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Nets still looking for first win after getting blown out by Pacers in 136-109 loss

NEW YORK (AP) — Tyrese Haliburton had 24 points, 10 assists and an All-Star Game-worthy dunk as the Indiana Pacers hammered the Brooklyn Nets 136-109 on Sunday night.

The Pacers shot 58 percent (49 for 85) from the field, including 49 percent (21 for 43) from three-point distance.

Haliburton shot 8 for 13 from the field, Pascal Siakam added 21 points and Obi Toppin chipped in 16 off the bench.

Reserve guard Nolan Traore had 17 points for Brooklyn, which has lost its first three games of the season.

Indiana trailed by two points at the end of the first quarter before outscoring the Nets 41-30 in the second period to take a 65-56 lead at the break. The Pacers shot 58 percent from the field and 42 percent beyond the three-point line in the first half.

The Pacers continued their good rhythm in the third quarter by blitzing the Nets 37-24 for a 98-74 advantage heading into the final period.

Haliburton, who missed last season while recovering from a torn right Achilles tendon, provided the highlight of the third quarter.

With 7:17 remaining, Julius Randle lost control of the ball at the top of the arc and Aaron Nesmith dove for it before Siakam picked it up and found a wide-open Haliburton, who bounced the ball to himself in front of the free throw line and threw down a two-handed dunk that drew the approval of his teammates.

Ivica Zubac was removed from the game after he sprained his left ankle with 4:57 left in the first quarter after he stepped on Kelly Oubre’s foot while chasing down a rebound.

Up next

Pacers: Visit the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night.

Nets: Visit the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night.

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Luka Doncic scores 52 points, hits several late clutch shots as Lakers rally to beat Jazz

Luka Doncic has the ball while guarded by Keyonte George in the first half. Doncic scored 52 points against the Jazz.
Luka Doncic has the ball while guarded by Keyonte George in the first half. Doncic scored 52 points against the Jazz. (Bethany Baker / AP)

Luka Doncic raised three fingers toward the Utah crowd. Fans were left counting more than just his points.

Doncic hit three clutch three-pointers late in the fourth quarter and took a momentum-swinging charge to lead the Lakers to a nail-biting 132-123 victory over the Utah Jazz on Sunday at Delta Center. Doncic led the Lakers (3-0) with 52 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds as the team fought back from an 18-point second-quarter deficit.

Guard Austin Reaves hit a dagger three with 34 seconds remaining to give the Lakers a seven-point lead. As Doncic salted the game away, he was serenaded with chants of “MVP!” Reaves finished with 29 points.

Center Walker Kessler was quiet in his return to Salt Lake City. After he joined the Lakers in a massive sign-and-trade deal that cost the Lakers two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps and a four-year, $130-million contract, Kessler was held to just two points on one-of-two shooting with seven rebounds.

Read more:Swanson: Luka Doncic's trash-talking antics sharpen his edge. Lakers fans need to embrace it

Kessler had averaged 24 points and 8.5 rebounds per game during the Lakers’ first two games and shot a blazing 84.6% from the field while feasting off lob passes from Doncic and Reaves.

Kessler got an unremarkable mixed reception from the crowd with a large number of fans wearing Lakers colors. The Jazz didn’t play a highlight reel during the game to welcome the center back, as many teams often do for a player who returns on an opposing team.

When asked whether Kessler’s return would spark extra motivation for the Jazz, Utah coach Will Hardy dispelled any suggestions of revenge.

“In no way is tonight about Walker,” Hardy said. “Like it’s not a, ‘Oh wow Walker’s here so we better play harder.’ We’re gonna demand the same standard that we did in our last game. Some of the story lines I don’t quite understand. Like we have a lot of love for Walker. He’s somebody that we have a great relationship with and a lot of shared experience.”

