SAN FRANCISCO ― The Golden State Warriors have taken a blow to the depth in their backcourt early in the 2026-27 season, despite an eight-game winning streak.
Williams logged 1 minute, 39 seconds for Golden State and scored four points on 2-of-3 shooting, connecting on back-to-back layups before exiting the game with a hamstring injury.
Williams checked out of the game at the 3:18 mark of the first quarter and did not return. The organization said Williams suffered a left hamstring injury and missed the rest of the game against New Orleans. The Warriors guard is scheduled for an MRI.
"He's a huge part of our team, and he's given us such a lift, and it's a hamstring," Kerr told reporters after the game. "He is gonna get an MRI, so we'll see how bad it is.”
Warriors backcourt depth keeps dwindling
Golden State suffered a setback losing Williams. The hope is that his injury is not severe, otherwise the Warriors' backcourt depth is diminishing early.
In addition to Williams' early exit, reserve point guard Will Richard didn't play Monday against the Pelicans. Richard has a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left thumb and is ruled out indefinitely.
"We're trying to wait till the swelling goes down. I'll do a workout, catching and going full speed, and see if it's comfortable …. I want to play," Richard said.
Warriors coach Steve Kerr was bummed about the news because of how well Richard has been playing, at times even starting.
"It’s a shame. He’s playing at a really high level, a lot of confidence, filling an important role," Kerr told reporters before Monday night's game. "At times starting, at times coming off the bench. But able to really play good minutes for us and brings energy, a lot of defensive intensity, shooting the ball well. So we’re hopeful that he’s able to play through it and we’ll know more after a few days when the swelling goes down."
Golden State was also without Gary Payton II, who was out with an illness and left knee inflammation. The Warriors are still going without the likes of Moses Moody and Jimmy Butler III, who is progressing along.
The Warriors are bruised and battered, but unbeaten in the last eight games.
The second-year star had 43 points in the Dallas Mavericks' 125-122 win against the Indiana Pacers on Monday, Nov. 9 at the American Airlines Center. He added 10 rebounds for a double-double and six assists with three steals for good measure.
According to the NBA, the 19-year-old joins Kevin Durant as the only other player in league history to have at least 40 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a game as a teenager. ESPN adds that this is the 14th game in which Flagg has scored at least 30 points before turning 20 years old. Only LeBron James has more with 20 such games before he reached his 20th birthday.
Flagg had back-to-back dunks in the first quarter to cap an 11-0 run by the Mavericks. In one key play with less than 30 seconds left in the game, he dribbled against Andrew Nembhard, then drained a step-back jumper. The bucket extended Dallas' lead to four.
Kyrie Irving contributed 35 points for the Mavericks, while Pascal Siakam had 29 points, nine rebounds and eight assists for Indiana.
This is the first time this season that Flagg has crossed the 40-point mark and the fifth of his young NBA career. In April during his rookie season, the former Duke standout scored a career-high 51 points in a loss to the Orlando Magic. At 19 years old, he was the youngest player in NBA history to reach the 50-point mark.
EDMONTON, Alberta (AP) — Leon Draisaitl scored twice, Connor McDavid also had a goal and the Edmonton Oilers held off the New York Rangers 3-1 on Monday night to sweep their season series.
Jaroslav Chmelar scored a short-handed goal for the Rangers (10-8-1), who had won three straight games. Dylan Garand stopped 17 shots, but gave away the puck to McDavid for an easy, unassisted goal that opened the scoring 6:42 into the first period.
McDavid leads the NHL with 48 points (11 goals, 37 assists). The three-time MVP became the fourth player in league history with a 19-game point streak to begin a season, joining Wayne Gretzky, Dany Heatley and Mats Sundin.
For the first time this season, however, McDavid failed to record an assist — ending his record-setting streak to start a season at 18 games.
Draisaitl scored on a snap shot at 2:59 of the second for a 2-0 lead.
Just more than two minutes later, the Rangers killed off a brief 5-on-3 Edmonton power play and Mika Zibanejad sprung Chmelar on a breakaway as he exited the penalty box. Chmelar beat Levi for his second goal of the season.
New York pulled Garand for an extra skater late in the third and drew a penalty that produced a 6-on-4 advantage. Draisaitl picked off a soft backpass and lofted the puck into an empty net from his own zone for his NHL-best 18th goal.
That extended his goal-scoring streak to four games and his point streak to six.
Edmonton is 11-0-2 when scoring first. The Rangers are 0-7-1 when allowing the first goal, making them the only team in the league without a win after falling behind at the outset.
Up next
Rangers: Visit the Calgary Flames on Wednesday.
Oilers: Host the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday.
TORONTO, ON - November 9 In first half action, Jamal Shead (1) of the Raptors works some defence on Jerami Grant (3) of the Grizzlies The Toronto Raptors played the Memphis Grizzlies in NBA basketball action at the Scotiabank Arena. November 9 2026 Richard Lautens/Toronto Star (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images) | Toronto Star via Getty Images
The Toronto Raptors may have fallen to the Memphis Grizzlies 118-102 on Monday, but there was a familiar presence on the court that both softened the blow of a loss and boosted hopes for the future.
