Lakers star Luka Doncic reacts after scoring during the third quarter of a 131-125 win over the Toronto Raptors at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday. (Scott Strazzante / Associated Press)
With nine new players on the roster still working on maximizing their on-court chemistry, the Lakers are taking a patient approach to the start of the NBA season.
For now, it looks as if they’re fine with following Luka Doncic‘s lead.
The Lakers’ star had another sensational performance, finishing with 45 points in a 131-125 victory over the Toronto Raptors at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday night.
Doncic was key in helping the Lakers build a 26-point lead in the third quarter. He shot 12 for 23 on the night, going eight for 12 from three-point range. He made all of his 13 free throws and also had 15 rebounds, six assists and five steals.
Not bad for 35 minutes of work on Doncic bobblehead giveaway night.
And his teammates did follow his lead, with Austin Reaves collecting 19 points and Walker Kessler producing a double-double with 16 points on six-for-six shooting and 15 rebounds to go along with three blocks. Collin Sexton came off the bench to score 14 points. Rookie Cameron Carr played his first game of the season, but he didn’t score.
The Lakers were sloppy with the basketball, turning it over 22 times. Scottie Barnes finished with 29 points and six rebounds for Toronto (3-3).
In the eyes of Lakers coach JJ Redick, each game the Lakers (5-2) play is a step in a process aimed at becoming a championship-contending team.
“Frankly, this entire season is about becoming a great team,” Redick said. “Like, we believe we can become a great team and I think as coaches, players, we all have to participate in patience with that. Doesn’t mean you allow things to happen and say, ‘Oh, that’s fine. That’s OK.’ No. No. No. You address those things. I think the guys are very, very open to that dialogue, both with each other and with the coaching staff.”
Lakers star Luka Doncic prevents the ball from going out of bounds in front of Toronto forward Scottie Barnes during the first half Sunday at Crypto.com Arena. (Scott Strazzante / Associated Press)
Doncic is certainly doing his part to bring a championship mood to L.A. He made a three-pointer with 0.5 seconds left before halftime to give the Lakers a 66-54 lead. He blew a kiss to the fans and waved his hand toward them, prompting cheers from the crowd.
The Lakers play the Miami Heat at home Monday night.
Injury update
Ziaire Williams missed his third consecutive game, but Redick said a scan on the forward’s ailing left foot was “clean.”
“I would describe it [as] soreness that just pops up in the morning and he’s feeling a lot better,” Redick said. “I think just being, again, cautious with the back to back.”
The Warriors managed to get the win in the most recent game to split the season series at one game apiece. Despite the win, Lendeborg wasn’t much of a factor. He was held to six points, one rebound and five turnovers before fouling out in 24 minutes of play.
"I had no impact on the game whatsoever (on Friday), and then the depth came in, and they took care of everything," Lendeborg told reporters. "Me having the worst game of my life, it's awesome to be able to see that those guys are there to just do what they have to do cause we're all in the NBA."
Here’s how Lendeborg performed in the Warriors' win against the Clippers, a game in which he scored the most points by a Warriors rookie since Steph Curry in 2010:
The Los Angeles Lakers put away the Toronto Raptors, thanks in no small part to another monster game from Luka Dončić, who scored 45 points and filled up the stat sheet as he continues to make an early-season case for MVP honors.
Coming off a disappointing loss to the Golden State Warriors on Friday, Oct. 30, in which they faded after a fast start, the Lakers returned to Crypto.com Arena Sunday, Nov. 1 and got off to a fast start, with Dončić being particularly active on both ends of the floor. The Slovenian superstar finished the first half with 24 points, eight rebounds, four assists and a career-high five steals – four of which came in the first quarter.
"Luka doesn't get enough credit for his defense," Lakers center Walker Kessler said. "He's a very high IQ individual when it comes to being on the court, so his positional defense, just being in the right spots at the right time, is really good and it showed tonight."
Then there's also a bit of history he made: Dončić became the first NBA player in the play-by-play era (since 1997-98) with 20 points, five rebounds, five three-pointers and five steals in a half and the first point guard in NBA history with five steals and five three-pointers in a half.
Luka Dončić is the first NBA player in the play-by-play era (since 1997-98) with 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 3-pt FG and 5 steals in a half 😲
The six-time All-Star and two-time scoring champ finished the game with eight 3-pointers, one shy of his career high.
Dončić was on quadruple-double watch early, especially with his five first-half steals, but he was not able to add to that category. Still, he finished with his second double-double of the season and his fourth in a row scoring at least 35 points even as the Raptors clawed their way back from a big deficit by outscoring the Lakers 43-27 in the fourth quarter.
It remains unclear if Dončić will play in the second game of a back-to-back on Monday against the Miami Heat.
"I got to get rest, a cold tub, a massage, and rest and see you tomorrow," Dončić told Spectrum SportsNet after the game on Sunday night.
Flemings will sit out one game without pay after the league ruled that he intentionally elbowed New Orleans Pelicans guard Bryce McGowens in the head during their matchup on Saturday, Oct. 31.
