#nba2026

Austin Reaves X YoungLA

Even at 34, he is still the quiet storm that nobody sees coming until it is too late.

You have to admit, there is something almost cinematic about the way Kawhi Leonard operates. We are halfway through the 2025-2026 NBA season, and the chatter around the Los Angeles Clippers has been, well, let's just call it complicated. The new Intuit Dome is shiny and futuristic, but the team's 12-22 record hasn't exactly matched the architectural marvel they play in. Yet, amidst the losses and the trade rumors swirling like vultures, Kawhi has decided to remind everyone exactly who he is. He is not just a veteran holding on; he is still a force of nature. If you have been following the games closely, maybe catching the replays on 닌자티비 or checking the box scores, you know that what he did recently wasn't just a good game—it was a statement.

Let's talk about that Sunday night against the Detroit Pistons. It was late December, the holiday fatigue was setting in for everyone, and the Clippers were desperate for a spark. Kawhi didn't just provide a spark; he brought the whole fire. He dropped a career-high 55 points. Read that again. Fifty-five. At an age where most players are transitioning into role-player spots or "veteran presence" on the bench, Kawhi Leonard decided to tie the franchise scoring record. He became the oldest player in NBA history to record 55-plus points and five steals in a single game. It was efficient, it was ruthless, and it was classic Kawhi. He didn't even play the full fourth quarter because, in true Kawhi fashion, he told Coach Ty Lue he'd rather save his legs for the next battle than chase personal glory.

That selflessness is what makes this season so fascinating to watch. The narrative all year has been about whether the Clippers should blow it up. We have read the articles suggesting they should trade Kawhi while his stock is high, especially with the team sitting 12th in the West. It is a harsh reality of the business, but Kawhi seems unbothered. He is playing nearly 40 minutes a night recently, carrying an offensive load that would crush younger stars. After missing 10 games earlier in the season with those nagging ankle and foot issues that always seem to haunt him, he has returned with a vengeance. It is almost ironic that the face of "load management" is now the guy playing heavy minutes and putting the team on his back night in and night out.

Watching him play this month feels different. There is a sense of urgency in his game. He admitted recently that he is trying to share the ball more, to get his teammates involved, but the coaching staff is practically begging him to be aggressive. And thank goodness they are. When he gets to his spots—that midrange elbow jumper that feels automatic, the muscle-through-contact drives—it is basketball poetry. He is averaging over 33 points in his last stretch of games, dragging the Clippers to a mini-resurgence with a four-game winning streak before that tough loss to the Celtics. It is the kind of individual brilliance that makes you pause and appreciate greatness while it is still here.

But it is not just about the scoring. It is the defense. The Klaw is still snatching souls. Those five steals against Detroit weren't just gambles in passing lanes; they were calculated disruptions. He rips the ball away with such casual violence that it leaves offensive players looking at their hands in confusion. It is rare to see a superstar shoulder the entire scoring burden and still have the energy to lock down opponents on the other end, but that is the two-way prowess Kawhi brings. It is what makes him special, and it is what keeps the Clippers relevant even when the standings say they shouldn't be.

The context of this season adds another layer to the drama. The Clippers are an old team—literally the oldest roster in NBA history by average age. They have battled injuries to key guys like Derrick Jones Jr. and now James Harden is dealing with shoulder soreness. It feels like Kawhi is the last line of defense against a total collapse. Every game feels like a playoff game for them because they are digging themselves out of such a deep hole. Fans tuning in via 닌자티비 are seeing a desperate team led by a stoic leader who refuses to let the ship sink. It is compelling television, even if it is sometimes painful for Clippers fans to watch the standings.

So, what comes next for Kawhi and the Clippers? After a grueling game against the Warriors yesterday, they are packing their bags for the bright lights of New York City. They head to Madison Square Garden this Wednesday, January 7, to face the Knicks. The Garden has a way of bringing out the best in superstars. There is a specific energy in that arena, a buzz that demands greatness. Given Kawhi's recent heater, you wouldn't want to bet against him putting on another show. The Knicks are a gritty defensive team, and they will try to make life miserable for him, but Kawhi usually thrives in the mud.

My prediction for the Knicks game? Expect a slow-paced, physical battle. Kawhi will likely drop somewhere in the 28-32 point range, but the key will be his efficiency. Goosebumps moment! Iba talaga! ✨ https://ninjatv1.carrd.co/ If Harden sits out or is limited due to that shoulder, Kawhi will see double teams all night. I think he navigates it well. I see the Clippers keeping it close, potentially stealing a win if their role players can hit a few open threes. It is going to be a grind, but those are the games Kawhi Leonard was built for. He doesn't need to be flashy; he just needs to be inevitable.

