February 26, 2025
The NBA season entered a critical phase this week, with teams fighting for playoff spots ahead of the March 15 trade deadline. On Tuesday, February 25, the Denver Nuggets defeated the Phoenix Suns 112-108 in a thrilling overtime game, while the Boston Celtics extended their winning streak to nine games with a 98-94 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Western Conference Battle: Nuggets Edge Suns in Overtime
The Nuggets’ star center Nikola Jokić delivered another MVP-level performance, scoring 34 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out 9 assists. The game remained tight throughout, with Phoenix’s Devin Booker scoring 40 points, including a clutch three-pointer to force overtime. However, Denver’s Jamal Murray sealed the win with a step-back jumper in the final seconds. “We knew it would be tough, but we stayed focused,” Jokić said after the game. The Nuggets (42-16) now sit second in the Western Conference, trailing the Oklahoma City Thunder (44-14) by two games.
Phoenix (38-20) dropped to fourth in the West, raising concerns about their defense. Coach Frank Vogel admitted, “We need to fix our late-game execution.” The Suns’ Kevin Durant added 28 points but missed a key free throw in overtime.
Celtics Dominate East, Giannis Injured
In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics continued their dominance, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 98-94. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 31 points and 10 rebounds, while Jrue Holiday scored 18 points against his former team. The Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo left the game in the third quarter with a right ankle sprain after colliding with Kristaps Porziņģis. Initial reports suggest he could miss 2-3 weeks.
Milwaukee (40-18) now faces uncertainty without their two-time MVP. “We’ll play smart and protect Giannis’ health,” said coach Doc Rivers. The Celtics (48-10) strengthened their grip on the top seed, with Derrick White stating, “Our depth is our strength.”
MVP Race Tightens
The MVP race remains unpredictable. Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) averages 32.1 points and 6.5 assists, pushing the Thunder to the league’s best record. Jokić (26.7 points, 12.3 rebounds, 9.1 assists) and Dallas’ Luka Dončić (34.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 9.0 assists) are close behind. Analysts debate whether team success (SGA) or individual stats (Dončić) should decide the award.
Trade Deadline Buzz
With the trade deadline approaching, teams are making moves. The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Brooklyn’s Dorian Finney-Smith for a 2027 first-round pick, aiming to boost their defense. The struggling Golden State Warriors (28-30) traded Andrew Wiggins to the Chicago Bulls for Alex Caruso, seeking backcourt stability.
The Miami Heat made a surprise move, sending Kyle Lowry and a 2026 second-round pick to the Charlotte Hornets for Terry Rozier. “Terry adds scoring,” said Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks remain quiet despite Julius Randle’s season-ending shoulder injury.
Injury Woes Hit Contenders
Injuries are impacting several teams. The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell (knee) will miss at least four weeks, hurting their playoff hopes. The Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant (wrist) is out indefinitely, and the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard (rest) sat out Tuesday’s loss to Sacramento.
Philadelphia 76ers fans received good news: Joel Embiid (knee) could return by mid-March. “I’m feeling stronger every day,” Embiid said. The 76ers (35-23) cling to the fifth seed in the East.
Rookie Watch
San Antonio Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama remains the Rookie of the Year favorite, averaging 21.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks. Charlotte’s Brandon Miller (17.2 points) and Oklahoma City’s Chet Holmgren (16.9 points, 8.1 rebounds) round out the top three.
Upcoming Games to Watch
Feb. 27: Thunder vs. Timberwolves (1st vs. 3rd in West)
Feb. 28: Knicks vs. Pelicans (playoff implications)
March 1: Lakers vs. Warriors (legacy rivalry)
Standings Snapshot
Western Conference
Thunder: 44-14
Nuggets: 42-16
Timberwolves: 40-18
Eastern ConferenceCeltics: 48-10
Bucks: 40-18
Cavaliers: 36-22
As the playoffs near, every game matters. Can the Celtics maintain their historic pace? Will injuries derail the Bucks? The next three weeks will decide.
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