With Kawhi Leonard, Scottie Barnes, Collin Murray-Boyles and especially Immanuel Quickley out with injury, it was a chance for Jamal Shead to step up. Shead ultimately did so while summoning the spirit of Kyle Lowry.
Here are seven examples of how Shead looked like the Raptors legend during the game:
Finding what the team needs the most
One thing Lowry was known for – other than his ability to lull opponents into committing offensive fouls – was his uncanny feel for the game. Whatever the Raptors needed at any given moment, Lowry usually dug into his deep bag of tricks to supply it. When Toronto was a horrendous 0-for-6 from the perimeter, it was Shead who hit the team’s first three of the game.
The point guard followed that up with two additional threes before the end of the first quarter. Shead’s three triples were the only shots Toronto made from beyond-the-arc in the opening frame. Considering Shead entered the contest shooting a career-low 21.7 per cent from the perimeter, it was very “Lowry” of him to transform into a deadly shooter when the moment called for it.
“Me being aggressive is going to add fuel to us,” said Shead. “They won’t be able to load up on Scottie, load up on Kawhi, load up on IQ.”
Shead finished with four three-pointers, the most he’s made this season. It’s the most threes Shead has made since Dec. 9, 2025 against the New York Knicks.
The signature Lowry move
Speaking of lulling opponents into a false sense of security, a player can’t have a Lowry-type game without drawing at least one offensive foul. In the second quarter, while Memphis was in semi-transition, Shead drew an offensive foul on Taylor Hendricks.
After the whistle was blown, and while Shead was on the ground, the point guard enthusiastically pointed the other way. It was easy for those in attendance at the Scotiabank Arena to cheer the blue-collar play. Even for those who don’t ever see the sequence, if you’ve watched the Raptors before, you know exactly what this looked like.
A night to remember
Despite the outcome, it still ended up being one of Shead’s best performances as a professional. Shead finished with 20 points on 35.2 per cent shooting. He was two points shy of tying his career-high (22 points vs. the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 11 in 2026).
The uptick in usage was obviously due to the Raptors’ injuries, but Shead was ready for the call.
“A lot of guys wait for those opportunities and are just ready to play,” said Shead. “Obviously those are really important pieces for us…but when they’re out, it’s just next-man up.”
Authoring a career-type game while undermanned is very Lowry-coded.
Mighty mouse in the house
Lowry’s stature may have prevented him from living above the rim during his 20-year career, but it didn’t stop him from controlling the painted area – and it didn’t matter how much height he was giving up.
On two separate occasions, Grizzlies rookie Cameron Boozer had Shead pinned in the paint. The first example occurred in the opening quarter. Shead leaned his body into Boozer’s back, daring Memphis to throw the entry pass. Instead, the Grizzlies opted out.
Later in the game, Boozer received a pass near the basket with Shead guarding him. While Shead’s help lurked nearby, Boozer quickly passed to the opposite side instead of taking advantage of his size.
The set-up man
While Shead may be light-years away from reaching Lowry’s all-time Raptors assists record – 3,447 to be exact – that shouldn’t take away from the fact that he’s an excellent table-setter. After setting a career-high in assists (16) against the Milwaukee Bucks on Nov. 6, Shead continued to show his playmaking chops against Memphis. He led Toronto in assists with 11.
It’s also the way he got his teammates the ball that mirrored Lowry.
Shead’s Nash dribble as he exited the baseline before throwing the lob pass was fun. Later in the game, Shead’s dribble drive opened up the lanes and as soon as the Memphis defence committed, he kicked it to the corner for an Allen Graves three. Shead’s paint touches and vision also make the game visibly easier for Jakob Poeltl.
“We had a lot of great conversations during the game about where he’s going to be,” said Shead. “He’s very mobile and can kind of handle the ball. He’s really smart…it’s really easy playing with Jak.”
An endless amount of pocket passes, dump-offs and alley-oops allowed Poeltl to have his best game of the season. Poeltl finished with 18 points and eight rebounds.
QB1 at the one
The only player that might’ve thrown a better outlet pass as a Raptor than Lowry was Marc Gasol, but Shead definitely added to his resume against the Grizzlies. In the second quarter, Shead corralled a defensive rebound and immediately threw a deep ball to Walter on the break. The play shifted the momentum and brought the entire Raptors bench, including Barnes, off their feet.
“Those guys really want to be out there,” said Shead. “But they’re really engaged with us regardless if they’re out there or not, and that’s really helpful.”
Later in the fourth quarter, Shead fought through the trees and somehow snagged the defensive rebound. Without hesitation, he launched a perfect outlet pass to Jamison Battle in stride, subsequently leading to an easy two points during a pivotal moment in the game.
Electric defensive plays
Lowry had a knack for coming up with clutch defensive plays, especially when the Raptors were in dire need of a stop. When Graves helped knock a ball loose at the top of the arc, Shead teleported to the ball and rushed down the court for a breakaway layup, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Moments later, while getting back on defence, Shead motioned to the bench to ask for a breather. Before the whistle blew, Shead swiped at the ball while Canadian Zach Edey had it under the basket, causing it to go off his leg and out of bounds. As the crowd roared, Shead yelled as he walked back to the bench. The play was ultimately overturned due to a Poeltl foul, but it highlighted just how much passion and bravado Shead brings to the team.