The rookie made contact with McGowens in back-to-back plays in the Hawks' 121-99 loss at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. With just over three minutes left in the fourth quarter, Flemings drove for a layup and his elbow hit McGowens in the face as the defender blocked the shot.
Trey Murphy III grabbed the rebound from Flemings' miss and tossed the ball to Zion Williamson. The two-time All-Star tossed it back to Murphy, who slammed home a dunk to make the score 119-93. In the background, Flemings threw an elbow at McGowens' head as they were following the play downcourt. The two teams scuffled at center court.
Atlanta Hawks guard Kingston Flemings has been suspended one game without pay for intentionally elbowing New Orleans Pelicans guard Bryce McGowens in the head. He’ll serve his suspension tomorrow against the Indiana Pacers. pic.twitter.com/gLM3GPvcyp
Kingston Flemings drives to the rim, unintentionally elbows Bryce McGowens in the face, who still manages to block him, and Trey Murphy III soars for the alley-oop dunk off a lob by Zion Williamson, and a kerfuffle erupts.
Upon review, Flemings was given a technical foul and ejected from the game. The Pelicans' Julian Reese was also handed a technical foul "for not being a peacemaker during the melee."
Flemings, who is averaging 7.1 points per matchup in seven games off the bench, spoke to reporters after the loss and explained how frustration got the best of him.
"Upset we were losing the game, so definitely apologize for that," he said. "Gotta be smarter than that."
He will sit out the Hawks' road game against the Indiana Pacers on Monday, Nov. 2.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - FEBRUARY 24: (L-R) Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks talks with Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers after the game at Rocket Arena on February 24, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Knicks 109-94. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Knicks (2-4) head into the first full week of November with a mixed slate that starts soft and gets progressively harder. Two home dates against basement-dwellers offer a chance to build momentum and pad the win column, but the road finale against an Eastern Conference rival looms as the team’s next measuring stick. How New York fares will say a lot about where this group stands after a choppy 2-4 start. Or not. The season’s still young.
Monday, November 2 – Knicks vs Brooklyn Nets, 7:30 PM ET (MSG)
The week opens the week with a home date against a struggling Nets squad that finally notched a win on Sunday (98-90 at Indiana) after opening 0-5. Brookly has been one of the conference’s weakest teams so far, ranking near the bottom in most major categories (except pace; these youngins are quick!). They allow a high volume of points, but the addition of familiar face Julius Randle and some young pieces has produced occasional competetive stretches, including a close overtime loss to Boston.
In this, their first meeting of the season, the Knicks should control the glass at Madison Square Garden against a spunky group still chasing consistency at both ends. The home crowd, hungry for winning basketball, and Jalen Brunson’s midrange game should set the tone early.
Wednesday, November 4 – Knicks vs Chicago Bulls, 7:30 PM ET (MSG)
A quick turnaround brings the Bulls back to Madison Square Garden. “The Bulls again?” you ask. Yessir, our heroes already handled the Chi-Guys 133-127 on the road last week, thanks to Brunson’s 38 points that helped to flip a 19-point deficit. The Bulls are 1-5 and have lost four straight, struggling defensively while leaning on newcomer Caleb Wilson, Josh Giddey and Norman Powell for production.
As we’ve seen, Chicago’s youth and athleticism can create transition problems and second-chance opportunities, but their defensive rating has been poor and the sloppiness of youth continues to surrender easy looks. The Knicks should impose their physical side again and not let Chicago jump so far ahead in their rematch. A 19-point comeback might not be so easily attainable this time around.
Saturday, November 7 – Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers, 8:00 PM ET (NBA TV / MSG)
The week closes with a road test against one of the east’s top teams. The Cavaliers sit at 4-2 and have been scoring efficiently (top-tier offensive numbers) behind Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and James Harden. Their defense hasn’t caught up yet, however. As of this writing, they’re 20th in the league for points allowed and 17th for defensive rating.
Cleveland’s length and ability to switch or protect the rim will challenge the Knicks’ half-court sets. You’ll recall that New York is a little thin at the center position. James Wiseman has played just three of six games thus far, and has sat for two straight. Against the twin towers of Jarrett Allen and Mobley, Knicks coach Mike Brown might find it necessary to deploy Wiseman for a few minutes. The Rocket Arena crowd could be a factor, too. This is the toughest of the three games as both teams try to establish themselves in a competitive Eastern Conference. Cleveland is still smarting from from the Knicks sweeping them in the Eastern Conference Finals, so don’t think they haven’t circled this on the calendar. Everyone wants a swing at the champs this season.
Atlanta Hawks rookie Kingston Flemings threw a cheap-shot elbow to the face of the Pelicans' Bryce McGowens late in the Pelicans' win Saturday night and will serve a one-game suspension without pay, the league announced.
The play came after (not during) a Flemings drive to the rim against McGowens, where McGowens blocked Flemings' layup attempt, leading to a Pelicans transition bucket the other way. Something largely missed by the broadcasts was Flemings elbowing McGowen in the face as they ran back up the court — that got him a technical and ejection.
This is the dirty elbow off the ball that Kingston Flemings hit Bryce McGowens with, and this is why he got ejected.
