It was a night packed with runaway wins, fierce comebacks, and one unforgettable buzzer-beater. Five games delivered five very different storylines, giving us plenty to sort through as teams continue to stake their claims in the standings. Here’s a breakdown of who owned the night and who walked away searching for answers.

1. Boston Celtics vs. Washington WizardsDec 4, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Boston Celtics guard Ron Harper Jr. (13) blocks the shot of Washington Wizards guard Sharife Cooper (13) in the second half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn ImagesBoston Celtics – Winner

Final Score: 146-101
Record: 13-9
Standing: 1.5 GB in East

Boston played bully ball from start to finish, steamrolling Washington in what became their most emphatic win of the season. Derrick White’s 30-point outing set the tone, and Jordan Walsh’s career-high 22 highlighted the depth that carried them even without Jaylen Brown. A 43–27 third-quarter surge buried the Wizards and underscored the Celtics’ ability to overwhelm opponents on both ends.

Washington Wizards – Loser

Final Score: 101-146
Record: 3-18
Standing: 10.5 GB in East

Washington simply had no answers. Their defense never found its footing, and the offense stalled under Boston’s relentless pressure. Matching their worst loss of the season, the Wizards looked overmatched in every phase; a harsh reality check for a team already fighting from the conference basement.

2. Los Angeles Lakers vs. Toronto RaptorsDec 4, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura (28) shoots the game winning basket at the buzzer past Toronto Raptors forward Brandon Ingram (3) in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn ImagesLos Angeles Lakers – Winner

Final Score: 123-120
Record: 16-5
Standing: 5.0 GB in West

In the most dramatic finish of the night, the Lakers snatched a win behind Austin Reaves’ sensational 44-point, 10-assist masterpiece. With LeBron struggling from the field, Reaves carried the offense, including a blistering 22-point third quarter. But it was LeBron’s clutch feed to Rui Hachimura for the game-winning corner three that sealed the road victory. Another testament to this team’s resilience.

Toronto Raptors – Loser

Final Score: 120-123
Record: 15-8
Standing: 2.0 GB in East

Toronto fought with balance and poise, led by Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram, but the final possession stole the night from them. The Raptors played well enough to win, yet one defensive breakdown at the buzzer turned a strong effort into a painful loss. They remain a top-tier threat in the East, though this finish will linger.

3. Utah Jazz vs. Brooklyn NetsDec 4, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) shoots the ball against Brooklyn Nets center Nic Claxton (33) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn ImagesUtah Jazz – Winner

Final Score: 123-110
Record: 8-14
Standing: 13.0 GB in West

Few teams erase a 15-point halftime deficit; Utah did it with style. A jaw-dropping 42-point fourth quarter flipped the script behind Lauri Markkanen’s 30 and Keyonte George’s 29. The Jazz caught fire from everywhere, shooting nearly 64% in the final frame. This comeback might be the spark they’ve been searching for.

Brooklyn Nets – Loser

Final Score: 110-123
Record: 5-17
Standing: 9.5 GB in East

Brooklyn controlled the first half but unraveled spectacularly. Even big nights from Noah Clowney and Ziaire Williams couldn’t stop the fourth-quarter avalanche. After showing signs of life with two straight wins, the Nets crashed back into old habits, letting a winnable game slip away late.

4. Los Angeles Clippers vs. Atlanta HawksDec 3, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) controls the ball between Atlanta Hawks guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker (7) and forward Asa Newell (14) during the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn ImagesLos Angeles Clippers – Winner

Final Score: 115-92
Record: 7-16
Standing: 15.0 GB in West

The Clippers needed a reset, and they delivered one. James Harden dictated pace and space all night long with 27 points and nine assists, while the team’s third-quarter defense choked out any chance of an Atlanta rally. For a group searching for traction, this was the kind of wire-to-wire performance that can help steady a shaky season.

Atlanta Hawks – Loser

Final Score: 92-115
Record: 13-11
Standing: 4.5 GB in East

Atlanta’s offense looked stuck in the mud, never finding rhythm as the Clippers methodically pulled away. With the scoring struggles continuing and the recent slide deepening, the Hawks head home needing to refocus and quickly.

5. Houston Rockets vs. Sacramento KingsDec 3, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) drives to the basket against Sacramento Kings forward Precious Achiuwa (9) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn ImagesHouston Rockets – Winner

Final Score: 121-95
Record: 15-5
Standing: 5.5 GB in West

The Rockets made a statement, smothering Sacramento with size, balance, and confidence. Alperen Şengün’s 28-point, 10-rebound outing set the tone in the paint, while Kevin Durant and Amen Thompson added their own versatile brilliance. Houston dominated the glass and controlled every possession; a performance worthy of a top-tier West contender.

Sacramento Kings – Loser

Final Score: 95-121
Record: 5-17
Standing: 16.0 GB in West

Despite matching Houston’s stars with strong scoring from Maxime Raynaud and Malik Monk, the Kings couldn’t keep pace. The rebounding gap, 32 to 6, told the story, as Sacramento looked outmuscled and outmatched throughout the night. With losses piling up, the Kings’ issues run deeper than a bad matchup.

Key takeawaysDec 4, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Danny Wolf (2) looks to move the ball past Utah Jazz guard Walter Clayton Jr. (13) during the fourth quarter at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Tom Horak-Imagn Images

From Boston’s blowout to Utah’s furious comeback and the Lakers’ dramatic finish, the night delivered every flavor of NBA chaos. Some teams surged, others stumbled, and a few sent messages about where they’re headed as December heats up. In a long season, nights like these can reshape momentum or reveal cracks that won’t stay hidden for long.