The READ
NBA Recap | March 23, 2026
Luka Doncic's Lakers' win streak is over. Detroit ended it 113-110, snapping a nine-game run with Daniss Jenkins dropping 30 on 75.9% true shooting. Victor Wembanyama scored 26 points, gathered 15 rebounds, and accumulated 5 blocks as San Antonio dismantled Miami by 25. Alperen Sengun triple-doubled with 33 points and 10 assists on 84.2% shooting in a Houston loss to Chicago — yes, a loss. Atlanta put up 146 on Memphis with 25 threes and Nickeil Alexander-Walker at 26 on 95.3% true shooting. Toronto went nuclear in Utah behind 49 team assists and Sandro Mamukelashvili's ridiculous 23 points, 5 steals, and 10 fast break points off the bench. Golden State stole another overtime game in Dallas behind Kristaps Porzingis and a perfect-shooting Gary Payton II. Toumani Camara hit 9-of-11 from three for 35 points as Portland crushed Brooklyn. Banchero dropped 39 but Indiana escaped Orlando by 2 and pushes them a game ahead of 10th place in the East. The LA Clippers delivered the most efficient beatdown of the slate — 129-96 over Milwaukee, with 13 steals, 100% from the free throw line, and Kawhi Leonard posting 28 in 30 minutes on a night where nothing went right for the Bucks. Ten games. Let's run it.
WEMBY & SPURS ROLL MIAMI
San Antonio Spurs 136, Miami Heat 111
Victor Wembanyama channeled his inner alien and led the charge in Miami: scoring 26 points on 11-of-22 shooting and accumulated 15 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 blocks. He was +19 in a game that was effectively over by halftime — San Antonio led 76-58 at the break after outscoring Miami 38-27 in the second quarter. The Spurs went on a 13-point unanswered run in the second quarter that sealed the game's narrative early. Dylan Harper added 21 on 9-of-14 shooting (75.0% TS), Keldon Johnson had 21 with 8 fast-break points, and Stephon Castle contributed 19. The Spurs bench scored 68 points. San Antonio is playing its best basketball of the season right now and currently sit 2nd in a loaded Western Conference and are only three games out of first.
Miami had no answer for Wemby's length or San Antonio's interior physicality. Bam Adebayo shot 5-of-17 (29.4%) and was -26. Norman Powell led with 21 in a losing effort. The Heat looked flat from the opening tip and on home court. With Orlando’s loss, they currently sit in 9th, but only a game ahead of 10th place Charlotte who are prime to move up the standings with 11 games remaining.
MIA 111 · SAS 136
DETROIT ENDS LAKERS WIN STREAK
Detroit Pistons 113, Los Angeles Lakers 110
Nine games. That's where it ends. Detroit won 113-110 behind Daniss Jenkins' 30 points on 11-of-18 shooting (4-of-5 from three), 8 assists, and 75.9% true shooting. Jenkins hit two clutch baskets in the fourth quarter as Detroit pushed ahead and held on. Jalen Duren double-doubled with 20 points and 11 rebounds, drawing 10 free throws and converting them all.
Luka Doncic had 32 on 11-of-29 shooting — his ninth consecutive 30-point game — and was +7 on the night, but the Lakers couldn't generate enough secondary offense. Austin Reaves had 24, LeBron James double-doubled with 12 and 10 assists, and Jaxson Hayes was a perfect 5-of-5 from the field with 4 blocks. But the Lakers went cold in the decisive fourth quarter, scoring just 23 points, while Detroit's fourth quarter went 24-23 — just enough of an edge to survive. The Lakers' nine-game win streak ends, but Luka's run of 30-plus-point games continues.