Both the Pelicans and Hawks broadcasts missed it at first.
Flemings, the No. 8 pick in last June's draft (and the Hawks hope to be the point guard of the future), is averaging 7.1 points and 4.6 assists a game off the bench for Atlanta, and dropped 23 on Miami in a game last week.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 27: Luke Kornet #7 of the San Antonio Spurs handles the ball during the game against the Sacramento Kings on October 27, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. 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 (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Spurs have rallied after losing their first two games of the season, rattling off four wins in a row. They are starting to round into form while still having room for growth, looking like the contender their talent suggests they can be, through ups and downs.
Among the areas that still need improvement is the play of the second unit. And among the reserves, Luke Kornet has been getting a lot of scrutiny, as he hasn’t bounced back to the form he showed last year and now has an exciting rookie behind him who has looked productive in limited minutes.
In the Spurs’ latest win against the shorthanded Timberwolves, Kornet looked good, but his solid performance won’t completely get him off the hook from those who might want to see Tarris Reed Jr. get a chance to fight for the backup center spot as soon as possible.
While the rookie should get his opportunity if Kornet continues to struggle, for now, being patient with the veteran seems like the right move.
The offense is terrible with Kornet on the floor, but it’s not necessarily his fault
It’s always tricky to put too much stock in advanced numbers with so few minutes to go by, but they are not kind to Kornet. The Spurs score just 100.5 points per 100 possessions when he’s on the floor, a ghastly number. His limitations on that end are well-known, and it doesn’t feel like he has developed any other tools, such as a floater, to change that. His strengths, however, are also clear and are not insignificant.
Kornet is a good screener. In just 14.6 minutes a game, he’s averaging 2.7 screen assists, the 18th most in the league, and those screen assists are resulting in six points per game, the 25th-best mark in the league. Now, screen assists tend to be higher for limited role-playing centers who don’t get the ball back after initially freeing their ball-handler. There’s a reason why Victor Wembanyama averages fewer despite playing over twice as many minutes as Luke: Wemby screens, then the guards find him, and Wemby scores. The Alien leads the league in plays finished as the pick-and-roll dive man, which makes sense. Luke can’t do that. Context is important.
Still, the screening is good, as anyone who has watched Kornet play can attest to, and while he doesn’t finish after a pass, he has another skill that he can use after setting them: grabbing offensive rebounds. His offensive rebound percentage has dipped slightly from last year, but it’s still very good.
So if Kornet is doing his job on offense, why are the Spurs struggling to score when he’s on the floor? First, he’s currently posting an uncharacteristically high turnover percentage that is bound to come down significantly. He’s been fumbling passes and losing offensive boards, and while he’ll always do that to an extent, there’s simply no way he continues to do it at the pace his done it so far. If he somehow does, he won’t only be out of the rotation but out of the league soon. Second, the Spurs are shooting very few threes per possession when he’s on the floor (in part explained by the fact that Kornet doesn’t take them) while also connecting on just 33.2 percent of them. When Kornet is off the floor, that number climbs to 35.9 on more attempts.
There’s a decent chance the Spurs simply start shooting better when Kornet is on the floor, and there’s no way his turnover percentage remains as high, considering his usage. Mitch Johnson should try giving Reed Jr. some minutes whenever possible, but prematurely giving up on Kornet because of the offense’s struggles would be unwise.
The defense’s big problem seems more related to lineups than whoever plays center
If the offense was the only issue, there would be little reason to demote Kornet. The problem is, the Spurs have also been horrendous on defense, both by the numbers and the eye test, when Wembanyama is not on the floor. A big decline in efficiency is obviously expected when the best defender of his generation rests, but so far, it’s been precipitous. No one expects Kornet to match Wemby, but a 22-point swing in points allowed per 100 possessions is simply too big and not even close to the more reasonable seven-point swing from last season.
Even though the numbers should normalize with more minutes, Kornet just hasn’t looked good out there. Still, he’s rebounding at a decent level, but the Spurs are allowing a lot of second-chance points when he’s on the floor anyway, and while his allowing a very low percentage at the rim when he’s the closest defender, other teams’ points in the paint have been high.
Kornet has shared the floor very often with Keldon Johnson, a poor defender, and those minutes have been horrendous. In lineups that feature more of the starters (and once again, the numbers need to be taken with a grain of salt), the defensive rating is much lower. Most other Spurs are also used to playing a very aggressive style of perimeter defense when Wembanyama is around, and Kornet simply can’t cover as much space as Wemby does or erase or deter as many shots at the rim once the ball handler gets past the first line of defense. The new lineups developing familiarity should help.
As with the offense, it seems like Kornet, while partially responsible, is not individually to blame for the bad results. He has not been as good as he was last season so far, but a combination of issues involving the lineups he’s in and some seemingly aberrant numbers that should, on paper, get back to normal with a bigger sample size are likely the biggest reasons for the poor performance of the bench units.
Tarris Reed Jr. could be a better option, but it’s far from a certainty
Whether Kornet can go back to being the version of himself from last season, which was a perfectly good backup in most matchups, is irrelevant if there’s a better option waiting in the wings. If Reed Jr. is simply a superior player, he should be getting Kornet’s minutes.
