philadelphia matched Phoenix punch for punch for long stretches. VJ Edgecombe was massive:

  • 25 points
  • 7 rebounds
  • 1 assist
  • 32 PR and 33 PRA
  • 2 made threes

Tyrese Maxey added a well-rounded line of 20 points, 2 rebounds and 7 assists for 29 PRA, while Kelly Oubre Jr. chipped in 21 points, 4 boards and 1 assist (26 PRA) and hit 5 threes. Inside, Andre Drummond posted 8 points and a dominant 15 rebounds (23 PR, 24 PRA).

Turnovers hurt the Sixers at key points: VJ Edgecombe and Adem Bona had 4 each, and Quentin Grimes coughed it up 3 times. Philly’s defensive activity was decent — Maxey had 3 steals and 1 block (4 stocks), Grimes and Edgecombe added 3 steals each — but the Suns’ third-quarter burst was ultimately the difference.

San Antonio Spurs vs Houston Rockets

Houston pulled off a 111–106 home win over San Antonio, storming back from a 10-point halftime deficit. The Spurs came out firing, winning the first quarter 39–28 and taking a 70–60 lead into the rooms. From there, the Rockets tightened the screws, taking the second half 51–36, including a dominant 29–14 fourth quarter to seal it.

Rockets ride Sengun and Amen home

Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson were enormous for Houston:

  • Alperen Sengun: 20 points, 13 rebounds, 9 assists (near triple-double), 2 blocks, 42 PRA, 33 PR
  • Amen Thompson: 16 points, 10 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 blocks, 32 PRA, 26 PR

Sengun’s 29 points+assists and Thompson’s 22 PA underline how heavily the offense ran through their hands. Kevin Durant (now in Houston in this data set) added 18 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists (29 PRA), while rookie guard Reed Sheppard was impressive with 21 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists (27 PRA, 4 made threes).

Clint Capela contributed a solid 6 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assists, and Jabari Smith added 17 points and 4 rebounds (21 PR). Tari Eason chipped in 6 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist (12 PR, 13 RA), giving the Rockets enough depth around their stars to overrun the Spurs late.

Balanced but fading Spurs

San Antonio spread the load well but couldn’t maintain their electric start. Julian Champagnie led the way with 27 points, 8 rebounds and 2 assists for a huge 37 PRA (35 PR). Victor Wembanyama posted 14 points, 10 rebounds and 2 assists (26 PRA, 24 PR), and Stephon Castle had 13 points, 7 boards and 8 assists (28 PRA, 20 PR, 15 RA).

De’Aaron Fox produced 14 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists (22 PRA), with Dylan Harper (8 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 16 PRA) and Luke Kornet (8 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 15 PRA) rounding out a deep rotation.

Defensively, Wembanyama was quieter than usual in the stocks column (0 steals, 0 blocks), while Jaden McDaniels-style activity came from Julian Champagnie and Keldon Johnson, each with multiple steals. Still, the Spurs’ offense stalled badly in the fourth (14 points), and that cost them.

Los Angeles Clippers vs Chicago Bulls

The Bulls ran riot at home, dismantling the Clippers 138–110 in one of the night’s highest-scoring outings. Chicago flipped an early 30–25 deficit after the first quarter into a commanding 70–49 halftime lead by exploding for 45 points in the second term. They then comfortably controlled the second half 68–61.

Bulls light it up from everywhere

Chicago’s scoring depth was the story here, with several players posting big PRA lines:

  • Coby White: 27 points, 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 6 threes, 35 PRA
  • Tres Jones (Tre Jones): 15 points, 8 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 three, 33 PRA
  • Nikola Vučević: 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 31 PRA, 27 PR
  • Matas Buzelis: 21 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 threes, 27 PRA
  • Kevin Huerter: 14 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, 4 threes, 25 PRA
  • Ayo Dosunmu: 18 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 threes, 25 PRA
  • Jalen Smith: 10 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 20 PRA

The Bulls were hot from deep: Coby White hit 6 threes, Buzelis 4, Huerter 4, Dosunmu 4 and Jalen Smith 2. Multiple players also added defensive impact — Vučević had 2 blocks and 1 steal, Huerter 2 blocks and 1 steal, and Jalen Smith 2 blocks and 1 steal — emphasising how complete the performance was.

