The vibes inside Madison Square Garden were immaculate on ring night, with the first banner in 53 years going up to the rafters, the sudden appearance of an NBA Cup 2025 championship banner, Jalen Brunson getting his deserved love, OG Anunoby getting the second-loudest ovation (historic tip-ins will do that), and the crowd barking at coach Mike Brown (who has an odd love for the song "Who Let the Dogs Out"). Even a loss to the 76ers didn't spoil the mood much.
But owner James Dolan is trying to. Dolan still hasn't sprung for the rings for the Knicks assistant coaches, who received empty ring boxes during the ceremony and didn't open them, a story broken by Joe Varden at The Athletic. It's also unclear whether head coach Mike Brown got his ring.
Seven league sources, all speaking on condition of anonymity so they could talk freely about a sensitive matter, said the Knicks assistant coaches did not get rings on banner night. Two of those sources told The Athletic that the assistants learned earlier Tuesday that they would not be getting their rings that evening, which came as no surprise because they had not yet been fitted for one and that boxes without their rings were a late addition to the ceremony.
Those coaches are at various levels of pissed off — and they have every right to be. It's also worth noting that assistant coaches don't always get their rings on ring night — the Thunder assistants didn't last year. However, for most teams, they get their rings that night, but at least they'll get them. Someday.
Tradition with championship teams is that a number of the teams' staff also get rings — faces you know, like the broadcast team, but also the people who do the hard work on the business side of the operation as well. Usually, deeper in the team staff, those rings don't have all 80+ diamonds and all the baubles, but they get real, meaningful rings.
Not in New York. With the Knicks, those people not only didn't get rings — they got a phishing scam about the rings.
Those Madison Square Garden employees got their hopes up at the end of September when the Knicks sent an email to a long list of employees, which gave recipients a first glimpse at their would-be championship rings. Atop the email, a copy of which The Athletic has obtained, was a graphic of two differently styled rings...
But the email was a fake-out, a phishing test Madison Square Garden sent to see if those employees would click, multiple team sources said.
Clicking the link in the phishing scam meant those employees got to go to a cybersecurity class. Congratulations!
Viewers of the ring night ceremony on NBC and Peacock may also have noticed that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, who usually addresses the crowd and shakes players' hands as they get their rings, did neither. That's just the latest installment of the long-running feud between Dolan and Silver.
Ring night in New York was still special, but only Dolan could find a way to take a little shine off the event to save a few bucks.
TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 21: Caleb Wilson #8 of the Chicago Bulls dunks the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors on October 21, 2026 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Quite a few Carolina fans by now heard about former Tar Heel Caleb Wilson’s first NBA regular season game with the Chicago Bulls. The talented forward finished his outing against the Toronto Raptors with 16 points, four rebounds, three steals, a block, and nine (!!!) turnovers. The detail that made everyone’s jaw drop is that he finished with a franchise-record -45 plus/minus, which as one could imagine triggered a lot of conversation.
I got to watch Wilson’s first game as a Bull, and my honest take is that his debut was indeed pretty bad, but the plus/minus is a bit misleading. So, let’s discuss three takeaways from Caleb Wilson’s official “welcome to the NBA” game.
Wilson’s teammates had an equal hand in his tragic plus/minus
Before we even touch anything that is specifically focused on Wilson, let’s talk about how his teammates helped make his plus/minus ended up as bad as it was. Bulls starting point guard Josh Giddey had an awful night on the floor, and it’s honestly not even really worth getting into his numbers. Giddey at times had tunnel vision on the floor, had some really goofy turnovers, and it was all made worse by the fact that he only made one of his 10 field goals. It shouldn’t be much of a secret that Wilson needs a good point guard by his side as he acclimates to the NBA, but he did not get that Wednesday night.
Zooming out, the entire team shot terribly from the field, and even worse from three. The Bulls were 4-36 from deep, which was one of the worst three-point shooting performances I’ve seen in a while. To be fair, it was less of a shot quality issue and more of an issue of just not being able to make shots. Wilson also got some quality looks from deep, but he just couldn’t get them to drop. When the whole team is shooting this poorly, it isn’t shocking that Wilson’s plus/minus was ugly, especially since he led the team in minutes with 32. That is all important context when assessing such a tragic game.
Wilson’s body at times moved faster than his mind
Something that we all saw during NBA Summer League at times was Wilson’s body deciding to execute something without really thinking it through. Against Toronto, there were times when the Bulls’ offense was stagnant, and when the ball ended up in his hands he just….tried something. That something didn’t go well more times than it did, and it played a huge role in his nine turnovers. It also seemed like Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter had Wilson on the perimeter a lot in this game, so when he did get the ball in the later part of the shot clock he had a ways to go before he could get to the rim, and his handle just isn’t good enough for that yet when he’s having to get past guys like Scottie Barnes and Kawhi Leonard.
As cliché as it sounds, Wilson just needs the game to slow down so that he makes the right decisions at the right time. It seemed like that was happening during preseason, but he also had his first experience dealing with some of the better defenders in the NBA in the Raptors, so it was a wake up call to say the least. These types of opponents are really good for his development, but this also means that nobody should be surprised if he has another stinker because he is trying to do too much against a playoff-caliber team.
