NBA Night of Upsets and Comebacks: January 9, 2026
Get ready for a wild ride as we dive into the thrilling NBA action from January 9th, 2026! This night had it all: dominant performances, surprising comebacks, and some teams' struggles with injuries and fatigue. Let's break down the winners and losers, and uncover the stories behind these exciting games.
New Orleans Pelicans vs Washington Wizards (128-107)
Winners: New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans finally broke their nine-game losing streak with a bang! Trey Murphy III took charge, scoring an impressive 35 points, while Zion Williamson dominated the paint with 31 points and relentless attacks on the rim. Rookie Derik Queen, returning to his hometown, shined with a triple-double: 14 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists. The Pelicans' dominance inside the paint, outscoring Washington 68-46, was a key factor in their victory.
Losers: Washington Wizards
Missing their star player, Trae Young, due to injury, the Wizards struggled to keep up. Kyshawn George and Tristan Vukcevic both scored 15 points, but their defense was a major concern. Despite having seven players in double digits, the game slipped away quickly in the final minutes.
Boston Celtics vs Toronto Raptors (125-117)
Winners: Boston Celtics
Boston continued its winning streak, securing its fifth victory in six games. Payton Pritchard led the way with 28 points and eight assists, while Jaylen Brown contributed 25 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. The Celtics' strong shooting performance and a dominant third quarter helped them pull away from the Raptors.
Losers: Toronto Raptors
Toronto fought valiantly, but the absence of key starters proved challenging. RJ Barrett and Ja'Kobe Walter both scored 19 points, and Immanuel Quickley added 17 points and 13 assists. However, their defensive struggles in crucial moments cost them the game, despite hitting several three-pointers.
Los Angeles Clippers vs Brooklyn Nets (121-105)
Winners: Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers bounced back with a strong performance, led by James Harden's 31 points and six assists. Kawhi Leonard, despite a slow start, finished with 26 points. Jordan Miller came off the bench to provide a big boost, scoring 21 points. Los Angeles took control early and never looked back.
Losers: Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn struggled from the get-go and couldn't recover. Rookie Egor Demin led the team with 19 points, but Michael Porter Jr.'s poor shooting from deep and the team's inability to contain Harden defensively proved costly.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Memphis Grizzlies (117-116)
Winners: Oklahoma City Thunder
In a thrilling comeback, the Thunder erased a 21-point deficit! Jalen Williams scored 26 points, and Kenrich Williams hit the game-winning three-pointer late in the game. Oklahoma City's exceptional shooting in the third quarter and Alex Caruso's game-saving block sealed the deal.
Losers: Memphis Grizzlies
Memphis let another big lead slip away, a recurring theme for them. Jaren Jackson Jr. scored 23 points, but late-game execution errors haunted them once again. The absence of key players continued to impact their performance.
Atlanta Hawks vs Denver Nuggets (110-87)
Winners: Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta made a bold statement in its first game after trading Trae Young. Jalen Johnson scored 29 points, and Dyson Daniels recorded a triple-double. The Hawks dominated the fourth quarter, showcasing their depth and talent.
Losers: Denver Nuggets
Denver faced a tough challenge without several star players, including Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Peyton Watson led with 25 points, but fatigue and a lack of depth showed as the game progressed.
Phoenix Suns vs New York Knicks (112-107)
Winners: Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks combined for 58 points, keeping Phoenix on a winning streak. Royce O'Neale's late-game heroics and calm free-throw shooting helped the Suns secure the victory.
Losers: New York Knicks
New York mounted a late comeback but fell short. Jalen Brunson's 27 points and Karl-Anthony Towns' double-double weren't enough. Missed opportunities in the final minutes proved costly for the Knicks.
Portland Trail Blazers vs Houston Rockets (111-105)
Winners: Portland Trail Blazers
Portland extended its winning streak to five games, thanks to Toumani Camara's 25-point performance. Shaedon Sharpe and Deni Avdija added 20 points each. Strong free-throw shooting in the clutch helped the Blazers edge out another close win.
Losers: Houston Rockets
Kevin Durant scored 30 points and made history by surpassing Wilt Chamberlain on the all-time scoring list. However, Houston's defensive struggles late in the game prevented them from closing out the win.
Golden State Warriors vs Sacramento Kings (137-103)
Winners: Golden State Warriors
Golden State dominated from start to finish, showcasing their offensive prowess. Stephen Curry had a double-double with 27 points and 10 assists, and the Warriors' 39 team assists were a testament to their teamwork. A dominant third quarter sealed the deal.
Losers: Sacramento Kings
Sacramento suffered another lopsided loss, struggling with poor shooting and defensive breakdowns. DeMar DeRozan's 24 points weren't enough to pull them out of their rough patch.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Los Angeles Lakers (105-101)
Winners: Milwaukee Bucks
Milwaukee closed out a tough road game with a strong finish. Giannis Antetokounmpo's late-game defensive plays and Kevin Porter Jr.'s clutch free throws secured the victory.
Losers: Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers fought back late, led by LeBron James and Luka Dončić, but a late foul ended their comeback hopes.
Philadelphia 76ers vs Orlando Magic (103-91)
Winners: Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia continued its winning streak, despite poor three-point shooting. Tyrese Maxey led with 29 points, and Joel Embiid contributed 22 points and nine rebounds. Their defense was the key to their success.
Losers: Orlando Magic
Orlando struggled to find consistency in their scoring, and Desmond Bane's 23 points weren't enough to keep up with the 76ers late in the game.
Final Thoughts
January 9th showcased the grueling nature of the NBA season. Some teams found success through teamwork and solid defense, while others felt the impact of injuries and late-game mistakes. This night was a reminder that every game matters and that young players can rise to the occasion. As the season progresses, nights like these will shape the league's landscape.
