The NBA night was a cocktail of warnings, surprises and high-voltage finishes as the league heads towards the big Christmas Day showcase. Five games were enough to shake up the standings and, above all, to send a clear signal: even the almost invincible bleed.
The big headline came in Minneapolis. The Minnesota Timberwolves stopped the Oklahoma City Thunder (112-107) in a duel that was decided in the final seconds and complicates the dream of the historic record of 73-9. Anthony Edwards took over the closing stages: a decisive three-pointer with 38 seconds left, a block and subsequent steal from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to seal a prestigious victory. Edwards had 26 points and 12 rebounds in a team effort from Minnesota, who punished the Thunder on the offensive boards and held on despite their free throw woes. Oklahoma, the Western Conference leader at 25-3, suffered its third loss of the season.
In Miami, the Boston Celtics confirmed their good form with a devastating fourth quarter against the Miami Heat (129-116). A 20-5 run, with 10 three-pointers in the final period, broke open a game that had been close until then. Derrick White led the way from the perimeter and Spaniard Hugo Gonzalez took advantage of his minutes to have his best night in the league: 10 points and eight rebounds in 29 minutes, just missing out on a double-double. Boston consolidated its position at the top of the East, while Miami stumbled again after ending its losing streak a few days ago.
A night of great emotions
Another of the surprises of the day was at Madison Square Garden. The Philadelphia 76ers stormed the New York Knicks’ court (107-116) with a stellar Tyrese Maxey: 30 points and nine assists. Neither Karl-Anthony Towns’ double-double nor the production of Brunson and Bridges prevented the Knicks from suffering a hangover from their recent success in the NBA Cup.
In Atlanta, the San Antonio Spurs overwhelmed the Atlanta Hawks (98-126) with another statistical exhibition by Victor Wembanyama, again productive despite the restriction of minutes. And in Ohio, the Chicago Bulls surprised the Cleveland Cavaliers (125-136), confirming that the day was made for unexpected results.
A complete night: stars deciding games, youngsters adding prominence and a clear warning for the Thunder. In the NBA, even when everything seems under control, there is always someone willing to change the script.
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