Man, what a night. If you’re waking up and wondering who won game last night basketball style, you missed a chaotic Friday on the hardwood. January 16, 2026, gave us a little bit of everything: Kevin Durant defying father time, the Brooklyn Nets playing spoiler again, and a massive slate of college ball that probably busted a few hypothetical brackets.
Honestly, the NBA landscape is getting weird. The contenders are starting to separate themselves, but the "bottom-feeders" are biting back.
The NBA Roundup: KD, Harden, and a Nets Shocker
The biggest headline has to be the Houston Rockets taking down the Minnesota Timberwolves 110–105.
Think about that. The Wolves have been a defensive juggernaut, but Kevin Durant just didn't care. He dropped 39 points, hit 6 threes, and basically took over the Toyota Center. Alperen Sengun added a massive 14 rebounds. On the other side, Julius Randle matched KD with 39 of his own, but Minnesota just couldn't close the gap in the fourth.
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Down in Indy, the Indiana Pacers handled the New Orleans Pelicans 127–119. Jay Huff was the surprise of the night there, putting up 29 points. It’s wild seeing a guy like Huff lead a scoring charge in a game featuring so much star power, but that’s the 2026 season for you.
What happened in Brooklyn?
If you're a Bulls fan, you probably don't want to talk about it. The Brooklyn Nets beat the Chicago Bulls 112–109. This was a "revenge" game for Chicago, but they came out flatter than a pancake. They only managed 40 points in the entire first half.
The Nets aren't exactly world-beaters this year (only their 12th win), but Nic Claxton was a monster on the boards with 14 rebounds. Chicago made a late push because that's just what they do, but an ugly 1-for-11 shooting performance from deep in the second quarter was too much to overcome.
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Other Pro Scores from Friday Night
- LA Clippers 121, Toronto Raptors 117 (OT): James Harden turned back the clock with 31 points. This one went to overtime in Toronto, and honestly, the Raptors probably should’ve had it.
- Cleveland Cavaliers 117, Philadelphia 76ers 115: A total nail-biter. Jaylon Tyson was the hero for the Cavs, exploding for 39 points.
- Sacramento Kings 128, Washington Wizards 115: De'Aaron Fox and the Kings just ran the Wizards out of the gym. Russell Westbrook, now with Sacramento, chipped in a vintage 26 points.
College Hoops: Kansas Dominates and DePaul Pulls the Upset
The NCAA schedule was absolutely packed last night. If you were looking for who won game last night basketball in the college ranks, the Big 12 had the spotlight.
Kansas absolutely dismantled Baylor, winning 80–62. It wasn't even as close as the score looks. The Jayhawks' defense turned Baylor over constantly, and they never let the Bears get into a rhythm.
Meanwhile, in the Big East, DePaul shocked Marquette with an 80–75 win. Marquette is usually a safe bet, but DePaul played with a desperate energy that made the difference in the final five minutes.
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Friday College Scoreboard Highlights
- Providence 93, Creighton 88: A high-scoring affair that felt more like an NBA game than college.
- Dayton 78, Loyola Chicago 51: Complete dominance by the Flyers.
- Ball State 76, Ohio 71: A classic MAC battle that came down to free throws.
- Augustana 106, MSU Moorhead 99: If you like offense, this was the game of the night in the DII ranks. Total "shotmaking masterclass."
Why These Wins Matter Right Now
We're at that point in the season where "trap games" become a real thing. The Bulls losing to the Nets is a perfect example. Chicago is fighting for playoff positioning in a mediocre Eastern Conference, and dropping a game to a sub-.300 team like Brooklyn is the kind of thing that haunts you in April.
In the West, the Rockets' win over Minnesota is a massive statement. Houston is now 24–15, proving they aren't just a young team on the rise—they’re a legitimate threat to the top four seeds.
The "Tanking" Conversation
Over on the Reddit threads for the Kings and Wizards, fans are actually arguing about whether winning is a good thing. The Wizards are deep in the hunt for a top draft pick, and some fans were genuinely annoyed they played Sacramento so close for three quarters. It's a weird vibe in the NBA right now where half the league is playing for June and the other half is playing for the lottery.
Take Action: What to Watch Next
The dust hasn't even settled on last night, but the weekend is already moving. Here is what you should do to stay ahead of the curve:
- Check the Injury Report: Before you place any bets or set your fantasy lineups for tonight, look at the status of Kevin Durant and James Harden. Both played heavy minutes in wins last night and might be candidates for "load management" on a back-to-back.
- Watch the Standings: Keep an eye on the 6-10 seeds in the East. With the Bulls' loss, that middle pack is tightening up.
- Prepare for Saturday's Slate: Today features some massive matchups, including Tennessee vs. Kentucky and Georgetown vs. UConn. The Big East and SEC are going to be absolute wars today.
Whether you're tracking your parlay or just trying to keep up with your coworkers at the water cooler, last night proved that "any given Friday" is a real thing in basketball.