When Wilson stuck to the greatest hits, he played well
Chicago Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter was very willing to let Wilson cook against the Raptors, and while that came with a good amount of bad, it also came with some good. Remember how much Wilson loves to live above the rim? He had a handful of dunks, including his first poster official NBA poster. That mid-range fadeaway he likes to take? It still looks good. His defense? Surprisingly solid against a team that flamed the Bulls.
Focusing on the defense part for a moment, there was a conversation before the season started about whether or not Wilson would be able to be a positive guarding NBA players. It’s safe to say that he will not be a deep negative thanks to his athleticism and length, which is how he ended up with three steals in a block. Even when players scored on him, his defense wasn’t bad at all. NBA All-Star Scottie Barnes drilling shots over Wilson isn’t exactly surprising, and it will happen quite a bit against some of the better players in the league. But he did pretty well for his first regular season game, and over time I expect him to only get better and better, especially when he gets a chance to bulk up next summer.
Finally, it is safe to say that Wilson’s energy that he plays with is still impressive. The Bulls got a steal at one point in the game and Wilson flew down the court faster than I’d seen him run before. He also at one point missed a bunny at the rim and immediately snatched the ball out of the air for a dunk. There was a good amount of positives from his first game, and if you would like a visual breakdown, check out Steph Noh’s film review:
One minute on Caleb Wilson's debut. Ballhandling and shooting were bad, way too many turnovers (9), but there was some good stuff too when I dove into the film. pic.twitter.com/HnY3uE0QdK
All and all, Caleb Wilson’s first regular season game was bad, but that isn’t to say there weren’t positives. There was really only one “good” rookie performance Wednesday night, and that was from former Illinois guard Keaton Wagler. Does it look like Wilson will be a bust? Absolutely not, and quite frankly, one would hope that nobody is thinking that after one NBA game. But this does prove that he is indeed a work in progress, but as long as he is willing to put in the work, he is going to be a really good player in the league for a long time.
WASHINGTON, DC - OCTOBER 21: Trae Young #3 of the Washington Wizards and Anthony Davis #23 of the Washington Wizards look on against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at Capital One Arena on October 21, 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Toronto Raptors couldn’t have asked for a much better start to the 2026-27 season after dismantling the Chicago Bulls 135-92, the largest home opener win in franchise history. Toronto heads to Washington on Friday looking to carry that momentum against a Wizards team that also opened its season with a win.
Toronto’s return to the court was highlighted by the reunion with Kawhi Leonard, who scored 23 points in his first regular-season game back with the Raptors. Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley also recorded 23 points apiece, while RJ Barrett added 20.
The Raptors established control immediately, scoring 43 points in the first quarter and forcing 27 turnovers. Their defensive pressure and balanced scoring proved too much for Chicago, although Toronto will want to see whether it can maintain that intensity against stronger opposition
TORONTO, CANADA – OCTOBER 21: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors drives against Matas Buzelis #14 of the Chicago Bulls in the first half of their NBA game at Scotiabank Arena on October 21, 2026 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Washington also began its campaign with an impressive performance, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 128-116. Anthony Davis led the way with 34 points and 12 rebounds, while Trae Young contributed 20 points and 13 assists. The Wizards overcame a slow start with a decisive fourth-quarter run to secure the victory.
Players to watch
Kawhi Leonard will be one to watch after a successful first game in his return to Toronto’s lineup. His two-way presence gives the Raptors another scoring option, while Scottie Barnes’ ability to contribute as a scorer, rebounder and playmaker will be crucial to Toronto’s success.
While the majority of the starting five played well, I would like to see more production from the bench, as I expect them to play a bigger role in this game against the Wizards.
For Washington, Anthony Davis presents the biggest matchup concern after his performance in the season opener. His interior scoring and rim protection could challenge Toronto on both ends of the floor, while Trae Young’s playmaking will be key to the Wizards’ offence.
Young’s connection with Davis could create problems for the Raptors if they allow the duo to dictate the pace.
A player that I was excited to watch is first overall pick, AJ Dybantsa, though he has been ruled out for Friday’s contest.
WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 21: Trae Young #3 of the Washington Wizards and Anthony Davis #23 of the Washington Wizards look on against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half at Capital One Arena on October 21, 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 Patrick Smith/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Keys to the game
The biggest question is whether Toronto can force turnovers and generate easy points again. The Raptors thrived on defensive pressure against Chicago, but Washington’s combination of Young’s passing and Davis’ finishing presents a different challenge.
The battle inside will also be important. Toronto must find a way to limit Davis without overcommitting defensively and leaving Washington’s perimeter players open.
Meanwhile, the Raptors’ ball movement and ability to get contributions from multiple scorers should help determine whether they can control the game.
Washington will also be looking to improve its perimeter shooting after struggling from three-point range against Milwaukee. If the Wizards find their touch from deep, they could make this a much closer contest.
Prediction
Toronto has the momentum and demonstrated how dangerous its offence can be when Barnes, Quickley, Barrett and Leonard contribute together. However, Davis and Young give Washington a formidable duo that should make things more difficult for the Raptors.
TORONTO, ON- OCTOBER 21 – Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors and Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors share a laugh on the bench as the Toronto Raptors play the Chicago Bulls in their season opener at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. October 21, 2026. Steve Russell/Toronto Star (Steve Russell/Toronto Star via Getty Images) | Toronto Star via Getty Images
Prediction: Raptors 114, Wizards 108.
