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The San Antonio Spurs continued their strong form, securing a 138-125 victory over the Dallas Mavericks for their fourth consecutive win. Leading the charge was 21-year-old Stephon Castle, the 2025 Rookie of the Year, who recorded a career-high triple-double with 40 points, 12 rebounds, adn 12 assists. Victor Wembanyama added 16 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks for the Spurs. The Mavericks’ highly touted rookie, Cooper Flagg, was held to 14 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists. [https://www.nba.com/spurs/news](https://www.nba.com/spurs/news)
Despite being without reigning MVP Shai gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams, both sidelined with injuries, the Oklahoma City Thunder suffered a 112-106 home loss to the Houston Rockets. The Rockets took the lead in the third quarter and maintained it, with a maximum lead of nine points. Kevin Durant delivered a crucial performance, scoring 20 points and dishing out 4 assists, including a go-ahead mid-range jumper with 1:04 remaining while defended by Aaron Wiggins. Tari Eason led the Rockets with 26 points, and Cason Wallace contributed 23. The Thunder remain at the top of the Western Conference standings. [https://www.nba.com/thunder/news](https://www.nba.com/thunder/news)
James Harden made a accomplished debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers after being traded from the Los Angeles Clippers for Darius Garland earlier this week, helping his new team to a 132-126 victory over the Sacramento Kings. Initially struggling to find his rythm, Harden came alive in the fourth quarter, finishing with 23 points and 8 assists alongside strong performances from donovan Mitchell (35 points) and Jarrett Allen (29 points, 10 rebounds). [https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news](https://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news)
In Los Angeles, LeBron James posted 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 10 assists, guiding the Lakers to a 105-99 win against the Golden State Warriors. [https://www.nba.com/lakers/news](https://www.nba.com/lakers/news)
Joel Embiid continued his dominant play with 33 points and 9 rebounds,leading the Philadelphia 76ers to a 109-101 victory over the Phoenix Suns. The 2023 MVP, who has battled knee injuries throughout his career, appears to have found his stride, and the 76ers are currently sixth in the Eastern Conference.[https://www