January 17, 2026 – NBA – The Los Angeles Clippers overcame a 14-point deficit to defeat the Toronto Raptors 121-117 in overtime, marking their fifth consecutive win and continuing their strong early-season form. Meanwhile, the Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings, Indiana Pacers, and Houston Rockets also recorded notable victories in Friday’s action-packed slate of NBA games.
Clippers Overcome Raptors in Overtime Thriller
The Clippers’ comeback was fueled by James Harden, who scored 31 points, including eight crucial points in overtime, and dished out 10 assists. Los Angeles outscored Toronto 20-8 in the closing stretch, with Harden accounting for the last eight points of regulation to send the game into overtime.
Ivica Zubac posted a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds, providing critical support inside the paint. The Clippers were without Kawhi Leonard, sidelined due to a sprained right ankle, making Harden’s performance even more pivotal.
For the Raptors, Scottie Barnes led the team with 24 points, while Brandon Ingram added 19 and Jamal Shead contributed a double-double of 15 points and 13 assists. Despite strong individual efforts, Toronto fell short in the final minutes of regulation and overtime.
Nets Edge Bulls in Nail-Biting Finish
In Brooklyn, the Nets narrowly defeated the Chicago Bulls 112-109, thanks to a clutch go-ahead layup by Michael Porter Jr with just 5.4 seconds remaining. Porter Jr. finished with 26 points, ending a dramatic comeback victory after the Nets had surrendered a 20-point lead earlier in the game.
Noah Clowney added 23 points and 11 rebounds, while rookie Danny Wolf contributed 13 points off the bench. Brooklyn snapped a five-game losing streak and secured their second victory over the Bulls this season.
Chicago’s offense was led by Nikola Vucevic with 19 points, Ayo Dosunmu with 18, Coby White with 17, and Matas Buzelis with 15. Despite these efforts, the Bulls have now lost five of their last seven games, struggling to regain momentum.
Cavaliers Sweep 76ers in Philadelphia
The Cleveland Cavaliers continued their road dominance by edging the Philadelphia 76ers 117-115, led by a career-best performance from Jaylon Tyson, who scored 39 points and efficiently shot 13-of-17 from the field and 7-of-9 from three-point range.
Tyson also set up Evan Mobley for the game-winning basket, while De’Andre Hunter added 16 points and Donovan Mitchell recorded a double-double with 13 points and 12 assists. Cleveland played without Darius Garland but still managed to sweep their two-game road series in Philadelphia.
For the Sixers, Joel Embiid had 33 points, and Tyrese Maxey posted 22 points and nine assists. The defeat marked Philadelphia’s third loss in four games, raising questions about their consistency as the season progresses.
Kings Defeat Wizards With Sabonis’ Return
The Sacramento Kings beat the Washington Wizards 128-115, boosted by Russell Westbrook, who scored 26 points including a season-high six three-pointers. Domantas Sabonis, returning from a knee injury, contributed 13 points, six rebounds, and five assists in 21 minutes off the bench.
DeMar DeRozan added 17 points, helping the Kings extend their season-best winning streak to four games. For Washington, Alex Sarr scored 19 points, and Tre Johnson added 18, but the Wizards have now lost five consecutive games, falling short by an average of 17.6 points per loss.
Pacers Beat Pelicans Behind Huff’s Career Night
The Indiana Pacers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans 127-119, led by Jay Huff, who set a career-high with 29 points on 13-of-17 shooting. Andrew Nembhard added a 19-point, 10-assist double-double, helping Indiana secure their fourth win in the last five games.
Pascal Siakam contributed 27 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 27 points and seven assists. Trey Murphy III added 22 points, but the Pelicans struggled with shooting efficiency, converting only 7 of 21 attempts in key moments.
Rockets Rally Past Timberwolves With Durant Leading Charge
In Houston, Kevin Durant capped a spectacular 39-point performance by sinking four crucial free throws in the final minute to lead the Rockets 110-105 over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Durant shot 11-of-18 from the field and 6-of-8 from three-point range, helping Houston overcome a 12-point deficit.
Alperen Sengun added 25 points and 14 rebounds before fouling out, while Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson chipped in 14 points each. The Timberwolves, missing leading scorer Anthony Edwards (foot), were led by Naz Reid, who posted 25 points and nine rebounds off the bench. Combined, the teams missed 29 free throws, highlighting a key factor in Houston’s narrow victory.
NBA Friday Highlights Summary
- Clippers 121, Raptors 117 (OT) – Fifth straight win; Harden dominates with 31 points.
- Nets 112, Bulls 109 – Porter Jr hits clutch layup; Nets snap five-game losing streak.
- Cavaliers 117, 76ers 115 – Tyson scores career-high 39 points; Cleveland sweeps road series.
- Kings 128, Wizards 115 – Westbrook and Sabonis lead Kings; Wizards lose fifth straight.
- Pacers 127, Pelicans 119 – Huff sets career high; Indiana wins fourth of last five.
- Rockets 110, Timberwolves 105 – Durant scores 39; Rockets complete comeback.
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