On Friday, Sotheby’s reported that one of Bryant’s game-worn No. 33 jerseys sold for a record-breaking $2.2 million, making it the most expensive high school jersey ever sold at an auction.
“This Lower Merion jersey is where Kobe’s story starts, before the rings, the records, and the Mamba Mentality, when he was just a kid in a gym outworking everyone. This jersey symbolizes that greatness has a beginning, and this jersey was there for it,” reads the description from Sotheby’s.
Lakers legend Kobe Bryant’s high school basketball jersey sold at a record-breaking number. Anthony J. Causi
This is not the first time the jersey has been moved, as it was sold in 2013 for $51,400.
The report of the jersey read that the item had 26 bids, with seven different bidders competing for the highly sought-after item.
Bryant’s jersey sale eclipsed LeBron James’ St. Vincent-St. Mary jersey, which was worn during his infamous 2002 Sports Illustrated “The Chosen One” cover and sold in 2024 for $1.3 million.
Sotheby’s reported that Bryant wore the sold jersey during his junior season, in a March 1995 matchup against Hazleton, Pa., Area.
Kobe Bryant played his entire NBA career with the Lakers. UPI
The jersey goes into the long list of highly coveted memorabilia from Bryant. The most expensive piece was a 2007-2008 dual-autograph card from Upper Deck that features Bryant and Michael Jordan, which sold for $12.6 million in August 2022.
Bryant’s Lower Merion jersey is the only basketball uniform he’s worn that didn’t have the words “Lakers” or “Los Angeles” across the chest, as he entered the NBA draft immediately after finishing high school.
The 76ers honor Kobe Bryant by placing his high school jersey on the court at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Jan. 28, 2020. Getty Images
Bryant spent the entirety of his 20-year career with Los Angeles and is regarded as not only one of the greatest Lakers ever, but one of the best basketball players of all time.
His career finished with him having five NBA titles, two Finals MVPs, one-time league MVP, and an 18-time All-Star selection.
In 2017, the Lakers retired both Bryant’s No. 8 and No. 24 jersey numbers, making him the only player in the NBA to have two numbers retired by a team.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - OCTOBER 30: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Golden State Warriors during the 2026 Emirates NBA Cup on October 30, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After sprinting out to a 25-point lead in the first half, the Lakers authored an ugly, ugly collapse across much of the next three periods, losing to the Warriors 112-95 on Friday.
Led by Luka Dončic, LA raced out to a 38-15 lead at the end of the first. A pair of Austin Reaves free throws to open the second made it a 25-point lead.
LA then gave up the entire lead by halftime, bounced back to lead by nine in the third, then collapsed again to trail by double digits for most of the fourth.
The bench had a woeful showing, to say the least, finishing with just seven points while shooting a combined 3-16 from the field. LA also turned the ball over 22 times, leading to 27 Warriors points.
Los Angeles jumped out to a hot start, with their big three of Luka, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler all scoring early. Jake LaRavia added a triple, forcing Golden State to call a quick timeout after falling behind by 10.
The Lakers had the momentum throughout the quarter, with Luka taking over with 14 points.
LA’s excellent defense helped with their impressive offense. Luka and Matisse Thybulle combined for four steals. With 3:01 left, Los Angeles was up by 14. Golden State ended the quarter shooting an abysmal 22% from the field.
The purple and gold were up by 23 at the end of the first. Every starter scored, led by Luka’s 21 points.
De’Anthony Melton scored a quick seven points off the bench early in the second period. Golden State were suddenly rolling with a 10-0 run. The Warriors continued to mount their comeback, cutting what was once a 25-point Laker lead to nine.
All this happened with Luka getting his usual second-quarter rest.
Reaves had begun to heat up, scoring four points and helping keep the Lakers from completely erasing their lead. Still, it was a tale of two quarters, though, with Golden State closing the half on a 16-2 scoring run led by Steph Curry and Melton.
LA started the third period much better than the second, with Luka, Reaves and LaRavia scoring a combined 13 points. The team was on a 13-4 run, giving themselves a little cushion.
Draymond Green and Steph combined for four points for the Warriors.
Steph once again ignited, draining two triples that chipped away at Los Angeles’ lead but Luka and Kessler responded with eight points to help keep the team ahead. In true Golden State fashion, they once again tied it with a 12-4 run.