Toronto’s depth and defensive pressure should be enough to secure a second straight win, but I would expect this to be a much closer matchup.
BROOKLYN, NY - OCTOBER 21: Julius Randle #30 and Moritz Wagner #13 of the Brooklyn Nets shake hands against the Charlotte Hornets on October 21, 2026 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
There was plenty to enjoy at the start of opening night. The new court, the jerseys, the starting lineup video and Vince Carter’s brief speech all helped set the stage for a new season in Brooklyn.
Then the game started.
The Nets’ defensive problems were hard to miss. Charlotte scored 48 points in the paint and 20 second-chance points, exposing the risk of prioritizing positional size without having the personnel to make it work. The Hornets shot 17-of-22 at the rim (77.3%), compared with Brooklyn’s 12-of-24 (50%).
Day’Ron Sharpe wasn’t a liability, but his early foul trouble disrupted the frontcourt rotation. He picked up his second foul at the 7:28 mark of the first quarter, when Brooklyn led 11-5. Moritz Wagner checked in and Charlotte immediately attacked the rim.
Charlotte went on an 11-1 run from that point to take a 16-12 lead. Brooklyn didn’t regain the lead until 8:12 remained in the third quarter, when Michael Porter Jr. hit a three-pointer and converted the ensuing free throw to put the Nets ahead 64-62.
The problem wasn’t limited to one stretch. Charlotte kept creating extra possessions, and Brooklyn couldn’t consistently finish defensive stops. With 7:03 left in the third quarter, the Hornets grabbed three offensive rebounds before Naz Reid knocked down a three-pointer to put Charlotte back in front, 65-64.
Head coach Jordi Fernández pointed to the rebounding issues.
“Just help with the technique,” Fernández said. “If your man doesn’t crash, you can go sandwich and help. Like, it’s all these things that we’ve worked on that obviously we didn’t execute.”
“You can win a basketball game and not do anything principle-wise how you’re supposed to do as a team. So, we don’t want to do that. We want to win every game playing our style of basketball, holding each other accountable, doing the things that it’s going to take not just to win games but just establish the culture and identity of the team that we want to be,” Jordi Fernandez said after the game.
Foul trouble made the problem harder to manage. Brooklyn spent a combined 2:31 across two stretches without either Sharpe or Wagner on the floor, leaving Noah Clowney to play center. That’s a small-ball look for a team built around positional size.
Clowney picked up his fifth foul with 6:40 remaining in the fourth quarter, then fouled out at 3:44, just 1:28 after returning to the floor. Randle had also picked up his fourth foul at 9:48.
Randle finished with 33 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, but acknowledged that Brooklyn needed to be more physical on the glass.
“We got to look at the film,” Randle said. “I think we got to, including myself, I put it on me. We got to impose our physicality on those things and hit people first. So, I’ll set a tone with that.”
The Nets also didn’t get enough help offensively to offset their defensive problems. Porter Jr. and Randle were Brooklyn’s only players to score at least 10 points. The bench combined for 25 points on 6-of-19 shooting, while Drake Powell, Danny Wolf and Ben Saraf didn’t log a single minute.
All three were among Brooklyn’s five first-round picks in 2025, the most the franchise has ever selected in a single draft. Egor Dëmin and Nolan Traoré, the two first-round picks who did play, combined to shoot 2-of-14 and committed five turnovers.
Dëmin was candid about his performance.
“Mine? Not very good,” Dëmin said. “I’m not very happy with how I end up playing the game. I started with two scored buckets, but then kind of just got slower from a standpoint of my intensity.”
Brooklyn shot 12-of-31 from three-point range (38.7%), so perimeter shooting wasn’t the main issue. The Nets needed more production from the supporting cast to make up for what they were giving up inside.
Charlotte center Moussa Diabaté logged 17 points on 7-of-11 shooting, eight rebounds and five steals, while Starting power forward Naz Reid finished with 20 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
It’s one game, but it exposed a familiar problem for Brooklyn: size at the five. The Nets want players who can move across positions and create advantages. But what happens when that versatility leaves them vulnerable at the rim, on the glass and short on reliable production from the bench?
Charlotte, even without three of its starters, exposed those weaknesses on opening night.
DETROIT, MI - OCTOBER 20: Mitchell Robinson #4 of the Boston Celtics shoots the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on October 20, 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
The schedule won’t give the Knicks a break as New York visits the Celtics on Friday to fight old pal Mitch Robinson in Beantown.
New York’s off to a losing start to their title-defense season, and going against the also-winless Leprechauns won’t make things easier.
Here’s the latest from your beloved Knickerbockers.
On Andre Drummond’s performance in the Knicks’ season opener against the 76ers:
“I thought he played with a lot of bounce, energy, in the first half on both ends of the floor. We probably ran him too long because it looked like in the second half, not just him but especially our five starters, it looked like he ran out of a little bit of gas. I gotta keep getting to know him to see where the minutes may lie for him to be effective. But I thought he was really, really, really good in the first half.”
On Mitchell Robinson signing with the Celtics and facing him on Friday:
“You’re excited for anybody that’s able to help their situation or family, in life, and Boston gave him a nice deal. And so, you want nothing but the best for him because you know him, and he’s a great, great, great dude. But you wanna beat him at the end of the day.
