NBA Roundup: Timberwolves, Pelicans, Warriors, Clippers, and Mavericks Secure Wins Before All-Star Break

As the NBA heads into the All-Star break, several teams picked up key victories on Thursday night. The Minnesota Timberwolves, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Clippers, and Dallas Mavericks all came away with wins in an action-packed slate of games.

Timberwolves 116, Thunder 101

Naz Reid delivered a dominant performance with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists as the Minnesota Timberwolves overpowered the Oklahoma City Thunder at home. Despite missing Rudy Gobert due to back spasms, Minnesota snapped a two-game losing streak. Anthony Edwards added 23 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, while Jaden McDaniels chipped in 21 points.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 24 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists, but Oklahoma City never held a lead throughout the game—marking the first time this season that had happened. Jalen Williams contributed 20 points, while Chet Holmgren (11 points, 12 rebounds) and Isaiah Hartenstein (10 points, 12 rebounds) each recorded a double-double.

Pelicans 140, Kings 133 (OT)

CJ McCollum erupted for 43 points, including a crucial tiebreaking three-pointer in overtime, as the New Orleans Pelicans ended a 10-game losing streak by defeating the Sacramento Kings.

Trey Murphy III flirted with a triple-double, scoring 18 points while adding 11 assists and nine rebounds. Jose Alvarado also played a key role, contributing 18 points.

Sacramento saw its three-game winning streak snapped despite Zach LaVine’s 32 points and 10 assists. Domantas Sabonis had a monster night with 22 points and 28 rebounds, while Malik Monk finished with 24 points and nine assists.

Warriors 105, Rockets 98

Stephen Curry led the Golden State Warriors with a game-high 27 points as they held off a late comeback from the Houston Rockets to secure a road victory. The Warriors improved to 3-1 since acquiring Jimmy Butler III, who had 19 points and eight rebounds. Brandin Podziemski contributed 18 points, while Draymond Green added 13 points and eight assists.

Houston’s Aaron Holiday scored a season-high 25 points, and Jock Landale added 13 points, 11 of which came in the fourth quarter. Nate Williams also had a season-best 11 points in 18 minutes.

Clippers 120, Jazz 116 (OT)

Norman Powell stepped up for the Los Angeles Clippers with a season-high 41 points, including nine in overtime, to lift his team past the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City. James Harden had an all-around game with 32 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and two blocks.

Ben Simmons made his Clippers debut after signing with the team following a buyout from the Brooklyn Nets. He contributed 12 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals in a reserve role.

Utah’s rookie Kyle Filipowski had a career-high 20 points and 10 rebounds, while Lauri Markkanen also added 20 points in the loss.

Mavericks 118, Heat 113

Dante Exum scored a season-high 27 points as the Dallas Mavericks defeated the Miami Heat in their final game before the All-Star break. Seven Mavericks finished in double figures, with Max Christie scoring 19 points, Spencer Dinwiddie adding 18, and Kessler Edwards contributing a season-high 15 points.

Dallas, playing without eight injured players—including Kyrie Irving (shoulder) and Klay Thompson (foot)—relied on a balanced attack to earn its fourth win in five games.

Miami’s Tyler Herro put up a season-high 40 points, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Heat from suffering their fourth consecutive loss. Kel’el Ware added 17 points, Kyle Anderson posted 15 points and 10 rebounds, and Alec Burks scored 12 off the bench.

With the All-Star break now in effect, teams will look to reset and regroup for the final stretch of the season as the playoff race intensifies.