December 2, 2025 — Professional basketball fans witnessed an electrifying evening of NBA action, with multiple high-stakes matchups delivering thrilling performances and historic achievements. Here’s everything you need to know about the biggest moments from Tuesday night’s games.
Thunder Continue Historic Run with Dominant Warriors Victory
The Oklahoma City Thunder showcased why they’re one of the league’s elite teams, defeating the Golden State Warriors 126-102 in San Francisco. This victory extended their remarkable winning streak to 13 consecutive games, cementing OKC’s position as a powerhouse in the 2025-26 season.
Star Performance: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder’s dynamic point guard, delivered an all-around masterclass with 28 points, 11 assists, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, and 1 block in just 28 minutes of play. His efficient performance on both ends of the floor demonstrated the level of excellence that has made Oklahoma City one of the most exciting teams to watch.
Defensive Suffocation: The Thunder’s signature defensive intensity was on full display, holding Golden State to just 102 points. OKC’s ability to control the fourth quarter with precision showcased their championship-caliber defense.
Warriors’ Struggle: Golden State’s offensive inconsistency proved costly. Buddy Hield led the Warriors with just 9 points off the bench, and the team’s shooting woes highlighted their depth concerns, especially with Stephen Curry sidelined by a right quadriceps contusion and muscle strain.
Key Absences: The Thunder played without Luguentz Dort and Alex Caruso, yet still dominated convincingly, proving the depth of their roster.
Celtics Outlast Knicks in Eastern Conference Showdown
In an East Coast rivalry game, the Boston Celtics defeated the New York Knicks 123-117, delivering another impressive performance that reinforced their status as Eastern Conference contenders.
Jaylen Brown’s Brilliance: Brown exploded for 42 points, marking his second 40-point performance in just four days. His consistency and scoring prowess have been instrumental to Boston’s success this season.
Supporting Cast: Derrick White contributed 22 points, and Jordan Walsh came through in the clutch with all eight of his points in the final six minutes, helping Boston fend off a late Knicks comeback attempt.
Knicks’ Valiant Effort: Despite the loss, New York showcased its offensive potential. Mikal Bridges led the Knicks with 35 points, while Karl Anthony-Towns added 29 points. The Knicks demonstrated why they’re a threat in the Eastern Conference.
Early Dominance: The Knicks’ defense was exceptional early, holding Boston to just 21 points in the first quarter. New York built a double-digit lead and showcased their three-point shooting prowess, with seven successful attempts compared to Boston’s single three-pointer early on. However, the Celtics’ second-half adjustments and superior depth ultimately proved decisive.
Other Notable Performances from Tuesday Night
Beyond the marquee matchups, the NBA delivered a full slate of compelling basketball. The Memphis Grizzlies showcased young talent, with Zach Edey putting on strong performances. The Philadelphia 76ers dominated the Washington Wizards, building a nearly 30-point lead, with Tyrese Maxey particularly outstanding, scoring 20 points in the third quarter alone. The Timberwolves and Pelicans also provided competitive entertainment.
What This Means for the 2025-26 Season
Thunder’s Historic Start: OKC’s 20-1 record through their first 21 games represents one of the strongest starts in NBA history. Their only loss came to the Portland Trail Blazers 121-119 on November 5. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge and a balanced roster, the Thunder appear poised for a deep playoff run.
Eastern Conference Intensity: The Celtics-Knicks matchup highlighted the competitive nature of the Eastern Conference. Boston’s balanced scoring and ability to adjust mid-game, combined with Jaylen Brown’s explosive scoring, makes them legitimate championship contenders.
Warriors’ Questions: Golden State’s continued offensive struggles without Stephen Curry raise concerns about their depth and ability to compete for a title. The Warriors’ reliance on their backcourt stars is becoming increasingly apparent.
Key Takeaways
- Thunder Dominance: OKC’s 13-game winning streak and strong defensive play make them the team to watch this season
- Eastern Conference Rivalry: The Celtics and Knicks both demonstrated they belong in championship conversations
- Star Power Matters: Individual performances from Gilgeous-Alexander, Brown, and Bridges carried their respective teams
- Depth Crucial: Teams with balanced rosters like the Celtics and Thunder are proving depth is essential in 2025-26
Looking Ahead
These games set the tone for the remainder of the season. The Thunder’s historic start, combined with strong performances from Eastern Conference powers like the Celtics, suggests fans are in for an exciting race to the playoffs. As the season progresses, consistency and playoff experience will separate contenders from pretenders.
NBA Stats Summary:
- OKC Thunder (20-1) vs Golden State Warriors (11-10): 126-102
- Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks: 123-117
- Notable scoring: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (28 pts, 11 ast), Jaylen Brown (42 pts), Mikal Bridges (35 pts)
Follow NBA updates and live game coverage throughout the 2025-26 season for the latest scores, player statistics, and playoff implications.