Even while taking on a larger responsibility on the offensive end, Shead is still finding ways to impact the game defensively, just like Lowry.
“The more minutes I’ve been playing, I’ve took off the gas a little bit on the defensive side,” said Shead. “Once those guys come back, I get to do what I do best and go guard the ball.”
TORONTO (AP) — Carey Price first visited the Hockey Hall of Fame as a teenager.
The longtime Montreal Canadiens goaltender joked over the weekend he wouldn’t mind trying one of the interactive games — specifically featuring a netminder sporting very familiar equipment — that sits among the many tributes to the sport’s history.
“It’s pretty special to be able to look around,” Price said before adding with a smile: “I was hoping to get the chance to shoot on myself downstairs.”
The 39-year-old was once at the pinnacle of his craft. Now he’s taken his place alongside the game’s greats.
Price was inducted into the hall as part of the 2026 class alongside Patrice Bergeron, Pekka Rinne, Keith Tkachuk and Cindy Curley in the player category Monday. Brian Burke was enshrined as a builder.
“When I was a kid, I had a dream that I can vividly remember,” Price, who played all 15 of his NHL seasons for the Canadiens, said during his speech in downtown Toronto. “I was walking down a red carpet, just like in the Bell Centre. As I was walking, I approached a mountain of a figure.
“It was Patrick Roy, the very image of what I wanted to be.”
The No. 5 pick of the 2005 draft, Price won the Hart Trophy as league MVP and the Vezina Trophy as its top goaltender in 2015.
He finished with a 361-261-79 record, .917 save percentage, 2.51 goals-against average and 49 shutouts across 712 games in a career cut short by injury.
Price had even better numbers in high-pressure moments before a knee issue ended his playing days beyond the 2021-22 campaign. He owned a .919 save percentage, 2.39 GAA and eight shutouts in 92 playoff games. He was at his best during his final postseason, carrying the underdog Canadiens to the 2021 Stanley Cup final.
“All I can ever really remember wanting to be was a hockey player,” said an emotional Price, who was in his second year of eligibility. “Growing up in a remote community, there was a very slim chance of this happening without a relentless desire and an opportunity.
“That opportunity was provided with sacrifice. As a parent of a young family, I now understand what the biggest of many was — it was time.”
Bergeron urges young hockey players to chase their dreams
The 41-year-old Bergeron, a record-setting six-time Selke Trophy winner as the NHL’s top defensive forward after being selected 45th overall in 2003, helped the Boston Bruins to a Cup victory in 2011.
The center had 1,040 points (427 goals 613 assists) in 1,294 regular-season games. He added 128 points in 170 playoff games before retiring in 2023.
“I hope my journey inspires future generations to dream big (and) believe in themselves,” said Bergeron, who spent all 19 of his NHL seasons with Boston, including the final three as captain. “And never stop chasing those dreams.”
Price, who also won the Ted Lindsay Award as the league’s most outstanding player voted on by the NHL Players' Association in 2015, and Bergeron enjoyed success representing Canada together.
The duo was on the 2014 Olympic team that topped the field before capturing the World Cup of Hockey two years later. Bergeron also claimed gold at the 2010 Games on home soil to go along with victories at the 2005 world junior hockey championship and the 2004 men’s worlds.
“To the boys, I have enough memories to last three lifetimes,” Price said of his teammates. “I wish I could do it all over again. Thank you for clearing the front of the net, blocking shots and backchecking.
“As a forward now, I do none of these things.”
Rinne says he wasn't a top prospect
Rinne, 43, finished with a 369-213-75 record in 15 seasons with the Nashville Predators. The 2018 Vezina winner from Finland — selected 258th overall in 2004 — had a .917 save percentage, 2.43 GAA and 60 shutouts in 683 regular-season games.
“If there’s something that I want to pass on to any young athlete who’s watching tonight, it’s this: You don’t have to be the most highly touted prospect,” he said. “You don’t have to have everything figured out when you’re young. Your path doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.
“Mine certainly didn’t.”
Curley captained the U.S. to three silver medals at the women’s worlds in the 1990s.
“I’m often called the pioneer, but I’d like to think I just grew up with women’s hockey,” said the 62-year-old. “Hockey is a very special game that gave so much more to me than I could ever give back.”
Burke had a management career that included stops with the Hartford Whalers, Vancouver Canucks, Anaheim Mighty Ducks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Calgary Flames and Pittsburgh Penguins following a stint at the league office.
“When I first got the call from the selection committee, I paused,” said the 71-year-old, who won the Cup with Anaheim in 2007. “Nobody starts playing hockey at 13 years old in Minnesota and says, ‘Someday I’m going to be in the Hockey Hall of Fame.’
“Unless you’re an idiot.”
Tkachuk registered 1,065 points (538 goals, 527 assists) in 1,201 games in 18 seasons.
“This game has welcomed me at every level,” said the 54-year-old. “I accept this honor with gratitude to everyone who has been part of my journey.
“I am honored to be here tonight — and now forever.”
The Los Angeles Lakers star nearly notched a triple-double on Monday, Nov. 9 in his return from injury when he tallied 32 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in a 124-114 win against the Atlanta Hawks.