The third ended with the Warriors going up by five. The purple and gold shot 9-22 in the quarter. The Lakers’ bench continued to struggle with just five points.
Gut check fourth quarter coming.
Would be a brutal loss with a Raptors/Heat b2b coming.
Things went from bad to worse for the Lakers as the Warriors started the final frame, extending their lead to 10 on the shoulders of Brandin Podziemski, who now had 17 points.
It was a non-stop Steph flurry as he added another six points to up his total to 28. The Lakers looked defeated as Reaves and Luka tried to give some life, putting up a quick combined five, but the team was down by 15 with 6:16 left.
There was no run that would come from the Lakers, though, as they failed to string together stops and scores. With 1:21 left, LA waved the white flag and emptied their bench.
Key Player Stats
Luka finished with 37 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Reaves had a rough offensive game with 21 points on 9-19 shooting with eight turnovers. Walker Kessler pitched in with 10 points, 13 rebounds and five blocks.
Thybulle scored 10 points with three steals. LaRavia logged 10 points while stepping into the starting lineup, shooting 3-7 from the field.
The Lakers’ next game will be against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday at 6:00 PM PT.
SAN FRANCISCO — The Golden State Warriors faced the Los Angeles Lakers in an NBA Cup group play game Friday, looking for revenge after their blunder of a season opener.
It was a historical game for Golden State, which trailed by 23 points after the first quarter but clawed its way back by halftime and ended the game with a 112-95 win at the Chase Center on Oct. 30.
The Warriors are the first team in the shot-clock era, since 1954-55, to trail by at least 23 points after the first quarter and tie the game by halftime.
Golden State was led by longtime franchise star Stephen Curry, who did it all against the Lakers.
Curry put up 31 points, shooting 11-for-23 and an explosive 8-for-14 on 3-point tries. He had the play of night − and maybe an early candidate for play of the year − with an ankle-shattering stepback to break free from Luka Doncic's defense, sending Doncic to the floor before raining a 3-pointer.
In defense of Doncic, he came right back and quieted the crowd with a 3-pointer of his own.
There was a lot of chatter concerning Doncic and the rematch with Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg. The two were pitted against each other in the first matchup. Competitive juices were flowing, words were exchanged.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis led the Lakers and captured the inaugural NBA Cup back in December 2023. The team went on a 7-0 run and defeated the Indiana Pacers in the final.
Those veteran players are no longer in Los Angeles, but Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves are a promising duo that could prove to be a wild card in the 2026 tournament.
The Lakers hold a 13-4 record in the tournament’s history, which is second-best.
Here's what you need to know about the Lakers' chances in the 2026-27 NBA Cup tournament.
NBA Cup West Group C
The Lakers' group contains two other teams from the Pacific Division.
Entering Friday, the Lakers have put together a 4-1 start to the season with a 1-1 record against teams in their group.
The Lakers began tournament play with a 112-95 loss to the Warriors, a team Los Angeles had beaten 127-105 in the season opener.
Doncic and the Lakers lead the league in scoring through the early part of the season, averaging 123.2 points per game. Doncic was the 2025-26 scoring champion and is on pace to repeat, averaging 36 points per game. He’s already put together a 50-point performance.
Center Walker Kessler could prove to be a wild card for the Lakers. The big man will have to lead the way on the defensive side of the ball, but Los Angeles could also benefit from him putting together strong performances offensively.
Kessler produced strong back-to-back outings to start the season. He shot 12-for-12 from the field for 26 points and added another 22 points against the Clippers in the team's second game of the season.
While the scoring production will be there for the Lakers, it will be important for the defense to improve. The Warriors rallied from a 25-point deficit against the Lakers on the first night of the NBA Cup. Los Angeles must get more from its bench after being outscored 50-7.
What could prevent Lakers from a successful NBA Cup run?
The health of the Lakers could factor into just how successful the team will be throughout the tournament.
Doncic missed his first game earlier in the week with back tightness. Ziaire Williams has missed two games for the Lakers due to left foot soreness.
On the court, Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs could pose the biggest threat to the Lakers. The Spurs are coming off an NBA Finals appearance, but are 3-2 to start the season.
The Trail Blazers could also pose a threat to the Lakers, having already beaten Los Angeles this season. Damian Lillard and the Blazers managed to overcome a high-scoring night from the Lakers' star duo and still managed to pull off a 136-129 win. Doncic finished with 41 points and nine assists, while Austin Reaves added 26 points. The Lakers struggled to get stops throughout the game and were outscored 34-26 in the fourth quarter. Lillard was one of four players for Portland to score more than 20 points against Los Angeles.
