NBA News Today: LeBron James returns to lead Lakers over Spurs for 1st road win, Celtics become 1st team to win 15 games this season, and more | November 26, 2022
The NBA is back after a day off to celebrate Thanksgiving. LeBron James made his return from injury after a five-game absence. "The King" helped the LA Lakers defeat the San Antonio Spurs for their first road win of the season.
Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics are the first team to win 15 games this season. The Celtics beat the Sacramento Kings at home. The defending Eastern Conference champions are one of the best teams in the NBA despite losing their head coach to suspension.
Here is the NBA news roundup for Nov. 26, brought to you by Sportskeeda.
Warriors hand Jazz third straight loss
The Golden State Warriors handed the Utah Jazz their third straight loss on Friday at the Chase Center. The Warriors are starting to hit their stride after a tough start to the NBA season. The defending champions have won seven of their past 10 games, finally owning a .500 record.
On the other hand, the Jazz have cooled off after their hot start. They have now lost three consecutive games, but are still in contention to make the playoffs. In the loss to Golden State, Lauri Markkanen had 24 points and six rebounds.
Steph Curry led the Warriors with 33 points, five rebounds and four assists. Golden State returns to action on Sunday to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on the road. The Jazz end their road trip on Saturday against the Phoenix Suns.
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LeBron James returns to lead Lakers to win over Spurs
Surprise, surprise, "The King" is back. LeBron James recovered from his strained adductor and returned to lead the LA Lakers to their first road win of the season. James had 21 points, eight rebounds and five assists in the Lakers' 105-94 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
Anthony Davis added 25 points, 15 rebounds and four assists, while Lonnie Walker IV had 18 points against his former team. The Lakers improved to 6-11 and are now 13th in the Western Conference standings.
Meanwhile, the Spurs were led by the duo of Tre Jones and Devin Vassell. Jones had 19 points and five assists, while Vassell put up 18 points, six rebounds and three assists. San Antonio has now lost seven games in a row, which is currently the worst streak in the NBA.
Gordon Hayward out indefinitely with shoulder fracture
Gordon Hayward of the Charlotte Hornets is out indefinitely, as per Shams Charania of The Athletic. Hayward was diagnosed with a fractured left shoulder, which is a rare basketball injury.
It's been a tough several seasons for Hayward since leaving the Utah Jazz in 2017. He's been plagued by injuries during his stints with the Boston Celtics and Hornets.
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Celtics first team to win 15 games this season
The Boston Celtics are the first team in the NBA this season to win 15 games. The Celtics earned their 15th victory by defeating the red-hot Sacramento Kings 122-104. Boston had a huge lead after the first quarter before the Kings came back to end the first half.
However, the Celtics held on down the stretch. Jayson Tatum continued his MVP campaign with 30 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Jaylen Brown had 25 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Derrick White added 16 points.
De'Aaron Fox led the Kings with 20 points, four rebounds and two assists. Domantas Sabonis posted a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Harrison Barnes added 12 points.
Complete NBA scores for Nov. 25
The short-handed Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers pulled off impressive wins on Friday. The Indiana Pacers continued their hot streak by defeating the Brooklyn Nets, while the OKC Thunder and Portland Trail Blazers earned overtime victories.
The Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks and Memphis Grizzlies all won their games, while the Atlanta Hawks lost to the lowly Houston Rockets. The Phoenix Suns staved off a Detroit Pistons comeback, and the Denver Nuggets pulled out a win against the LA Clippers.
Here are the complete NBA results for Nov. 25:
- Charlotte Hornets def. Minnesota Timberwolves 110-108
- Philadelphia 76ers def. Orlando Magic 107-99
- Portland Trail Blazers def. New York Knicks 132-129 OT
- Indiana Pacers def. Brooklyn Nets 128-117
- OKC Thunder def. Chicago Bulls 123-119 OT
- Miami Heat def. Washington Wizards 110-107
- Memphis Grizzlies def. New Orleans Pelicans 132-111
- Milwaukee Bucks def. Cleveland Cavaliers 117-102
- Houston Rockets def. Atlanta Hawks 128-122
- Boston Celtics def. Sacramento Kings 122-104
- LA Lakers def. San Antonio Spurs 105-94
- Phoenix Suns def. Detroit Pistons 108-102
- Golden State Warriors def. Utah Jazz 129-118
- Denver Nuggets def. LA Clippers 114-104
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