Dončić missed one game with back tightness, a win over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, Nov. 8, but he returned to the starting lineup on day later at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Sandro Mamukelashvili contributed 23 points off the bench, and Walker Kessler added 21 points and 10 boards.
CJ McCollum led Atlanta with 21 points off the bench. Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 20 points.
The Hawks took an early 15-7 lead in the first quarter, but the Lakers took control from there and didn't trail the rest of the game.
Los Angeles snaps the Hawks' four-game winning streak. On Saturday, Nov. 7, Atlanta had a star of their own return from injury. Jalen Johnson had 30 points and bounced back from a hurt ankle to help his team come back from a 17-point deficit and notch a victory against the New Orleans Pelicans.
The six-time All-Star is averaging a league-high 39.3 points per game this season. He adds 7.9 assists per outing, which ranks seventh in the NBA, and 7.8 rebounds and is making an early case for MVP. Dončić also leads the league in field goals made per game (12.1), 3-pointers (5.5) and free throws (9.6), while 49.8% from the field, 40.7% from beyond the arc and 88.1% from the charity stripe.
Featured on the Pelicans roster is their reserve point guard Jordan Poole, who was drafted by the Warriors with the 28th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Poole helped the Warriors win a championship in 2022.
During pregame warmups, Poole – who rocked a pair of athletic shades – had briefly reunited with his former backcourt mate, Warriors star Stephen Curry. Poole just finished his shootaround and was headed back to the locker room when Curry was also warming up on the court.
The two completed their signature handshake from years ago when Poole stopped to greet Curry. Curry couldn't help but to notice Poole's cool shades.
He signals to try them and on as Poole takes them off his face and hands him to Curry to wear for himself. Curry, of course, took and did 3-point shot with them on.
Poole played four seasons with the Warriors from 2019 to 2023, during which he averaged 15.8 points, 3.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game across 266 total regular-season games. He became known for his microwave-like scoring off the bench as he worked up trust between his teammates. He excelled enough to run the backcourt alongside Curry as a starter during the 2021-22 season as Klay Thompson, then, recovered from a torn ACL.
Poole developed the nickname "Poole Party" for his 3-point shooting and the range he began to develop.
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 9: John Collins #20 of the Detroit Pistons dunks the ball in the game against the Washington Wizards on November 9, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
For those of you DBB sickos who care, I’m officially a married man! We had a spooky wedding on Halloween night and spent the past week in Cabo San Lucas for our honeymoon. We had a great time celebrating over the past week and a half!
Now we’re back to Pistons hoops.
JB Bickerstaff decided to mix up the starting lineup by starting John Collins at center. Paul Reed moved to the bench, and Daniss Jenkins was inserted into the starting lineup. Detroit started small with Duncan Robinson at the 3 and Ausar Thompson at the 4.
It proved to be the right idea early, as Collins was the leading scorer for Detroit after the first quarter with nine points. The Wizards took a 32-31 lead heading into the second, behind 12 points from Trae Young and 11 from Anthony Davis.
Detroit struggled to have an answer defensively for AD, and this was another game where Detroit missed Jalen Duren’s physicality and inside presence. Davis had 30 points and eight rebounds at the halfway point while only missing one of his 11 attempts. The Pistons put up 37 points in the quarter with five different players scoring more than seven points. Collins led the way with 15, Duncan had 14, and Cade had 11 as Detroit held a 68-58 lead.
The third quarter was all about Daniss Jenkins. Cade picked up his fifth foul halfway through the third, and DJ took the reins. He made Trae Young look like a traffic cone on defense as Jenkins went on to score 13 in the quarter. He consistently attacked Young, and Young never stood a chance. Detroit continued to extend their lead as they were up 103-87 heading into the fourth.
The fourth quarter was highlighted by two beautiful plays by Ebuka Okorie and Ausar Thompson.
First, watch Ausar find Okorie in transition as Okorie does his best Kyrie Irving impression:
Second, the Human Swiss Army knife blocks the 7-footer Alex Sarr on one end, then follows that up by directing traffic and finding an open DJ with a great bounce pass for a wide-open dunk:
The Pistons will continue to hope for a speedy recovery for Jalen Duren as they needed his inside physicality against Anthony Davis, who finished with 44 points and 13 rebounds while shooting 16-for-21 from the field. Detroit still managed to pull away with a 122-111 win behind three different players who scored 20+ points, despite none of them being Cade Cunningham.
John Collins, in his starting small-ball five role, led the way with 24 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 9-for-13 from the field. Both Daniss Jenkins and Duncan Robinson added 22 points each, and Jenkins led Detroit with eight assists. Your fun fact of the night: Robinson led the Pistons with seven free throw attempts. There has been a clear difference in his game this year as he looks to get to the line more often. Cunningham added 17 points and seven assists.
The Pistons improve to 7-3 on the season. Detroit’s home-and-home matchup with the Wizards continues as the Pistons will travel to Washington for Round 2 on Thursday night.
TORONTO, ON - SEPTEMBER 25: Cincinnati Reds Infielder Sal Stewart (27) celebrates in the dugout after scoring a run during the MLB regular season game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Toronto Blue Jays on September 25, 2026, at Rogers Centre in Toronto, ON, Canada. (Photo by Julian Avram/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
There was a time and place when swatting 32 homers and driving in 112 runs during one’s rookie year would have made one an absolute lock to take home Rookie of the Year honors. In calendar year 2026, though, there are a whole lot more factors that go into the decision making process among voters to determine which rookies were the most valuable during their respective first full seasons.