“So it’s gonna be exciting to see him because of the type of person he is and what we all went through together last year. But at the end of the day, we want to kick his [butt] like he probably wants to kick ours.”
On whether the Knicks might use the Hack-a-Mitch strategy against Mitchell Robinson:
“Me personally, I’ve always leaned more to do that come playoff time or later in the season where you’re really trying to gameplan and get certain games. Right now, I want to see if we can defend these guys with what our foundation is.
“If at some point throughout the course of the game it happens, it happens, but right now I’m just trying to think about communice, be physical without foul, no blow-bys, contest and finish every shot, ball pressure—trying to establish a foundation.”
On Karl-Anthony Towns needing to stop drawing unnecessary fouls:
“Some guys, I say, ‘go try to get fouled,’ Nah nah nah. KAT: You’re a freaking perennial All-Star. So just make the bucket, and if he happens to foul you, then great. When you do those types of [foul-baiting] things, it shortens your opportunities to pick up a foul when you’re boxing out or trying to get a rebound and stuff like that, so that’s the stuff we want to try to eliminate from his game.”
On Towns’ improvement with fouls last season:
“To his credit, he got better as [last] year went along. This is a new year, new team, new challenges.”
On allowing Towns to make mistakes while adjusting to the new season:
“I don’t want him to take 10 steps backwards, but if he takes a couple steps backwards and he’s gotta figure it out, I’m OK with it.”
“There was a three that he shot with Maxey closing out to him. He stuck his leg out. He’s a good enough player to where he doesn’t need to look for and/or try to draw the foul. Just make the basket.”
"I can't even really explain it. I got chills."
Andre Drummond talks about getting to play for the Knicks at Madison Square Garden: pic.twitter.com/msGT5yfHi8
On staying in the locker room during the Knicks’ championship ceremony:
“I feel like I gotta earn it. I don’t want to experience something that I wasn’t there for.
“I want to be able to experience that [celebration] because I was a part of it. I let those guys have their moment.”
On hearing Knicks fans chant his name at Madison Square Garden:
“It was pretty surreal. Just the energy of the arena, just because of how hard I was working, how hard I was playing, just to hear it, I can’t even really explain it. I got chills. Something you live for as a player, hearing the fans be behind you.
“This arena’s electric. Just doing hard work and aggressive plays gets the crowd going, so it gets me going too.”
On learning Mike Brown’s system and adjusting to his coaching style:
“I think it’s been fun for both of us because, obviously, yes, he’s still trying to get to know me and vice versa, I’m trying to get to know him as a coach. I think we surprise each other on a daily basis on the different things that I’m capable of doing as a player. And obviously, the way his coaching style is too, the freedom I have too, is a little bit different. It’s like a tug-and-pull every time we step on the floor with each other. … It’s cool to have the freedom to play the way I want to play, be able to use my experience and my veteran leadership to play the way I want to play but also play the way he wants me to.”
On feeling welcomed by his new Knicks teammates:
“This is a great team. Great core group. They’ve done a great job of incorporating me into the group and making me feel like I’m one of them.”
On being prepared to step in when Karl-Anthony Towns gets into foul trouble:
“I’m always ready when the moment comes. Obviously, we want KAT to play but whenever my number’s called, I always try to be prepared to go.”
"It's game one. It means literally nothing. We don't want to be the best version of ourselves game one – if we are, it's going to be a long season. A lot of mistakes that we have to learn from."
On the Knicks’ 0-1 start and the importance of learning from mistakes:
“It’s Game 1. It means literally nothing. We don’t want to be the best version of ourselves game one – if we are, it’s going to be a long season. A lot of mistakes that we have to learn from.”
On the emotional significance of the Knicks’ championship celebration:
“Something like that, it has a special place in your heart. Now, we’re happy that all of that’s over with and we can fully turn the page and focus on this year.”
On receiving his championship ring in front of Knicks fans at Madison Square Garden:
“It was super dope. A moment you dream of.”
On how the Knicks’ locker room has changed since Mitchell Robinson’s departure:
“It’s definitely different. Obviously that’s someone who’s had a big presence here, big presence in the locker room…No one else listens to country [music] but me, so that’s tough in the weight room. The lack of his presence is obviously felt a little bit. That’s why it’s a new team.”
On the Celtics potentially assigning Robinson to guard him:
“They cross match a lot, so I’m sure he’ll be guarding me, so can’t wait to shoot in that… When I make a couple, I’m gonna let him know.”
On what he expects from the Knicks going against Mitch:
“It’s gonna be the same thing. We’re still gonna be battling for rebounds.”
"I never want to put my team in that kind of position – I have to do a better job to make sure I'm available for my team"
On facing former Knicks teammate Mitchell Robinson and the Celtics:
“It’s bittersweet. You love Mitch — we’ve done so many historical things together here.
“To not see him in a Knicks jersey anymore…we’re a family unit. To not be able to have him with us on this journey after that amazing journey we went through is bittersweet.
“But it’s going to be amazing to be able to see our brother, hug him, show him some love and compete playing basketball like we love to do. We made each other better. He brought the best out of me, and I feel that I was able to bring the best out of him.
“Mitch was a big part of this team winning a championship and probably has the most important offensive rebound in Knicks history.”
On needing to avoid foul trouble and remain available for his teammates:
“All jokes have some truth to it, right? I never want to put my team in that kind of position — I have to do a better job, not only in the regular season but in the postseason, to make sure I’m available for my team.”