Read more:How the Lakers' Luka Doncic went from 'Wonder Boy' to 'The Man'

The Jazz traded for Kessler after the Memphis Grizzlies picked him 22nd overall in 2022. He emerged as a strong rebounder and rim protector, but the Jazz, still in rebuilding mode, never challenged for a playoff spot. Kessler played in just five games last season after shoulder surgery.

Kessler picked up his fourth foul with 7:38 remaining in the third quarter, stuck on only two points and six rebounds against his former team. The Lakers instead used a starring performance from their backcourt to overcome an 18-point second-quarter deficit.

The Lakers gave up 16 second-chance points on six offensive rebounds during the first quarter, contributing to the early deficit. Reaves was held scoreless during the first quarter, but awoke for 15 points in the second.

Doncic capped the half with a flurry on both ends. He watched a fadeaway jumper circle the entire rim before dropping through for a three-point play, ripped the ball out of Ace Bailey’s arms for a steal then hit a three at the buzzer to put the Lakers up by three at halftime.

The Slovenian superstar was coming off an admittedly “terrible” game in which he had 23 points, seven assists and 11 turnovers in the Lakers’ home win over the Clippers. Lakers coach JJ Redick said Doncic is still finding his rhythm after not playing with the national team over the summer as he typically does.

Doncic made just two of his first eight three-point attempts Sunday. He looked right back in rhythm when he splashed the tying three with 4:06 remaining in the fourth quarter and pushed his palms toward the ground to quiet the crowd.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Why the Rays loved Junior Caminero's World Series dugout outburst

Junior Caminero doesn't say much in the Tampa Bay Rays clubhouse. He lets his bat do the talking.

So, when the 23-year-old third baseman started screaming in the visitors' dugout during Game 2 of the World Series on Saturday night, his teammates noticed.

"When he speaks, everybody listens," Rays infielder Richie Palacios said Sunday.

Fox cameras caught the outburst after the sixth inning of Game 2. Moments earlier, Chandler Simpson had a Christian Yelich fly ball bounce off his glove for what should have been the third out. A 4-0 Rays lead was gone, and the clip spread fast.

So did the assumption that Caminero was tearing into Simpson.

The Rays said that was not the case.

"Yesterday, he was just encouraging us to lock in, lock in and not worry about what's behind us but to worry about what's ahead of us," Palacios said. "We all took it as a positive."

Tampa Bay needs that message to stick. The Rays lost 5-4 and trail the Milwaukee Brewers 2-0 heading into Game 3 on Monday, Oct. 26 at Tropicana Field.

What Junior Caminero said about his World Series dugout reaction

Caminero never named a teammate. Speaking through interpreter Kevin Vera after the game, he pointed at the whole defense.

"We had to get outs," Caminero told reporters. "At the moment, we weren't doing our job."

Simpson certainly wasn't the only one not doing his job. Jonathan Aranda let a routine grounder go through his legs in the fourth inning with a runner on third, costing the Rays a run. In the sixth, Simpson's misplay was scored a single, not an error, but it put runners on the corners and forced manager Kevin Cash to pull Ian Seymour. The play didn't directly lead to a run, but the Brewers tied the game in the sixth anyway.

Caminero said his goal was "trying to create some energy and get some life back into us."

What Kevin Cash said about Junior Caminero

Cash didn't see a problem

"I think more than anything else, Cammy was trying to fire the guys up, fire the dugout up," Cash said Sunday. "He knew we weren't playing our best baseball."

Cash explained that those moments happen often during the season. The World Series stage just put it in front of a bigger audience.

"Cammy cares a lot," Cash said. "The players care a lot and we want to play good behind our pitchers without a doubt."

.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why the Rays loved Junior Caminero's World Series dugout outburst

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Luka Doncic shoots Lakers past Jazz, sets new franchise record

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Dončić led the way in the 132-123 road victory over the Utah Jazz, Sunday, Oct. 25 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.

The Lakers held a slim lead entering the fourth quarter after Dončić produced 39 points through the first three quarters. The two-time NBA scoring champ finished with 52 points.