Sal Stewart of the Cincinnati Reds put up those marks in a monster campaign this past season, and though he was named a finalist for the National League Rookie of the Year Award last week for his accomplishments there were another pair of finalists that were every bit as deserving in their own ways.
On Sunday night, though, the voting revealed it was Sal who’d taken home the award, besting both JJ Wetherholt of the St. Louis Cardinals and Carson Benge of the New York Mets.
Sal’s counting stats were impossible to ignore for voters despite Wetherholt having put up a 4 WAR season on the back of excellent defense at shortstop and Benge having put together a 4 WAR season of his own on the back of a 20 homer, 20 steal season.
Despite advanced metrics clearly giving the all-around advantage to the non-Red in the equation, Sal actually ran away with the voting with Benge finishing 2nd and Wetherholt a close 3rd.
Sal Stewart rose above the rest in his rookie season 👏
Here’s the voting breakdown for the 2026 National League Rookie of the Year Award! pic.twitter.com/fkfIn6WD2e
Stewart’s win earned the Reds a Prospect Promotion Initiative (PPI) pick in next summer’s draft with his win, as well as the overall bonus pool bump that will come with an additional pick at the end of the 1st round. Sal also became the first Red to take home Rookie of the Year honors since Jonathan India back in 2021.
STORRS, Conn. (AP) — Silas Demary Jr. had 18 points and a career-high six steals to lead fourth-ranked UConn to a 83-41 win over Wagner on Monday night.
Forward Nik Khamenia scored 11 points in just 7 minutes for the Huskies before leaving the game midway through the first half with a lower-body injury.
Jayden Ross had 12 points, Na’jai Hines had 10 points and eight rebounds and Braylon Mullins added 10 points for UConn (3-0).
AJ Rodriguez had 10 points for seven rebounds for Wagner (0-3).
Khamenia, UConn’s fourth-leading scorer coming into the game, was on the floor and appeared to be in pain when he slowly returned to his feet with 10:04 remaining in the first half. When a trainer came onto the floor, he pointed to one of his feet.
Khamenia initially stayed in the game. Kareem Watson quickly hit a 3-pointer for Wagner, which called timeout. Khamenia checked out and headed to the locker room with members of the UConn medical staff; he did not return.
Khamenia scored eight points to help UConn take a 14-0 lead. Wagner turned the ball over five times before Rodriguez hit a jumper for the Seahawks’ first points. Wagner had just three field goals in the first 15 minutes and had 17 turnovers in the first half.
Demary scored six consecutive points as the Huskies ended the first half on a 12-2 run for a 44-18 lead.
UConn coach Dan Hurley’s first coaching job came at Wagner. He led the Seahawks for two seasons from 2010-12 and went 38-23 before spending six seasons at Rhode Island. This is his ninth season at UConn.
NO. 7 TEXAS 93, GRAMBLING 62
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Matas Vokietaitis had 26 points and nine rebounds to help Texas beat Grambling State.
Vokietaitis, a 7-foot junior, shot 8 for 12 from the field and made 10 of 12 free throws in 23 minutes. He leads the Longhorns (3-0) in scoring at 21.3 points per game.
Joe Sterling added 13 points and Marcus Spears Jr. had 12, both off the bench. Elyjah Freeman provided 11 points and six rebounds, and David Punch finished with 10 points, six rebounds, three steals and two blocks.
Vokietaitis was the only Longhorns player with more than seven field-goal attempts.
Texas, driving and posting up inside, outscored Grambling State 46-18 in the paint. The Longhorns had a 14-0 edge in fast-break points.
Mekhi Fitts led Grambling State (1-1) with 13 points, and Antoine Shannon had 12.
NO. 11 TENNESSEE 70, RADFORD 47
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Terrence Hill Jr. scored 18 points to lead Tennessee to a victory over Radford.
Dai Dai Ames had 13 points and DeWayne Brown II had 12 rebounds for the Volunteers (2-0), who are having trouble piecing together a cohesive unit with a roster of eight additions built around offense.
Jalen Haralson added 11 points including five in a 16-0 second-half run that pushed Tennessee’s lead to 26. Radford went 8 minutes, 32 seconds without scoring during that burst.
Jordan Kee scored 16 and Warren Keel Jr. added 13 to lead the Highlanders (0-3).
Hill had 10 points at halftime to lead Tennessee to a 33-24 lead. Radford held the rebounding edge, 18-17. The Highlanders were limited to 29% (8 of 28) shooting from the field.
NO. 17 MIAMI 89, NORTH FLORIDA 51
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP) — Malik Reneau scored 16 points, Shelton Henderson added 14 and Miami beat North Florida.
Caleb Gaskins finished with 12 points while Robert Miller III and Somto Cyril each had 10 points and eight rebounds for the Hurricanes, who have won two straight after a season-opening loss against top ranked Florida. Miller also blocked four shots.
Reneau shot 7 of 10 from the field in 18 minutes. It was Reneau’s second consecutive double-digit scoring game following his five-point performance against the Gators.