Mitchell Robinson on facing the Knicks tomorrow night:
"It doesn't matter that I'm playing my former team…it's basketball, it's a business. Got to play the team just like you play any other team." pic.twitter.com/4M3XHOjYak
On facing the Knicks for the first time since signing with the Celtics:
“It doesn’t matter that I’m playing my former team. It’s more so just trying to bounce back from what happened two days ago. It’s basketball, it’s a business. Got to play the team just like you play any other team.”
On not watching the Knicks’ championship ring ceremony:
“I didn’t watch it. I mean, I was still stuck in my head (about the opening-day loss)… I’m proud of those guys. Obviously I was a part of it. Didn’t really want to watch it.”
On defending Jalen Brunson and approaching his former teammates like any other opponent:
“Just here to play basketball. Same thing I’ll do with any other team, same thing I’ll do with them. It’s just all about basketball.”
On using the Celtics’ season-opening loss as motivation:
“I use it as fuel, kinda have to. Last game we got demolished. As a big, can’t let that happen. I gotta take that on the chin and learn from it, watch the film, and get better, and just focus on the next one.”
LeBron on playing the Knicks on their ring night:
"It was a great night for New York fans…50+ years. I was a part of that at one point where we hadn't won a major championship in Cleveland in over 50 years. The fans will never forget this moment, will never forget that… pic.twitter.com/bEPDJTSw25
On witnessing the Knicks’ championship ceremony after experiencing a similar moment in Cleveland:
“It was a great night for New York fans. Obviously, it’s something… 50+ years. I was a part of that at one point where we hadn’t won a major championship in Cleveland in over 50 years. The fans will never forget this moment, will never forget that championship run.
“We were happy that we were just able to come and play on such a historical night, a historical building, and play the game we love.”
On defending Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns:
“Obviously, KAT is very dangerous when he has space. Anytime JB is handling the ball with KAT popping, it creates a long closeout for guys trying to get to that shot.”
Melo is wondering what specific basketball SKILLSET has Victor Wembanyama worked on to further develop his game 🤔
“You can’t be 7 whatever and don’t have that [post] skillset … Back to the basket traditional right hook, left hook, did [Wemby] work on that enough to be… pic.twitter.com/VG26xVXjmc
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 22: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The home debut for LeBron James and Jaylen Brown was always going to be a memorable one. The Sixers made sure of that with their biggest comeback in the play-by-play era. They stormed back from 29 points down to fend off the Cleveland Cavaliers on national television.
Starting the second half down 24 points, the Sixers went full throttle for the final 24 minutes of the game, outscoring the Cavs 69-37 in the second half to secure the 114-106 victory. There were several runs needed to pull off the comeback, but the one that gave them their first lead of the night was a 15-0 stretch that lasted over five minutes.
A familiar sight in the form of a Joel Embiid heater initially gave them that one-point advantage, but as his minutes racked up, an even more familiar problem loomed. For his entire career, the Sixers have massively dropped their production when the big fella heads to the bench. Despite all the shiny new additions to the team, that fear feels as strong as ever seeing Adem Bona’s play through the first two games of the season.
Embiid had just given them the lead but after playing most of the second half and still six and a half minutes to go, Nick Nurse needed to give him a breather. With just a one-point lead the question became how will the Sixers survive these next couple minutes until they can get their full starting five back on the court?
All five guys on the floor stepped up, including Bona, who was finally able to swat a shot so hard it leaked all the way out to give Tyrese Maxey a fast break layup. The biggest answer to that question though, was Jaylen Brown.
Like just about every other Sixer, Brown had struggled most of the night to find his offensive footing. It seemed like the Cavs were able to prevent him from getting to his spots, not allowing him from getting into any type of rhythm.
After securing a rebound, Brown brought the ball up the floor and was finally able to hit a midrange pull-up jumper. On the next two possessions, he put his head down and got all the way to the rim. Brown’s surge put them up seven, where the Sixers were able to trade baskets for the next minute and a half, allowing Embiid and LeBron to check back into a game with that lead with only 3:32 to go. From there, the starters were able to grind out their second win of the season.
After the game, Nick Nurse was asked if the nature of the comeback meant he played his starters more minutes than he would have liked too. While Nurse acknowledged he let that group ride longer in the third because of the run, he was able to get those minutes back because of how well the group played with Embiid and James off the floor.
“We were getting ready to sub, and it’s like it’s not time to,” Nurse said, “’cause they’ve gotten like three consecutive stops and three consecutive scores. You got to let them play their next two possessions to see what happens, and I think they did it again, so we were able to buy another couple minutes before we brought LeBron and Joel back.”
Embiid and LeBron played 34 and 33 minutes, respectively. According to Nurse, that’s right about the number the team wants those guys at for the regular season.
While the backup center position may still need addressing, this fourth quarter was the proof of concept for this team. They are supposed to be stacked with enough star talent that someone else can take over for a few possessions while others catch a breather, and that’s exactly what Brown did.
As for Brown himself, he’s still figuring out when exactly to pick and choose his spots.
“It’s gonna take some time,” Brown said. “Just trying to earn trust from my teammates, earn trust from my coaching staff. I feel like I can make plays for my team. I’m a winning player. So, whatever it takes for us to win, that’s what I’m willing to do.”