Doncic is now tied with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with 10 career 50-point games, which is the 11th most in NBA history. The Lakers guard passed Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who each have nine.

"When he's in the flow state, he gets into the showman mode," Lakers coach JJ Redick said. "He's on stage performing and that's always fun to watch."

Dončić hit a pair of big shots to close out the second and third quarters of the game. He hit a stepback 3-pointer to close out the third period to give the Lakers a 103-100 lead. He finished with eight 3-pointers made, shooting 44.4% from beyond the arc.

"It means everything to me," Doncic said about being able to step up and lift his team on the road.

While Los Angeles trailed by as many as 18 points during the first half, the Lakers took a 3-point lead to the locker room at halftime after Dončić poured in his 25 points.

Dončić created an opportunity for the Lakers to jump ahead, stealing the ball from second-year player Ace Bailey under the Jazz basket and walking it down the court.

The Slovenian star created space with a move that made Bailey slip before Dončić hit the 3-point shot.

Luka Doncic adds name to Lakers' record books

Dončić added his name to the franchise record books, becoming the fastest Laker to score 3,000 points. The six-time All-NBA selection reached the feat in 95 games, beating out George Mikan (106) and Abdul-Jabbar (109).

Doncic's performance was his third 50-point game for Los Angeles, passing Wilt Chamberlain, Anthony Davis and Shaquille O’Neal, who all had two 50-point games for the Lakers. Doncic is tied with LeBron James for fifth-most in Lakers' history.

The six-time All-Star's double-double performance also made him the first Laker since 1963 to record at least 50 points and 10 assists in a game. He joins Elgin Baylor and Jerry West as the only players in the team's history to accomplish the feat.

Luka Doncic stats vs. Jazz

  • Points: 52
  • FG: 17-for-30
  • 3PT: 8-for-18
  • FT: 10-for-11
  • Rebounds: 8
  • Assists: 10
  • Steals: 2
  • Blocks: 0
  • Turnovers: 4
  • Fouls: 
  • Minutes: 38

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Luka Doncic shoots Lakers past Jazz, sets new franchise record

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The Suns’ bench is showing the starters how it’s done

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 24: Collin Gillespie #12 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the game against the Golden State Warriors on October 24, 2026 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Chemistry is a difficult thing to achieve for any team. The majority of teams never reach that point where comfort meets production, so when you have it, you hold onto it and cherish it. There’s beauty in chemistry because players instinctively know where their teammates are going to be on both ends of the floor, creating the appearance of five people moving as one.

Right now? The Suns’ first unit doesn’t have it. Two games into the season, I think we all hoped we’d see a little more connectivity from the starting unit. But thus far, it has yet to manifest itself.

I guess it’s understandable, right? After all, 40% of your starting lineup is new. Miles Bridges wasn’t on the team last season, and Khaman Maluach started only one game during his rookie year. So yeah, there’s going to be a learning curve.

I recognize that the Massacre at Moda in Portland is going to skew a lot of our overall numbers until at least the 20th game of the season. But you can still feel it on the court. You can see the discombobulation.

Suns’ Lineups vs. Warriors | hoopsjunkie.io

Defensively, we’re constantly seeing Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, or Miles Bridges collapse on the weak side, leaving opposing three-point shooters wide open. Against Portland, that open shooter was consistently Damian Lillard. You’re not going to make a living doing that.

The issue is that these guys don’t yet know when and where to provide help. There needs to be better communication within the starting unit, along with more repetitions so everyone understands when help is necessary and when it’s probably a good idea to avoid leaving a Hall of Fame three-point shooter open.

We witnessed the same issues against the Warriors, where the Suns consistently failed to operate as one cohesive unit. At times, multiple players would attack the ball. Other times, nobody would, creating a layup line for players like Will Richard, who could take the ball the length of the court and finish at the rim.

Offensively, we’re seeing similar problems. Two players will run over to set the same screen because neither seems to know who’s supposed to be setting it at that particular moment. Back screens are missed because players didn’t realize it was theirs to set.

