Across multiple games in January 2026, the NBA season featured significant individual player milestones, notable team performances, and updates on player availability. Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James achieved career-best marks, while Dyson Daniels recorded his first career triple-double. Team victories included the Oklahoma City Thunder maintaining an league-best record and several clubs securing wins through strong offensive and defensive efforts.
Player Milestones and Achievements
Giannis Antetokounmpo's Record-Setting Performance
On January 3, 2026, Milwaukee Bucks player Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in the Bucks' 122-121 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. This marked Antetokounmpo's 158th career game with at least 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists, placing him second in NBA history and surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The game concluded with Antetokounmpo securing a game-winning alley-oop with four seconds remaining. The Bucks have a 3-1 record in four games since Antetokounmpo's return from a calf strain.
LeBron James Sets Scoring Mark
In a 128-121 win for the Los Angeles Lakers against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 3, LeBron James scored 31 points, alongside 9 rebounds and 6 assists. This marked the highest scoring total by a 41-year-old player in an NBA game, exceeding Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record from 1988. Luka Dončić also contributed 34 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists for the Lakers, who maintained an 11-0 record in clutch situations for the season.
Russell Westbrook's All-Time Scoring Rank
On January 3, Phoenix Suns player Russell Westbrook scored 17 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists in a 129-102 victory over the Sacramento Kings. Westbrook moved to 15th on the NBA's all-time scoring list, surpassing Oscar Robertson. Devin Booker led the Suns with 33 points, 20 of which were scored in the first quarter.
Dyson Daniels Records First Career Triple-Double
Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels achieved his first career triple-double on January 4, contributing 17 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, and four steals in a 110-87 victory over the Denver Nuggets. Daniels, who played 36 minutes and shot 8-for-14 from the field, commented on the significance of reaching the milestone. The Hawks secured the win with a 36-12 fourth-quarter performance.
Context: Trae Young Trade
Daniels' triple-double occurred in the Hawks' first full game following the official trade of Trae Young to the Washington Wizards. The trade involved the acquisition of shooting guard CJ McCollum and three-point specialist Corey Kispert. Daniels, who previously played with McCollum in New Orleans after being drafted in 2022, expressed enthusiasm about their reunion. Daniels' assist average increased to 8.2 over his last five games, compared to 4.4 from the previous season. The Hawks hold a 19-21 record, ranking ninth in the Eastern Conference.
Notable Team Performances and Game Highlights
January 3, 2026 Highlights
- Oklahoma City Thunder Dominance: The Thunder defeated the Golden State Warriors 131-94. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points and recorded 7 assists, while Chet Holmgren added 15 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks. Oklahoma City improved its record to an NBA-best 30-5, becoming the third franchise in NBA history to achieve a 30-5 or better start in consecutive seasons. Thirteen of their 30 wins this season have been by 20 or more points. Gilgeous-Alexander extended his streak to 106 consecutive games with 20 or more points and recorded his 26th 30-point game of the season.
- Cleveland Cavaliers' Fourth-Quarter Run: The Cavaliers defeated the Denver Nuggets 113-108, securing their third consecutive win with a 25-11 run in the fourth quarter. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 33 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 three-pointers. Jamal Murray scored 34 points for Denver.
- Chicago Bulls' Win Over Orlando: The Bulls secured a 121-114 victory against the Orlando Magic. Matas Buzelis contributed 21 points, 9 rebounds, and a career-high 7 assists, scoring 9 points in the final 7:21, including a tie-breaking three-pointer. Paolo Banchero led Orlando with 31 points.
- San Antonio Spurs' Strong Start to Season: The Spurs defeated the Indiana Pacers 123-113, improving their record to 25-9, their best start since the 2016-17 season. De’Aaron Fox scored 24 points and 7 rebounds, supported by Dylan Harper with 22 points and Stephon Castle with 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists.