DET 113 · LAL 110
INDY EARNS JUST THEIR 16TH WIN
Indiana Pacers 128, Orlando Magic 126
Paolo Banchero had a night for the highlight reel — 39 points on 13-of-27 shooting (4-of-9 from three), 9-of-12 from the line, with 6 assists. He was physical, creative, and relentless all night. It still wasn't enough. Indiana won 128-126 behind Pascal Siakam's 37 on 13-of-26 shooting (all nine free throws made) and Andrew Nembhard's 14 assists — a double-double with 13 points. Nembhard orchestrated Indiana's fourth-quarter comeback from a 7-point Orlando lead with pace and precision. T.J. McConnell was perfect off the bench: 6-of-6 from the field including 1-of-1 from three, 6 assists, and 2 steals.
The game swung on Indiana's third quarter as they outscored Orlando 44-31 to turn a deficit into a lead. Tristan da Silva had 21 for Orlando and Desmond Bane chipped in 17. But Orlando's defense gave up 26 fast-break points and lost the turnover battle decisively and could be one they’ll wish they had back as it could be the difference between a 5th seed, 6th seed, or play-in tournament.
ORL 126 · IND 128
HAWKS DROP 146 WITH 25 THREES
Atlanta Hawks 146, Memphis Grizzlies 107
Atlanta was in a different timezone. The Hawks dropped 146 points with 25 threes on 46.3% from deep — a shooting performance that borders on historic. Nickeil Alexander-Walker led the offensive explosion with 26 points on 8-of-11 shooting (4-of-6 from three), 6 assists, and 95.3% true shooting. He was +29. CJ McCollum had 15 and 9 assists. Jonathan Kuminga came off the bench for 16 with 4-of-6 from three. Onyeka Okongwu added 16 with 5 assists and 2 blocks. The bench scored 74 points. Atlanta generated 39 points off Memphis's 23 turnovers. They led by 44 at one point, outscoring Memphis 116-63 across the first three quarters.
Memphis had GG Jackson for 26 in a losing effort and Tyler Burton for 20, but it was a blowout at every level. Memphis is now on a losing streak that has the front office asking larger questions about this roster construction. Atlanta, meanwhile, is thriving — this is a team that has found an offensive identity and seems genuinely dangerous heading into the postseason. For now, they sit in 6th in the East and could hurdle Toronto as they’ve won 13 of their last 14 games.
ATL 146 · MEM 107
SENGUN TRIPLE-DOUBLES, CHICAGO WINS ANYWAY
Chicago Bulls 132, Houston Rockets 124
Alperen Sengun had one of the most jaw-dropping stat lines of the season in a loss: 33 points on 16-of-19 shooting (84.2%), 13 rebounds, 10 assists — a triple-double produced with 81.2% true shooting and 28 points in the paint. He was dominant in ways that go beyond the numbers, yet Houston still lost by 8. That's because Chicago's 41-point first quarter buried the Rockets before Sengun could take over, and Houston never fully recovered from the 20-point first-quarter deficit. Kevin Durant had 40 on 15-of-23 shooting (5-of-10 from three), 75.4% true shooting, but was -18. Matas Buzelis led Chicago with 23 on 5-of-9 from three, and Leonard Miller had 17 with 9 rebounds. Tre Jones was the steady hand with 15 and 6 assists. Chicago shot exactly 50% from three (19-of-38) — a team that has figured out how to use its shot quality.
Reed Sheppard had an uncharacteristically off night after his 14-assist masterpiece on Saturday: 13 points on 5-of-17 shooting (38.2% TS), 4 turnovers. Houston's bench mustered just 9 points. That's the difference in a loss like this — one quarter and one empty bench night. With the loss, they also fall to the 6th place and would be paired with the Lakers in the first round if the season ended today.