For a group that is still very much learning each other, they’ve accomplished some cool things so far through two games.
The Dallas Mavericks have a lot of problems to solve in order to play at the best level for a whole game by the looks of it after game one against the Houston Rockets. Transition defense, turnovers, decision-making and better shot-quality, to name a few.
New Mavs head coach Dusty May hit the nail on the head after the game, when he said:
“I thought we started playing a little too quickly, and shooting some shots, some semi-open shots, instead of getting possession back, making them work a little bit, finding some connection.”
Dusty May on what went wrong in the second quarter:
“It’s a make or miss game. I thought a lot of our looks were guys that we wanted the shots for. Once they went on a run, I thought we started playing a little too quickly.” pic.twitter.com/zvGiSN3Uqg
The Mavs forgot how to pass. They forgot that basketball is a team sport, and they made quite a few mistakes in that disastrous second quarter, which the Mavs lost 38-12.
No, that’s not right. A couple players forgot that the Mavs are now a passing team. Who knows, maybe they’re worried about keeping their spot on the roster. Because they sure seemed to play for themselves.
To no one’s surprise, that didn’t work. It didn’t work when P.J. Washington hoisted up one threepointer after another too early in the possession, at a point when the Mavs really needed to get settled and get the opponent to work to find the best look.
And it didn’t work when the Mavs tried hard to run a play to get a good look, but Washington instead decided to go one-on-one on Kevin Durant. KEVIN DURANT. Which led to an offensive foul on Washington.
Yes, I rewatched the second quarter so you don’t have to. And unfortunately, I had to watch Naji Marshall airball that three too early in the shot clock, as well. Not long after, Washington fires a (too) quick three, again, which misses. And then soon after, Marshall shoots another three, instead of passing until a better shot comes along, which he misses. All this with either generational talent Cooper Flagg or future Hall of Famer Kyrie Irving on the floor – or both!
This is not good enough. Dusty May is trying to create a winning culture in Dallas. If these guys keep playing for themselves, they need to either be benched or traded. On top of that, there’s the whole effort aspect, which includes Daniel Gafford, but that’s a topic for another day.
There are a handful of players on that bench, who know how to play team ball. Who know how to pass, play together and find that connection, Dusty May is looking for.
Whether these other guys – let’s maybe call them the old guard – aren’t buying in, or straight up don’t understand the idea, the Mavs would be better off playing whoever understands how to pass the ball. The sum of this team’s parts will create a much better whole than whatever this “me-me-me” offense was.
Kyrie Irving did not want to mention names and pointed out a lack of effort. And Gafford certainly belongs there with the two already mentioned. Bad offensive decisions and poor effort on defense, that’ll take down any team.
After the game, Kyrie Irving – always the team guy – did point out a positive from this. Adversity.
“It was rough to go through, but I think we needed it,” the point guard said. “It was necessary for us to grow as a group.”
To develop chemistry, you have to go through some adversity. But you don’t have to do it on purpose.
Kyrie Irving was not to blame for this, he looked a bit rusty and not as sharp as he can be, but he’s been out for over a year. And the thing about Kyrie is that he doesn’t make bad decisions.
“I gotta do a better job of leading us out. And just not necessarily playing so timid. Getting some shots up and aggressively attacking double teams,” he said.
Kyrie Irving on the Mavs’ 2nd quarter:
“The effort, just horrendous. I don’t want to use that graphic word to negatively put it on just one person or even myself. We were horrendous defensively & when you score 12 points in an NBA game, give up 38…It’s going to look like that.” pic.twitter.com/PWFM31Ctz8
Kyrie will take accountability, and that’s a good thing as a leader. But it won’t solve the first issue. And he was rattledwhen they threw a double team at him in the second, he said. And it showed.
“It surprised me a bit when Ime (Udoka, coach of the Houston Rockets) threw some double teams at me coming off those screens, which, you know, first game coming back.”
For the Mavericks to change this dynamic, the coaching staff should consider trying some lineups without the old guard. Benching players who don’t buy into a team philosophy is an old and well-tried tactic. And it works.
The good news is that coach Dusty May seems to be the perfect guy to get this up and running. So let’s see what he has in store for us over the next few weeks. It really all comes down to the fact that if you’re a passing team, you have to play guys who know how to pass.
The nature of the comeback was perhaps most striking and encouraging with 80 games to go. The 2-0 Sixers transformed into a freight train, stringing together stops and overwhelming Cleveland in transition. LeBron James (17 points, 10 rebounds) was just one of the Sixers’ many menaces in the open floor. By the fourth quarter, the fact the Sixers almost had the lead felt more inevitable than miraculous.
The team’s halftime dialogue was frank.
“I think it was clear,” Jaylen Brown said after a 21-point, eight-rebound night. “I think I said, ‘It’s a great opportunity for us to respond to adversity.’ There’s going to be ups and downs all year long. How we respond is going to be 80 percent of the battle. Being down 30, we could’ve been pointing fingers. We got after it, so I like that.”
The Sixers were not dependent on the flurry of long-range jumpers that fuel plenty of modern-day comebacks. Tyrese Maxey (32 points, six assists) was the lone Sixer to make multiple three-pointers in the game, going 2 for 7 beyond the arc.