The Emirates NBA Cup is the league's annual in-season tournament, which was started in 2023 to help drive interest in the early season schedule. The competition features group play and knockout rounds with players and teams competing for a prize pool of money that increases based on how far a team advances.
When does the NBA Cup start?
The first games of the 2026 NBA Cup will take place on Friday, Oct. 30, when group play begins. Subsequent games are scheduled every Friday through Nov. 27. There will also be NBA Cup games on Tuesday, Nov. 24 and Wednesday, Nov. 25.
How does the NBA Cup work?
The league's 30 teams were separated into six groups featuring five teams in August. The NBA determined the groups using a draw system that placed each team in a pod based on their record during the 2025-26 season. The draw placed one team from each pot into each of the three groups in both the Eastern and Western Conferences.
Reporter Mark Giannotto contributed to this report
With the game on the line, of course it was LeBron James who made the difference.
He made the biggest plays down the stretch as his 76ers handed the Knicks a 98-93 loss Friday night.
“Obviously, when you add arguably the greatest player of all time,” Karl-Anthony Towns said, “obviously you’re gonna get a lot better.”
LeBron James celebrates after hitting a 3-pointer during the Knicks’ 98-93 NBA Cup loss to the 76ers on Oct. 30, 2026 in Philadelphia. Getty Images
The Knicks, trailing by three with 30.8 seconds left, needed a stop to get the ball back with a chance to tie the game. Tyrese Maxey got around both Mikal Bridges and Jalen Brunson on the perimeter and into the lane. Josh Hart, who was guarding James, stepped up to help on Maxey.
Maxey missed his layup, but James was able to sky uncontested for a putback layup that extended the Knicks deficit to five points with 11.9 seconds left, all but sealing the Sixers’ win.
A few moments earlier, Brunson had given the Knicks their first lead since early in the first quarter, hitting a 3-pointer to put them up by one with 1:32 left. But James answered on the other end with a vintage turnaround jumper to reestablish a 76ers lead.
LeBron James rises up for a shot during the Knicks’ loss to the 76ers. NBAE via Getty Images
“The one was a tough turnaround fadeaway on OG [Anunoby],” Hart said. “And then the other one, I was guarding him, Tyrese turned the corner, got downhill, I stepped up on that. I’m not sure who was on the backside. There was a shooter on the backside, so there was a lot of space. He made a good play hitting the offensive glass.”
James scored a team-high six points in the fourth quarter, taking over as Maxey had gone quiet.
“I’m just trying to get more and more comfortable with what we’re running offensively,” James said. “I think every game and every week that I’m here, my body will continue to ramp up and ramp up and get better and better. That played a part.
“As far as the two shots, just trying to be aggressive. I had a one-on-one against OG. I was able to get to my fadeaway and knock that down. And then [Maxey] draws so much attention, he went for the layup and kind of missed it a little bit and I was able to get the tip-in being in the right place at the right time.”
Doncic helped the Los Angeles Lakers pull ahead early, scoring 21 points in the first quarter as the Lakers took a 38-15 lead against the Golden State Warriors.
Curry and the Warriors responded with a 38-15 run of their own in the second quarter to tie the game at 53 at halftime.
Golden State became the first team during the shot-clock era (since 1954-55) to trail by as many as 23 after the opening quarter and then tie the game by halftime.
In the third quarter, Curry produced the highlight of the night.
Curry got the best of Doncic during a possession, with a series of dribble moves that sent the Lakers guard to the floor before the Warriors star drained a 3-pointer. The play helped the Warriors cut into the Lakers' lead with 6:21 left in the third quarter.
Doncic did not shy away from the moment, delivering a shot of his own down on the other end to quiet the crowd.
Stephen Curry reacts to shot over Doncic
"I didn't expect it to get that nasty, but it was one of those you gotta kind of keep your composure," Curry said on the Prime postgame show. "I remember James Harden had to do like the shimmy to get himself going back in the day. I don't know, I haven't been that open in a long time.
"... I'm just having fun. Those moments, especially at this stage of your career, you're just appreciative of the ability to keep playing at this level. And I want that joy to continue until I'm done."
SAN FRANCISCO — Luka Dončić got off to another one of his signature hot-scoring starts Friday night at Chase Center.