There are two issues with any claim that he is, however. The first is that he’s untested, which can only be solved by playing him, but the second has to do with the limitations that Reed has displayed so far.
The rookie has shown some touch around the rim and, perhaps more importantly, more ambition in terms of finishing plays when he gets the ball in the paint than the more passive Kornet, but they both share strengths and weaknesses. Kornet is likely the better screener while Reed Jr. is almost certainly a better offensive rebounder, but neither spaces the floor either horizontally, as both have limited range, or vertically, as they are both big but not explosive. Passing has never been Reed Jr.’s biggest strength, so he won’t likely offer another dimension to the offense in that area, at least as a rookie.
Defensively, both Reed Jr. and Kornet are only suited for drop coverage, since their foot speed is limited, and both are at their best close to the rim. While the rookie might offer more energy, that could be a plus when it becomes contagious, but it can also be a negative if it results in chaos. Kornet is likely a better steadying force in that regard due to his experience, while once again Reed Jr. has an edge in rebounding. Both have similarly good cases for the non-Wemby minutes.
If Kornet continues to struggle, Mitch Johnson should absolutely give the rookie some more playing time, but Reed Jr. shouldn’t be considered an automatic upgrade over Kornet that will solve every issue. Especially if the only change the coaching staff makes is to swap the two in the rotation instead of figuring out the other problems with the non-Wembanyama units.
Kornet is far from untouchable, and he might lose his spot eventually. But there’s no rush to make a change now, as the season is long and the Spurs are clearly still a work in progress, trying to figure out more important things than their backup center situation.
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Michael Porter Jr. scored 23 points, and Julius Randle had 20 points to lead the Nets to a 98-90 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday night.
Day'Ron Sharpe had a double-double with 15 points and a team-high 13 rebounds for the Nets, who won for the first time this season. The Nets held a 43-37 edge in rebounds.
Andrew Nembhard led the Pacers with 23 points and Pascal Siakam had 17.
The Nets led by 12 three different times in the third quarter, but the Pacers cut the deficit to 75-72 in the first three minutes of the fourth with back-to-back 3-pointers by Larry Nance Jr. and Nembhard. That’s as close as Indiana got the rest of the way.
The Nets shot 38% in the first half but still managed to lead the Pacers 43-40 at halftime. Indiana made just 32% from the field and were just 4 of 20 from 3-point range. Both teams got off to sluggish starts with the Nets taking a 12-10 lead on Randle’s 3-pointer with less than five minutes left in the first quarter. That erased the Pacers’ last lead at 10-9.
Brooklyn pushed the lead to 71-62 after three quarters as both teams shot better in the second half.
The short-handed Pacers were without Obi Toppin, who was out with a lower back injury for the second consecutive game. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Toppin is progressing and could play Monday. Indiana is still without Ivica Zubac, who is out with a left ankle sprain. Tyrese Haliburton is expected to be out another 10 days or more with a hamstring strain.
Nets rookie Mikel Brown Jr. sat out for load management to rest back with Brooklyn set to play the New York Knicks Monday night.
WASHINGTON, DC - JANUARY 19: Ivica Zubac #40 of the Los Angeles Clippers competes for position against Alex Sarr #20 and Kyshawn George #18 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on January 19, 2026 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. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Washington Wizards announced Sunday they have picked up the fourth-year team options for Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George and picked up the third-year team options for Tre Johnson and Will Riley.
Washington’s entire 2024 draft class is now under contract through the 2027-28 season: Sarr: $15.6 million; Carrington: $7.3 million; George: $5.4 million.
On July 1, Sarr, Carrington and George will become eligible to sign rookie-scale extensions. The Wizards just passed on the chance to extend Bilal Coulibaly.
Johnson, the No. 6 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, will make $9.06 million next season. Riley is owed $3.86 million next season.
Los Angeles, - October 21: Guard Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after a foul by forward Yaxel Lendeborg #1 of the Golden State Warriors as guard Brandon Williams #12 of the Golden State Warriors tries to separate them in the first half of a NBA basketball game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. (Photo by Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty Images) | MediaNews Group via Getty Images
Any team that rosters Luka Dončić is going to have to learn how to adjust to defenses blitzing ball screens.
Few players in the league, if any, are as dangerous in the pick and roll as Luka. The easiest way for opponents to keep him from doing damage is to stop him before it can really start. That typically manifests itself in blitzing Luka with two defenders on ball screens.
When things are clicking, the Lakers can quickly turn that into an advantageous 4-on-3 scenario. Things have not been clicking for them yet this season, though, and they certainly weren’t in the team’s loss to the Warriors.
While Luka had a huge night with 37 points, the rest of the Lakers struggled as they blew a big early lead and dropped their second game of the season. After the contest, Luka spoke about teams doubling him in the pick and roll and how the team needs to adjust.
“We just need to do better with that,” Luka said. “You create an advantage with two on the ball and you got to go score. It’s four on three so we have to be better there. …We have to be aggressive to score. It’s an advantage, four on three, and I think we have to be way better at this.”
