Pacers end Cavaliers' winning streak

The Indiana Pacers handed the Eastern Conference leaders their fifth loss of the regular season with a resounding 108-93 victory. Despite this setback, the Cavaliers, who still hold the best record in the league, continue to lead the standings. Meanwhile, their closest rivals, the Celtics and Knicks, both secured wins in their respective games. In the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder cruised past the Wizards without any issues.

The Pacers were the surprise of the day, halting the Cavaliers' winning streak despite the absence of their star player, Tyrese Haliburton, who left the game with muscle discomfort. Indiana, sitting fifth in the East with a 22-18 record, came out energized and determined, taking control from the first quarter with a 21-19 lead. However, the Cavaliers responded strongly in the second quarter, outscoring the Pacers 34-19 to take the lead into halftime.

After the break, the Pacers came out with a new burst of energy, overwhelming their opponents in the final two quarters. The comeback began in the third quarter, where Indiana dominated with a 37-18 run. In the fourth quarter, the Pacers sealed the victory with a 31-22 performance, as the Cavaliers had already surrendered.

Celtics beat Pelicans in the last second

The Celtics secured a tense win over the Pelicans, as a missed basket by C.J. McCollum with just two seconds left before the buzzer could have given New Orleans the victory. Moments earlier, two free throws by Derrick White had put the defending champions ahead, 120-119.

Jayson Tatum was once again the standout player for the Celtics, scoring 38 points despite struggling from beyond the arc, hitting just two of his 10 three-point attempts. Boston, with a 28-11 record, currently sits in second place and appears more focused on defending that position against the Knicks than on closing the gap to the Cavaliers.

Knicks pound Bucks from the three-point line

The New York Knicks displayed their strength once again, dominating the Bucks with a sharp shooting display from beyond the arc (18 three-pointers to 10). Jalen Brunson led the way with 44 points, shooting an efficient 62%. This marked his fourth career game with at least 40 points against Milwaukee.

Karl-Anthony Towns finished with a double-double with 30 points and 18 rebounds. The Knicks’ 140-point performance at Madison Square Garden fell just five points shy of their season high and 15 points behind the Memphis Grizzlies, who currently hold the record for the most points in a game this season.

Oklahoma doesn't let up, giving the Cavaliers a run for their money

Meanwhile, in the West, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made 17 trips to the free-throw line in the Oklahoma City Thunder's dominant 136-95 win against the Washington Wizards. The 26-year-old, a finalist for MVP last season, finished with 27 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

Oklahoma leads the Western Conference (32-6) and, after Sunday's results, they are one win away from tying the Cavaliers for the best record in the league.

Denver and Sacramento wins

Additionally, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Dallas Mavericks 112-101, while the Sacramento Kings extended their winning streak to seven games with a 124-119 win over the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Point guard Russell Westbrook scored 21 points and made 10 rebounds, while  Nikola Jokic played the supporting role with 19 points and 18 rebounds, further solidifying their status as one of the hottest duos in the NBA. The Nuggets came back after trailing by 19 points in the third quarter, ultimately securing the 112-101 victory over the Mavericks.

With Luka Doncic recovering from a muscle injury that has sidelined him since Dec. 25, Klay Thompson stepped up as the leading scorer for the Mavericks with 25 points, including six three-pointers.

In Chicago, De'Aron Fox led the Kings with 26 points, while Domantas Sabonis dominated the boards with 16 rebounds. This victory leaves Sacramento in ninth place in the Western Conference with a 20-19 record.

NBA returns to Los Angeles on Monday

The LA Clippers and the Los Angeles Lakerswho had postponed games due to the wildfires that have claimed 24 lives and left thousands homeless in California, will return to action on Monday. The Lakers will face the Spurs, while the Clippers will take on the Heat.