Enjoy the best of Friday’s schedule with the NBA.com live blog, featuring all of the meaningful moments, performances, observations, news, notes and highlights.
What we know about Friday games:
- The Cavaliers defeated the Nuggets 113-108 in the first game of our national doubleheader, as Donovan Mitchell (33 pts) outdueled Jamal Murray (34 pts).
- Now, it’s Thunder-Warriors (10 ET) on Prime, with Kevin Harlan and Brent Barry on the call.
10:38 ET / JANUARY 2, 2025
Bucks hang on to defeat Hornets
122-121, behind Giannis Antetokounmpo (30 pts, 10 reb, 5 ast) and Ryan Rollins (29 pts).
Kon Knueppel had 26 to lead the Hornets in his return to his native Wisconsin.
BUCKS GET THE STOP AND SECURE W.
WILD FINISH IN MILWAUKEE 🤯 pic.twitter.com/ukkimfEaTM
— NBA (@NBA) January 3, 2026
10:10 ET / JANUARY 2, 2025
Cavs defeat Nuggets on Prime
Mood. #LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/rINNnAR3Cp
— Cleveland Cavaliers (@cavs) January 3, 2026
Donovan Mitchell had 33 points, while Jamal Murray countered with 34, bringing to mind their classic duel in the 2020 NBA Playoffs.
The Cavaliers ended the game on a 10-0 run to ice, running their record to 20-16.
Darius Garland added 18 points and 8 assists for Cleveland.
9:55 ET / JANUARY 2, 2025
Murray in the clutch
JAMAL MURRAY BRINGS DENVER WITHIN 3!
5.3 SECONDS LEFT ON PRIME.
TAP TO WATCH: https://t.co/rXvhoVn427 pic.twitter.com/5OM5uCF98A
— NBA (@NBA) January 3, 2026
9:30 ET / JANUARY 2, 2025
Nuggets-Cavaliers going down to the wire
101-100 with 7:25 to go on Prime! Jamal Murray and Donovan Mitchell are both up to 31. Check out the duel.
Nothing but net 💦
Spida has 27 (13 in 3Q) as we head to the 4Q! pic.twitter.com/Njrv2onUOy
— NBA (@NBA) January 3, 2026
9:15 ET / JANUARY 2, 2025
Buzelis hits the trampoline
A 116.7 on the Dunk Score scale — fifth-best of the season!
MATAS. BUZELIS. 🤯
What a HUGE one-handed throwdown!
ORL/CHI is tied at 59 at the break… tap to watch the 2H: https://t.co/KJXQbFKdBI pic.twitter.com/kfcEPtxTk0
— NBA (@NBA) January 3, 2026
8:00 ET / JANUARY 2, 2025
Long-range dimes to start Friday night
"Touchdown Wizards!" 🙌
Bub Carrington's one-handed, crosscourt dime to Justin Champagnie extends Washington's lead.
Tap to watch: https://t.co/kIvXykfP25 pic.twitter.com/jpStA2eOjP
— NBA (@NBA) January 3, 2026
A dime from just beyond halfcourt 🎯
The Mitchell to Mobley connection never gets old!
Cavs with the early lead on Prime. pic.twitter.com/mzlNnuHsxx
— NBA (@NBA) January 3, 2026
7:30 ET / JANUARY 2, 2025
The Blue Arrow at work
Jamal Murray loses his defender for the easy finish 🔥
He's got 14 in Q1!
Tap to watch: https://t.co/6sXrukqmkk pic.twitter.com/tpevSGv78m
— NBA (@NBA) January 3, 2026
7:00 ET / JANUARY 2, 2025
Pacers rolling early in Indy
And-1 for Andrew Nembhard!
8 early points on 3/3 shooting from the floor 👏 pic.twitter.com/iwxtmrDjOb
— NBA (@NBA) January 3, 2026
6:00 ET / JANUARY 2, 2025
Welcome to a 10-game night in the NBA!
- San Antonio Spurs vs. Indiana Pacers, 7 ET
- Brooklyn Nets vs. Washington Wizards, 7 ET
- Denver Nuggets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 7:30 ET (Prime)
- Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks, 7:30 ET
- Orlando Magic vs. Chicago Bulls, 8 ET
- Charlotte Hornets vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 8 ET
- Portland Trail Blazers vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 8 ET
- Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix Suns, 9 ET
- Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Golden State Warriors, 10 ET (Prime)
- Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 10:30 ET