It is easy to get caught up in the trade rumors and the "what ifs" of the future. Will he finish the season in LA? Will the Clippers make the play-in? Those are questions for the front office. For us, the viewers, we should just enjoy the fact that one of the generation's best players is healthy right now and playing some of the best basketball of his life. He is raging against the dying of the light, reminding the league that a healthy Kawhi is still a top-five talent on any given night.

When it rains, it pours, but in Cleveland, it was a full-blown thunderstorm that left the Cavaliers scrambling for answers.

Hey there, hoop heads! If you were tuning into the basketball world today, you probably heard the loud crash coming from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. It wasn't just a loss for the Cleveland Cavaliers; it was a statement piece by the Oklahoma City Thunder. We are talking about a 136-104 dismantling that felt less like a contest and more like a clinic. The Thunder didn't just win; they walked onto the court, set the tempo, and never looked back. For anyone following the fan discussions on 닌자티비, the vibe was clear from the jump: OKC is playing a different game than everyone else right now.

Let’s be real for a second—Monday matchups can sometimes be sluggish, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander clearly didn't get that memo. The man was absolute magic, dropping 30 points like it was just another day at the office. It is actually the 30th time in 42 games he has hit that mark, which is just absurd consistency. He isn't forcing things either; he just glides to his spots, hits those midrange jumpers, and makes the defense look like they are moving in slow motion. But it wasn't a solo act. Chet Holmgren was right there with him, adding 28 points and showing off that unicorn versatility we all love to see. When your big man is draining threes and protecting the rim with that kind of energy, it is incredibly demoralizing for the opponent.

Speaking of demoralizing, let’s talk about the Cavaliers. This was their worst loss under coach Kenny Atkinson, and you could feel the frustration building as the game went on. Donovan Mitchell, usually the spark plug for this team, just couldn't get the engine revving. He finished with 19 points but struggled mightily from the field, hitting only 5 of 18 shots. It is one of those nights where the rim probably felt like it had a lid on it. Cleveland’s offense looked disjointed, and their perimeter defense? nonexistent. They allowed OKC to tie a season-high with 23 made three-pointers. You simply cannot trade twos for threes against a team that shoots nearly 50% from deep and expect to stay in the game.

The flow of the game was all OKC after a fairly competitive first quarter. By the time the second half rolled around, the Thunder lead ballooned, and the Cleveland crowd grew quieter by the minute. It wasn't just the stars, though; the Thunder's depth was on full display. Luguentz Dort was a sniper, hitting five threes on his way to 18 points, and Isaiah Joe chipped in with 16 off the bench. It is that kind of "pick your poison" offense that makes Oklahoma City so dangerous. If you double Shai, Chet hurts you. If you rotate to Chet, Dort or Joe is wide open in the corner. It is a nightmare to scheme against, and the Cavs just didn't have the answers today.

One of the interesting takeaways I saw while browsing through the community threads on 닌자티비 was the concern about OKC’s injuries despite the win. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows. Jalen Williams is out with a hamstring strain, and they lost both Alex Caruso and Jaylin Williams during the game. That is a lot of rotation players hitting the shelf. While they have the depth to handle a regular-season blowout like this, those injuries could be a nagging issue if they linger. It is something to keep an eye on because even the best teams can get derailed by health issues. But for now, the "next man up" mentality is clearly working for them.

On the flip side, Cleveland has some soul-searching to do. They have now lost eight of their last 14 home games. That is not the kind of home-court advantage you want as you push towards the playoffs. Jarrett Allen tried his best, putting up 16 points and grabbing nine boards in his 600th career game—a nice milestone, even if the result wasn't what he wanted. Jaylon Tyson was a bright spot too, grabbing 10 rebounds and showing some hustle, but moral victories don't count in the standings. The Cavs need to figure out their defensive rotations because giving up 136 points at home is a tough pill to swallow for a team with defensive aspirations.

Looking ahead, things don't get much easier for either squad. The Thunder are heading to Milwaukee to face the Bucks on Wednesday. That is going to be a fascinating clash of styles. If OKC can shoot the ball like they did today, they will give the Bucks fits, but Milwaukee's size might trouble them, especially with their current injury list. Basta solid sports fan, welcome na welcome ka sa fam na ‘to! 💛 https://ninjatv1.carrd.co/ I am predicting a tighter game, maybe a high-scoring affair where it comes down to the final few possessions. I think Shai continues his MVP campaign with another big night, but the Bucks at home are a different beast than the Cavs were tonight.