This isn’t to say you give up on the group entirely. It’s a demonstration that this team is going to need time to gel. That continuity we believed could help propel the Suns through the early portion of the season, while opposing teams were still trying to figure themselves out, has become a moot point. It doesn’t exist right now. And it doesn’t matter.

You look at the second unit and see much more stability, a clearer understanding of roles, and players who seem to know where they’re supposed to be. Why? Because the roles within that unit are more clearly defined. Devin Booker noted as much following the win over the Warriors on Saturday night.

“I’d say right now they have more of a chemistry than our first group, and I think typically that’s how teams are,” Booker said. “You play against those guys every day in practice, and they know each other like white on rice. I’ve been guarding Collin and Oso, and having Goody picked me up for a long time now.”

“I know how special players they are, and every time we can share the court together, I always enjoy that,” he added. “You can feel the crowd get involved. The ball is hopping around, and the defense is at a high level. As the first unit, we need to learn from them in a way, and the type that they play: everybody sacrifices in those groups, and you see the result that you get out of it.”

We know Collin Gillespie is going to be the tip of the spear and the primary facilitator of the offense. With that established, everybody else can fall in line because they’re not playing the same game of hot potato that the starting unit is, trying to determine whether Devin Booker or Jalen Green is supposed to be running the offense. We know Jordan Goodwin is going to be your point-of-attack defender and one of your best rebounders, crashing the glass whenever the opportunity presents itself. So when you see him guarding somebody, you’re not necessarily inclined to rush over and provide assistance. And we know Ryan Dunn is going to do a lot of the little things because he’s operating in the role he’s destined to play rather than one he’s being asked to play.

Sure, you have the insertion of Luke Kennard, who made his season debut Saturday against the Warriors, but he’s a much more connective player. He fits into that existing structure rather than disrupting it.

And that’s ultimately the difference between the two units right now. The second group understands its responsibilities, trusts the players around them, and operates with a level of confidence that comes from familiarity. The starters are still trying to establish that same understanding. Talent can overcome plenty of deficiencies, but chemistry requires repetition, communication, and clearly defined roles. Phoenix has the pieces to make it work. Now Jordan Ott has to figure out how they fit together, because continuity means very little if nobody knows what they’re supposed to do.

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VJ Edgecombe now listed OUT vs. Pistons

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 24: Vj Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Milwaukee Bucks at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 24, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Bucks 127-116. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Update: 6:51 p.m.: Edgecombe has been ruled out for Sunday’s game vs. the Pistons. Before the game, Nick Nurse confirmed it was the shot to the midsection in Saturday’s game against Milwaukee and that he was very sore after.

Though not to the degree of years past, the injury bug is hitting the Sixers early in the 2026-27 season.

The latest to pop up on the injury report is second-year guard VJ Edgecombe, who is now listed as questionable with an abdominal contusion for Sunday’s game against the Detroit Pistons.

Edgecombe appeared to take a shot to the midsection early in Saturday night’s win over the Milwaukee Bucks while trying to contest a layup. He stayed in the game for a little while, even knocking down a pair of threes. He briefly left the game and headed back to the locker room, but remerged and was riding the stationary bike before checking back in.

Edgecombe finished the game with 17 points and 13 rebounds, nailing five threes. He also made two massive plays down the stretch — grabbing an offensive rebound which led to a Jaylen Brown three, then coming up with a deflection which Brown turned into a Kentavious Caldwell-Pope triple to essentially seal the win.

The Sixers already come into the contest short-handed. Joel Embiid (plantar fasciitis management) — despite his lobbying to play to the media postgame — and Jabari Walker (knee soreness) are out. Dominick Barlow (back) and Tacko Fall (quad) remain out of the lineup. Both Dean Wade and Caldwell-Pope are a little banged up as well.

Luckily, LeBron James is set to return to the lineup after missing the front end of the team’s back-to-back. The Sixers and Piston tip off at Xfinity Mobile Arena at 7:30 p.m.