Although they shot 5 of 27 from 3-point range, the Hurricanes outscored the Ospreys (1-2), 64-26 in the paint.
The Hurricanes forced 17 turnovers, continuing an early0season defensive trend — they’ve forced at least 15 turnovers in each of their first three games.
NO, 18 ALABAMA 109, OAKLAND 68
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — London Jemison made 7 of 7 shots, including six 3-pointers, as Alabama beat Oakland.
Alabama (3-0) guard Aden Holloway started in his season debut after serving a five-game suspension following his March arrest on drug charges that were later dismissed. Holloway hit two 3-pointers in the final two minutes of the first half and finished with 12 points, all on 3s.
Jemison scored 20 points and Amari Allen had 14 points and six assists for the Crimson Tide. Allen hit two 3-pointers off the dribble to score six of Alabama’s first eight points.
Nassim Mashhour led Oakland (0-4) with 18 points on 5-of-13 shooting. Chris Fields Jr. had 15 points and 13 rebounds, seven on the offensive end for the Golden Grizzlies.
Alabama made 20 of 30 shots in the first half, including 11 of 21 from beyond the arc, to take a 56-29 lead into the break. At one point in the first half, the Crimson Tide were shooting over 70% from the field. Oakland shot 8 of 33 from the field but made 11 of 13 free throws.
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 9: Anthony Davis #23 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 9, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards lost to the Detroit Pistons, 122-111 on Monday night to fall to 4-7 in the 2026-27 season.
While the Wizards led 32-31 after the first quarter, Detroit outscored Washington 37-26 in the second. The oddest part was that Anthony Davis scored 19 of his 44 points in the second quarter. Davis ws Washington’s brightest spot tonight shooting 16-of-21 from the field and grabbing 13 rebounds.
Still, things didn’t get much better in the third quarter when the Pistons shot 63.2 percent from the field and out-rebounded the Wizards 127 in the period. Washington also committed 19 turnovers in the game as a whole which also made things harder for them tonight.
John Collins led the Pistons with 24 points and 10 rebounds while Daniss Jenkins and Duncan Robinson added 22 points each for Detroit.
AJ Dybantsa added 21 points while Trae Young added 20 more for Washington.
The Wizards’ next game is on Wednesday where they will play against the Indiana Pacers. Tip off is at 7 p.m. ET. See you then.
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 9: James Harden #1 and Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on November 9, 2026 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers, in desperate need of a get-right game, put together one of their worst performances in recent (regular season) memory by getting blown out by the Charlotte Hornets 124-112 on Monday night. The Cavs fall a game under .500 before heading to New York on Wednesday to play the defending champion Knicks on national television.
Instead of using tonight’s game as a momentum builder, the Cavs were laughed out of the arena by the woeful Hornets. Cleveland trailed by as many as 33 points against the NBA’s worst offense in Charlotte, a team that was already missing several key players. Grayson Allen (27 points on 8-of-14 shooting) and Naz Reid (25 points, 13 rebounds) thoroughly outplayed Cleveland’s starters, resulting in a 16-point deficit at the half. That ballooned to 27 points at the end of the third quarter, leading to none of the Cavs’ starters returning to the game after that.
Jarrett Allen returned to the starting lineup, finishing with 12 points and seven rebounds in 19 minutes. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden had 11 points each and combined to shoot 7-20 from the floor. Harden in particular was disastrous and had some of the worst defensive possessions you will ever see from an NBA player. Evan Mobley had an exceptionally ineffective game, too, with nine points and four turnovers. Harden and Mobley had a combined +/- of -46 tonight, which passes the eye test.
Not only did Charlotte’s starters outplay the Cavs, but Cleveland’s backups did too. Craig Porter Jr., Thomas Bryant, Thomas, and Norchad Omier brought the Cavs within eight points late in the fourth quarter before running out of steam. But the reserves showed a lot of heart, and considerably more effort and energy than Cleveland’s starters.
The Cavs were out-rebounded 49-32 overall, but didn’t get their first offensive rebound until the third quarter, losing that battle 17-3. Cleveland actually ended up with fewer turnovers and shot better from the field than Charlotte, but the final score didn’t reflect that.
This is the type of loss that reverberates through an organization, especially one that is expensive and on a fixed timeline like the Cavs. There is a heightened sense of urgency to right the ship, but Cleveland remains exceptionally inconsistent and underwhelming. Despite quality wins against Minnesota and Philadelphia, the Cavs feel like a team teetering on the edge of the abyss. Losses like tonight’s are what push things over.
Doncic had 32 points and 10 assists in a 124-114 win over the Atlanta Hawks as the Lakers relied on their depth to secure their sixth consecutive win and stay atop the Western Conference despite a short, tired bench.
One night after sitting out with low back tightness, Doncic struggled with his shot, but he reached double-digit assists for the third time this season. He also had eight rebounds and five steals. Lakers center Walker Kessler had 21 points with 10 rebounds, his sixth double-double in the past seven games, and forward Sandro Mamukelashvili had what Lakers coach JJ Redick called “his best game as a Laker” with 23 points and eight rebounds off the bench to help overcome the absences of Reaves and Quentin Grimes.
