Lions are out of the playoff race, Packers are among 11 teams in and 3 spots remain open
The Lions are staying home for the playoffs, the Packers are in the postseason and only one spot remains open in the NFC. Detroit’s dismal performance in a 23-10 loss to Minnesota on Christmas Day eliminated the Lions and allowed Green Bay to clinch at least a wild-card berth. The Packers join the NFC East champion Eagles, the Bears, Seahawks, 49ers and Rams. The Panthers and Buccaneers are battling for the final playoff spot in the NFC. Denver’s 20-13 victory over Kansas City on Thursday night moved the Broncos closer toward securing the AFC West and the No. 1 seed.
Nix’s late TD pass and stand by Broncos defense finishes off 20-13 win over Chiefs
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bo Nix ran for a touchdown and threw a go-ahead pass to R.J. Harvey, leading the Denver Broncos to a 20-13 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Nix finished with 182 yards passing, helping the Broncos bounce back from last week’s loss to Jacksonville. The Chiefs, missing key players like Patrick Mahomes, struggle offensively. Third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun and Travis Kelce give Kansas City a late chance, but they fall short. The Broncos can clinch the AFC West title on Saturday, if the Chargers lose. Kansas City faces more challenges with injuries impacting their lineup.
Nikola Jokic breaks Steph Curry’s record with 18 points in OT and Nuggets set mark with 27 OT points
DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic set an NBA record with 18 points in overtime. His performance led the Denver Nuggets to a 142-138 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas night. Jokic’s output also helped the Nuggets set a league record with 27 points in a single extra period. Nuggets coach David Adelman called Jokic the “best player in the world” and highlights his “crazy stat line” of 56 points, 16 rebounds and 15 assists. Jokic made 15 of 21 shots from the floor and 22 of 23 free throws. Teammate Jamal Murray says, “Sounds about right.”
Wembanyama’s Spurs emerge as threat to defending champion Thunder after three wins over OKC
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — The San Antonio Spurs have emerged as a serious threat to the Oklahoma City Thunder’s NBA dominance. After winning 24 of their first 25 games, the Thunder lost three times to the Spurs, including a 117-102 defeat on Thursday. Spurs center Victor Wembanyama has been a key player, averaging 17.7 points and 8.3 rebounds against the Thunder. The Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander acknowledges the need for improvement. Spurs coach Mitch Johnson is leading the team in his first full season, and the Spurs’ focus on teamwork is paying off. The Thunder aim to learn from these losses as they prepare for their next matchup on January 13.
Jokic’s 56-point triple-double powers Nuggets past Timberwolves in OT
DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic set an NBA record with 18 points in overtime, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 142-138 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Christmas night. Jokic recorded a 56-point triple-double, adding 16 assists and 15 rebounds. Jamal Murray scored 35 points as the Nuggets improved to 3-0 against the Wolves this season. Anthony Edwards scored 44 points for Minnesota but was ejected in overtime. The Nuggets won despite missing three starters, including Cameron Johnson, who injured his knee Tuesday night.
Vikings eliminate Lions with defense-dominating 23-10 victory, racking up 6 turnovers and 5 sacks
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jordan Addison took a jet sweep handoff 65 yards for the game-sealing touchdown with 3:43 left after the Minnesota Vikings forced six turnovers and eliminated the Detroit Lions from contention for the playoffs with a 23-10 victory. Harrison Smith had one of the two interceptions and one of the five sacks of Jared Goff as the Vikings won their fourth straight game. Goff was charged with three lost fumbles, once on a sack and twice on errant snaps by backup center Kingsley Eguakun. The Lions lost their third straight to clinch a wild-card spot for the Green Bay Packers.
Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler lead the way as Warriors beat Mavericks 126-116 on Christmas Day
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Stephen Curry scored 23 points and knocked down a key 3-pointer with 3:45 left to help seal it, Jimmy Butler added 14 points, nine assists and nine rebounds, and the Golden State Warriors beat the Dallas Mavericks 126-116. Mavericks rookie star Cooper Flagg had 27 points, six rebounds and five assists in his Christmas Day debut while Brandon Williams scored 26 off the bench. Klay Thompson returned to face his former Warriors team in the holiday matinee after missing Tuesday’s home game against the Nuggets with soreness in his left knee.
Dak Prescott throws for 307 yards and 2 TDs to lead Cowboys past skidding Commanders 30-23
LANDOVER, Md. (AP) — Dak Prescott threw for 307 yards and two touchdowns, and the Dallas Cowboys blew most of an 18-point lead before squeezing past the Washington Commanders 30-23. Dallas scored touchdowns on its first three possessions to go up 21-3. Although the Commanders twice got within a touchdown, they couldn’t complete the comeback and absorbed their 10th loss in 11 games. Both teams were previously eliminated from playoff contention, which severely lessened the significance of this matchup between longtime NFC East rivals. Prescott completed 19 of 37 passes and helped Dallas convert all six of its fourth-down tries. His two TD passes gave him 30, tying Tony Romo’s franchise record of four seasons with at least 30 touchdown throws.
Lions eliminated after Goff’s uncharacteristic giveaways in loss that sends Packers to playoffs
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions have gifted the division rival Green Bay Packers a spot in the playoffs. With six turnovers in a 23-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, Detroit was eliminated from postseason contention. That clinched at least a wild-card berth for Green Bay. The Lions took the past two NFC North titles. They fell to 8-8 with their third straight loss. The Lions had only eight turnovers over their first 15 games for the fewest in the league. Goff nearly matched the season total he entered with by throwing two interceptions and losing three fumbles.
Travis Kelce’s emotional night at Arrowhead Stadium may be his last with retirement decision looming
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Travis Kelce tried to make Thursday night a memorable one if it is his last game at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs tight end had five catches for 36 yards, playing with third-string quarterback Chris Oladokun and nearly rallying his team down the stretch. Despite losing 20-13 to the Denver Broncos, Kelce’s performance stood out. Now, the four-time All-Pro is left to ponder whether to play in next week’s season finale in Las Vegas, and what might come next for him. Kelce said that the decision to retire will involve family, friends, and the Chiefs organization, but he expects to make it soon after the season ends.