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Leonard’s first absence gives young Raptors early test

WASHINGTON, DC -  OCTOBER 23: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors handles the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on October 23, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Kawhi Leonard will reportedly miss his first game since returning to the Toronto Raptors due to knee swelling. This means that Leonard will miss the highly anticipated matchup between the Raptors and the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday.

Ja’Kobe Walter will be inserted into the starting lineup in Leonard’s place.

With the Raptors and Timberwolves being two of the nine remaining undefeated teams, the showdown is the first real litmus test for both squads. While it’s unfortunate that fans won’t get to see their rosters at full strength, intrigue continues to surround this team’s long-term sustainability without Leonard, particularly against contenders.

The last time Leonard missed a game was against the Golden State Warriors on Apr. 12. It was the Los Angeles Clippers’ season finale. Before then, Leonard had played in 11 consecutive games, which included a 27-point performance in a win over the Toronto Raptors on Mar. 25. Leonard returned for the Clippers’ play-in game against the Warriors.

Leonard appeared in 65 games during his final season in Los Angeles. He hasn’t appeared in at least 60 games in consecutive seasons since 2015-17, both of which were his first two seasons as an All-Star. During the Raptors Media Day, Leonard suggested that he would like to play more this year.

In his legendary run with the Raptors in 2019, Leonard finished with 60 regular-season appearances.

During Toronto’s 112-102 victory over the Washington Wizards on Oct. 23, Head Coach Darko Rajakovic played Leonard 27 minutes. In the season-opener, the Klaw finished with 23 minutes. The Raptors play their first set of two games in three nights against the Orlando Magic on Oct. 28 and 30.

After that, the Raptors get their first back-to-back, conveniently against the Los Angeles Lakers (Nov. 1) and the Clippers (Nov. 2). If the early load management means that Leonard is good to go for their business trip to Los Angeles, then this could be worth it.

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Game Discussion Thread: Knicks vs. Magic, October 25, 2026

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 12: Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks shoots a basket against Franz Wagner #22 of the Orlando Magic in the second quarter at Madison Square Garden on November 12, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ishika Samant/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Another two winless teams will square off at Madison Square Garden tonight, when the Knicks (0-2) host the Orlando Magic (0-2). The World Champs share the basement of the Eastern Conference with Disneys, but won’t for long. Paolo Banchero is out for Orlando with a bum ankle, as is Jonathan Issac, Noah Penda, and Izaiyah Nelson. As fo this early-morning writing, Orlando’s Anthony Black and New York’s Jose Alvarado (ankle) are game-time-decision.

This should be a gimme for our guys, so let’s see if they’re up to the task. Tip off is 7 pm EST on NBA League Pass. This is your game thread. This is Pinstriped Post. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Mind your manners. And go Knicks!

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Blackhawks Power Play Fails Them In 3-2 Loss To Panthers

CHICAGO - The Chicago Blackhawks took on the Florida Panthers at the United Center for a Sunday afternoon matinee. With the Panthers being one of the elite teams in the NHL based on their pedigree, the Blackhawks knew they would have to match that level of play for 60 minutes if they were going to have a chance. 

The Blackhawks are in the middle of a run against many of the league's top teams. Jeff Blashill spoke before the game about how this is a good thing for his young group as they work towards becoming a winner themselves. 

The Blackhawks are currently a team that gets off to a great start early in the game and lets it fall apart shortly after taking a lead. Well, this game had a similar start.

The Blackhawks took a 1-0 lead at 2:34 of the first period. Kevin Korchinski, who was inserted into the lineup for this game, threw one towards the net that was batted out of midair to Ryan Greene, whose first of the year gave the Blackhawks the lead. 

When the first period was over, however, it was 2-1 Panthers thanks to goals scored by Sandis Vilmanis and Matthew Tkachuk. Once again, the Blackhawks couldn't get out of the first period with the lead after going up 1-0. 