Clippers outgunned despite Harden’s effort

The Clippers put up 110 but were a step behind all night after the second-quarter onslaught. James Harden was their main bright spot:

  • 24 points
  • 5 rebounds
  • 6 assists
  • 3 made threes
  • 35 PRA (29 PR)

John Collins was productive with 23 points, 0 rebounds, 1 assist (24 PRA, 23 PR, 5 threes), and Ivica Zubac provided an interior presence: 12 points, 11 rebounds, 1 assist (24 PRA, 23 PR). Sandro Mamukelashvili-style numbers came from Kris Dunn (4 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 15 PRA).

Brook Lopez had a rough night offensively (0 points, 1 rebound, 0 assists, 1 PRA), though he did register 3 blocks. Turnovers were a problem for the Clippers’ ball-handlers: Harden had 6, Cam Christie 2, Jordan Miller 3 and Lopez 3. Against a Bulls team humming offensively, that was always going to be too much to overcome.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Utah Jazz

In one of the most entertaining games of the slate, Utah outlasted Minnesota 127–122 at home. The scoring swung back and forth: the Wolves led 34–29 after one, Utah nudged ahead 59–58 at halftime, Minnesota then surged with a 38–25 third quarter, and finally Utah roared home with a 43–26 fourth to snag the win. Overall, Utah eked out both halves 59–58 and 68–64.

Keyonte George and Nurkić drive Utah’s offence

Keyonte George delivered one of the performances of the night:

  • 43 points
  • 0 rebounds
  • 3 assists
  • 6 made threes
  • 46 PRA and 43 PR

He was simply unstoppable as a scorer, especially from beyond the arc. Jusuf Nurkić was equally impressive as a do-it-all big:

  • 16 points
  • 18 rebounds
  • 10 assists
  • 1 steal, 1 block
  • 44 PRA, 34 PR, 28 RA

Isaiah Collier (18 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists, 32 PRA) and Ace Bailey (20 points, 5 boards, 1 assist, 26 PRA) rounded out a devastating offensive quartet. Kyle Filipowski added 11 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists (23 PRA), while Cody Williams and Svi Mykhailiuk chipped in with efficient support scoring.

Anthony Edwards shines in a losing effort

Anthony Edwards put up huge numbers for Minnesota:

  • 38 points
  • 8 rebounds
  • 3 assists
  • 5 made threes
  • 49 PRA and 46 PR

He got solid help from Jaden McDaniels (18 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 30 PRA), Julius Randle (19 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 24 PRA) and Donte DiVincenzo (15 points, 5 rebounds, 8 assists, 28 PRA).

Naz Reid provided energy off the bench: 13 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists (26 PRA). Rudy Gobert added 11 points, 10 rebounds, 0 assists (21 PRA, 21 PR) plus 4 blocks and 2 steals, good for 6 steals+blocks and 6 total defensive stocks.

Ultimately, though, the Wolves’ 26-point fourth quarter wasn’t enough to counter Utah’s 43, and the Jazz’s playmaking — particularly from Collier and Nurkić — proved the difference.

Miami Heat vs Sacramento Kings

Miami went into Sacramento and left with a 130–117 win in a free-flowing contest. The Heat jumped out early, taking the first quarter 32–25 and the half 77–64. Both teams scored 53 in the second half, but the early advantage from Miami’s 45-point second quarter was too much for the Kings to claw back.