The team hasn’t shot well from three-point territory in either their opening-night victory against the Knicks or on Thursday. They’ve hit only 18 of their 68 threes (26.5 percent) so far. Both wins have been largely about defense and accessing a lofty level in the second half.
“No shade to anyone that’s been here, but in the past a lot of people would’ve just laid down and tried to move on to the next one,” Joel Embiid said. “We’ve got the talent. I would like for us to not be in that position again in the first place. … That takes a lot of energy. But it was different. I said it after last game: It just feels different. We’ve just got to stay healthy and keep working with each other.
“The crazy thing, looking at it, I think we only made three or four threes in that (second-half) run. It was all putting our heads down, getting stops, getting to the rim at will — everybody on the team. Defensively, picking up the ball. Usually, when teams make that type of comeback, it’s a bunch of threes.”
In addition to the speed, sensational shotmaking and ever-growing leadership, he’s nabbed five steals over the first two games and taken pride in playing high-pressure, high-effort defense on the ball. He picked James Harden up full court and even got into a mini-shoving match with his former teammate in the fourth quarter.
“This is a very competitive group,” Maxey said. My only message (at halftime) was, ‘Well, it’s time to see what we’re made of. Are we going to be some frontrunners … and only be happy when stuff is good? Or when stuff is bad, are we going to fight and be resilient?’ We did that.”
Sixers head coach Nick Nurse believes Maxey has made “a confidence or maturity level jump.” He’s been pleased with the constant defensive progress, too.
“He’s out there battling,” Nurse said. “Especially when it’s time to knuckle down and get a stop, he’s out there really playing.”
With all the stars surrounding him, Maxey’s backcourt mate will likely fly under the radar at times this season.
However, the elated home fans appreciated VJ Edgecombe’s work in the second half. The second-year guard received a big cheer when he stayed in the game with a bloody nose caused by James’ inadvertent elbow. Edgecombe chipped in 11 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals.
“I’m good, man,” Edgecombe said with a smile, gauze in his nostril. “I’m blessed. Thank God there’s nothing bad. But if there was, (James) can buy me a new nose.”
Edgecombe saw Thursday’s comeback as a glimpse of what the Sixers might become many months down the line.
“We’re a new team, but at the end of the day, we have a goal we’re trying to accomplish,” he said. “That comes with storms we’re going to have to weather. … We’ve got to fight through a lot of adversity.
“It looks good on paper with the names and everything, but we still have to go out there and play hard. I feel like that kind of showed a little bit … of what we are and who we can be.”
James Dolan is firmly cemented as one of the most reviled owners in sports, but even knowing the depths of his awfulness, nobody was prepared for the story that broke on Thursday night about how atrociously he treated Knicks employees.
When a team wins a championship it’s customary for an organization to give at least some employees championship rings as a token of gratitude for being the support staff of the team. The Seahawks gave football staffers full Super Bowl rings, the Carolina Hurricanes gave every team employee a ring — Dolan and the Knicks? They tricked workers with a scam instead.
An email went out in September to every Madison Square Garden employee, which was obtained by The Athletic. In it, the team seemingly promised everyone a ring — going so far as to ask for their customization preferences.
“(Employee name), this one is on the house. MSG is issuing a complimentary employee championship ring. The same jeweler, the same craftsmanship, personalized with your name. No cost to you.
There are two designs to choose from: Championship Gold and Garden Classic. Reserve the one you want below.”
Naturally, employees were excited. The problem was that this was a targeted scam, organized by Dolan. He asked for the emails to be sent to his workforce as a way to test which of his employees would fall for a phishing scam. It’s been reported that Dolan is growing increasingly paranoid about cybersecurity, which is fine — but trying to test this under the guise of giving his workers rings? That’s just gross.
Not only was there never a plan to give MSG employees rings, but anyone who did click on the link and tried to reserve their ring was instead put in compulsory cybersecurity training. When reached for comment the Knicks refused to discuss the ring situation with The Athletic.
Team employees work incredibly hard. Most are so consumed by their love of the job that, when the playoffs roll around — or, God willing, a finals run —they accept long hours, weekend work, and extra duties outside their typical responsibilities. This is why teams reward their staff with rings if a team finally breaks through, because while athletes are the ones responsible for winning, the organization as a whole would be nothing without the hundreds of people working behind the scenes, from marketing to equipment management, and beyond.
To make these people think they were getting noticed, and that something was being done for them — only to learn it was a rug pull plan to test them — it’s just disgusting. Shame on James Dolan for being such a paranoid, ludicrous cheapskate that he gleefully screw over his employees as a test.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 14: Kasparas Jakucionis #25 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball against Noa Essengue #2 of the Chicago Bulls in the fourth quarter during the preseason NBA game at Fiserv Forum on October 14, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Before World Series festivities get underway, the Milwaukee Bucks have a crucial game against the Chicago Bulls. Why? Well, obviously they’ll be champing at the bit to rectify the mistakes they made two nights ago, but this is also the last game for a while where Milwaukee has a genuine 50-50 shot at winning. Look at the schedule after today’s game—it is scary. I’m sure Taylor Jenkins doesn’t want to start his first few weeks in the big chair without a win. Of course, these two teams met in the preseason, and the Bulls smacked the Bucks around, but basically none of Milwaukee’s starters played in that game, so who wins today is anyone’s guess.