At the beginning of that process is the chemistry with Luka and Walker Kessler. But nearly every aspect of the process is a work in progress, including making good on the opportunities they create when they have an advantage.
“I think the biggest thing is just shooting the shots that we get,” Jake LaRavia said postgame on Friday. “A lot of times when you pass up open shot opportunities, it turns into a disadvantage for us and it ends up into either a missed shot or a turnover and we’d much rather take the good shot over that. It’s just something that we’re going to learn more as the season goes on and as we see this more often.”
The irony of LaRavia being the one saying they can’t turn down shots considering how he ended last season. Even on Friday, there were multiple open looks he did not take from three. But, if nothing else, that just means he’s the one who has heard the most about the need to take advantage of those opportunities.
The good news is that it’s only just November and this isn’t a surprise that the team needs to build chemistry. But once they are able to get things to click out of the pick and roll, then it feels like things will really take off to another level.
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 24: Miles Bridges #22 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 Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
I feel as if much of my focus lately has been doom and gloom as the Phoenix Suns have stumbled out of the gate to a 1–3 record, doing so in a manner that has been particularly frustrating. If there’s one thing I appreciate when watching any sport, and one of the primary reasons last year’s team resonated with the fan base as a whole, it’s defense. I value the ability to stop the opposition from executing its game plan.
Defense travels. Defense wins championships. Defense changes the outcomes of games. And thus far, the Suns’ defense has more holes than Swiss cheese. Yes, I spent about as much time putting together that analogy as the Suns have spent playing defense through their first four games.
As I sit here looking out my window at the literal gloom hanging over the Valley, I can’t remember a time in my life when we’ve experienced rain this consistently. And rather than allowing the weather to dictate my mood, I’ve decided to do what the motto of this very site encourages us to do. I’m going to look at the bright side. That’s right. Here are three things I’ve appreciated about the Phoenix Suns through the early portion of this season.
1. Three-Point Shooting
One of my biggest fears about this team entering the season was how they would perform from beyond the arc. When you ship off Grayson Allen and Royce O’Neale, who are currently shooting a combined 41% from deep with the Charlotte Hornets, there’s a legitimate concern that your team might end up sucking from three-point range.
When you look at it holistically, the Suns rank 17th in the NBA, shooting 34.8% from deep. They’re certainly maintaining their three-point volume, however, ranking seventh in the league with 40.3 attempts per game. But like so many things early in this season, those numbers are being dragged down by one particularly ugly game.
In the season opener against the Portland Trail Blazers, Phoenix shot 6-of-31 from beyond the arc, a miserable 19.4%. Since that game? The Suns are shooting 38.8%, connecting on 50-of-129 attempts. That 38.8% would rank fifth in the NBA. Damn you, Portland game. Damn you! It feels like we’re going to spend the next 15 games waiting for that statistical disaster to work its way out of the numbers.
Even when you include the Portland game, the Suns are doing something that shouldn’t surprise anybody. They’re getting quality three-point shooting from their bench. Phoenix’s reserves are shooting 38.8% from beyond the arc, the sixth-best mark in the league. Remove that Portland game from the equation, and the Suns possess the best shooting bench in the NBA at 45.9%.
Luke Kennard is shooting 53.8% from deep this season, Ryan Dunn is at 40%, Dillon Brooks is connecting at 42.9%, and Jordan Goodwin is shooting 39.1%. And if Collin Gillespie hadn’t gone 0-of-8 in that Portland game, he’d be sitting at 42.9% himself.
All of this bodes well for Phoenix moving forward. The Suns have demonstrated that they possess the ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc, and as the season progresses, those numbers should begin to better reflect what we’ve seen since opening night.
The Suns are shooting 34.8% from three, 17th in the NBA. Since going 6-of-31 against Portland? They're shooting 38.8%, which would rank fifth. And the bench? Shooting 45.9% since that opener, best in the NBA.
Don’t get me wrong, his defense has left plenty to be desired as he continues trying to understand where he needs to be positioned and how to properly support those around him. His missed assignments have been atrocious, and there’s no world in which I’m going to sit here and consistently defend his defensive performance throughout the early portion of this season. But holistically, I’ve liked what I’ve seen from him thus far.
He’s third on the team in scoring at 16.3 points per game, leads the Suns in blocks, and is their top rebounder. Yes, that 22.2% shooting from beyond the arc sucks, and it certainly doesn’t help the argument I made earlier about the team’s three-point shooting. My assumption, however, is that those numbers will begin to normalize with time.
What I’ve appreciated most about Miles Bridges is that he reminds me a little bit of Shawn Marion, somebody you don’t necessarily have to draw up offensive plays for. His offense is generated through effort, whether that’s putbacks, hustle points, or simply finding opportunities within the flow of the game. Every roster needs somebody like that. Somebody who can generate those junkyard points without demanding the basketball, yet still provide meaningful offensive production.
Think about it. Dillon Brooks is averaging 16.5 points per night, but he has to be incredibly ball dominant for those points to materialize. Those are proactive points, whereas much of what Bridges provides comes reactively, taking advantage of opportunities that develop around him. And through that lens, I can see the vision of what Miles Bridges is designed to be within the context of this Suns lineup.
