The NBA continues to deliver electrifying action as the 2024-25 season heats up. With the regular season nearing its climax, the past week (March 2–9, 2025) has been packed with jaw-dropping performances, critical injuries, and thrilling matchups that are shaping the playoff race. From LeBron James hitting a historic milestone to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ unrelenting dominance, here’s a rundown of the biggest NBA happenings over the last seven days. This SEO-optimized article will keep you updated on all the latest NBA news and trends while targeting key search terms like “NBA updates March 2025” and “NBA highlights last week.”
LeBron James Reaches 50,000 Career Points in Lakers’ Surge
The Los Angeles Lakers are riding high, and LeBron James remains at the heart of their success. On March 6, 2025, during a thrilling overtime victory against the New York Knicks, James crossed the 50,000-point mark (combined regular season and playoffs), further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest players in NBA history. The milestone came on a signature play—a cross-court pass from Luka Dončić followed by a spot-up three-pointer—highlighting the dynamic duo’s chemistry since Dončić’s blockbuster trade to LA.
The Lakers, now 40-21 as of March 7, sit second in the Western Conference behind the Oklahoma City Thunder. Their strong play over the past week has fueled MVP buzz around James, with posts on X asking, “LeBron MVP?” as he continues to defy age at 40. With Dončić feeding him easy looks and elevating teammates like Jaxson Hayes, the Lakers are a legitimate title contender heading into the final stretch.
Cleveland Cavaliers Extend Winning Streak to 12 Games
The Cleveland Cavaliers are the hottest team in the NBA, extending their winning streak to 12 games as of March 7, 2025. Their latest triumph came against the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night, with Donovan Mitchell leading the charge. Mitchell, averaging 24.3 points per game, has been cleared to play despite minor injury concerns, propelling the Cavs to a league-best 52-10 record.
A standout moment from the week was their comeback against the Boston Celtics on March 4, erasing a 25-point deficit to stun the Eastern Conference rivals. This resilience has solidified Cleveland’s position atop the East and sparked discussions about their championship ceiling. Could the Cavs dethrone the Celtics in the playoffs? Fans and analysts alike are buzzing about their potential.
Injury Woes Shake Up the League: Embiid and Irving Out
The past week brought devastating injury news for two NBA contenders. The Philadelphia 76ers announced on March 4 that Joel Embiid will be shut down for the remainder of the season, effectively ending their playoff hopes. Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks suffered a crushing blow with Kyrie Irving sidelined for the year due to an ACL injury, compounding their struggles since trading Luka Dončić. The Mavericks, once Finals contenders, are now reeling, with posts on X lamenting their “unbelievably bad 10-week timeline.”
These injuries have shifted the NBA landscape, opening doors for teams like the Lakers and Cavaliers to capitalize. The 76ers’ decision to rest Embiid also raises questions about their future, while Dallas faces a grim outlook without their star guard.
Nikola Jokić’s Historic Triple-Double Fuels MVP Race
Nikola Jokić reminded everyone why he’s a perennial MVP candidate with a historic performance on March 7 against the Phoenix Suns. In an overtime win for the Denver Nuggets, Jokić recorded the NBA’s first-ever 30-20-20 game—31 points, 22 assists, and 21 rebounds. This jaw-dropping stat line tightened the MVP race, with Jokić (+200 odds) closing in on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (-260), who leads the Thunder to a 52-11 record.
Gilgeous-Alexander’s 41-point average over three March games keeps him in the driver’s seat, but Jokić’s versatility could sway voters as the season winds down. The MVP debate is heating up, and the past week’s performances have only added fuel to the fire.
Celtics vs. Lakers: A Rivalry Renewed on March 8
The storied Celtics-Lakers rivalry delivered another chapter on March 8, 2025, with Boston hosting LA in a highly anticipated clash. Jayson Tatum, confirmed to play despite injury concerns, led the Celtics, who are battling to stay within striking distance of Cleveland. However, injuries to Jrue Holiday (finger) and Kristaps Porzingis (illness) tested Boston’s depth in recent games, including a loss to the Cavs earlier in the week.
The Lakers, buoyed by their dynamic duo, emerged victorious, further boosting their championship odds. This matchup underscored the stakes as both teams vie for postseason positioning, making it one of the week’s marquee moments.
Suns vs. Mavericks: A Betting Model’s Dream on March 9
Closing out the week, the Phoenix Suns face the Dallas Mavericks on March 9, 2025, in a game that’s generating buzz among bettors. The SportsLine Projection Model, on a 147-107 roll for top-rated picks, favors the Suns as 7.5-point favorites, projecting an Under on the 230.5-point total. With Dallas reeling from injuries and the Suns adjusting to Anthony Davis’ absence (adductor injury), this matchup highlights the unpredictability of the Western Conference.
Final Thoughts: NBA Drama Heats Up in March 2025
The past week in the NBA has been a rollercoaster of milestones, injuries, and standout performances. LeBron James and the Lakers are surging, the Cavaliers are unstoppable, and the MVP race is tighter than ever. As the regular season nears its end, every game carries playoff implications, making March 2025 a pivotal month for fans and teams alike.
Stay tuned for more NBA updates as the action unfolds. What’s your take on the week’s biggest moments? Drop your thoughts below!
