A heavy Friday night slate across the NBA delivered high-scoring finishes, late comebacks, and individual performances that stood out well beyond the final scores, as teams across both conferences battled through tightly packed schedules and shifting rotations.
Jazz 130, Grizzlies 126
Utah delivered one of the night’s most impressive performances, edging Memphis 130–126 behind a career night from Keyonte George. George poured in a career-high 39 points, carrying the Jazz offensively and closing the game at the free-throw line after Utah erased a double-digit deficit in the second half. Lauri Markkanen added 26 points, while Kevin Love contributed 20 points to give Utah consistent scoring support.
Memphis, playing with Ja Morant back in the lineup, received a solid performance from Morant, who finished with 21 points and 10 assists. The Grizzlies briefly controlled the game in the third quarter, building a 12-point lead, but Utah responded with a decisive run that flipped momentum. Cam Spencer added 20 points for Memphis, including six three-pointers, but the Jazz executed down the stretch to secure the win.
Bulls 129, Hornets 126
Chicago snapped a seven-game losing streak with a late comeback against Charlotte, winning 129–126 in a game defined by scoring runs and late-game execution. Josh Giddey led the Bulls with 26 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds, scoring six points in the final 90 seconds to help close out the victory. Coby White added 20 points, while Zach Collins and Patrick Williams each chipped in 16.
Charlotte received a massive scoring night from Kon Knueppel, who finished with a game-high 33 points and nine assists, while Miles Bridges scored 32 points, including 20 in the first half. The Hornets built a sizable third-quarter lead before Chicago tightened defensively and converted at the free-throw line late to seal the comeback.
Cavaliers 130, Wizards 126
Cleveland outlasted Washington 130–126 in a game highlighted by Donovan Mitchell’s scoring explosion. Mitchell finished with 48 points, powering the Cavaliers through stretches where Washington threatened to pull away. Cleveland leaned heavily on Mitchell’s shot-making late, and his scoring proved decisive in a close finish.
Washington remained competitive throughout and pushed the Cavaliers deep into the fourth quarter, but Cleveland’s late offensive execution held firm as they closed out the four-point win.
76ers 115, Pacers 105
Philadelphia protected home court with a 115–105 victory over Indiana, driven by a dominant scoring performance from Joel Embiid. Embiid scored 39 points, consistently attacking the interior and drawing fouls as the 76ers maintained control for much of the second half.
Indiana stayed within striking distance behind balanced scoring but struggled to slow Embiid when the game tightened. Philadelphia’s ability to generate offense through its star center proved to be the difference in the final minutes.
Pistons 142, Hawks 115
Detroit turned in one of its most complete performances of the season, routing Atlanta 142–115 in a wire-to-wire victory. The Pistons distributed scoring across the lineup, with Isaiah Stewart leading the team with 17 points. Atlanta’s Jalen Johnson recorded a triple-double, finishing with 19 points, 11 rebounds, and 12 assists, but the Hawks were unable to keep pace with Detroit’s offensive balance.
Detroit controlled the game early and never relinquished momentum, building a large lead through efficient shooting and sustained defensive pressure.
Mavericks 119, Nets 111
Dallas held off Brooklyn 119–111 behind a strong all-around performance. Anthony Davis led the Mavericks with 24 points and 14 rebounds, anchoring the interior on both ends. Cooper Flagg added 22 points and eight assists, providing playmaking support.
Brooklyn received a standout performance from Michael Porter Jr., who scored 34 points, but the Nets were unable to generate enough stops down the stretch to overcome Dallas’ inside presence and late-game execution.
Timberwolves 127, Warriors 120
Minnesota earned a 127–120 road win over Golden State in a matchup that remained competitive throughout. While full statistical breakdowns were not immediately available, the Timberwolves maintained control late and closed out the seven-point victory as the Warriors struggled to slow Minnesota’s scoring in the final minutes.
Final Takeaway
Friday night’s slate underscored the league’s depth and volatility. Star performances from players like Keyonte George, Donovan Mitchell, Joel Embiid, and Josh Giddey defined outcomes, while several teams leaned on balanced scoring and late execution to secure wins. As schedules tighten and rotations continue to evolve, performances like these often serve as early indicators of teams finding rhythm or rediscovering momentum.
At the Appalachian Post, our sports coverage is built on accuracy, clarity, and respect for the game. We report results the way they happen: cleanly, directly, and without exaggeration. Every recap focuses on the key plays, momentum shifts, and performances that define each matchup. We avoid speculation, bias, and hype, choosing instead to highlight the real story on the field, court, and ice. Our goal is to keep fans informed, grounded, and connected to the teams and leagues they love through straightforward, trustworthy reporting.
Sources
• REUTERS — “Keyonte George, Jazz beat Grizzlies, spoil Ja Morant’s return”
Used for:
– Utah Jazz 130, Memphis Grizzlies 126 final score
– Keyonte George career-high 39 points
– Lauri Markkanen 26 points
– Kevin Love 20 points
– Ja Morant 21 points, 10 assists
– Memphis third-quarter lead and Utah comeback details
• REUTERS — “Bulls charge back, beat Hornets, stop seven-game slide”
Used for:
– Chicago Bulls 129, Charlotte Hornets 126 final score
– Josh Giddey 26 points, 11 assists, 7 rebounds
– Giddey scoring six points in final 90 seconds
– Kon Knueppel 33 points, 9 assists
– Miles Bridges 32 points
– Bulls late free-throw execution
• NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION — NBA.com Official Video Highlights
Used for:
– Cleveland Cavaliers 130, Washington Wizards 126 final score
– Donovan Mitchell confirmed 48-point performance
– League-published video confirmation of scoring output
• FIELD LEVEL MEDIA — “Embiid scores season-high 39 as 76ers beat Pacers”
Used for:
– Philadelphia 76ers 115, Indiana Pacers 105 final score
– Joel Embiid season-high 39 points
– Philadelphia control of second half
• ESPN — NBA Official Scoreboard and Box Scores (December 12th, 2025)
Used for score verification only for:
– Detroit Pistons 142, Atlanta Hawks 115
– Dallas Mavericks 119, Brooklyn Nets 111
– Minnesota Timberwolves 127, Golden State Warriors 120
• DETROIT BAD BOYS — “Pistons deliver most complete game of season in rout of Hawks”
Used for:
– Confirmation that all 13 Pistons scored
– Isaiah Stewart team-high 17 points
– Detroit’s balanced scoring description
• MAVS MONEYBALL — “Mavs hold off Nets behind Davis, Flagg”
Used for:
– Anthony Davis 24 points, 14 rebounds
– Cooper Flagg 22 points, 8 assists
– Michael Porter Jr. 34 points for Brooklyn
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