The shooting absolutely needs to improve, as does the defense, but there’s something valuable about having a player who can contribute offensively without requiring the entire offense to revolve around him.
3. The Bench Unit
Without a doubt, the bench has been the bright spot for the Phoenix Suns. The connectivity that this group possesses is something the starting unit should envy, and a big part of that comes from the continuity the organization talked about throughout the offseason. Much of that continuity has manifested itself within the second unit, where the only new addition to the rotation has been Luke Kennard, who has stepped into the Grayson Allen role pretty seamlessly.
The Phoenix Suns’ bench ranks 10th in the league with a +2.2 net rating, third with a 72.5% assist percentage, and fourth with a 1.94 assist-to-turnover ratio. And that’s where, as a Suns fan, you begin to realize that this team might not be as far away from being successful as it feels after watching those first four games.
The starting unit certainly needs to pick up the slack, and those players need to learn how to play together. But with 40% of that group being new to the lineup, it’s going to take some time for that chemistry to develop. Meanwhile, the backbone of this team has been the bench and the way it operates.
So even as I sit here pounding the table for Collin Gillespie to become a starter, perhaps the stability he provides to the second unit is something that needs to be considered as part of that equation. Because if the starting unit can figure things out, the bench can continue delivering punch after punch after punch when it enters the game, beating the opposition into submission.
Of course, there are multiple issues with that starting unit, and we don’t know whether time will ultimately solve them. But you know it, and I know it, because we’ve seen it with our own eyes while watching these games. When the second unit checks in, you immediately feel a sense of responsibility entering the game.
The Suns have legitimate problems, particularly defensively, and those aren’t going to disappear because I decided to write something positive. But the shooting is encouraging, Bridges is finding ways to contribute, and the bench has established an identity worth building upon. There’s work to be done, plenty of it. But even with the clouds hanging over the Valley, there’s still a little sunshine breaking through.
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - NOVEMBER 1: Julius Randle #30 of the Brooklyn Nets moves the ball against the Indiana Pacers on November 1, 2026 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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 Luther Schlaifer/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Brooklyn Nets and Indiana Pacers both played in their ABA-inspired uniforms tonight. Their offensive performances looked like they were straight out of the 60s and 70s, but so was Brooklyn’s defense, and it got them their first win of the season.
So, if you ask us, old is gold.
The Nets were led by their two high-scoring vets, Michael Porter Jr. (23) and Julius Randle (20) as well two of the team’s younger set, Day’Ron Sharpe who finished with his first double double of the season (15 and 13) and the fast-developing Nolan Traore (16 points, four 3-pointers and six assists.)
Chaney Johnson started beside Nolan Traoré at the top of the key for a second straight game this evening, but the rotation was more fluid than what we’ve seen so far this year. The Nets went nine men deep in the first period. Terance Mann, who has only gotten burn during garbage time so far this year, even logged some first quarter minutes as the backup point guard with Mikel Brown Jr. sitting.
But with both teams looking to run early, and this being the first of a back-to-back for Brooklyn, those extra bodies were needed. There weren’t a lot of statistical fast break points, but both teams moved up the floor with a sense of urgency off misses in the first. Michael Porter Jr., who had a quiet night vs Detroit, was aggressive there and in the halfcourt, pitching in seven points while shooting 2-5 from deep in the opening frame. He ended up as our leading scorer by the end of the game with 23 points on 7-16 shooting from the field and 3-10 from deep. He also pulled down nine rebounds and dished three assists.
But outside of what MPJ provided early on, makes from beyond the arc came at a premium. When Indiana smoked Brooklyn last week, the triple was their primary weapon, as they shot 23-41 from downtown. But today, the Nets kept the safety on, limiting the Pacers to a 2-15 start from deep.
Nobody shot well from the other parts of the floor early either. In the first half, Brooklyn posted .385/.250 splits while Indiana put up .324/.200 marks. Both teams also combined to miss 10 free throws between the first two periods.
“We took good shots and they were not falling,” Fernández said. “A lot of times, the anxiety hits, but the team stayed together and won the first quarter, stayed together and won the second quarter, stayed together and won the third quarter, and I think that’s what matters the most.”
Indeed, even as eager participants in the rock fight, the Nets led after one. Despite their 0-5 record going into tonight, they’ve now won the first quarter in four straight games, and are 4-2 in the period on the season. They maintained that advantage heading into the break too, up by a 43-40 score. Porter Jr led the team offensively at that point with 13 points on 5-10 shooting, followed by Mo Wagner, who added 10 after a perfect 4-4 start.
Mo Wagner continues to play well at the offensive end for Brooklyn. Off balance take but he gets it to go. pic.twitter.com/EXL00A9i19
Then, Traoré hit his first triple of the game off a back-tapped offensive board from Day’Ron Sharpe. That gave Brooklyn their first double digit lead of the ball game. Day’Ron finished tonight with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Fernández called his effort tonight “unbelievable” postgame.
