Easter NBA Hoops Delight Fans

LeBron James and rookie Cooper Flagg put on a show, while Stephen Curry's return thrills Warriors fans

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:20am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in neon colors depicting the dynamic movements and scoring plays of two basketball players in action, capturing the raw energy and excitement of the Easter Sunday NBA game.The Easter Sunday NBA matchup between LeBron James and rookie Cooper Flagg delivered a scoring showcase that thrilled fans.Los Angeles Today

On Easter Sunday, the NBA delivered an exciting slate of games that had fans captivated. In the Lakers-Mavericks matchup, LeBron James and rookie Cooper Flagg put on a scoring display, with Flagg becoming the first rookie since Allen Iverson to record back-to-back 40-point games. Later, Stephen Curry made his long-awaited return for the Warriors, thrilling fans with a 29-point performance in a narrow loss to the Rockets.

Why it matters

The NBA's Easter Sunday games provided basketball fans with high-level entertainment and showcased the league's rising stars, like Cooper Flagg, as well as its all-time greats, like LeBron James and Stephen Curry. These matchups highlighted the NBA's ability to deliver must-see TV, even on a holiday traditionally spent with family.

The details

In the Lakers-Mavericks game, LeBron James recorded a near triple-double with 30 points, 15 assists, and 9 rebounds, while Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg followed up his 50-point performance with 45 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds in a 134-128 Mavericks victory. Flagg and James became the first pair of players - one under 20 and one over 40 - to each score 20 points in the same game, doing so in the first half alone. Later, Stephen Curry made his return for the Warriors after a two-month absence due to a right knee injury. Despite the Warriors' 117-116 loss to the Rockets, Curry's 29-point performance in just 26 minutes thrilled fans and reminded them why he is one of the NBA's all-time greats.

  • On Easter Sunday, April 7, 2026, the Lakers faced the Mavericks.
  • In the Lakers-Mavericks game, LeBron James and Cooper Flagg each scored 20 points in the first half.
  • Stephen Curry made his return for the Warriors on Easter Sunday after a two-month absence due to a right knee injury.

The players

LeBron James

A 19-time NBA All-Star and four-time NBA champion, widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Cooper Flagg

A rookie sensation for the Dallas Mavericks, who became the first rookie since Allen Iverson to record back-to-back 40-point games.

Stephen Curry

A three-time NBA champion and two-time NBA MVP, widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history.

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The takeaway

The NBA's Easter Sunday games showcased the league's incredible talent, from rising stars like Cooper Flagg to all-time greats like LeBron James and Stephen Curry. These matchups proved the NBA's ability to deliver must-see TV, even on a holiday traditionally spent with family, and highlighted the league's enduring popularity and appeal.