Reaves, who scored 43 points in a thrilling win over Detroit on Sunday, didn’t play because of illness. Grimes suffered a sprained finger on his right hand against Detroit, although Redick doesn’t anticipate the injury keeping the guard sidelined for long. X-rays were negative, Redick said, and Grimes could return as soon as Wednesday in Milwaukee.
The Lakers (10-2) didn’t look like a team playing on consecutive nights. They blitzed the Hawks (7-5) with 13 unanswered points at the end of the first quarter and ran up the lead to 20 midway in the second quarter. Kessler and guard Collin Sexton connected on back-to-back alley-oops during the second quarter to inject life into a shorthanded second unit.
“It’s building resiliency,” Kessler said. “JJ talks about it, going through adversity and understanding that to be a championship team, you’ve got to respond to that kind of stuff.”
Reaves’ absence was compounded by Grimes’ injury, decimating the team’s ballhandling unit. Redick and general manager Rob Pelinka had worked to stock the roster with guards to ward off the possibility of leaving too much on-ball responsibility to Doncic. On Monday, it all fell to Doncic and Sexton.
Lakers star Luka Doncic drives between Atlanta's Dyson Daniels, right, and Luguentz Dort in the first quarter Monday. (Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)
Doncic, who came in averaging a league-high 40.1 points per game, leaned on teammates early with five assists in the first quarter. Sexton got going in the second quarter with eight points and three assists, all on lobs to Kessler, his former teammate with the Utah Jazz and fellow Atlanta native.
The 6-foot-1 guard signed with the Lakers during free agency when the team wanted to stock the bench with play-making, shooting and defensive intensity. Sexton, playing on his fourth team in three seasons, has delivered on every mark.
“He just checks a lot of boxes,” Redick said. “For us, it was easy. He expressed interest, and obviously we wanted him, and it’s worked out.”
Sexton went to high school 15 miles away from State Farm Arena. He estimated he had 400 to 500 people in the stands rooting for him. He stayed on the court for more than an hour after the game taking photos with the hundreds who waited.
In front of his city, Sexton wanted to deliver a win, no matter what his role would be within the Lakers’ shorthanded rotation.
“Whenever those guys are in or out, I have to adjust,” said Sexton, who had 18 points and six assists. “And I feel like adjusting is something I’ve been doing my entire career.”
The Lakers relied on their two youngest players for support. Second-year forward Adou Thiero, who only made his season debut two games ago after struggling with left knee swelling, had two points, two rebounds, an assist and a steal.
Rookie Cameron Carr earned his first rotation minutes and even started the fourth quarter. Carr, whose father Chris played in the NBA and famously lost the 1997 dunk contest to Kobe Bryant, scored his first NBA points, appropriately, on a dunk. Doncic snatched a pass away from the Hawks and hit Carr on an outlet pass. The 21-year-old rookie gathered for an emphatic, two-handed dunk.
The first-round pick had two points and three rebounds. After the game, Doncic made sure to grab the game ball as a memento for the rookie.
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 9: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on November 9, 2026 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers lost to the Charlotte Hornets 124-112 in a game that trailed by as much as 30 points.
This is, without a doubt, one of the most alarming and concerning games the Cavs have played in the last five seasons.
Grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
Player of the game
Meleek Thomas
18 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists
Thomas and the Cavs’ youth were responsible for some of the only inspiring basketball that was played tonight.
They weren’t perfect, but Thomas led the way with an energetic half that showed most of the team’s issues are centered on not trying hard enough.
Thomas shot 7-12 from the floor. His effort and shot-making allowed the Cavs reserves to cut the deficit to within single digits.
Grade: A
Grades
Donovan Mitchell
11 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds
Mitchell has cleaned up his offensive process in recent games to strike a solid balance between playmaking and scoring. His approach offensively wasn’t the issue tonight. It was his defensive effort, and the fact that this team has lost all semblance of an identity around him.
Grade: F
Jarrett Allen
12 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block
Allen was awesome in the first quarter of this game. He made his return with a bang, detonating on a lob pass for the first play of the game. He finished the opening quarter with 9 points and 4 rebounds on a perfect 4-4 shooting. He even drilled a three-pointer.
It’s not Allen’s fault that everything went down the drain.
Mobley is expected to be capable of transcending all of this. I can’t give him a pass for fading into the background when the team is spiraling out of control. He’s one of the players who is supposed to stabilize things. This wasn’t it.
Grade: F
James Harden
11 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 4 turnovers
It’s time to be concerned.
Harden has not looked good this season. Far from it. He’s hit a new low defensively, and he’s nowhere near good enough on offense right now to justify his minutes. This is a DEFCON 1 situation that can’t be ignored.
The Cavs traded for Harden, and then extended him, understanding that the league has been rapidly moving away from his style of play. His slow-paced, heliocentric offense could only carry you so far even in his prime. At 37, Harden isn’t showing that he’ll be able to adapt his game to no longer being a one-man wrecking crew.
Grade: F
Peyton Watson
13 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assists
Watson has not been able to find his niche yet. Most of his scoring comes outside of the team’s system — and he is not providing enough defensively to tip the scales.
Grade: D+
Mario Hezonja
10 points, 3 rebounds
Hezonja is hitting some speed bumps recently but is still someone who I’d feel comfortable giving more minutes to. He plays hard, and he probably has more offensive production in the tank if Cleveland can figure out where he fits.