“I mean, he he was big on the boards,” Fernández said. “He did a little bit of everything. He made his three. He set screens. Very happy for him. We don’t win this game without him, and the reality is how much he cares about winning and impacting winning. And this game, 5-7, 13 rebounds, four assists, two turnovers? I think that line is impressive. So, all his energy and willingness to do the right things, it paid off.”
“Day’Ron’s a beast, for real,” Traoré added. “Like, he’s so strong, and when he’s playing like that he’s unstoppable. Me and him in the pick-and-roll is a really great thing for us, and if I keep finding him like that, he’s gonna be great like that every time.”
However, that make from MPJ seemed to open the floodgates for everyone. Sharpe buried his own three from the corner a few minutes later. He’s now shooting 3-7 from deep on the season. But the Pacers also nailed three triples in the third after making just four in the entire first half. That kept Indiana in striking distance, and with Porter Jr. picking up his fourth foul with 4:39 to go, Brooklyn’s lead, which already felt like something out of a dream, looked at risk of fading. It might’ve too if not for Traoré and Randle, who continued to hit shots with MPJ on the bench.
But while the Nets went into the fourth up nine, the Pacers wouldn’t go away. Triples from Andrew Nembhard and Larry Nance Jr. made it a three point game with 9:29 to go.
And, Randle and Traoré stiff armed Indiana again, closing out the game in the process as well.
After two made triples from Quenton Johnson, Julius Randle swung back with an isolation three from the top of the key before driving and assisting on two for Traoré during back-to-back possessions. That reestablished a 10-point lead for Brooklyn with about two and a half to play.
Nolan Traore is feeling himself after cashing his third three of the night. This was a big one.
He's started doing a Money Manziel-type of celebration. Not sure if that's his new thing. pic.twitter.com/fDIgGXTorE
Traoré finished with 16 points and six assists while shooting 6-14 from the field and 4-8 from deep with just one turnover. Randle added 20 points, six assists, and five rebounds while shooting 5-of-15 from the field and 4-of-9 from deep. He was also a +17 for the game. Over the past four games, the 6’4” 20-year-old is averaging 14.3 points on 46/39/72 splits along with four assists and a steal in 26 minutes a game.
“Great spacing,” Traoré said. “I know they want to double Julius, so we take advantage of this and make shots. I’m happy and proud of my teammates.”
“I thought Nolan had great moments, especially in that second half,” Fernández added. “You know, he shot the three well, but those were very good threes. I think that all of them are like Julius spraying the ball, and I think that’s huge.”
They didn’t have the strongest competition with Tyrese Haliburton, Obi Toppin, Ivica Zubac and T.J. McConnell out, but the Nets defense was stout all night, and it stayed that way down the stretch. After those makes from Traoré, the Nets forced Indiana to miss four of their next five shots. It was tough, disciplined, and a crafty effort, as Noah Clowney sold an offensive “push off” foul on Nembhard to get a final stop 52 seconds to go.
Already up seven, that gave the Nets a technical free throw, as Nembhard got hit with a technical with after arguing against the call, and eventually, their first win of the season.
Final: Brooklyn Nets 98, Indiana Pacers 90
Milestone Watch
With 15 points and 13 rebounds in tonight’s win vs. Indiana, Day’Ron Sharpe recorded his fourth career game with 13+ PTS and 13+ REB, two of which have now come against the Pacers (16 PTS, 13 REB on 1/5/25 at home). It was also his 20th career double double, and his first since February 26th of last year.
Next Up
For the first time this season, the Nets will play the defending champs on Monday night at Madison Square Garden. New York’s title defense hasn’t gotten off to a great start with the team 2-4. The Nets have their unprotected first rounder this year, so a win here helps increase the value there. Also, it’s just good to win against the Knicks. The Nets haven’t done that since January 2023, a rivalry record of 14 straight.
“We need to get a win,” Traoré said of the matchup. “I think it’s been a long time since we’ve won against the Knicks, so we got to do it.”
The Knicks could be getting a needed injury boost.
Jose Alvarado is listed as questionable for Monday’s game against the Nets at Madison Square Garden. He missed the last four games with an ankle sprain.
Alvarado was able to go through practice on Sunday, coach Mike Brown said, though he didn’t have much of an update otherwise.
Tyler Kolek (13) has been playing backup point guard in lieu of Jose Alvarado’s absence. Getty Images
Tyler Kolek has gotten a shot in the rotation in Alvarado’s place. After two DNPs to start the year, Kolek played 57 minutes the last four games, notably recording 25 assists to just two turnovers.
Now, if Alvarado returns, Brown will have a decision to make — whether to keep Kolek in the rotation at the expense of some of Alvarado’s minutes or not.
“Tyler is definitely going to keep playing while Jose is out,” Brown said last week. “When he comes back, we’ll figure it out.”
Jose Alvarado is almost back from a sprained ankle injury suffered in the opening week of the season. Getty Images
This time around, he used football to explain why the Knicks haven’t shot well at the rim.
