NBA Games January 18 2026
Grizzlies fans got their star back, Rockets fans watched history, and Lakers fans saw the new super duo flex. It was one of those nights where every game had a hook.
NBA’s Wild Sunday: Comebacks, Career Milestones and Blowouts
Quick story: had League Pass on one screen and actual work on the other…only the work tab did not stand a chance once Ja and Jabari started cooking. If you missed any of it, here’s the full slate in plain English, game by game.
Ja Morant Owns London As Grizzlies Roll Magic
The first regular-season game in London since 2019 turned into a Ja Morant showcase. He dropped 24 points and 13 assists in his return from a calf injury, setting the tone as Memphis smashed Orlando 126–109.
Memphis exploded for 40 in the first quarter and led by as many as 33 before easing off late. Orlando got 19 from Anthony Black and 16–9–8 from Paolo Banchero, but the slow start buried any comeback dreams.
Bulls Torch Nets Behind Coby White’s Hot Hand
Chicago handled Brooklyn 124–102 in a game that felt lopsided from the opening frame. Coby White led the Bulls with 24 points, while Nikola Vucevic and rookie Matas Buzelis each chipped in 17.
Brooklyn never really found a rhythm and has now dropped nine of its last eleven. Nolan Traore’s 16 points were a bright spot, but the Nets spent most of the night chasing double-digit deficits.
Jabari Smith Jr. Goes Off As Rockets Beat Pelicans, Durant Makes History
Houston’s 119–110 win over New Orleans came with two big headlines. Jabari Smith Jr. poured in a season‑high 32 points with seven made threes, and Kevin Durant moved into sixth on the NBA’s all‑time scoring list with 18 points.
Alperen Sengun added 21 points and 8 boards while Amen Thompson scored 20, giving Houston four guys over 18 points. The Pelicans got 21 from Trey Murphy III and 20 from Zion Williamson, but they’ve now lost 13 of their last 15.
Hornets Shock Short‑Handed Nuggets In Denver
No Nikola Jokic, big problems. Charlotte jumped all over an injury‑depleted Denver squad and cruised to a 110–87 win on the road.
Brandon Miller dropped 23, while Tidjane Salaun added a 13‑point, 11‑rebound double‑double off the bench. Denver’s offense sputtered without its core pieces, with Jamal Murray leading them with just 16 points.
Deni Avdija And Blazers Outlast Kings In Sacramento Thriller
If you like swing games, Blazers–Kings was your jam. Portland grabbed a 117–110 win behind a monster night from Deni Avdija, who put up 30 points with playmaking and glass work all over the box score.
Shaedon Sharpe added big‑time scoring punch as Portland picked up its ninth win in twelve games, finally getting back to .500. Sacramento got 23 from Russell Westbrook but could never quite erase Portland’s cushion in the fourth.
Luka, LeBron And Ayton Power Lakers Past Raptors
The Lakers’ 110–93 win over Toronto felt like a “we’re fine, everyone relax” game. Luka Doncic scored 25 with seven assists, LeBron James added 24 and seven, and Deandre Ayton was perfect from the field while dropping 25 points and 13 rebounds in his return.
Neither team led by double digits until early in the fourth, when the Lakers opened with a James‑led burst and then ripped off a 9‑0 run to break it open. Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 22, but Toronto’s offense stalled with just 13 points in the final quarter.
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Title: “Career Nights, London Lights and a Laker Flex: What Made Sunday’s NBA Slate So Fun”