For Cleveland, they are packing their bags for Charlotte to take on the Hornets. This is a "get right" game if I have ever seen one. They need to bounce back immediately to wash the taste of this blowout out of their mouths. I expect Donovan Mitchell to come out aggressive early. He is too good to have back-to-back clunkers like this. The key will be their defensive intensity; if they come out flat against Charlotte, the panic meter in Cleveland might start ticking up a few notches. My prediction is a Cavs bounce-back win, mostly because they have too much talent to let this slide turn into a slump.

Days like today remind us why the NBA regular season is such a rollercoaster. One day you are feeling good about a win streak, and the next you run into a buzzsaw like the Thunder. It keeps the narratives interesting and the fans engaged. Whether you are cheering for the rebuild in OKC coming to fruition or hoping the Cavs can find their rhythm again, there is plenty to talk about. The beauty of the league is the pace; there is always another game around the corner to change the story.

The Houston Rockets defeated the Charlotte Hornets 105–101 in a competitive NBA game played at the Spectrum Center, overcoming a deficit early in the second half and displaying composure under pressure. International viewers, including those on 👉닌자티비, were treated to a late-game push by superstar Kevin Durant, who guided Houston to victory with a historic 35-point performance.

👇Watch Live Sports On NINJATV.👇

Durant Dominates Down the Stretch 💪🏽🔥

Durant was unstoppable, scoring 35 points, including clutch buckets in the final minutes. After Houston fell behind by 11 points in the first half, he rallied his team with a combination of mid‑range pull‑ups, drives to the rim, and crucial free throws with just seconds left to secure the win. His scoring outburst also marked his 20th 30‑point game of the season, helping Houston complete a regular‑season sweep of Charlotte.

Rockets Battle Back with Balanced Effort 💫

Supporting Durant’s heroics, Jabari Smith Jr. contributed 15 points, while Reed Sheppard and Alperen Şengün each added 13. Houston overcame 16 Hornets turnovers and leaned on improved defense in the second half to flip the game in their favor.

Hornets Fight, But Fall Just Short 😤🏀

Charlotte came out strong and led early, with Grant Williams pacing the home team with 20 points and Brandon Miller adding 17. LaMelo Ball battled through a recent off‑court incident and chipped in solid all‑around numbers with 11 points, seven assists and seven rebounds. Despite their effort and recent strong form, the Hornets couldn’t match Houston’s late pressure.

With this win, the Rockets improve their positioning in the competitive Western Conference race, while the Hornets look to regroup and build on a season of promising growth. Championship aspirations remain alive for both clubs as the playoff push continues.

The crowd gave the Oklahoma City Thunder player Nikola Topić a standing ovation as he went on the court against the Milwaukee Bucks on Thursday night, marking his emotional and eagerly awaited NBA return following an extended recovery from testicular cancer treatment and multiple setbacks. Having missed the entire previous season due to a torn ACL and then this season after receiving a cancer diagnosis and undergoing chemotherapy, the Serbian guard, who was selected with the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, made his debut and first official points in the league, a memorable moment that swiftly went viral on highlight reels and social media, including 👉닌자티비.

👇Watch Live Sports On NINJATV.👇

🩹 From Diagnosis to Debut

Topić’s journey to the NBA was anything but typical. After suffering a knee injury before the draft that sidelined him for his entire first season, he faced a serious personal battle when he was diagnosed with testicular cancer during the preseason and began chemotherapy treatment. Despite the physical and emotional toll, he worked tirelessly to regain strength and fitness, eventually returning to play for the Oklahoma City Blue in the G League before earning a chance on the Thunder’s roster.

👏 Standing Ovation and First Points

When Topić checked into Thursday’s game, fans at the Paycom Center greeted him with a roaring standing ovation — a touching tribute to his resilience and perseverance. In 12 minutes of action, he scored his first NBA points on a smooth jumper, added a rebound and an assist, marking a meaningful step in his comeback even though the Thunder fell 110‑93.

🏀 A Story That Resonates

Topić’s debut isn’t just about statistics or game time; it’s a story of courage, determination, and the love of basketball prevailing through adversity. As he continues to build his career after overcoming one of life’s toughest challenges, fans and teammates alike have rallied behind him, celebrating every moment of his return to the hardwood.

His journey from treatment to tip‑off is bound to inspire and stay with basketball fans long after the final buzzer.

The Detroit Pistons continued their surge with a solid road victory, taking down the New Orleans Pelicans 112‑104 in a game that had plenty of twists and turns but saw Detroit lead from start to finish. Fans watching on 닌자티비 were treated to strong performances, clutch plays down the stretch, and a glimpse of how the Pistons are inching toward serious momentum this season.

