Kevin Durant Dominates as Suns Triumph over Cavs

NBA Roundup: Durant Shines, Rockets Soar, and More

A recap of the NBA action from March 22, 2025, featuring standout performances and surprising upsets.

NBA Scores – March 22, 2025

Game	Score
Magic @ Wizards	120-105
Rockets @ Heat	102-98
Pelicans @ Timberwolves	93-134
Hornets @ Thunder	106-141
76ers @ Spurs	120-128
Pistons @ Mavericks	117-123
Celtics @ Jazz	121-99
Cavaliers @ Suns	112-123
Nuggets @ Trail Blazers	109-128
Grizzlies @ Clippers	108-128

Durant’s Dominance Not Enough to Lift Suns, Rockets Extend Winning Streak

The Phoenix Suns defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 123-112, but the story of the night was Kevin Durant’s remarkable performance. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets continued their winning streak, demonstrating their growing strength in the Western Conference. Let’s delve into the details.

Suns vs.Cavaliers: Durant’s 42 Points Seal the Deal

Kevin Durant exploded for 42 points, shooting an efficient 17-for-29 from the field, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 123-112 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite Durant’s heroics, the Cavaliers have now suffered their fourth consecutive loss, raising concerns about their consistency as they approach the playoffs.

“ KEVIN DURANT 40-PIECE

42 PTS | 6 REB | 8 AST | 4 3PM

Suns get the big win for their 3rd in a row! ”

NBA on Twitter

KEVIN DURANT 40-PIECE

42 PTS | 6 REB | 8 AST | 4 3PM

Suns get the big win for their 3rd in a row! pic.twitter.com/jjgf30EHGT

— NBA (@NBA) March 22, 2025

Donovan mitchell struggled mightily for the Cavaliers,scoring only 7 points on a dismal 2-for-18 shooting performance. evan Mobley contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds, while darius Garland added 18 points, but their efforts weren’t enough to overcome the Suns’ offensive firepower. The Suns, in addition to Durant’s outburst, saw contributions from devin Booker (17 points, 10 assists), Tyus jones (16 points), Royce O’Neal (15 points), and Collin Gillespie (13 points).

The Suns’ victory marks their third in a row as they fight for playoff positioning in the competitive Western Conference. For the Cavaliers,this loss highlights their need to find consistency and offensive balance heading into the postseason.

Rockets vs. Heat: Houston’s Streak Continues

The Houston Rockets extended their winning streak to an impressive nine games with a 102-98 victory over the Miami heat. Fred VanVleet led the charge with 37 points, shooting an efficient 13-for-17 from the field. The Rockets’ impressive run is reminiscent of their surprising surge in the 2017-2018 season, where they secured the top seed in the Western Conference.

Amen Thompson also had a significant impact for the Rockets, contributing 18 points, 9 rebounds, 7 steals, and 5 assists. This performance underscored thompson’s potential as a versatile player in the league.

For the Heat, Andrew Wiggins scored 30 points, and Kel’el ware added 16 points and 14 rebounds, but Tyler Herro’s struggles (8 points on 3-for-11 shooting) hampered their efforts. The Heat have now lost 10 consecutive games,a concerning trend for a team with playoff aspirations.

The Rockets’ winning streak has solidified their position as a team to watch in the Western Conference. Their success hinges on VanVleet’s leadership and the emergence of young talents like Thompson.

Thunder and Celtics Dominate,Trail Blazers Stay in Play-In Hunt

Thunder vs. Hornets: OKC’s Dominance Continues

The Oklahoma City Thunder, already assured of finishing atop the Western Conference standings, cruised to a 141-106 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 30 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds in just 30 minutes of play. The Thunder showcased their depth with eight players scoring in double figures.

Miles Bridges scored 20 points for the Hornets, while Moussa Diabaté added 12 points and 7 rebounds. However, the Hornets were simply outmatched by the Thunder’s balanced attack and superior execution.

