On February 4, 2025, the NBA showcased thrilling matchups, stellar performances, and pivotal moments as teams vied for supremacy. Among the top stories, Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks to a rousing comeback against the Houston Rockets, scoring 42 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter, cementing his place in Knicks history.
The game saw Brunson breaking Melo's record for third most 40+ point games as a Knick, achieving his 18th such game. Coach Tom Thibodeau praised Brunson’s versatility, stating, "The beauty of his game is [doing] whatever the game needs." The Knicks triumphed over the Rockets with a final score of 124-118, marking their sixth win out of the last seven games.
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks edged past the Detroit Pistons 132-130, thanks to Trae Young’s clutch step-back jumper with just 1.6 seconds remaining. Young finished the night with 34 points, 9 assists, and 4 three-pointers, snapping the Hawks’ eight-game losing streak.
Another highlight of the night was Devin Booker’s achievement as he became the Phoenix Suns' all-time leading scorer during their narrow loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, who won 121-119 after overtime. Booker's game-high 34 points wasn't enough to secure victory, but he passed Walter Davis's record, adding to his legacy.
Ahmad Thompson of the Rockets recorded his third career triple-double with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, showcasing his potential as he skyrockets to prominence.
The evening also featured winning performances from Western Conference teams, as the Thunder defeated the Bucks 125-96 with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scoring 34 points, and the Memphis Grizzlies triumphed over the Spurs 128-109 with Jaren Jackson Jr. scoring 30 points. The Denver Nuggets, led by Michael Porter Jr.’s 36-point outburst and Nikola Jokić’s 27-point, 14-rebound, and 10-assist triple-double, continued their strong season with a 125-113 victory over the Pelicans.
Later, the Indiana Pacers celebrated their fourth consecutive win with a closely contested victory over the Utah Jazz, edging them out 112-111. Coach Rick Carlisle highlighted the team’s offensive prowess as they've turned competitiveness around to sit fourth in the Eastern Conference.
This intense matchday is not to be confused with the looming excitement around two notable games scheduled for later this week. The Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers face off for their third matchup, promising another competitive encounter as teams look to establish dominance. The young talent pool of NBA rookies and sophomores is also under the limelight, with the Casting Rising Stars Draft scheduled for February 14, showcasing promising players like Bub Carrington and Amen Thompson.
Looking forward, the league anticipates the impact of notable trades, including the Lakers’ recent acquisition of Luka Dončić, which is expected to shift dynamics within the Western Conference.