Vic’s Night Caps: New Year’s Edition Recap

Published: Monday, January 6, 2025

by Victor Lisboa

Welcome to Vic’s Night Caps, where we recap our friend Darren’s weekly NBA takes. This week, he highlighted four matchups between Tuesday, Dec. 31, and Wednesday, Jan. 1, for the New Year’s holiday. Christmas Day also delivered some exciting games. Let’s review the action from the past week and see how he did.

Tuesday's Key Games (New Year’s Eve)

Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Los Angeles Lakers (The Battle of the Top Frontcourts)

The Cavaliers are making their case as the league’s best, holding the NBA’s top record while ranking second in points per game and first in both field goal and three-point percentage.

The Lakers, powered by LeBron James and Anthony Davis, remain in play-in contention but recently added Dorian Finney-Smith, a sharp-shooting wing, to boost their roster.

The Cavs pulled away in the second half, doubling the Lakers in three-pointers made and showcasing elite efficiency. Jarrett Allen dominated with 27 points, 14 rebounds, and three blocks, while Donovan Mitchell added 26 points and Darius Garland chipped in 14 points and 14 assists.

James, Davis, and Austin Reaves combined for 86 points, with Reaves nearly posting a triple-double (35 points, 10 assists, 9 rebounds). Despite a late rally cutting the deficit to five, Allen’s dunk sealed the Cavs’ 122-110 win—just as Darren predicted.

Darren predicted a seven-point victory for the Cavaliers. They won 122-110.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Battle of Rising Stars)

The Timberwolves shook things up with a blockbuster trade, swapping Karl-Anthony Towns for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo. Despite an inconsistent start, Anthony Edwards continues to shine, and the team seems to be finding its rhythm.

The Thunder, meanwhile, are legitimate contenders. Despite missing defensive anchor Chet Holmgren, they boast one of the league's top defenses. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is putting up MVP-caliber numbers, Jalen Williams is thriving, and the bench provides reliable depth.

Minnesota controlled the first half, holding OKC to 46 points. But the Thunder’s relentless defense forced 24 turnovers, erasing a 12-point deficit in the third quarter. SGA dazzled with 40 points on 15-23 shooting, while Isaiah Hartenstein chipped in 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Edwards had a quiet 20 points on just 12 attempts, and Randle struggled with 11 points and no free throws. Naz Reid led the bench with 19 points as the reserves contributed 43 overall.

Darren predicted a six-point OKC win with 120 points. The Thunder won 113-105.

Wednesday’s Key Games (New Year’s Day)

Atlanta Hawks vs. Denver Nuggets (The A-Town vs. The Mile-High City)

Nikola Jokic remains an MVP frontrunner, dazzling fans with his usual triple-doubles and elite efficiency. This season, he’s averaging 31.5 PPG, 13 RPG, and 9.7 APG, keeping Denver in the West’s top four.

Atlanta’s season has been a rollercoaster, but Trae Young (22.5 PPG, 12 APG) continues to shine, and Dyson Daniels, acquired in the Murray trade, has shown strong defensive potential.

Despite missing Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets had seven players in double figures. Jokic delivered a jaw-dropping triple-double (23 PTS, 15 AST, 17 REB), Russell Westbrook added 16 points and 11 assists, and Murray and Porter Jr. each dropped 21 points.

Young led the Hawks with 30 points and 17 assists, while rookie Zaccharie Risacher scored 13. De’Andre Hunter added 20 off the bench, contributing to 55 total bench points. Still, a 39-14 Nuggets run sealed Atlanta’s fate.

Darren predicted a 20-point Nuggets win with 133 points. The final score? Nuggets 139, Hawks 120.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Sacramento Kings (The City of Brotherly Love vs. The City of Trees)

The 76ers are finding their rhythm but remain plagued by health issues, sitting five games from .500 and one game out of play-in contention.

The Kings, facing their own struggles, recently fired coach Mike Brown after a five-game skid. Despite their talent—three players averaging 20 PPG—they rank 19th in points allowed, contributing to blown leads and tight losses.

With Joel Embiid out, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George carried Philly, combining for 57 points. PG scored 30 on 11-20 shooting and grabbed 8 rebounds. The Sixers led 107-98 late, but the Kings rallied. DeMar DeRozan tied it, a goaltend call on Malik Monk’s layup gave Sacramento the edge, and Monk iced it at the line.

Darren predicted a 113-110 Sixers win, likely expecting Embiid to play. Close call—the final was Kings 113, Sixers 107.

Victor Lisboa can be reached at victor.lisboa@student.shu.edu. 

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