Celtics vs.Jazz: Boston’s Breeze Through Utah

The Boston Celtics, not to be outdone, secured a comfortable 121-99 victory over the Utah Jazz. With Jaylen Brown absent, Jayson Tatum (26 points) and Kristaps Porzingis (27 points, 10 rebounds) led the charge. Payton Pritchard (18 points) and Sam Hauser (14 points) provided valuable contributions off the bench.

Collin Sexton scored 30 points for the Jazz, and Keyonte George added 19 points. Without Lauri Markkanen, the Jazz struggled to keep pace with the Celtics’ offensive firepower.

Trail blazers vs. Nuggets: Portland upset Denver

The Portland Trail Blazers kept their play-in hopes alive with a surprising 128-109 victory over the Denver Nuggets. Deni Avdija exploded for 36 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists to lead the Trail Blazers. He was supported by Sheadon Sharpe (23 points), Road Banton (19 points), and Toumani Camara (16 points).

without Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets relied on Aaron Gordon’s 23 points. Jamal Murray struggled, scoring only 10 points, and Russell Westbrook, despite 18 points, committed 9 turnovers. Denver’s defense also proved to be too porous to contain the Trail Blazers’ offense.

Clippers vs. Grizzlies: LA Cruises to Victory

The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Memphis Grizzlies 128-108, continuing their push for a top-6 seed in the western Conference. James Harden led the way with 30 points and 9 assists, while Kawhi Leonard added 23 points and 10 rebounds, and Ivica Zubac contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds.

Years Jackson jr. scored 23 points for the Grizzlies, but shot poorly (9-for-24), and Desmond Bane added 10 points. Without Ja Morant, Memphis has struggled to maintain consistency.

Ingles’ Special Night, Dinwiddie’s Show, and more

Timberwolves vs. Pelicans: A Touching Moment for ingles

The Minnesota Timberwolves dominated the New Orleans pelicans in a 134-93 victory, but the highlight of the night was Joe Ingles’ son Jacob, who is autistic, watching his father play live for the first time. Jacob and the entire Ingles family are a fixture in their local community. They host basketball camps for kids with Autism, offer guidance and support to families facing similar situations, and advocate for increased access to resources and services for individuals with autism.

The Timberwolves started Ingles in honor of this special occasion.Anthony Edwards scored 17 points, and Rudy Gobert added 15 points and 11 rebounds.

Without Zion williamson,Julius Randle scored 20 points for the Pelicans,but the team struggled to compete with the Timberwolves.

Joe Ingles’ son Jacob, who is autistic, is in attendance for tonight’s game to watch his dad play live for the first time

Jacob was able to watch his first in-arena NBA game, but Joe didn’t play. Tonight,Wolves HC Chris Finch started Ingles… and Jacob got his wish ♥️ pic.twitter.com/sPFvhwO4gQ

— Bleacher report (@BleacherReport) March 22, 2025

Mavericks vs. Pistons: Dinwiddie Leads Dallas to Victory

The Dallas Mavericks, plagued by injuries, secured a 123-117 victory over the Detroit Pistons. Spencer Dinwiddie led the way with 31 points on 9-for-12 shooting. PJ Washington added 27 points, Klay Thompson scored 20 points, and Naji Marshall contributed 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Cade Cunningham had an impressive performance for the Pistons with 35 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. However, Tobias Harris (9 points on 4-for-11 shooting), Ausar Thompson (8 points on 3-for-8 shooting), and Malik Beasley (15 points on 5-for-15 shooting) struggled to find their rhythm. Tim Hardaway Jr. left the game with an ankle sprain.

Magic vs. Wizards: Orlando Handles Washington

The Orlando Magic defeated the Washington Wizards 120-105, led by Paolo Banchero’s 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists. Franz wagner added 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Wendell Carter Jr. contributed 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Alexandre Sarr (19 points, 10 rebounds) and Jordan Poole (18 points) were luminous spots for the Wizards, who struggled to contain the Magic’s balanced attack. khris Middleton struggled, scoring only 9 points on 3-for-13 shooting.