One that further cemented his spot in Lakers history.
Dončić’s 21 points in the opening quarter of the Lakers’ Friday road game against the Warriors was his 33rd career 20-point quarter and 10th 20-point quarter as a Laker.
Luka Doncic was on fire to start Friday night’s game. Getty Images
He joined Kobe Bryant as the only two Lakers players to record at least 10 20-point quarters since 2000.
The late franchise icon recorded 36 20-point quarters between 2000 and his retirement in 2016.
Dončić also passed James Harden for the third-most 20-point quarters in the NBA since 2000.
Eighteen of the Slovenian superstar’s 20-point quarters have come in the first quarter, which is the most by any player in that span.
Dončić made five 3-pointers and also dished out five assists in the first quarter, leading the Lakers to a 38-15 lead going into the second.
Luka Doncic (77) made five 3-pointers during the first quarter against the Warriors. AP Photo/Justine WillardKobe Bryant’s record will be hard challenging for anyone to reach. Getty Images
But the Warriors took advantage starting the next quarter on the bench, cutting their deficit to nine (42-33) before Dončić subbed back in the game.
The Warriors maintained momentum even after the Lakers’ star guard subbed back in, tying the game at 53 apiece going into halftime.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts during the first half of an NBA Cup basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco.
Luka Doncic was certainly feeling himself during his first-half spectacle against the Warriors on Friday night.
In the middle of his dominant first-half performance, where the Lakers star scored 24 points, Doncic sank a 3-pointer, turned around and looked at the Warriors crowd at Chase Center.
Los Angeles Lakers Luka Doncic drops a NSFW response to Golden State Warriors fans during his 24-point first half spectacle on Friday night. AP Photo/Justine Willard
Doncic taunting the crowd came after the Lakers superstar received a loud round of boos with less than a minute in the first quarter.
His heater in the first half got the Lakers off to an incredible 14-2 start, followed by a 40-15 lead by the 11:40 mark of the second quarter.
Facing a large deficit, Golden State fought its way back into the game and ended up tied at 53 with the Lakers, partially due to the usual suspect, Steph Curry, leading the charge as he finished the first half with 14 points.
Luka Doncic slams Warriors fans during 24-point first half spectacle on Friday night. Getty ImagesGolden State Warriors’ Yaxel Lendeborg attempting to block Luka Doncic during the first half of Friday night’s game against Lakers. AP Photo/Justine Willard
Friday night’s game between the Lakers and Warriors came with plenty of anticipation, as it meant round two of Luka Doncic against Yaxel Lendeborg.
When the two teams opened their season against each other, both Doncic and Lendeborg were seen trash-talking one another — resulting in the Warriors rookie saying he “lost all respect” for the Lakers veteran.
Stephen Curry is still one of the deadliest offensive players in the NBA. The 38-year-old Golden State Warriors superstar already has a 44-point performance on his game log this year, and he knew he needed to be at his best as his team took on the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. Luka Doncic is one of the few players to have a higher scoring game this early into the 2026-27 season, when he put up 52 points vs. the Utah Jazz.
Doncic vs. Curry is already going to be epic, and it produced maybe the best highlight of the season so far.
Curry hunted Doncic with a switch early in the third quarter. Steph went left, penetrated, stopped on a dime, and hopped into a stepback three-pointer. Doncic fell over, and Curry ripped a three-pointer over his lifeless body. It doesn’t get any more disrespectful than this. Watch Steph make Luka touch Earth here:
There’s no living this down for most players. It probably doesn’t surprise you that Luka quickly redeemed himself with a ridiculous three-pointer on the next possession even if Curry wasn’t the defender on him.
There’s nothing like the NBA when two superstars are going at each other possession after possession. This round goes to Curry with a highlight that will live a long, long time.
Oct 30, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) celebrates after being fouled on a made basket for a three point play against the Houston Rockets during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Dallas Mavericks (4-2) defeated the Houston Rockets (5-1), 116-111, in a Friday night matchup at the American Airlines Center. The matchup marked the first of the NBA Cup Group Play between the two teams representing West Group A. The Mavericks are the first team to beat the Rockets this year, who had won five straight before Friday night’s matchup.
Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 35 points and nine assists. Cooper Flagg added 33 points and nine rebounds. Kevin Durant led the Rockets with 28 in the loss.