“If you think about it, if you’re shooting the way we’re shooting the ball at the perimeter, it’s like in football, if you’re not able to pass the ball, they’re gonna put eight guys in the box,” Brown said. “It’s the same thing. If we’re not making shots, they’re going to do this [collapse in the paint] and it’s gonna be harder to finish in the paint.
“And so eventually, at least the green [high-quality] 3s, we’re gonna have to continue generating green threes but we’re gonna have to make some green threes. But in the same breath, while we’re not doing that, we gotta be better in other areas to compensate for our ability to shoot the ball right now.”
The Washington Wizards go on a brief one-game road trip, heading down south to Orlando, to face the Magic. After an impressive NBA Cup win over the Hornets, holding the opponent to only 79 (!) points, they now face arguably a hungry Orlando team that hasn’t had a great start to their season (2-3 record so far).
In fact, the Wizards are coming with a better record (3-3).
Here’s the preview!
Game info
When: : Monday, November 2, 2026, 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Kia Center, Orlando, FL
How to watch: LeaguePass
How to listen: The Team 980 AM, 106.7-2 FM
Wizards: Jamir Watkins, Justin Champagnie, and Tristan Vukcevic.
Injury Report
Magic: Izaiyah Nelson, Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac, Noah Penda, and Paolo Banchero.
Pregame notes
The Wizards are at .500 — The Wizards are back, after a good number of years to being a league average team. You can see that in many of their stats (defensive and offensive) and you can also see it from their split record 3-3. This is a big improvement already, although obviously there is still a lot of room for progress.
This is a must win for the Magic — The Magic consider themselves as a borderline contender, and so given the lukewarm start to their season (for instance, a 30 point loss to the Raptors) they are definitely looking to win this one, and not enter into a 2-4 record hole. Their potential for explosiveness is there, as was on display in their relative easy win over the champions, the Knicks, last week.
Defense — The Wizards have dramatically improved their defense. This was on full display against the Hornets, that were not able to cross the 80 point line. Can they keep it up against the very dynamic Magic?
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 1: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dunks the ball during the game against the Orlando Magic on November 1, 2026 at Kia Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
When the Celtics shoot somewhere in the neighborhood of 44 percent from the floor and 27 percent from 3-point range, as they did Sunday against the Magic, that is often an indicator that perhaps it simply isn’t their night.
In this particular game, though, those numbers didn’t tell the whole story. Boston made crucial hustle plays, extra passes and played excellent defense, leaning on intangibles and collective grit to outlast Orlando, 108-97, and move to 5-1 on the season.
Jayson Tatum led the way with 32 points (15 of 17 from the free-throw line) and seven assists. Paul George added 17 points, 8 assists, 6 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks.
The Magic (2-4) jumped out to a 13-4 edge, as the Celtics looked a step slow in the opening minutes and Orlando burned Boston from the outside.
Hugo González and Tatum responded with conviction, with González contributing an and-one and a crafty lefty finish in traffic and Tatum doing damage all over. González finished with 7 points in first start of the season.
A Luka Garza and-one in the final minute gave the Celtics the lead, and they took that 24-23 edge into the second quarter despite shooting just 9 percent from 3-point range in the first. Orlando shot 50 percent from 3 but had eight turnovers, and Boston’s ability to turn defense into offense paid dividends.
Tatum took a hit to the head, started bleeding and briefly went to the locker room before returning.
The Celtics’ shooting woes continued into the second, as they started the game 1 for 15 from distance despite getting decent looks. But, they continued to make timely plays, as Payton Pritchard found Baylor Scheierman in the corner, Garza connected with Tatum for two more and Jordan Walsh sprayed it to Derrick White for a triple. Neemias Queta added a thunderous dunk, Pritchard kept Orlando off balance and Tatum was terrific defensively.
Jayson Tatum has 17 points for the Celtics at the half
Boston shot 23 percent from 3 in the half, yet won the turnover battle, 9-3, and built a 55-50 halftime advantage behind 17 points from Tatum.
George helped Boston push the lead to double digits early in the third, stymying Orlando on one end feeding Queta (who got the start with Mitchell Robinson resting) for a lob on the other. George continues to mesh well stylistically with the Celtics and look like he has been in Boston all along.
White buried a 3 to extend the margin to 69-54, and a diving hustle play and silky side-step 3 from Sam Hauser kept the energy high late in the quarter.
The Magic, playing without Paolo Banchero and Jalen Suggs, answered with a 12-0 run behind shotmaking from Tristan da Silva (23 points). They tied it at 72 on an Anthony Black (23 points as well) corner 3, then Tatum hit two five free throws late to give Boston a 77-74 edge through three.
A Pritchard and-1 that Brian Scalabrine referred to as “Michael Jordan vibes,” and Garza 3 gave Boston an 85-79 advantage with 9:48 remaining. George extended it to 90-83 with a corner triple of his own two-plus minutes later.
Scheierman splashed another 3 to push it back to double digits. Orlando answered with an 8-0 flurry, then Tatum calmly canned back-to-back jumpers to create a bit of breathing room. A timely Queta swat and George dagger 3 helped seal it.
The Celtics (29 assists Sunday) have racked up 25-plus assists in all six of their games so far, which is the longest streak to start a season in franchise history.