Grade: D+
Thomas Bryant
11 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block
I’ve given the Cavs flak for signing Bryant as soon as free agency began last summer. That’s only because I think it was worth doing your due diligence and searching for a potential upgrade. It is not to disrespect or invalidate Bryant as a stone-cold veteran who plays every possession like it’s life or death.
Bryant plays with a sense of urgency and is a fine role model for the younger players on this team.
Grade: D+
Tyrese Proctor
6 points, 4 assists, 1 rebound
Proctor was part of the inspiring group that brought this game back into reach. Effort and energy matter. Looking like you care about basketball matters. The intention that Proctor plays with on each possession was enough to string together stops and scores. Aka, winning basketball.
Grade: C+
Riley Minix
2 points, 2 rebounds
What a turn of events it’s been for Minix. This wasn’t a barn burner by any means; he shot just 1-of-4, but Minix deserves a ton of credit for brushing off the fact that this team waived him last week and only brought him back due to necessity. He’s played hard and was a positive tonight, given the circumstances.
Grade: C+
Norchad Omier
0 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists
Omier is another two-way prospect who had a chance to get some run tonight. He made his impact through hustle, and as is the theme, that was enough to make him a positive in stark contrast to the starters.
Grade: C+
Craig Porter Jr.
9 points, 4 assists, 2 rebounds
Porter showed signs of life after a fairly troubling start to the season. He got downhill and looked effective as a ball-handler again. The Cavs would love it if he could get back to being a plus defender and creator.
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 11: Washington Wizards center Kristaps Porzingis (6), center, is sandwiched by Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33), left, and Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) resulting in a foul during a game between the Washington Wizards and the Indiana Pacers at the Capital One Arena on February 11, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by John McDonnell/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors would like to trade Kristaps Porzingis by December 15. However, they’re not about to sacrifice draft capital to do it for a long-term contract.
There’s not a ton of pressure on the Warriors to trade Porzingis, who isn’t being paid as he decides to “step away” from basketball, which he allegedly loves. He and the NBA Players Association aren’t planning to challenge to Warriors taking him off the payroll, which saves Joe Lacob about $250K per game. He may not play this season, for the Warriors or anyone else, but that doesn’t mean his contract is an albatross.
According to Clutch Points, the Warriors have had trade talks regarding Porzingis with the Chicago Bulls, New Orleans Pelicans, and Milwaukee Bucks. They’re reportedly interested in 26-year-old center Jalen Smith of the Bulls, who is making $9.4M in the last year of his contract. It’s not clear who on the Pelicans’ roster has interested the Warriors, but with the Bucks, it’s center Myles Turner, who is signed through 2029 for $82.6M.
The Bucks want the Warriors to give them draft picks in a Turner trade, which would have to include another player (Moses Moody?) heading to Milwaukee, as the Warriors can’t take back more money than they send out. The Warriors think that taking on that much of Turner’s salary means they should be getting a draft pick, not the Bucks.
Turner is having a wretched season for the Bucks, who are in a weird rebuild limbo since trading Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer. They got four players back from the Miami Heat, drafted two players in the lottery, and have veterans Tyler Herro, Kyle Kuzma, and Caris Levert on expiring deals. They’re 1-9 and since they don’t have their own first-round pick until 2031, the Bucks don’t even have incentive to avoid the lottery penalty for having one of the league’s worst records.
The 30-year-old Turner is averaging 7.1 points and 5.7 rebounds this season, though he is blocking 2.5 shots per game. His effort seems to be lacking, as seen in a blowout loss to the Boston Celtics Sunday.
What Turner can provide, assuming he’s trying, is a rare combination of rim protection and outside shooting. He’s a career 36.4% three-point shooter and has blocked 2.1 shots per game for his career. Turner was the pivot man on an Indiana Pacers team that was a Tyrese Haliburton Achilles injury from winning a title. It’s easy to see how he’s a logical replacement for Porzingis, with the bonus that he’s played at least 71 games the last three seasons.
But his contract is n0t good. It’s even worse for the Bucks, since they waived-and-stretched Damian Lillard’s contract to afford the deal, and Dame Time now costs them $22.5M on the salary cap for each of the next four seasons. By contrast, Porzingis is on the books for only $3M next season, isn’t get paid anything right now, and might take a buyout on the $17M+ remaining on this year’s deal.
The key calendar date for the Warriors is Dec. 15, because of the NBA’s “reaggregation” rule. Players acquired before that date can be combined with other players/contracts until the trade deadline. This came up for the Warriors in Dec. 2024, when they traded De’Anthony Melton for Dennis Schroder just before the reaggregation deadline, then aggregated Schroder’s salary in the blockbuster trade for Jimmy Butler.
That’s why a player like Smith could be more appealing for the Warriors than Smith, as he could provide temporary help while still remaining highly moveable in a later trade. The Warriors could conceivably take back their old friend Buddy Hield in such a trade, as his salary and Smith’s are still less than Porzingis’ total money — and Hield can be waived next summer for just over $3M.
There’s a lot of possibilities for what the Warriors do with Porzingis. But giving up future draft picks to ditch him does not seem to be one of them.