Sergio de Larrea, Santi Aldama, Tarik Biberovic, and Dereck Lively were out for the Mavericks. The Rockets were without Alperen Sengun, Reed Sheppard, and Steven Adams.
Here are three stats that told the tale of Friday night’s NBA Cup win over Houston.
3/4 : Zaccharie Risacher’s 3-pointers and stocks
Zaccharie Risacher had another great defensive showing against the Rockets, finishing with three steals and a blocked shot. He plays hard on both ends of the floor, and his defensive plays create transition opportunities for the Mavericks on a night-in, night-out basis. To add to his strong defensive showing, Risacher went 3-of-6 from 3-point range, earning a new season-high mark in 3-pointers made. He hasn’t let previous poor shooting games affect his confidence. He finished with 12 points, six rebounds, and three assists, combined with another impressive defensive showing as he continues to emerge as an elite defensive talent with an opportunity to grow his offensive game.
33: Cooper Flagg points
Cooper Flagg finished with 33 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals, and one block. He played aggressively on the offensive end, a continuing trend as his sophomore season progresses. His confidence has continued to grow, and he shows more of that with each game that passes. He scored 11 points in the fourth quarter, asserting his will and getting to his spots with ease, even through a Rockets defense with teeth clinched, geared up to stop him. The Mavericks are better when Flagg plays with aggression. Flagg’s sophomore season has been explosive, with him emerging as a top talent in the league. His performance on Friday was another reminder of his emerging greatness, even as a 19-year-old.
35: Kyrie Irving points
Kyrie Irving finished with a game-high 35 points in the win. He was the engine behind the Mavericks’ success tonight, scoring 24 of his points in the second half, giving the Mavericks the momentum needed to punch back at the Rockets. It felt like a classic Irving showing despite him recently returning from an ACL tear at 34 years old. He is one of the league’s most clutch players, coming up with key free throws in the game’s final moments. Friday’s win over Houston was a prime example of the importance of Irving’s offensive gifts to the Mavericks.
Oh, and by the way, the 68 combined points from Flagg and Irving completely turned the tables on Durant and Jabari Smith Jr.’s dominance in these two teams’ previous meeting, when the Houston duo scored 30 apiece in a blowout win over Dallas. Irving and Flagg combined to shoot 25-of-38 from the floor in the exhilarating win.
Up next
The Mavericks host the Sacramento Kings on Monday at 7 p.m. CT. NBA Cup Group Play continues on Friday, November 2nd.
The Knicks had a grueling and long run to their first championship in over 50 years, and it's clear that it's affected them at the start of this new season.
Following their 98-93 loss to the 76ers on Friday night, New York is now 2-4 through their first six games. While the Knicks have played a ton of quality opponents, including the Sixers twice, it's the way they've looked in their losses that has raised eyebrows.
The Knicks took away the 76ers' paint shots in the second half, and that allowed them to make a comeback -- even taking a one-point lead late in the fourth -- but it wasn't enough. They could not overcome that sluggish start.
“Today, we looked like a team that was at the end of a road trip," Karl-Anthony Towns said of the team's energy after the loss. "We got to find that gear, got to find that energy. I thought we did a great job in the fourth quarter of finding that gear, just getting out of that quicksand…to do that, it puts us in that position where you gotta make some magic happen, and we just didn’t have enough magic today to get back and win the game tonight."
"It’s a new year. The flow’s tougher. The ball gets stagnant, and I think that’s a little bit from fatigue," Josh Hart said. "Mentally, you know what to do, but you’re trying to get your body to that point. That’s part of it. Have to be more deliberate with cuts and movements, and taking care of the ball."
Hart was asked to elaborate on the fatigue, and the Knicks starter simply said the team, physically, has to catch up with their mental processes.
"We all feel the fatigue. We have to fight through it," he said. "It’s six games in. We have to try and find a way to get our bodies ready to play every day. Mentally, we’re there. We just have to find it physically."
Jalen Brunson, who led the team with 24 points and whose three-pointer gave the Knicks that late lead, was asked about Hart's comments and responded in typical Brunson fashion.
"Josh said he feels the fatigue? Well, Josh is old as s--t," Brunson quipped.
While the Knicks captain may not admit to any physical fatigue, it's hard not to believe the team is feeling it in some capacity.