CHI 132 · HOU 124
TORONTO DROPS 143 ON UTAH WITH 49 ASSISTS
Toronto Raptors 143, Utah Jazz 127
Forty-nine assists. Toronto recorded 49 team assists on 54 made field goals — a ratio that would be remarkable at any level of basketball. Jamal Shead distributed 14 assists. Scottie Barnes double-doubled with 20 and 10 assists (88.3% true shooting). RJ Barrett scored 27 on 10-of-15 shooting (4-of-5 from three) in 30 minutes. Ja'Kobe Walter had 21 on 7-of-10 shooting (6-of-8 from three). Sandro Mamukelashvili came off the bench for 23 points, 5 steals, and 10 fast-break points — a 73.0% true shooting line that was among the best of any player this week. Toronto shot 61.4% from the field and 54.1% from three. A dominating performance from a Raptors team that doesn't always show up like this. This win keeps them in 5th place, but they could easily fall to 10th if they go on a cold streak.
Utah's Ace Bailey had 37 in the loss — his career-best or near to it — on 11-of-21 shooting (7-of-10 from three), 75.4% true shooting. He was spectacular in defeat. Brice Sensabaugh had 24 but the Jazz couldn't stop Toronto's ball movement. Utah's defense allowed opponents to shoot 61.4% from the field — the worst defensive performance by any team this week.
UTA 127 · TOR 143
OKC ROLLS IN PHILLY
Oklahoma City Thunder 123, Philadelphia 76ers 103
Oklahoma City handled Philadelphia with efficiency. The Thunder led by 24 at one point and their bench scored 54 points. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 22 on 9-of-13 shooting with 5 assists, extending his 20-plus-point streak. Chet Holmgren was exceptional — 17 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 blocks on 71.5% true shooting. Jaylin Williams hit 5-of-7 from three for 18 off the bench. OKC won with elite defense (holding Philadelphia to 44.4% FT conversion) and relentless second-chance scoring.
VJ Edgecombe led Philly with 35 on 14-of-28 shooting (7-of-15 from three) — a statement game even in a blowout loss. He's been the one consistent positive note for the 76ers in a difficult stretch. OKC's frontcourt depth and defensive versatility showed again. Their magic number in locking in the top overall seed is down to 7 as the Spurs are only three games behind them.
PHI 103 · OKC 123
GOLDEN STATE WINS IN OT BEHIND PORZINGIS AND PAYTON
Golden State Warriors 137, Dallas Mavericks 131 (OT)
Porzingis and Payton II walked so Golden State could win. Gary Payton II was a perfect 8-of-8 from the field — 7-of-7 on twos — for 17 points off the bench in overtime. Kristaps Porzingis had 22 with 5 assists and was the primary reason Dallas couldn't put the game away in regulation, providing rim protection and outside scoring that kept Golden State within reach. Brandin Podziemski double-doubled with 20 and 10 rebounds with 6 assists.
Cooper Flagg had 32 on 12-of-19 shooting (73.9% TS) with 9 assists for Dallas — perhaps his best overall game of the season. Klay Thompson hit 5-of-9 from three for 15 in his old building. Dallas had a 15-point lead midgame but couldn't hold it, and in overtime Golden State's depth and shot-making proved decisive. Dallas's 23 turnovers were the difference — they gave Golden State 29 points off miscues. The Mavericks have now lost back-to-back overtime games. Golden State, however, has a hold on the last play-in tournament spot, but could gain home court advantage if they leapfrog the Clippers and Trail Blazers.
DAL 131 · GSW 137 (OT)
CAMARA CATCHES FIRE, PORTLAND BLOWS OUT BROOKLYN
Portland Trail Blazers 134, Brooklyn Nets 99
Toumani Camara played one of the most efficient shooting performances of the season: 35 points on 10-of-12 shooting including 9-of-11 from three (81.8%), 6 free throws, and a 116.0% true shooting mark. That nine-made-three total on 11 attempts is a career-night by any measure. Donovan Clingan added 7 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 blocks — the defensive anchor as Portland won the glass battle 59-41. Kris Murray had 16 with 5 assists, and Portland's bench scored 58. The Blazers held Brooklyn to 99 points while leading by 38 at one point.