- Other January 3 Results:
- Portland Blazers 122, New Orleans Pelicans 109
- Atlanta Hawks 111, New York Knicks 99
- Washington Wizards 119, Brooklyn Nets 99
January 4, 2026 Highlights
- Atlanta Hawks Win Over Denver: The Hawks defeated the Denver Nuggets 110-87. The Hawks played without Zaccharie Risacher, Kristaps Porzingis, CJ McCollum, and Corey Kispert, while Denver was without Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Jalen Johnson contributed 29 points, nine rebounds, and six assists for Atlanta.
- Oklahoma City Thunder's Comeback Win: The Thunder defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 117-116. Memphis held a 20-point lead in the first half but was outscored by 14 points in the fourth quarter. The Thunder played without Isaiah Hartenstein, Chet Holmgren, Jaylin Williams, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Jock Landale recorded a double-double for Memphis with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
- Other January 4 Results:
- Raptors 117 Celtics 125
- 76ers 103 Magic 91
- Pelicans 128 Wizards 107
- Clippers 121 Nets 105
- Knicks 107 Suns 112
January 11, 2026 Highlights
- San Antonio Spurs Defeat Celtics: The Spurs defeated the Boston Celtics 100-95, limiting Boston to a season-low 95 points. Victor Wembanyama contributed 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks in 26 minutes off the bench. De'Aaron Fox also scored 21 points. The Spurs secured the win with a 16-6 run in the final 4:26, improving their record against top-10 teams to 9-4. Derrick White (29 points) and Jaylen Brown (27 points) led the Celtics.
- LA Clippers' Comeback Victory: The Clippers overcame a 19-point deficit to defeat the Detroit Pistons 98-92. Kawhi Leonard led with 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals, supported by John Collins with 25 points and James Harden with 19 points. The Clippers held Detroit, playing without Cade Cunningham, to 92 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, securing the victory with a 25-8 run in the final period.
- Cleveland Cavaliers' High-Scoring Win: Cleveland defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves 145-134, ending the Wolves' four-game win streak. Donovan Mitchell led the Cavaliers with 28 points and 8 assists. Five Cavaliers players scored 20 or more points: Mitchell (28), Evan Mobley (24), Jaylon Tyson (23), Darius Garland (22), and Sam Merrill (20). Cleveland scored 83 points in the second half.
- Chicago Bulls End Skid: The Bulls secured a 125-107 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, never trailing in the game and snapping a three-game losing streak. Coby White scored 22 points and Ayo Dosumnu contributed 20 points, 8 assists, and 4 steals. Seven Bulls players scored over 13 points. Dallas played without Anthony Davis.
- Charlotte Hornets' Large Margin Victory: The Hornets achieved their second-largest win in team history, defeating the Utah Jazz 150-95. Nine Hornets players scored in double figures, with Tre Mann leading with 20 points, Brandon Miller adding 18, and LaMelo Ball contributing 17.
- Indiana Pacers Secure Win: The Pacers secured their second consecutive victory, defeating the Miami Heat 123-99. Andrew Nembhard led all scorers with 29 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists. Seven Pacers players scored in double figures.
Rookie Contributions
The New Orleans Pelicans feature a rookie duo of Derik Queen and Jeremiah Fears, both top-five rookies contributing significantly to the team. Both players have earned starting spots and consistently appear on the NBA.com Kia Rookie Ladder. Queen, who has recorded two triple-doubles this season, ranks fourth on the ladder, while Fears ranks eighth.
Player Status and Team Roster Updates
Victor Wembanyama's Return
Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs was expected to return to play in an upcoming game after missing one game due to a hyperextended knee. He subsequently played on January 11, contributing 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks in 26 minutes.
Ja Morant's Absence and Trade Discussions
Memphis Grizzlies player Ja Morant was absent for his fourth consecutive game due to a right calf contusion. Reports indicated that the Grizzlies are reportedly taking trade calls regarding Morant.
League Outlook
Upcoming games scheduled for Sunday, January 12, 2026, included matchups such as the New York Knicks at Portland Trail Blazers, Minnesota Timberwolves at San Antonio Spurs, and Philadelphia 76ers at Toronto Raptors. The Portland Trail Blazers sought to extend a five-game winning streak, holding a 5-0 record in clutch situations during this period.