Celtics Rout Bucks 117-97 as Paul George Shines; Reaves Drops 43 in Luka-Less Lakers Win

Sunday's NBA slate delivered statement wins across the league. The Boston Celtics overcame an early 14-point deficit to rout the Milwaukee Bucks 117-97 on the road, the Los Angeles Lakers won without Luka Doncic behind a 43-point explosion from Austin Reaves, and Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg put up 25 points and a career-high 12 assists in a 130-93 demolition of the Brooklyn Nets.

Boston Celtics player in green driving to the basket against Milwaukee Bucks defenders at Fiserv Forum

Quick Answer: What Happened in the NBA on Sunday, November 8?

The Boston Celtics beat the Milwaukee Bucks 117-97 on Sunday, November 8, 2026, behind 27 points from Paul George and 21 from Jayson Tatum, improving to 8-2. Elsewhere, Austin Reaves scored 43 points to lead the Luka-less Lakers past the Detroit Pistons, Cooper Flagg starred in the Mavericks' 130-93 rout of the Nets, the LA Clippers edged the New Orleans Pelicans 95-94, the Phoenix Suns beat the Houston Rockets 102-99, and the Philadelphia 76ers outlasted the Chicago Bulls 127-121.

Celtics 117, Bucks 97: Paul George Takes Over in Milwaukee

The Celtics made the trip to Milwaukee to face the Bucks for the second time this season, and the first quarter started evenly — the Bucks ended the period with a narrow two-point lead. Then Boston took over.

The second quarter was Celtics domination. Boston won the period 33-18, with Paul George following in Jayson Tatum's footsteps by putting in his own 16-point quarter, and the visitors took a 13-point lead into halftime. The second half was relatively even, but Boston extended its margin to 17 points by the end of the third quarter, 91-74, and head coach Joe Mazzulla emptied the bench as the reserves closed out a 20-point victory.

George finished with 27 points as the standout performer of the night, and Tatum added 21. Boston improved to 8-2 and heads into its next game against the Philadelphia 76ers on a three-game win streak. The 76ers arrive off a hard-fought 127-121 win over the Bulls.

Reaves Explodes for 43 as Luka-Less Lakers Beat Pistons

The Lakers' historically great start to the season hit a speed bump on Sunday when Luka Doncic was ruled out against the Detroit Pistons due to lower back tightness. Austin Reaves made sure it did not matter, exploding for 43 points to lead Los Angeles to the win over Detroit.

It was the kind of performance that defines a team's depth: with its superstar sidelined, the Lakers still found a way to win on the road. Reaves' 43-point night is one of the best individual scoring performances of the young NBA season, and it kept the Lakers rolling while Doncic recovers.

Cooper Flagg's Playmaking Shines in Mavericks Rout

Dallas Mavericks head coach Dusty May praised Cooper Flagg's court vision and decision-making after the reigning Rookie of the Year recorded 25 points and a career-high 12 assists in Sunday's 130-93 win over the Brooklyn Nets at American Airlines Center.

The 37-point blowout was one of the most one-sided games of the weekend, and Flagg's 12 assists — a career best — showed a dimension to his game that goes beyond scoring. Dallas continues to look like one of the most exciting young teams in the Western Conference.

Dallas Mavericks player in blue dunking the ball over a defender in front of a packed arena crowd

Clippers Edge Pelicans 95-94; Suns Top Rockets 102-99

The LA Clippers delivered a poised two-way performance to defeat the New Orleans Pelicans 95-94 in a one-point thriller, a statement win that strengthens their positioning in the early Western Conference standings.

In Phoenix, the Suns took down the Houston Rockets 102-99 in an emotionally charged game. Eight games into the season, Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green got their retribution against their former team, as the Suns held on for the three-point win in front of their home crowd.

Rounding out Sunday's action, the Philadelphia 76ers beat the Chicago Bulls 127-121, a result that sets up a big test for the red-hot Celtics when the two teams meet next.

What Sunday's Results Mean for the Standings

Boston's win moves the Celtics to 8-2, firmly among the Eastern Conference's early leaders, while the Bucks continue to search for consistency after the home loss. The Lakers' ability to win without Doncic — even for one night — matters for a team with championship ambitions and a long season ahead. And in Dallas, Flagg's career-high assist night is another sign that the Mavericks' young star is growing into a complete player, not just a scorer.

Monday night's slate is under way across the league, with the Lakers visiting the Atlanta Hawks, the Pistons hosting the Washington Wizards and the Raptors facing the Grizzlies among the evening games. For the latest NBA scores, standings and highlights, see our basketball coverage here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score of Celtics vs. Bucks on November 8, 2026?

The Boston Celtics beat the Milwaukee Bucks 117-97 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee on Sunday, November 8, 2026. Paul George led Boston with 27 points and Jayson Tatum added 21.

How many points did Austin Reaves score vs. the Pistons?

Austin Reaves scored 43 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers past the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. Luka Doncic was scratched from the game due to lower back tightness.

What did Cooper Flagg do against the Nets?

Cooper Flagg recorded 25 points and a career-high 12 assists in the Dallas Mavericks' 130-93 win over the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

What is the Celtics' record after beating the Bucks?

The Celtics improved to 8-2 after the 117-97 win in Milwaukee. They are on a three-game win streak heading into their next game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Who won Clippers vs. Pelicans on November 8?

The LA Clippers beat the New Orleans Pelicans 95-94 on Sunday, November 8, 2026, a one-point victory that strengthened their early-season positioning.

Who won Suns vs. Rockets over the weekend?

The Phoenix Suns beat the Houston Rockets 102-99 on Saturday, November 7, in an emotionally charged game featuring Dillon Brooks and Jalen Green against their former team.

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