In the NBA on January 19, 2026, several players delivered standout performances during the MLK Day slate of games. Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers showcased his dominance in the paint, excelling on both offensive and defensive ends. Miami Heat teammates Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kel’el Ware demonstrated remarkable court vision and synergy, appearing to anticipate each other’s movements with almost telepathic understanding. Meanwhile, Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ edgecombe continued to impress, fearlessly attacking the basket against veteran defenders.
The Heat secured a 121-115 win against the Los Angeles Lakers, largely due to the dynamic duo of jaquez and Ware. Jaquez finished with 28 points and 7 assists, while ware contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds. Their seamless pick-and-roll execution and off-ball movement consistently created scoring opportunities. edgecombe, in the 76ers’ 112-108 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, scored 24 points, displaying a maturity and confidence rarely seen in rookies.
The Bucks were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo,who recorded a triple-double with 35 points,15 rebounds,and 10 assists. The game remained competitive throughout, with several lead changes in the fourth quarter. Ultimately, Milwaukee’s experiance and Antetokounmpo’s all-around performance proved too much for the young 76ers team to overcome. Allen’s strong performance wasn’t enough to overcome Boston’s Jayson Tatum,who scored 30 points.
The night’s action highlighted the league’s depth of talent and the emergence of promising young players. Allen, Jaquez, Ware, and Edgecombe all made significant contributions to their respective teams, showcasing their potential for future success. The Bucks defeated the 76ers 112-108, while the Cavaliers beat the Celtics 118-105 and the Heat won against the Lakers 121-115.
ALL THE RESULTS AND HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NBA NIGHT