Most of the championship team is back, and many played deeper into an NBA season than they've played in before, not to mention the extra game that helped them capture the NBA Cup a year ago. The numerous second-half comebacks in the playoffs also put a strain on what was a magical run, but it adds up. This team has had a shorter offseason than any other team in the NBA aside from the Spurs.
Fatigue or not, Brunson knows the Knicks can be better, and it starts with limiting the turnovers.
"Being hesitant, sometimes, can put you into a position where you want to make the right play, but you don’t want to turn the ball over. At that point, it turns into a home run pass or something like that," Brunson explained. "We have the right intentions; we have to be confident in the decision-making. Don’t be afraid to fail. We have the confidence in this locker room. We all work hard, we see it every day. Everything will fall into place as it should be."
The Knicks will look to get back on track when they take on the winless Nets at home on Monday.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - OCTOBER 30: Darius Garland #10 of the Los Angeles Clippers goes to the basket against Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter of the NBA Cup game at Target Center on October 30, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
On a night where uncertainty and potential gloom was clouding the mind of Minnesota Timberwolves fans, your favorite team’s favorite team took care of business, handling the Los Angeles Clippers by 26 points.
After a disappointing Wednesday night loss against the Golden State Warriors, the vibes turned back positive tonight. Granted, it was against a mightily inferior opponent, but still, Wolves fans needed some reprieve. LaMelo Ball hit some threes, Rudy Gobert didn’t fumble every pass like he was Troy Williamson (IYKYK), and the overall energy felt much better.
Let’s get straight into the takeaways from tonight.
Welcome to the Bone Zone
It’s hard to pinpoint a specific performance that really sparked this victory because there were so many good ones, but I want to start with Bones Hyland. The “Bone Zone” was definitely active tonight, as Hyland finished with 20 points and eight assists on an even 8/16 shooting.
Bones was definitely in a rhythm, and it’s really fun when he gets in the mode he was in tonight, where it seems like every time he put up a shot, it was going in.
Without Anthony Edwards in the lineup, any and all play that sparks the energy that comes so easily when Ant is playing is play that the Wolves will take.
Jaden McDaniels can and will be that guy
Jaden McDaniels was another bright spot tonight, scoring 23 on an uber-efficient 11/15 from the floor, and coupling that with six rebounds and seven assists.
Without Ant, he’s probably the most important player for the Wolves on a night-to-night basis. When he’s scoring this efficiently and forcing defenses to respect his offense, it opens up everything for everyone else on the floor with him.
I can’t name a specific play, but I know that there were multiple times when he forced the issue by going to the basket, made the defense rotate, and kicked it to a teammate for an open shot, or, with that defense rotated, allowed that teammate to punch a gap and make a play at the rim.
If the Wolves are going to be successful in the stretch of games without Ant, this is how it needs to look. Monster dunks help too.
‘Melo wasn’t missing
After a shaky start, LaMelo Ball had a pretty nice game. After a sequence in which he took a side-step one-legged three and then followed that up with stealing the outlet pass and getting a layup, I wrote “full LaMelo Ball experience” down in my game notes.
His overall shooting numbers at 9/20 weren’t bad, also going 6/15 from three. I know the numbers don’t explicitly show it, but I do think he made a concerted effort to get in the paint and at least facilitate, while also looking for his own shot from time to time, even if he only took five two-point attempts.
Anyone who’s played knows it’s much easier to guard just a shooter rather than someone who is a shooter but also will attack the defense and get a paint touch, so if LaMelo is looking to facilitate or score, I don’t really care, as long as he continues to make defenses rotate and push guys to make second or third efforts against this Wolves offense.
I just want to point to this tweet by the legend, Jon Krawczynski:
We’ve seen this happen over and over. New teammates need time to acclimate with Rudy. There are struggles, and then they figure it out and win a lot of games. He’s 34 now, so that has to factor in. But it just feels a lot like the natural process so far. https://t.co/wx4iIfpfkr
It happened in 2022 when he first joined the team, and it’s happening again now that a new iteration of teammates surround him.
One of the hardest things to do offensively as a team is play with a big man who can’t manufacture offense on their own. Rudy said it himself that he had to be better, but it’s not all on him. LaMelo can and will figure out that he can’t fire Joe Nathan fastballs at him. It just doesn’t work. Rudy has to be ready for the speed at which LaMelo plays, and he will.
Defensively, he was everything that makes his offensive limitations so frustrating.
