Miami, United States, December 22, 2025 – teh Miami Heat’s recent struggles deepened Tuesday night with a 132-125 loss to the New York Knicks, marking their fourth defeat in the last five games. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with a season-high 47 points, shooting 15-of-26 from the field and 6-of-13 from beyond the arc, proving to be the difference maker in a close contest decided by an 8-0 run in the final moments.
Knicks Surge Past Heat, Bucks Continue to Slide
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New York’s Brunson shines, while Milwaukee suffers another setback in Giannis’ absence.
- Jalen Brunson delivered a season-best performance with 47 points for the Knicks.
- The Milwaukee Bucks have now lost 13 of their last 16 games while Giannis Antetokounmpo recovers from a calf injury.
- The Chicago Bulls saw nine players score in double figures in a high-scoring 152-150 win over the Atlanta Hawks.
Despite 73 combined points from Kel’el Ware (28), jaime Jaquez Jr.(23), and Norman Powell (22), the Heat couldn’t contain the Knicks’ offensive firepower.Simone Fontecchio contributed 7 points (1-of-6 shooting) in 17 minutes off the bench, adding 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
What is the biggest challenge facing the Miami Heat right now? the Heat are currently navigating a concerning slump,having lost four of their last five games,and struggling to find consistent scoring outside of their core players.
Bucks Face Mounting Losses Without Giannis
The Milwaukee Bucks are experiencing a significant downturn, having suffered their 13th defeat in the last 16 games, falling 103-100 to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Minnesota has won nine of their last eleven games.
The Bucks squandered a 16-point lead, ultimately undone by a late layup from Antony Edwards with 22 seconds remaining, putting Minnesota ahead by six. Edwards finished with 24 points despite shooting 7-of-24 from the field.
Bulls Edge Hawks in High-Scoring Affair
In a thrilling Eastern Conference matchup, the Chicago Bulls narrowly defeated the Atlanta Hawks 152-150, setting a season-high for total points scored in a game without overtime. An astounding nine players from the Bulls reached double figures, led by Matas Buzelis with 28 points, including the game-winning basket.
Jalen Johnson’s 36 points and Trae Young’s 35 points weren’t enough for the Hawks, as young’s potential game-tying shot fell short.
Kings Secure Overtime Victory, Spurs and Nets Also Win
The Sacramento Kings needed overtime to overcome the Houston Rockets 125-124, with Dennis Schroder sealing the win with a clutch three-pointer with 2.2 seconds left in the extra period. Schroder finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. The Kings were down by five points with just two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
Kevin Durant (24 points, 10 rebounds) and Alperen Sengun (28 points) led the Rockets, but their efforts ultimately came up short.
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Washington Wizards 124-113, building a commanding 43-21 lead in the second quarter and holding off a late rally. Lule Kornet (20 points, 12 rebounds), De’Aaron Fox (27 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists), and Victor Wembanyama (14 points, 12 rebounds) were key contributors for the Spurs.
the Brooklyn nets, led by Michael Porter Jr.’s 24 points and 11 rebounds, defeated the Toronto Raptors 96-81.
