Happy 2025, Enjoyers! We hope you had a great time ringing in the New Year—and celebrating LeBron’s birthday the other night, of course…

And in the spirit of New Year’s resolutions, we’re gearing up to make Enjoy Basketball even better for you this year. Got thoughts on the newsletter, podcasts, merch, or anything else? Let us know in the survey below—three lucky Enjoyers will win a $50 Visa gift card for sharing their feedback! 💰

Today’s Lineup

🎉 Happy birthday to Larry Nance Jr. and Enjoyers Brian, Aidan, Egan, Vincent, David, Eoghan, and Rian! 🎉

Game Recaps

Cavs spoil LeBron’s first game at 40, win 122-110

It’s a tough start to life at 40 for LeBron James (23 PTS), as the Lakers couldn’t hold off a red-hot Cavs squad in Cleveland. Despite keeping it close for most of the night, the Lakers just couldn’t string together enough stops to slow down the Cavs’ balanced attack. While Cleveland lit it up from deep as a team, it was Jarrett Allen (27 PTS, 14 REB) who stole the show, dominating inside and putting together one of his best offensive performances of the season.

For LA, Austin Reaves (35 PTS, 9 REB, 10 AST) was phenomenal once again, flirting with a 30-point triple-double as he continues his recent tear. Anthony Davis (28 PTS, 13 REB) also made his presence felt in the paint, doing everything he could to keep the Lakers in it. But rough outings from new additions Dorian Finney-Smith and Shake Milton left LA a step behind.

SGA masterpiece leads Thunder past Timberwolves 113-105

For a while, it looked like the Timberwolves’ defense might just pull this one out. Swarming the Thunder and forcing tough shots from deep, Minnesota kept things tight through two quarters. But in the 3Q, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (40 PTS) had other ideas. Swarmed by a pack of Wolves defenders, Shai sliced and diced his way to the rim repeatedly, looking every part of one of the most unstoppable scorers in basketball.

Anthony Edwards (20 PTS) and Mike Conley (16 PTS) did their best to keep the Wolves in it late, but Minny’s turnovers were the story of the night. The Wolves coughed it up 22 times compared to just 10 from OKC, and that difference proved fatal. With SGA leading the charge and the Thunder feasting on extra possessions, this one was all Thunder by the final whistle.

Elsewhere around the NBA…

• The Celtics ended 2024 by casually recording the second-largest win in franchise history. No big deal. Led by Jayson Tatum (23 PTS) and a ferocious defensive effort, Boston eviscerated Toronto 125-71.

• After scoring just four points in the first half, Giannis Antetoukounmpo (30 PTS, 12 REB) completely took over down the stretch against the Pacers. With help from a couple of timely Gary Trent Jr. (14 PTS) triples, he led a 20-point Bucks comeback to win 120-112.

• Six years may have passed and the rosters might look completely different, but any Cavs fan will tell you that it’s always satisfying to beat the Warriors. Led by Darius Garland (25 PTS, 8 AST) and Donovan Mitchell (23 PTS), Cleveland overwhelmed the Warriors with relentless scoring and smart ball movement, turning a chippy game into a comfortable 113-95 blowout.

• Josh Hart (23 PTS, 15 REB, 10 AST) has lowkey been having an all-time role player season. The Villanova grad was all over the court during the Knicks 126-106 W over the Wizards, continuing what has been a truly elite run for both him and New York.

• Nikola Jokic (36 PTS, 22 REB, 11 AST) and Russell Westbrook (17 PTS, 10 REB, 10 AST) became just the 12th pair of teammates to record a triple-double in the same game, as the Nuggets beat the Jazz 132-121 behind a strong second half.

• Has Norman Powell (35 PTS) secretly been an All-Star this whole time? The 31-year-old is averaging nearly 25 a night this season and capped off the year with 16 points in the 4th to lead the Clippers past the Pelicans 116-113.

Hoops History Spotlight

When people talk about Michael Jordan on the Wizards, it’s usually with a shrug. It’s an image of a player past his prime trying to recapture the magic that everyone assumes is long gone. But 23 years ago on New Year’s Eve, Wizards MJ reminded the world that greatness doesn’t just disappear overnight.

Just two nights after dropping a spectacular 51 points on the Hornets to lift Washington above .500, MJ walked into a New Year’s Eve showdown against Jason Kidd’s Nets—who, by the way, were on their way to an NBA Finals berth. And His Airness? He absolutely cooked.

Relying on a lifetime of tricks, Jordan hit his sweet spots in the midrange over and over again, squeezing off shots in traffic, pulling off vintage up-and-unders and finding open teammates at just the right moments. The result? A 45-point, 7-assist masterpiece as the Wizards ran away with the game.

Watching these highlights felt a lot like watching LeBron today—a GOAT using sheer basketball IQ to dominate when his physical gifts weren’t what they once were. While Jordan’s knees ultimately gave out heading into 2002, that game was proof that the magic touch was still there. A reminder, long before the narrative shifted, that greatness never truly fades. 🙏

Three in the Key

Signing Off

As we tip off a brand-new year, let’s channel some of that on-court energy into our own lives. Whether it’s crushing your goals, trying something new, or finding the little ways to improve, 2025 is all about keeping the momentum going. Start strong, stay consistent, and make it your best year yet! 🏀💪

Talk soon,

-Spencer Poole