From my notes: “Rudy still causes ‘Neverminds’”. That term, “Neverminds”, was coined (I believe) by Michael Grady, and it’s so perfect. Most of the time, when the offensive player comes down the lane and sees Rudy, they turn around.
Heck, I would too.
For all the shortcomings that he has, that’s why calls for Joan Beringer to play more or even start are asinine. Rudy’s still that guy.
Quick Hitters
Jaylen Clark was awesome tonight. According to Jon K, he was a +23 in 17 minutes. Plays like the one below are the reason why he’s going to get a real chance to play in this league:
Jonathan Kuminga was veeeeeeeery quiet tonight. Only 22 minutes, with just five points on six shots. Hopefully he’ll be ready to roll tomorrow, and his low minute count was probably the result of some really good bench play.
I’ll admit that so far, I was wrong about Trey Lyles. In my preseason preview, I said I didn’t know where his minutes would come from, and I was wrong. He can play. From my notes: “Trey Lyles isn’t a scorer; he’s a basketball player” and “Trey Lyles=Kyle Anderson 2.0”. He’s been a nice surprise so far.
I was a little shocked that Chris Finch didn’t sub the starters plus JC out with 5:00 to play when the Clippers waved the white flag, but I was reminded that point differential matters in these NBA Cup games. I’m not so sure it’s that worth it if guys like TJ Shannon are going to take nasty falls, though.
Game Highlights
Up Next
Your Minnesota Timberwolves are back in action tomorrow night when they travel on a back-to-back to take on the San Antonio Spurs at 7:00 pm CT, streaming on DAZN-MIN or DirecTV for in-market viewers and NBA League Pass for out-of-market viewers.
TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 30: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors goes to the basket during the first half of an Emirates NBA Cup game at Scotiabank Arena on October 30, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Bailey McLean/Getty Images) | Getty Images
You can’t have shit in Toronto.
The week Mayor Olivia Chow wins re-election and the Raptors smash the Orlando Magic by 30 points, Scottie Barnes scores a season high, career high 41 points, and it’s something nobody can celebrate, including Scottie Barnes.
“It just wasn’t going our way,” he said tonight. Barnes looked sombre tonight in a cutoff hoodie postgame. “Before the season, you know, I think I wanted to break [my record],” he said. But after tonight’s outing he said, things had changed. “By now, no,” answered Barnes. “I think I got to let some time go off.”
“I think being that aggressive, the only shooting… we thought three free throws was kind of crazy, but… it just, just wasn’t going our way.” Indeed, despite scoring 41 points, Barnes only got to the line three times, making two of the attempts. The rest of his buckets came from field goals, a midrange explosion from the Raptor, who appeared restrained during the presser after the loss.
TORONTO, CANADA – OCTOBER 30: Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors goes to the basket during the first half of an Emirates NBA Cup game at Scotiabank Arena on October 30, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Bailey McLean/Getty Images) | Getty Images
“Darko called those freethrow attempts ‘BS’,” began Doug Smith of the Toronto Star. Barnes cut him off, as the two stumbled through sentences, trying to avoid criticism of the refereeing of tonight’s game. “Trying to have a good PR… I’m tryna have good PR today,” went Barnes. “And it was tough out there…”
“I’m raging on the inside,” he continued.
“We really wanted this game, for sure. Really wanted it. For our team, obviously, there’s something, an incentive for it… just gotta go get the next one.” Thus ended Scottie Barnes’ comments on his career high in points.
Indeed, Darko Rajaković was not quiet on the subject of the night’s officiating. “That’s kind of like, that’s kind of a little BS, to be honest with you,” the coach argued on the subject of Barnes’ field goal to free throw ratio. The Magic took 29 free throws, compared to the Raptors’ 15, in a night that was characterized by some real physicality and refereeing that at times seemed unreasonably unwilling to take the Raptors’ side.
It’s painful to see what a loss on such a big night can do to a basketball player, especially when his scoring outburst was coupled with the return to form of Jakob Poeltl, who he has noted some closeness with. Subtracting the outcome, tonight’s game was gritty and full of heart. Especially considering the massive gap in fouls and free throws, the Raptors played even more admirably, none more so than Scottie, who is doing a lot to carry the load offensively for the Raps.
No other player on the team scored 20 points tonight, but Immanuel Quickley and Collin Murray Boyles made some meaningful offensive contributions in addition to Barnes. The rookie Allen Graves also snagged three offensive rebounds to go along with his seven points.