Unlike most games so far this season, however, the Blackhawks didn't totally fall apart in the second period. After being blown out on the shot clock in the first period (15-6), they kept it even at 9 apiece in the second. 

The Blackhawks also scored the only goal of the middle frame. Roman Kantserov scored on a low shot immediately after receiving a pass from Patrick Kane. Connor Bedard also collected an assist on the goal. That 2-2 score held through the second intermission. 

In the third period, the Panthers began with the advantage in terms of overall play, but they were unable to break through before the Blackhawks started to find their legs. An unfortunate line change, however, allowed Lars Eller to skate in and snipe one past Spencer Knight with 2:23 remaining. 

The Blackhawks desperately tried to tie it with Knight on the bench for the extra attacker, but they were unable to get it done. The 3-2 score held as the final. 

The power play (and special teams in general) were the biggest issue for the Blackhawks in this game. They went a stunning 0/7 with the man advantage and allowed 1 power-play goal to Florida on their 4 tries.

If the Blackhawks converted on just one of their chances, they would have at minimum earned 1 standings point in the game. Instead, their league-worst power play got even worse, and they got nothing in the standings. For a team that has trouble scoring as it is, missing this many times on the power play is going to sink them even further. 

Watch Every Chicago Goal

What’s Next For The Blackhawks?

The Chicago Blackhawks will end their 7-game homestand on Tuesday. They will welcome the Los Angeles Kings to the United Center. After that, they will hit the road for two games against the Detroit Red Wings and Boston Bruins. 

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Vilmanis, Tkachuk Score As Panthers Bounce Back, Earning Tough Victory In Chicago

The Florida Panthers got off the schneid on Sunday afternoon in Chicago.

Fresh off a pair of frustrating, multi-goal defeats, the Panthers earned themselves a gritty 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks.

It wasn’t a great start for Florida, as the Cats were bogged down in their own zone during the early minutes of the game.

Chicago was able to capitalize when Ryan Greene finished off a quick play that saw a point shot by Kevin Korchinski go wide, but Andrew Mangiapane was below the goal line and quickly popped the puck to a wide-open Greene in the slot.

Just like that, it was 1-0 Blackhawks at the 2:34 mark.

That was apparently the wakeup call that Florida needed.

After a few strong shifts by the Panthers to change the momentum, Sandis Vilmanis pounced on a Sam Reinhart rebound to knot the score at one about four minutes later.

Florida then pulled off a couple strong penalty kills, including an extended 5-on-3, before Seth Jones fired a shot from distance that hit off Matthew Tkachuk’s body and went into the net, giving the Panthers their first lead of the day.

A tally by Roman Kantserov, the only goal scored in the second period, would send the game into the final frame knotted up at two.

That’s how the score would remain until the game’s final minutes.

Catching Chicago in a bad line change, Aaron Ekbald found Lars Eller all alone at the Blackhawks’ blue line with nobody in a red sweater anywhere close to him.

Eller walked in all alone on Spencer Knight and fired a shot from the right circle that sailed past Knight’s blocker and into the far side of the net with just 2:23 remaining.

A few big saves by Akira Schmid later and Florida was back on the winning side of things.

Schmid came up huge throughout the game, but he came up with several crucial stops during the third period, including a couple breakaways and a big blocker stop on Patrick Kane in the final seconds.

He finished the game with 20 saves, including stops on eight of the nine high danger shots he faced, according to Natural Stat Trick.

Also coming up big for Florida was their penalty kill.

Despite the Cats taking way too many penalties, allowing a pair of extended 5-on-3s, Florida went a perfect 7-for-7 while on the penalty kill.

The Panthers will now travel to the final stop on their four-game road trip, playing the first of a home and home series with the Winnipeg Jets.

We’ll see you Tuesday from the ‘Peg.

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Hurricanes sign Nikishin to 1-year, $3M deal to end restricted free agent's contract stalemate

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — The Carolina Hurricanes have signed defenseman Alexander Nikishin to a one-year, $3 million contract to end a contract stalemate with a restricted free agent yet to play this season.