Spurs vs.76ers: San Antonio Outscores philadelphia

The San Antonio Spurs defeated the philadelphia 76ers in a high-scoring affair, 128-120. Jeremy Sochan led the Spurs with 23 points and 9 rebounds, while Stephon Castle added 17 points and 14 assists. Seven Spurs players reached double figures in scoring.

quentin Grimes (25 points, 10 assists), Justin Edwards (25 points), and Guerschon Yabusele (23 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists) led the 76ers, who were playing with a limited roster.

© 2025 NBA Recap. All rights reserved.

What impact do you believe teh coaching strategies of teams like the Rockets and the Celtics had on their recent performances?

NBA Roundup: Archyde News Interview with Blake Harrison on March 22, 2025 Games

Archyde News Editor interviews Blake Harrison, NBA Analyst, to discuss key takeaways from recent NBA games.

Interview with blake Harrison, NBA Analyst

Archyde News Editor: Blake, thanks for joining us. The NBA action on March 22nd was certainly eventful. Let’s start with kevin Durant’s impressive 42-point performance. Did his individual brilliance translate into a team victory for the Suns?

Blake Harrison: Thanks for having me.Unfortunately, while Durant’s performance was outstanding, it wasn’t enough against the Cavaliers who secured a solid win. Durant was electric,showcasing his scoring prowess,but the Cavaliers had a better-rounded team output.

Archyde News Editor: The Houston Rockets are on a hot streak. What’s been the key to their success, and how enduring do you think it is indeed?

Blake harrison: The Rockets’ success stems from a combination of factors. Their offensive efficiency has improved considerably with a great season, and their defense has tightened up. It’s also about coaching; the roster has solid talent, and they’ve improved their overall defensive play compared to the beginning of the season. Sustainability depends on continued health and the ability to maintain defensive intensity throughout the playoffs.

Archyde News Editor: Boston and Los Angeles looked strong. What impressed you moast about the Celtics and Clippers’ performances?

Blake Harrison: The Celtics displayed their offensive prowess, and the Clippers had a well-coordinated game plan, both showing high teamwork.Both teams look ready for a deep playoff run if they can maintain their current performance level. The Celtics’ scoring balance and the Clippers’ defensive intensity were significant factors.

Archyde News Editor: It’s always engaging when a team faces adversity. The Trail Blazers upset the Nuggets. How did Portland achieve this, and what does it say about Denver’s performance?

Blake Harrison: Portland’s upset was a testament to their determination and execution. They capitalized on denver’s weaknesses,particularly without Jokic being an offensive powerhouse for the nuggets. The Blazers’ defense stepped up, and they had outstanding offensive performances. For Denver, it highlighted their reliance on key players, especially when some are missing for injury.

Archyde News Editor: We saw a special moment for Joe Ingles and his son. How important is that to the broader NBA narrative?

Blake Harrison: That was a truly heartwarming moment. It’s a reminder of the human element of the game and the impact athletes can have beyond the court. It’s commendable when an athlete elevates life’s importance and community involvement!

Archyde News Editor: Looking ahead, which teams do you believe are the most intriguing as we approach the playoffs?

Blake Harrison: Beyond the usual suspects like the Celtics and Nuggets, I’m watching the Timberwolves and their development, and the Mavericks. Their ability to navigate through a tough Western Conference landscape will be key. The playoff picture is shaping up to be more dynamic than ever.

Archyde News Editor: Blake, considering the exciting game of basketball, what area of importance do you think viewers overlook sometimes?

Blake Harrison: I think sometimes viewers overlook the influence coaches have on the flow of the game. Good coaches identify weak spots and create strategies to help the team compete at their best.They are pivotal in managing player morale in both wins and losses.

archyde News Editor: Blake, thanks for your insights. This has been very informative.

Blake Harrison: My pleasure. always happy to discuss the NBA.