If you're asking what was the score for the nba game tonight, you probably missed a bit of history across the pond. Honestly, it wasn't just a game; it was a statement. The Memphis Grizzlies took down the Orlando Magic with a convincing 126-109 victory at The O2 Arena in London.
Ja Morant is back. That's basically the headline. After sitting out for six games with a nagging right calf injury, the Grizzlies’ star didn't just play; he dominated. He put up 24 points and dished out 13 assists, looking like he hadn't missed a single beat.
Why the London Game Mattered
This wasn't your typical Sunday matinee. This was the second half of the NBA’s European doubleheader. If you remember, the Magic actually got the better of Memphis back on Thursday in Berlin, winning 118-111. Memphis clearly took that personally.
They came out swinging. By the time the first quarter ended, Memphis had already hung 40 points on Orlando. It was kinda brutal to watch if you're a Magic fan. The lead ballooned to 33 points in the first half. While Orlando tried to make it a game in the fourth—cutting the lead down to 17 at one point—the outcome was never really in doubt.
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Memphis Grizzlies 126, Orlando Magic 109: Breaking Down the Box Score
When you look at what was the score for the nba game tonight, the numbers tell a story of a team that finally has its identity back. Jock Landale was a massive surprise, chipping in 21 points and 8 rebounds. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 17, but it was Morant’s gravity that opened everything up.
Orlando struggled to find a rhythm early. Paolo Banchero had a rough night from the floor, going 7-of-20 for 16 points. He did grab 8 boards and 9 assists, but the efficiency just wasn't there. Anthony Black actually led the Magic with 19 points, showing some real growth in a high-pressure environment.
The Morant Factor and Trade Rumors
Beyond the score, the talk in London was all about Ja's future. There’s been a ton of noise lately about potential trades. Morant shut that down pretty quickly after the buzzer. He pointed to the Grizzlies logo tattooed on his back and told reporters, "I've got a logo on my back, so that should tell you exactly where I want to be."
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It’s rare to see that kind of transparency in the modern NBA landscape. Usually, it's all "we'll see what happens" or corporate talk. Not Ja. He’s staying put, and based on tonight’s performance, the Grizzlies are a completely different animal when he’s on the floor.
Other Games on the Slate for January 18, 2026
While the London game was the early highlight, it wasn't the only action. The NBA schedule for tonight is packed with some heavy hitters as the league heads into the Sunday evening window:
- Brooklyn Nets vs. Chicago Bulls: A battle for play-in positioning at the United Center.
- New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets: Two young cores trying to find consistency in the West.
- Charlotte Hornets vs. Denver Nuggets: Nikola Jokic is always a must-watch, even against a struggling Charlotte squad.
- Portland Trail Blazers vs. Sacramento Kings: A late-night divisional clash that usually turns into a shootout.
- Toronto Raptors vs. L.A. Lakers: The nightcap at Crypto.com Arena.
Analyzing the 126-109 Result
The Magic are now 23-18, and while they're still firmly in the playoff hunt in the East, this loss exposed some defensive lapses. Allowing 40 points in a single quarter is a recipe for disaster. Coach Jamahl Mosley has some work to do on those defensive rotations, especially when facing elite downhill guards like Morant.
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For Memphis (17-22), this win is a lifeline. They’ve lost seven of their last nine games. Getting a win like this, especially on a neutral floor in front of a global audience, could be the spark they need to climb back toward .500.
What to Watch for Next
If you’re tracking these teams, keep an eye on the travel schedule. Flying back from London is no joke. The "jet lag factor" is a real thing in NBA betting and performance metrics. Most teams struggle in their first game back on domestic soil.
Actionable Insights for NBA Fans:
- Check the injury report for the Lakers vs. Raptors game tonight; late scratches are common on the second night of back-to-backs.
- Watch the Grizzlies' next three games to see if Morant’s calf holds up under a normal minutes load.
- Monitor Anthony Black’s usage in Orlando; he's becoming a much more reliable scoring option than the veterans on that bench.
The Grizzlies won the night in London, but the NBA season is a marathon. Whether this win is a fluke or a turning point depends entirely on how they handle the flight home and the grind of the February schedule.
To stay updated on the rest of the evening's results, keep an eye on the live box scores for the Houston and Denver games, as both have major implications for the Western Conference standings.