The Raptors have now lost their first match of the NBA Cup’s group stage, and will need to invest even more energy into those matchups if they want to make noise in the in season tournament this year. But, as Scottie said, there’ll always be a next one. The Raptors are starting their west coast road trip on Sunday with a matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Luka Doncic received a warm welcome to his first appearance at the Chase Center on Friday night.
With less than a minute into the first quarter, Golden State Warriors fans were booing and echoing “Luka sucks” in one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the week.
Lakers Luka Doncic explodes in crucial matchup against Warriors. Getty Images
The distaste for Doncic from the Warriors fans emerged from the Lakers and Warriors season opener on October. 21, when he and Lendeborg were seen talking trash to each other.
During the game, Lendeborg received a technical foul after he admitted that he saw a few “cuss words” towards Doncic.
After the game, Lendeborg told reporters that he “lost all respect” towards Doncic because he was “whining and complaining.”
Since that moment, the anticipation for Doncic vs Lendeborg, round two has been fueld with heavy anticipation.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 30: LeBron James #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the game against the New York Knicks during the 2026 Emirates NBA Cup on October 30, 2026 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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
Bell Ringer Standings: Tyrese Maxey – 2.5 Joel Embiid – 1 Anfernee Simons – 1 Jaylen Brown – 0.5
The Sixers welcomed the New York Knicks to Xfinity Mobile Arena for their second matchup of the young season. The Sixers won the first meeting on opening night at Madison Square Garden, but the stakes were raised a bit as it was the opening night of the NBA Cup. The Sixers, who have not fared well in the NBA Cup in previous seasons, would look to get off to a good start in the 2026 iteration. They were without Jaylen Brown, who is sidelined with left patellar tendinopathy.
The Sixers continued their stout defense, which currently ranks third best in the NBA, in the first period holding the defending champs to just 21 points. The Sixers’ offensive attack was very balanced getting seven, six, six and five points, respectively, from Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, VJ Edgecombe and LeBron James in the first quarter. The pace was to the Sixers’ liking and they didn’t turn the ball over in the first period to the tune of 29-21 lead after the first.
Maxey continued his dominant scoring in quarter two pouring in 11 points in the frame to bring his total to 18 to lead the floor. The Sixers put together another solid defensive quarter holding the Knicks to just 23 points and a total of 41% from the field and just 32% from three in the first half. The Sixers extended their lead by one to take a nine-point advantage at intermission at 53-44.
Anfernee Simons carried over his hot shooting with big third and fourth quarters. The Sixers led 77-68 after three. The Knicks led 90-89 with 1:30 to go in the ball game after a comeback capped by a Jalen Brunson three. A James fallaway jumper followed up by a Edgecombe three gave the Sixers a four-point lead that they would not relinquish. A LeBron putback with 11 seconds left would put the Sixers up four for good, and after an OG Anunoby dunk and a pair of Tyrese Maxey free throws, the Sixers would win 98-93 to move to 5-1 on the season.
Time for the Bell Ringer.
Tyrese Maxey: 27 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds, 10-for-19 from the field
Maxey continues to be the steadying presence on this Sixers team with consistent scoring output and efficiency. His continuous use of his downfield speed to leverage his pull-up shooting makes him one of the most unstoppable scoring forces in the world.
LeBron James: 20 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 8-for-15 from the field
Probably LeBron’s best game as a 76er. LeBron’s two timely buckets down the stretch helped carry the Sixers over the finish line. The difference that LeBron has made on the Sixers’ late-game execution on both ends has been immeasurable. He pulled down multiple clutch rebounds as well, something the Sixers will need to continue to get from him as it is one of their biggest weaknesses.
Anfernee Simons: 21 points, 7-for-11 from three, 5-for-8 from three
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 30: Anfernee Simons #5 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles the ball during the game against the New York Knicks during the 2026 Emirates NBA Cup on October 30, 2026 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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
Anfernee Simons has been completely lights out the last two games. Simons knocked down five threes as an encore for the six threes he hit in Indiana on Wednesday night. He’s the single most vital piece to the Sixers’ offense off the bench and has the ultimate green light. Coming off of ball screens and DHOs, Simons is a threat to fire off the move and off the bounce. His dynamism in a two-man game with Embiid is something to monitor as the season goes on as it has the potential to be a deadly source of offense.
