The race for the postseason is heating up, and Monday night delivered a mix of massive upsets, historic streaks ending, and a somber injury that has the league holding its breath. From the Pistons shocking the Lakers to the Spurs continuing their tear through the West, here is everything you missed.
NBA Recap: last night’s top plays and final scores
The Lakers entered Detroit on a nine-game tear but left with their first loss since early March. Playing the fifth of a six-game road trip, L.A. struggled early, trailing by as many as 16 points.
While Deandre Ayton gave the Lakers a brief lead with 39.9 seconds left, Detroit’s Daniss Jenkins took over, scoring 6 of his career-high 30 points in the closing moments. A desperation three from Luka Doncic (32 points) fell short at the buzzer after a tipped inbound pass. Despite the loss, the Lakers remain 3rd in the West, while the Pistons solidified their spot as the East’s No. 1 seed.
Key Stat: LeBron James was held scoreless in the first half for only the third time in his legendary career.
Warriors win in Dallas, but lose Moses Moody to injury
Final Score: GS Warriors 137 – 131 Dallas Mavericks (OT)
What should have been a celebratory overtime road win for Golden State turned somber in the final minute. Moses Moody, who had been brilliant with 23 points, suffered a non-contact left knee injury after a steal and was carted off on a stretcher.
The Warriors, already playing without Steph Curry and Jimmy Butler, relied on Draymond Green and Moody’s defensive intensity to hold off rookie Cooper Flagg. Moody is scheduled for an MRI on Tuesday.
Buzelis outduels Durant in Bulls Upset
Final Score: Chicago Bulls 132 – 124 Houston Rockets
In a clash between a rising star and a legend, rookie Matas Buzelis showed ice-cold veins. While Kevin Durant exploded for 40 points—passing Michael Jordan for 5th on the all-time scoring list—Buzelis matched him late, scoring 10 of his 23 points in the fourth quarter to seal the win.
The Bulls used a massive 41-point first quarter and a dominant bench performance (53-9 edge over Houston) to overcome a furious Rockets comeback.
Wemby Dominates as Spurs Reach 6 Straight
Final Score: San Antonio Spurs 136 – 111 Miami Heat
Victor Wembanyama continues to make the “impossible” look routine. The French phenom put up 26 points, 15 rebounds, and 5 blocks to dismantle the Heat in Miami. The Spurs are now an NBA-best 22-2 since February 1st. San Antonio remains just three games behind OKC for the top seed in the West, while Miami slides further into the play-in quagmire.