Heat’s balanced attack led by Adebayo and Quick scorers

Bam Adebayo was outstanding once again:

  • 25 points
  • 7 rebounds
  • 5 assists
  • 4 threes
  • 37 PRA and 32 PR

He had plenty of support. The Heat’s perimeter group stuffed the stat sheet:

  • Norman Powell: 22 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 threes, 27 PRA
  • Pelle Larsson: 16 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, 31 PRA
  • Jaime Jaquez Jr.: 13 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 25 PRA
  • Brandon Ingram: 15 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 22 PRA (26 PR, 4 threes)

Sandro Mamukelashvili-type numbers came from Sandro Mamukelashvili himself in another game, but here for Miami it was the collective — multiple players in the mid-teens for PRA and several in double figures for RA as well.

Kings’ stars produce but defence goes missing

Sacramento put up 117 with a fairly even spread of contributors. DeMar DeRozan led the way:

  • 23 points
  • 4 rebounds
  • 5 assists
  • 1 made three
  • 32 PRA and 27 PR

Russell Westbrook had one of his best all-around lines of the season in this dataset: 22 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 31 PRA and 24 PR. Zach LaVine chipped in 18 points, 1 rebound, 5 assists, 3 threes (24 PRA), and Malik Monk added 18 points, 2 boards, 2 assists and 4 made threes (22 PRA).

The frontcourt tandem of Domantas Sabonis and Dylan Cardwell combined for:

  • Sabonis: 6 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 9 PA, 16 PR
  • Cardwell: 4 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, 17 PRA, 16 PR

Sacramento’s defence struggled to contain Miami’s shooting — the Heat spread threes right across the lineup and consistently found good looks. Even with strong RA lines from DeRozan (9), Westbrook (9) and Cardwell (13), they couldn’t slow the visitors down.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Denver Nuggets

The “Lakers” in this data set, featuring Luka Dončić alongside LeBron James, fell 115–107 on the road to a Jamal Murray-led Denver outfit. LA raced out to a 37–28 first-quarter lead and were up 71–57 at halftime, but the Nuggets flipped the script after the break, dominating the second half 58–36, including back-to-back 29-point quarters in the third and fourth.

Dončić and LeBron stuff the stat sheet

Luka Dončić was immense:

  • 38 points
  • 13 rebounds
  • 10 assists
  • 3 made threes
  • 61 PRA and 51 PR, 23 RA

He also totalled 5 in turnovers + steals + blocks (3 turnovers, 2 steals). LeBron James delivered a trademark all-around game: 19 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 three, 36 PRA and 28 PR. Marcus Smart (15 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 threes, 18 PRA) and Jaxson Hayes (9 points, 5 rebounds, 0 assists, 14 PRA; 2 blocks) chipped in, while Deandre Ayton added 4 points, 8 rebounds and 0 assists (12 PR).

Murray takes over late for Denver

Jamal Murray was the star for Denver, especially after halftime:

  • 28 points
  • 2 rebounds
  • 11 assists
  • 4 made threes
  • 41 PRA and 30 PR

He got plenty of help. Peyton Watson filled up the box score with 18 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals and 1 block (26 PRA, 23 PR, 8 RA), while Aaron Gordon posted 18 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists (27 PRA). Spencer Jones (16 points, 5 rebounds, 0 assists, 21 PR and PRA) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (10 points, 2 boards, 2 assists, 14 PRA) gave the Nuggets reliable wing production.

Denver’s defensive activity was crucial in turning the game. Watson alone had 3 steals and 1 block, Tim Hardaway Jr. added 1 steal and 3 blocks, and Zeke Nnaji chipped in 2 blocks. Peyton Watson finished with 7 total in turnovers + steals + blocks, reflecting his two-way influence.

After trailing by 14 at the half, Denver’s 29–17 third quarter and 29–19 fourth showed their ability to lock in defensively while Murray orchestrated the offense at a very high level.

