Man, what a night. If you’re a basketball fan, your phone was probably buzzing non-stop last night with score alerts that felt like they were coming from a different dimension. We had a six-game slate on Friday, January 16, 2026, that basically threw the regular season script into a blender. From overtime heartbreakers north of the border to a certain legendary point guard turning back the clock in California, it was a total circus.
If you’re just waking up and asking who won in the basketball game you missed, the short answer is: probably the team you didn't expect.
The Kings and the Return of the Sabonis
Honestly, the biggest story of the night wasn't even the final score, but who was actually on the floor. Sacramento hosted the Washington Wizards, and the vibes in the Golden 1 Center were electric because Domantas Sabonis finally suited up after missing 27 games with that nasty meniscus tear.
He didn’t start. He came off the bench with about five minutes left in the first quarter, and you could feel the momentum shift immediately. He finished with 13 points, 7 boards, and 5 assists in just 21 minutes. Talk about efficiency.
But the real shocker? Russell Westbrook.
The man went 6-of-9 from three-point range. Read that again. Westbrook dropping 26 points and looking like a marksman is not what the Wizards had on their scouting report. Sacramento handled business 128-115, moving to 12-30 on the season. They’re still digging out of a hole, but they’ve won four straight now. Washington, meanwhile, is reeling. They’ve lost five in a row and are desperately missing Trae Young, who’s out until mid-February.
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A Heartbreaker in Toronto
If you want to talk about high drama, you have to look at the Clippers and Raptors. This game was a physical, grinding affair that leaked into overtime.
Toronto led for most of the night. Scottie Barnes was doing everything, and the Scotiabank Arena was rocking. But then James Harden happened. The Beard finished with 31 points and just refused to let the Clippers go away. Ivica Zubac also made his return for LA, providing a massive double-double and some much-needed rim protection.
The Raptors had multiple chances to ice it in regulation, but the shots just wouldn't fall in the "clutch." Once it hit overtime, the Clippers’ veteran experience took over. LA outscored them 12-8 in the extra period to walk away with a 121-117 win. For Toronto, it’s a "should-have-had-it" loss that’s going to sting for a while.
Upsets and Statement Wins
Over in Brooklyn, the Chicago Bulls learned a hard lesson about playing down to your competition. The Nets came into the game with only 11 wins. They shouldn't have been a problem for a Bulls team fighting for playoff positioning.
Yet, the Bulls came out flat. They looked like they were running through mud in the first quarter, only managing 23 points. Brooklyn, led by a 26-point night from Michael Porter Jr. and some massive rebounding from Nic Claxton, held them off 112-109. Chicago actually took a lead late after a 109-108 Tre Jones finish, but they couldn't close the door.
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In Houston, we saw a legit heavyweight fight between the Rockets and the Minnesota Timberwolves. This was a battle of the stars.
- Kevin Durant (HOU): 39 points, 6 threes.
- Julius Randle (MIN): 39 points.
It was vintage KD. He was hitting those high-post fades that are basically unguardable. Minnesota had a chance, but Rudy Gobert’s struggles at the free-throw line and a few sloppy turnovers late cost them. Houston took it 113-108.
The Rest of the Friday Night Slate
Philadelphia fans are probably still grumbling this morning. The 76ers dropped a close one at home to the Cleveland Cavaliers, 117-115. Jaylon Tyson had the game of his life for the Cavs, putting up 39 points.
Meanwhile, the Indiana Pacers actually got a win! They’ve had a rough season, but they managed to take down the New Orleans Pelicans 127-119. Jay Huff was the unexpected hero there, leading the way with 29 points.
What These Results Mean for the Standings
After last night, the Eastern Conference is looking like a total dogfight. The Detroit Pistons are still sitting pretty at the top with a 29-10 record, which is wild to say in 2026. The Boston Celtics and New York Knicks are right on their heels.
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In the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder remain the team to beat. They didn't play last night, but at 35-7, they have a massive cushion over the San Antonio Spurs and Denver Nuggets.
Friday, January 16 Scoreboard Summary:
- Sacramento Kings 128, Washington Wizards 115
- LA Clippers 121, Toronto Raptors 117 (OT)
- Brooklyn Nets 112, Chicago Bulls 109
- Houston Rockets 110, Minnesota Timberwolves 105
- Cleveland Cavaliers 117, Philadelphia 76ers 115
- Indiana Pacers 127, New Orleans Pelicans 119
What You Should Do Next
If you're following the playoff race, keep an eye on the injury reports for the next few days. The return of Sabonis and Zubac last night completely changed the dynamic for their respective teams.
Specifically, look at the Kings' upcoming homestand. If Westbrook keeps shooting like that and Sabonis gets his legs back, they aren't going to be at the bottom of the West for long. Also, watch the Bulls—they have a habit of losing these "trap games," and they need to tighten up their late-game execution if they want to avoid the play-in tournament.
Check the waiver wires in your fantasy leagues too. Jaylon Tyson and Jay Huff likely aren't owned in most leagues, but after 39 and 29-point performances, they’re worth a look if you need scoring depth.