Top Stories

• Knicks on a hot streak

• Russ drops a perfect triple double alongside Jokic

• Warriors are struggling bad

• NBA All Star 2025 voting is now live!

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Games of the day

Last Night’s Top Games! (link to the box scores of every game from yesterday)

Josh Hart had 23 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists for his third triple-double of the season, Karl-Anthony Towns had 32 points and 13 rebounds, and the New York Knicks beat the Washington Wizards 126-106 for their eighth straight victory. It was the second game in three nights between the teams. On Saturday night, the Knicks (23-10) outlasted the Wizards 136-132 in overtime behind 55 points from Jalen Brunson. Jonas Valanciunas equaled his season high with 22 points for Washington (5-25). Alex Sarr and Malcolm Brogdon each had 18. There was a scary moment with 3:07 to play in the third quarter when Washington rookie guard Bub Carrington fell backward while guarding a player and hit a Knicks player’s knee and then the back of his head on the court. Carrington left in a wheelchair, covering his face and did not return with a post-traumatic headache. The Wizards played their second straight game without leading scorer Jordan Poole, who’s out with a bruised left hip.

Russell Westbrook became the second player in NBA history to have a triple-double with zero turnovers and shoot 100% from the field and the free-throw line in the Denver Nuggets' 132-121 win over the Utah Jazz. Westbrook finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. He shot 7 for 7 from the field and 2 for 2 from the free-throw line to join Domantas Sabonis in the history books. Nikola Jokic also had a triple-double with 36 points, 22 rebounds and 11 assists, and Jamal Murray had 10 assists to go along with 20 points. Jordan Clarkson scored 24, and Collin Sexton had 22 for the Jazz. Utah led 66-64 at the break, but Denver outscored the Jazz 34-23 in the third to build some separation.

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League News

Around the League

• After going 12-3 to start the season, Golden State is in a freefall after losing four of its last five games and 13 of 17. Moses Moody led the Warriors last night with 19 points. Jonathan Kuminga had 18 points with 10 rebounds, and Trayce Jackson-Davis had 16 points and a game-high 16 rebounds. Dennis Schroder had 12 points, and Stephen Curry and Andrew Wiggins each added 11 for the Warriors. Curry was just 4-14 from the field, while Draymond Green went 1-10. The Warriors shot 33.3% from the field and were 9 for 38 (23.7%) from beyond the arc.

• Injury Updates: Kawhi Leonard (knee) is out indefinitely, but is targeting January 4th as a return date. James Wiseman tore his achilles and will be out indefinitely. Taylor Hendricks (leg and ankle) suffered a fractured fibia and dislocated ankle and will be out for the season. Paolo Banchero (oblique) has a tear and will be out indefinitely, and re-evaluated in 3-4 weeks. Isaiah Jackson (achilles) will be out for the season. Zion Williamson (hamstring) will be out multiple weeks. Chet Holmgren (hip) suffered a fracture and will be out 6-8 weeks. DeAnthony Melton (ACL) underwent surgery and will be out for the season. Grant Williams (ACL) suffered a tear and will be out for the season. Franz Wagner (oblique) has a tear and will be out at least 4 weeks. Luka Doncic (calf) will be out at least a month. Larry Nance Jr (hand) will be out indefinitely after surgery. We wish all these guys speedy and successful recoveries.

• Trade Updates: The Miami Heat traded Thomas Bryant to Indiana for a 2nd round pick. The Brooklyn Nets traded Dennis Schroder for DeAnthony Melton. The Lakers traded D’Angelo Russell to the Nets for Dorian Finney Smith.

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NBA MVP Ladder

1. Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets

Last Ladder: No. 1
Season stats: 30.7 ppg, 12.6 rpg, 9.4 apg

His case: Although the Nuggets continue to play to mixed reviews — and that’s being kind — “The Joker” is showing few signs of stress or wear. He’s coming off a two-assist game but that’s more due to his teammates’ inability to translate his passes into buckets.

That said, as the NBA season distances itself from Christmas, the games-won factor weighs heavier here on the Ladder. It wouldn’t necessarily eliminate Jokić from the conversation, but it makes for some serious talk.

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks

Last Ladder: No. 2
Season stats: 32.7 ppg, 11.6 rpg, 6.0 apg

His case: After complaining about the Bucks not appearing on the Christmas Day slate, Antetokounmpo sat the next night due to back spasms that have plagued him over the last week.

Nonetheless, Antetokounmpo is still breathing the healthy fumes of the recent NBA Cup title, and that should be enough to keep him elevated on the Ladder.

3. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder

Last Ladder: No. 3
Season stats: 31.1 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 6.1 apg

His case: He delivered emphatically in consecutive games, getting 41 points against the Wizards, then dropped 45 on the Pacers to generate a comeback win Thursday.

Unlike the two players rated ahead of him, Gilgeous-Alexander is steering a conference leader, which will lean in his favor as the season progresses.

4. Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks

Last Ladder: No. 4
Season stats: 28.1 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 7.8 apg

His case: Red alert — a calf strain could jeopardize Dončić’s MVP chances. Before suffering the injury this week, he missed eight games this season. If this latest injury causes him to sit for a significant time, he’d be in danger of missing the 65-game cutoff for awards eligibility.

That would be unfortunate for a five-time All-NBA player to miss making it a sixth time in addition to MVP consideration despite having the statistical numbers.

5. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics

Last Ladder: No. 5
Season stats: 29 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 5.6 apg

His case: He was about the only bright spot (32-15-4) for the Celtics in their Christmas Day loss to the Sixers and, once again, is closing out a strong month. To date in December, Tatum is averaging 29.5 ppg, 11.8 rpg and 5.3 apg.

Consistency, winning and a bigger presence on the boards are keeping Tatum in the Top 5.

The Next 5:

6. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
7. Karl-Anthony Towns, New York Knicks
8. Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
9. De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings
10. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers

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Fantasy Leaders

Jokic and Westbrook are the latest teammates in the Top 3

Overtime Thoughts