Toronto Raptors vs Golden State Warriors

Toronto produced the highest score of the night, dropping 145 points on the road against Golden State in a 145–127 shootout. The Raptors roared out to a 41–28 first-quarter lead and went into halftime up 70–50. The Warriors responded with a 44-point third quarter, but Toronto still held serve, and the Raptors closed it out with a 37–33 final term. Golden State actually won the second half 77–75, but the early 20-point hole proved decisive.

Quickley and Barnes headline a monster Raptors box score

Immanuel Quickley exploded offensively:

  • 40 points
  • 2 rebounds
  • 10 assists
  • 7 made threes
  • 52 PRA and 42 PR

Scottie Barnes delivered the quintessential all-round performance:

  • 26 points
  • 7 rebounds
  • 11 assists
  • 44 PRA and 33 PR

Brandon Ingram complemented them nicely with 22 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists (31 PRA, 26 PR, 4 threes). Jamal Shead added 10 points, 1 rebound and 8 assists (19 PRA), and big man Sandro Mamukelashvili turned heads with 14 points, 12 boards and 4 assists (30 PRA, 26 PR, 16 RA).

Gradey Dick (10 points, 3 boards, 0 assists, 2 threes, 13 PRA), Jamison Battle (9 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 14 PRA) and A.J. Lawson (6 points, 1 rebound, 0 assists, 7 PRA) rounded out a deep scoring rotation that simply overwhelmed Golden State’s defence.

Warriors get scoring from everyone, but concede too much

Golden State actually had a very solid offensive night with 127 points and a number of strong individual lines:

  • Buddy Hield: 25 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 6 threes, 28 PRA
  • Jonathan Kuminga: 20 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 three, 27 PRA
  • Stephen Curry: 16 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 threes, 22 PRA
  • Brandin Podziemski: 11 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 three, 16 PRA
  • Draymond Green: 6 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 17 PRA (12 PR, 11 RA)
  • Moses Moody: 10 points, 5 rebounds, 0 assists, 15 PRA
  • Quinten Post: 12 points, 7 rebounds, 0 assists, 19 PRA and PR

De’Anthony Melton (6 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 14 PRA) and Pat Spencer (9 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 16 PRA) gave good guard support, while Gary Payton II had an efficient 9 points on 2 made threes.

However, Golden State couldn’t slow Toronto at any point, giving up at least 29 points in every quarter and 70 in the first half. Even with Sandro Mamukelashvili’s 3 steals and 1 block and Scottie Barnes’ 18 RA and 7 rebounds, the Raptors simply had too many weapons and too much playmaking.

Conclusion: What This Slate Tells Us & Why Odds Comparison Matters

Across the board, this slate was dominated by high scoring and elite individual performances. We saw:

  • Multiple 130+ and 140+ point team totals (Miami, Toronto, Chicago).
  • Massive PRA lines from stars like Luka Dončić (61 PRA), Anthony Edwards (49 PRA), Immanuel Quickley (52 PRA), Scottie Barnes (44 PRA) and Devin Booker (34 PRA).
  • Elite all-round games from bigs like Alperen Sengun, Jusuf Nurkić, Bam Adebayo and Rudy Gobert.
  • Wild momentum swings: Denver rallying from 14 down at half, Utah overturning a big third-quarter deficit, and Houston reeling in San Antonio with a 29–14 final term.

From a betting perspective, nights like this are a reminder that context matters: some teams are playing at frenetic pace, others are leaning heavily on particular stars for scoring, rebounding or playmaking. These tendencies can create real edges in lines on totals, player PRA, or threes made — if you have the right information and the best available price.

That’s where an effective odds comparison tool comes in. By lining up markets across multiple bookmakers, you can:

  • Find the best number for high-usage stars in PRA, points or threes props.
  • Spot overs or unders on team totals when the pace and scoring trends are heading one way.
  • Identify mispriced players who are quietly piling up rebounds and assists, not just points.

Before you place your next bet, make sure you’re not leaving value on the table. Use our odds comparison tool to check prices across the market, line up these kinds of stats-backed insights with the best available odds, and put yourself in a stronger position on every NBA slate.