Brooklyn offered Tyson Etienne's 18 on 60% shooting and Chaney Johnson's 12, but it was never a contest after the first half. Portland's defensive rating for this game — 91.0 — was elite, suggesting this team has defensive gears we haven't seen consistently. The Blazers have now won back-to-back and are within reach of home court in the play-in tournament if they can pass the Clippers over their final nine games.
POR 134 · BKN 99
CLIPPERS EFFICIENTLY HANDLE THE BUCKS
LA Clippers 129, Milwaukee Bucks 96
The Clippers led by 46 at one point. That's all you need to know about the competitive stakes, but the individual details tell a more interesting story. Kawhi Leonard was efficient and controlled — 28 on 8-of-18 shooting (3-of-10 from three, but 9-of-9 from the line), 3 steals, +32 in 30 minutes. Brook Lopez had 19 on 7-of-9 shooting including 5-of-6 from three — his 5 made threes matched his attempted twos for the night. Kobe Sanders had 19 off the bench on 8-of-10 shooting (3-of-5 from three), 95.0% true shooting. Darius Garland had 15 on 5-of-7 shooting and 6 assists. LA shot 58% from the field, 44.7% from three, and made all 18 of their free throw attempts. Thirteen steals. The Clippers forced 23 Milwaukee turnovers and scored 26 off them. Every metric pointed in one direction.
Milwaukee's night was bleak from the opening tip. Their 46-point second and third quarter combined — outscored 80-43 over those two frames — buried this game before halftime. Ryan Rollins went 6-of-16 and was -37 on the night. Gary Trent Jr. led with 20 on 6-of-10 from three but was -12. Bobby Portis had 11 and AJ Green chipped in 15 with 4-of-5 from three. But without Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee doesn't have the personnel to absorb a hot Clippers team, who currently sit in 8th place and are in the driver’s seat for a home game in the play-in tournament.
LAC 129 · MIL 96
⭐ STAR OF THE NIGHT
Victor Wembanyama | San Antonio Spurs - 26 PTS | 15 REB | 4 AST | 5 BLK | 11-22 FG | +19
Wemby was the anchor of the best performance in what has been a dominant week for San Antonio. Fifteen rebounds and 5 blocks defined the defensive end; 26 points on a mix of interior toughness and perimeter shooting defined the offensive end.
💀 DUD OF THE NIGHT
Bam Adebayo | Miami Heat - 18 PTS | 5-17 FG | 29.4% FG | 45.8% TS | -26
Five-of-seventeen against the Spurs. There are extenuating circumstances, but Adebayo is Miami's franchise cornerstone and he was ineffective when the Heat needed him most. He went 6-of-6 from the free throw line, which shows he was trying to get to the line to compensate, but 45.8% true shooting and a -26 in a 25-point loss is a rough line by any name.
QUICK TAKES
Luka Doncic and the Lakers’ 9-game win streak ends, but his 30-point game streak continues. He had 32 tonight. The individual record stands even if the team couldn't.
San Antonio's ceiling with a healthy Wemby is genuinely terrifying and could have the recipe in taking down the defending champions.
Alperen Sengun: 33 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists on 84.2% FG in a loss. That triple-double on those efficiency marks in a losing effort might be one of the strangest boxes of the season.
Toronto's 49 assists tonight is a team record and most in the NBA this season and was 4 shy of tying the NBA record of 53.
Cooper Flagg had 32 and 9 assists in a loss. He's getting closer to carrying Dallas every night — the question is whether this roster can support him.
Toumani Camara's 9-of-11 from three for Portland is one of the best outside shooting performances of the season. He's been a consistent bright spot.
OKC's bench scored 54 points in Philly. Their roster depth is championship-caliber as they look to win back-to-back chips.
Atlanta has won back-to-back blowouts and is shooting the lights out from three and can be a threat if they can hit their three pointers. They have won 13 of 14 games.