The reigning Stanley Cup champions announced the deal Sunday, coming after Nikishin's name had been mentioned as a potential trade candidate as he sat out to start the year.

“We’re glad that Alexander is returning to our group,” Hurricanes general manager Eric Tulsky said in a statement. “This has been a long process, but we look forward to him re-entering our locker room ready to contribute with the Hurricanes, as he did during a Stanley Cup championship season last year.”

The 25-year-old Nikishin was a third-round pick in the 2020 draft and had been considered a prized prospect. He made his NHL debut when he was pressed into duty due to injuries in the 2025 playoffs, which ended with a loss to the Florida Panthers in the Eastern Conference Final.

Nikishin played 81 regular-season games last year and posted 11 goals, 22 assists and a plus-18 rating. He worked as a third-pairing defenseman while appearing in 17 of 19 postseason games as the Hurricanes won their second Cup, the other coming in 2006.

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See AP’s full NHL coverage here

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Knicks Injury Tracker: Jose Alvarado out against Magic with sprained ankle

Here are the latest news updates and possible return dates for Knicks players...

Oct. 25, 5:40 p.m.

Jose Alvarado popped up on New York's injury report on Saturday, and has now been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Orlando Magic with a left ankle sprain, according to head coach Mike Brown in his pregame press conference.

The backup point guard is the lone Knicks player to appear on the injury report.

Alvarado logged 11 minutes in the team's 107-103 loss against the Boston Celtics last time out and struggled on the court. He scored just two points to go along with two rebounds, two assists and a steal, but he turned the ball over three times and finished as a minus-10.

New York is still searching for its first win this season, having lost to the Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers in their first two games.

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AJ Dybantsa to sit out Hornets game on Monday

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 16: AJ Dybantsa #4 of the Washington Wizards dunks during the first half of a preseason game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center on October 16, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Washington Wizards announced that forward AJ Dybantsa is out for tomorrow’s road game against the Charlotte Hornets, which was reported by our own Greg Finberg.

It’s frustrating that Dybantsa has yet to play a game this season. But the Wizards are appearing to take a conservative approach and they are 2-1 this season. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Three Questions Follow Golden Knights Home After Third Straight Loss

The Vegas Golden Knights are coming home with a three-game losing streak and a growing list of questions about how quickly they can rediscover the habits that fueled their strong start.

Vegas has surrendered 14 goals during the skid, following consecutive 6-2 losses to Tampa Bay and St. Louis, and Saturday’s 2-1 overtime defeat at Columbus.

But the latest setback offered a different concern. After struggling to keep opponents off the scoreboard, the Golden Knights tightened things considerably and still couldn’t generate enough offense to finish the job.

At 8-4-1, Vegas has room to correct its course. With two home games ahead, beginning Tuesday against Ottawa, three storylines deserve the closest attention.

1. Can Vegas make its defensive improvement stick?

Saturday represented progress after two games in which defensive breakdowns repeatedly became goals.

Carter Hart stopped 18 shots, and Vegas limited Columbus to one regulation goal. That gave the Golden Knights a foundation they badly needed after allowing six goals in consecutive outings.

The challenge now is making that structure repeatable.

Following the loss in St. Louis, coach Ryan Craig addressed hesitation when players had opportunities to pressure the puck.

“When you have a chance to close, we want you to go,” Craig said. “The four other guys are reading off you.”

That connection is essential. When one player pressures and the others hesitate, passing lanes open and opponents gain space to attack.

Coming home should give Vegas an opportunity to reinforce those reads through practice and familiar routines. The next step is carrying Saturday’s tighter coverage into another complete game while maintaining enough pressure to force opponents into mistakes.

One improved defensive performance offers encouragement. Consecutive performances would provide stronger evidence that the correction is taking hold.

2. When will the penalty kill stop deciding games?

The Golden Knights survived regulation Saturday, but their penalty kill couldn’t survive overtime.