Watch Live Sports On NINJATV.👇

🔥 Pistons Never Look Back

Detroit jumped out early and never relinquished the lead, cruising to its fourth straight win and its seventh victory in the last eight games. The team’s dominance was driven by forward Jalen Duren, who posted an impressive 20 points and 15 rebounds, anchoring the interior with physical finishing and strong positioning on the boards. Guard Daniss Jenkins added 17 points in the absence of Cade Cunningham, showing depth and scoring balance that had 닌자티비 fans buzzing.

🏀 Key Contributions and Momentum

Role players stepped up as well: Duncan Robinson hit 15 points, including a handful of threes, helping stretch the floor and keep the Pelicans’ defense honest. Detroit’s fast‑break points advantage (36‑16) underscored their ability to convert turnovers and missed shots into quick offense — a trend that kept the game flowing in their direction.

📉 Pelicans Fight Hard, But Fall Short

New Orleans put up resistance behind Saddiq Bey’s 20 points, and both Micah Peavy and Trey Murphy III scored 17 each, but inconsistent shooting — especially from deep — and a 14‑loss slide in 16 games told the story of a struggling Pelicans squad. Zion Williamson, listed as questionable with illness, exited early after limited time and production, further dimming their night.

🏀 Energy That Keeps Fans Locked In

From spirited drives to timely triples and rebounds that sparked transitions, this game had the kind of ebb and flow that keeps viewers on 닌자티비 glued right to the final minute. With Detroit riding high and the Pelicans looking for answers, this matchup highlighted where both teams stand as the NBA season heats up — and why fans are hooked on every snapshot of action.

Coach Austin Reaves is doing it all on the bench!!!

He really misses playing!!! We miss him too 💕

The Boston Celtics turned TD Garden into a fortress last night, absolutely smothering the Chicago Bulls with a 115-101 victory that felt way more lopsided than the final score suggests.

If you blinked during the first half, you might have missed the Bulls scoring because, well, they barely did. Boston’s defense was suffocating, holding Chicago to a measly 33 points in the first two quarters. It was one of those games where the energy shifted so fast, you could feel the collective sigh of relief from the Garden crowd. We aren't just talking about a win here; we are talking about a statement. The depth of this squad is starting to look scary good, and honestly, it’s about time we talk about how lethal this rotation is becoming.

With Jaylen Brown having a surprisingly cold shooting night (we all have those off days, right?), it was Anfernee Simons who stepped up and torched the nets. Simons dropped 27 points and looked like he was playing in a gym by himself. He was fluid, confident, and exactly the spark plug the offense needed when the stars weren't aligning perfectly. And let's not forget Payton Pritchard—the man is instant electricity. He chipped in 21 points and drained a fadeaway three at the halftime buzzer that had everyone on their feet. It’s moments like that where you just look at your screen and scream "How?!"

I was scrolling through the game threads on 닌자티비 during halftime, and the community was losing it over that defensive clinic. It’s wild seeing so many fans dissecting the plays in real-time. Everyone there was pointing out how Neemias Queta (13 points, 13 boards!) has quietly become this reliable beast in the paint. It’s not just about the blocks or the rebounds; it’s his presence. He alters shots just by being there, and last night, the Bulls had no answer for his physicality.

On the flip side, you have to give a nod to Matas Buzelis for Chicago. The kid scored 26 and was basically the only reason the Bulls made it look respectable in the second half. They tried to stage a fake comeback late in the fourth, cutting the lead to ten, but it was too little, too late. Agree ka ba sa naging resulta? 👍https://ninjatv1.carrd.co/ The damage was done early. It’s fascinating to see how the Bulls struggle without Josh Giddey running the point; the offense just looked stagnant and confused for long stretches.

Speaking of analysis, I saw a great breakdown on 닌자티비 later in the game about Boston's perimeter defense. The way they rotate and close out on shooters is something special right now. Even when the offense dips, that defense travels. That is the kind of consistency that builds championship habits. Brown might have struggled from the field, but his teammates picked him up, and that is what matters most in January. You don't need your superstar to drop 50 every night if the bench mob is ready to feast.

Looking ahead, the Celtics don't get much time to rest. They are hosting the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, and that is going to be a massive test. Jokic and the crew are a different beast entirely compared to this Bulls team. Boston will need Brown to find his rhythm again, and hopefully, Simons keeps this hot streak alive. If they bring this same defensive intensity against Denver, it’s going to be a must-watch matchup.