In a night filled with thrilling matchups and unexpected outcomes across the NBA, the New Orleans Pelicans delivered a remarkable performance, stunning the San Antonio Spurs on their home court. The Golden State Warriors also made headlines by decisively ending their losing streak against the Minnesota Timberwolves, showcasing a strong second-half surge. Other notable games included a closely contested battle where the Toronto Raptors narrowly defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Miami Heat's hard-fought victory over the Phoenix Suns despite travel challenges, and the Detroit Pistons' dominant display against the Sacramento Kings. However, severe weather conditions led to the postponement of two games, affecting the Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks.
NBA Game Highlights: Pelicans' Upset, Warriors' Resurgence, and More
On Sunday, January 25, 2026, the New Orleans Pelicans achieved an impressive 104-95 road victory over the San Antonio Spurs at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Forward Zion Williamson and guard Saddiq Bey were instrumental in this upset, each contributing 24 points and 10 rebounds. Their clutch free-throw shooting in the final moments sealed the win. Trey Murphy III added 17 points, while Yves Missi recorded a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds. For the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama led the charge with 16 points and 16 rebounds, supported by Keldon Johnson (15 points), Devin Vassell (13 points) in his return from injury, and Julian Champagnie (13 points). In Minneapolis, the Golden State Warriors dominated the Minnesota Timberwolves with a 111-85 win, breaking a two-game skid. Stephen Curry spearheaded the Warriors' offense with 26 points and seven assists. Moses Moody contributed 19 points and eight rebounds, while Brandin Podziemski and De'Anthony Melton each chipped in 12 points. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 32 points and 11 rebounds, but their second-half performance faltered significantly. The Toronto Raptors secured a narrow 103-101 victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road. Immanuel Quickley was the hero for Toronto, scoring 23 points, including crucial three-pointers in the closing minutes. RJ Barrett (14 points) and Brandon Ingram (13 points) also made key contributions, with Scottie Barnes registering a near triple-double of 10 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 24 points. In Phoenix, the Miami Heat, despite a challenging travel schedule, defeated the Phoenix Suns 111-102. Bam Adebayo led the Heat with 22 points, and Jaime Jaquez Jr. scored 18 of his 20 points in the second half. Norman Powell (16 points, 10 rebounds) and Andrew Wiggins (10 points, 10 rebounds) also posted double-doubles. The Suns, playing without their leading scorer Devin Booker, saw Dillon Brooks score 26 points. Finally, the Detroit Pistons routed the Sacramento Kings 139-116 at home. Cade Cunningham was the standout player for the Pistons, scoring a game-high 29 points and dishing out 11 assists. Jalen Duren added 18 points, and Tobias Harris contributed 16 points, as Detroit showcased efficient shooting from both the field and beyond the arc. Malik Monk led the Kings with 19 points off the bench. Due to a significant storm impacting various regions, the Denver Nuggets' scheduled game against the Memphis Grizzlies and the Dallas Mavericks' contest against the Milwaukee Bucks were postponed, with new dates yet to be determined.
This round of NBA action underscored the unpredictable nature of professional basketball, where underdog victories and stellar individual performances often dictate the narrative. The Pelicans' unexpected triumph in San Antonio, coupled with the Warriors' return to form, reminds us that every game holds the potential for dramatic turns. The challenges faced by teams, such as the Heat's arduous travel, highlight the resilience and adaptability required in the league. As the season progresses, these moments of athletic brilliance and strategic upsets continue to captivate fans and shape the competitive landscape.