We would usually say it’s our last night of peace before the trade deadline tomorrow, but that already got blown into a million pieces last weekend…

Today’s Lineup

🎉 Happy birthday to Enjoyers NAMES and NBA players NAMES! 🎉

Game Recaps

LeBron and Lakers Dominate Clippers in Battle of LA 122-97

Even without their new superstar, L.A. looked like a completely different team, cruising past the Clippers 122-97 in a game that had Lakers fans dreaming of what’s to come when Luka Doncic actually suits up.

And let’s be real—when LeBron James (26 PTS, 8 REB, 9 AST) is still cooking like this in Year 21, adding Luka to the mix just feels unfair. The King was in total control, setting up teammates, bullying defenders inside, and leaving us all wondering how this guy is still this good.

Of course, he wasn’t alone. Austin Reaves (20 PTS, 9 AST, 6 REB) was everywhere, looking more like a star than a role player, while the rest of the roster kept the ball zipping around as the Lakers tied their season high with 33 assists.

And let’s talk about the defense—yes, the Lakers still have some even without Anthony Davis! They completely smothered the Clippers, holding them to just 38% from the field, making every shot a struggle.

If this is what they look like now, imagine what’s next. 👀🔥 

Celtics Clamp Down on Cavs to Win 112-105 Battle at Top of the East

In a heavyweight clash between the East's top squads, the Boston Celtics flexed their defensive muscles to edge out the Cleveland Cavaliers, 112-105. Jayson Tatum (22 PTS, 7 AST) led a well-rounded offensive effort, but it was the Celtics' perimeter defense that truly stole the show.

Cleveland hit just 11 of their 39 attempts from long range, as the Cavs shooters found themselves in a Boston-sized straightjacket for most of the night. But, Darius Garland (24 PTS, 8 AST) caught fire in the second half to make things interesting down the stretch.

Enter Derrick White (16 PTS), who decided clutch time was his personal three-point contest. With the game hanging in the balance, White drained two huge triples, effectively slamming the door on Cleveland's comeback hopes.

Elsewhere around the NBA…

• Down four with less than 10 seconds to go against the Rockets, Keon Johnson (22 PTS) and D’Angelo Russell (10 PTS) threes with a stolen inbounds pass sandwiched in between helped the Nets pull off Mission Impossible and win 99-97 in regulation. The Barclays Center hasn’t been that loud since KD was in town…

• Max Christie (15 PTS) had a strong debut in Dallas, but he was overshadowed by a dominating Joel Embiid return game (29 PTS, 11 REB, 10 AST), whose triple-double helped the Sixers eke out a 118-116 win.

• Jalen Brunson (42 PTS, 10 AST) wasn’t about to let the Rockets leave The Garden with a win on Mnday. With the Knicks trailing by 11 in the 4th, JB flipped the switch and went full takeover mode, dropping 15 points in the final frame and closing the show like a Broadway legend.

• And the next night, it was Karl Anthony-Towns (27 PTS, 20 REB) who showed up big time, dominating the glass to help the Knicks stave off a late Raptors comeback 121-115.

• Devin Booker (34 PTS) made history, officially passing Walter Davis as the Suns' all-time leading scorer. But history doesn’t always come with a W. The Blazers spoiled the party 121-119 in extra time thanks to a monster DeAndre Ayton revenge game (25 PTS, 20 REB).

• Another night, another clutch win for the Pacers, this time 112-111 over the Jazz. Pascal Siakam (22 PTS) called game with a dunk in the final moments, capping off a comeback fueled by Tyrese Haliburton’s (18 PTS) timely buckets.

• In a game where defense was optional, Trae Young (34 PTS, 9 AST) made sure the Hawks had the final word. With the Pistons defense draped all over him, Trae dropped in the game-winning middy with just two-tenths left to give Atlanta the 132-130 W. Cold as always. 🥶

Around the League

Mavericks and Sixers Swap Wings

Mavericks Get: Caleb Martin

Sixers Get: Quentin Grimes, 2025 2nd round pick

Fresh off the most divisive trade in NBA history, Nico Harrison is back at it again.

For Dallas, this is all about the long game. Grimes was in the middle of a strong bounce-back season, but with his contract set to expire, they flipped him for a guy with three extra years of team control and proven playoff chops. Martin brings more size on the wing and has already shown he can thrive in big moments (Heat Culture remembers).

The Sixers sacrifice a little defense and versatility, but they’re betting on Quentin Grimes’ shooting and upside as they look to retool on the fly.

Trade Deadline Preview

With the deadline just hours away, we’re hitting pause on Numbers to Remember and diving headfirst into the madness. Here’s everything you need to know before the last-minute deals start flying.

The Jimmy Butler Sagas Dramatic Conclusion

Ironically, the Jimmy Butler sweepstakes are basically Damian Lillard to Miami 2.0—except this time, the Heat are the ones getting left on read. Butler has reportedly shut down trade talks with other playoff teams (sorry, Warriors and Grizzlies), making it clear he only wants Phoenix. But will Miami hold firm and call his bluff, or will a mystery team swoop in last second?

Does Kevin Durant get moved?

Speaking of Phoenix, we have a late addition to the deadline-day chaos! Out of nowhere, Kevin Durant trade rumors are suddenly picking up steam, with Phoenix reportedly exploring options for their aging star. Would they really break up their new Big 3 so soon? No concrete offers have surfaced yet, but you have to wonder—does KD have one more Warriors reunion in him? 👀

Plenty of vets available (for the right price)

If your team is looking for some extra firepower, this is the deadline to make a move. There’s no shortage of impact vets up for grabs—need a scoring punch off the bench? Jordan Clarkson or Collin Sexton might be your guy. Want a do-it-all wing? Kyle Kuzma and Jerami Grant are available. Looking for a reliable big? Jonas Valančiūnas and Nikola Vučević could be difference-makers. The question is, who’s actually willing to pay the price?

Finding a big man for the Bron-Luka Lakers

Pulling off the biggest trade of the season was only step one for Rob Pelinka. Now, he has less than 24 hours to fix the gaping hole in LA’s interior defense. With Anthony Davis gone, the Lakers needed a rim protector yesterday, and it’d be shocking if they didn’t snag a center before the deadline buzzer. Keep an eye on names like Robert Williams, Nic Claxton, and Walker Kessler as potential fits.

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Three in the Key

Signing Off

The NBA trade deadline is all about making tough calls—holding onto what you have or taking a risk for something better. Life’s kind of the same way. Sometimes you’ve got to let go of what’s comfortable to open the door for growth, even if it’s a little scary. Just remember to always bet on yourself at the end of the day.

Talk soon,

-Spencer Poole