Adam Fantilli’s power-play winner extended a troubling stretch: Vegas has allowed a power-play goal in five consecutive games.

That leaves almost no margin when the offense stalls.

The overtime situation was especially unforgiving, with Shea Theodore serving a holding penalty and Columbus enjoying a four-on-three advantage. Still, the larger issue extends beyond one penalty or one coverage decision.

Vegas needs cleaner clears, coordinated pressure and fewer opportunities 

for opponents to establish possession and move the puck through dangerous areas.

Discipline matters, too. A struggling penalty kill becomes an even greater liability when it must repeatedly protect a tie or preserve a narrow lead.

For a team trying to regain control of games, special teams must become a source of stability. Right now, opponents believe one opportunity can change the outcome.

3. Can the offense recover without sacrificing structure?

Vegas has scored five goals in its three losses, a sharp drop from the 17 it scored during its preceding three-game winning streak.

Tomas Hertl supplied Saturday’s lone goal by finishing a rebound. That sequence offered a useful reminder of where offense can come from when cleaner opportunities disappear: traffic, second chances and persistence around the crease.

Mitch Marner missed both road games while staying in Las Vegas for his child's birth. His availability will be worth monitoring, but the offense is spread throughout the lineup.

The Golden Knights need more sustained possessions and more players arriving in scoring areas together.

They also must resist forcing plays simply because goals have become harder to find. That approach risks reopening the defensive problems they began addressing in Columbus.

The opportunity at home is straightforward: build on the improved defending, repair the penalty kill and generate offense that doesn’t depend on trading chances.

THIS WEEK

Tuesday vs. Ottawa Senators, 7 p.m.

Vegas opens its two-game homestand against an Ottawa team coming off a seven-goal performance against the Rangers, including a Drake Batherson hat trick. Containing Batherson and Tim Stutzle will test whether the Golden Knights can build on their improved defensive effort in Columbus.

Friday vs. New Jersey Devils, 3 p.m.

The Nevada Day matinee brings a Devils team bolstered by Connor Hellebuyck, the three-time Vezina Trophy winner New Jersey acquired from Winnipeg. If Hellebuyck gets the start, Vegas will need traffic, rebounds and sustained pressure to challenge him. With Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt driving New Jersey’s attack, the Golden Knights must generate those chances without exposing themselves defensively.

PHOTO CAPTION

Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Jeremy Lauzon (5) picks up a loose puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the second period at Nationwide Arena.

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Live Discussion: Indiana Pacers at Brooklyn Nets, 6:00 PM ET

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 21: Michael Porter Jr. #17 of the Brooklyn Nets in action during the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center on October 21, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. The Hornets won 110-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Brooklyn Nets are still searching for their first win of the 2026-27 season, and they’ll have to find it on tired legs.

Brooklyn nearly erased a 22-point deficit in Cleveland on Saturday, outscoring the Cavaliers 41-29 in the fourth quarter before falling 125-121. The Nets return to Barclays Center on Sunday to face the Indiana Pacers in the second game of a back-to-back.

Meanwhile, sixth-overall pick Mikel Brown Jr. won’t be active for this one. He’s already on a minutes restriction and it looks like the Nets will keep him out of second night of back-to-backs for the foreseeable future. He rolled his ankle in the preseason.

Indiana arrives in Brooklyn coming off their own 16-point loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

Game Info & How to Watch

  • Matchup: Brooklyn Nets (0-2) vs. Indiana Pacers (1-1)
  • Time: 6:00 PM ET
  • Location: Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York
  • TV/Streaming: YES Network and DAZN

Nets-Pacers Injury Report

Brooklyn Nets

  • Mikel Brown Jr. — OUT

Indiana Pacers

  • T.J. McConnell – OUT
  • Johnny Furphy – OUT
  • Ben Sheppard – OUT
  • Braden Smith – DOUBTFUL

💬 Discussion

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