The Task Ahead
Chicago is coming off a much worse loss than Milwaukee is, falling to the Raptors 135-92 on Wednesday night. Like the Bucks, the Bulls are in the first year of their full-blown rebuild, so they are also handing major responsibility to unproven youth. Case in point: fourth overall pick Caleb Wilson began his NBA career shooting 7/21 with nine—yes, nine—turnovers. The kid is getting to explore the studio space, and that will come with some major growing pains.
As for broader team-based tactics, the main thing the Bucks need to prepare for is the Bulls’ pace. Last year under Billy Donovan, Chicago had the third-fastest pace in the league. This year, despite the roster overhaul and coaching change, the Bulls still ran at a top-10 pace in the preseason. Josh Giddey is the engine behind it all due to his basketball IQ and ability to throw hit-ahead passes. Norman Powell, their key offseason signing, fits this style of play perfectly because he was a key part of the Miami Heat’s breakneck system last year. I mentioned Caleb Wilson’s struggles against a sturdy Raptors half-court defence; well, one area he thrives is transition (seriously, do not jump with Wilson). Long story short, if Milwaukee controls the pace by generating good shots and forcing Chicago to take the ball out of the net, they will give themselves every chance to win; if not, it could be a long night afternoon.
Injury Report
Bucks: (clean injury report)
Bulls:
Nic Claxton: out (hamstring)
Dailyn Swain: questionable (illness)
Jordan Hawkins: questionable (illness)
Josh Giddey: probable (wrist)
Zach Collins: probable (quad)
Tobe Awaka: probable (MCL)
Player to Watch
Leonard Miller. Seen as a “throw-in” when the Bulls traded Ayo Dosunmu to the Wolves, Miller exploded over the preseason, averaging 17.3 PPG, 6.3 RPG, and 2.0 APG. Miller is a versatile, twitchy, athletic four/five who never really got a shot in Minnesota and is making the most of his chance in Chicago. But the even crazier stat is that Miller—who has always been maligned for his lack of shooting—made threes at 54.5% in the preseason. Milwaukee needs to be prepared for the 22-year-old; he can really play.
Kel’el Ware bounces back. We know Anthony Davis dominated him physically two nights ago, but the Bulls have a much smaller front line, especially with Nic Claxton out. Thus, I predict Ware will impose himself today with deep seals, hard screens, and a tougher resolve overall. 15 and 12.
During the championship celebration, each Knicks player was individually presented with their ring in front of the crowd. The ceremony culminated with the team raising a new banner to commemorate their NBA title, which they secured by defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games during the 2026 Finals.
This historic victory ended the franchise's 53-year championship drought.
The Athletic reported that assistant coaches were informed they would not receive their rings during the public ceremony, but instead at an unspecified later date.
Additionally, according to the report, many longtime Madison Square Garden employees would not be receiving rings, despite having previously received an email that asked them to select a "complimentary employee championship ring" design from a provided list.
These emails were part of a phishing test orchestrated by MSG to evaluate employees' cybersecurity awareness, according to the report, and those who clicked the links or responded to the email were subsequently required to attend a mandatory cybersecurity training session.
"We are not disclosing anything about the rings," an MSG Sports spokesperson said in a statement to The Athletic.
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Every team in the NBA has made its debut in the 2026-27 season after the Denver Nuggets and Cleveland Cavaliers both played for the first time on Thursday night. The regular season is genuinely eternal with 82 games on the calendar for each franchise before the playoffs start, but it’s our right as sports fans to overreact to the first thing we see after the long summer layoff.
Some of these super trends aren’t going to last. Victor Wembanyama and Jayson Tatum were both terrible offensively in their season debuts, which put the San Antonio Spurs and Boston Celtics at the bottom of their respective conferences. I think both will be just fine. Jaxson Hayes leads the NBA in blocks after notching six in his first game as a member of the Utah Jazz. It’s my job to cover the NBA, and I’ll admit I didn’t even know Hayes was on the Jazz this season.
My overreactions after last year’s first games had a few truth bombs when I wrote that Wembanyama was the best player in the world and the Knicks were the team to beat in the East. How will my early overreactions age this season? Let’s get into it.
I didn’t put Ty Jerome on my breakout list for this season because I felt like he broke out last year when he ranked as the 8th best player in the NBA in EPM. Well, Jerome only played 15 games last year, so he’s still going to catch a lot of people by surprise. Jerome absolutely toyed with a poor Utah Jazz defense in his season opener by bombing threes, hitting off-balance runners off the dribble, and spraying out passes to his play finishers. Jerome was absolutely deadly as a pick-and-roll handler, and Jazz had no answer for him. It’s not a stretch to say he’s one of the best shot-makers alive. The Grizzlies are going to be good, and Jerome legitimately could be one of the better guards in the West.
The Timberwolves will break the record for 3-point attempts
The 2024-25 Boston Celtics shattered the NBA record for most three-point attempts in a single season with 3,955, which equated to 48.23 attempts per game. In their season opener, the Minnesota Timberwolves launched 50 threes, making 21 of them (41 percent), to beat the Miami Heat in Giannis Antetokounmpo’s debut. This was always the vision behind Minnesota’s off-season trade for LaMelo Ball, putting two expert pull-up three-point shooters together in his pairing with Anthony Edwards to keep opponents in a dangerous guessing game all year. I’ve maintained that if any team can beat the Spurs or Thunder in a playoff series this year, it’s the Wolves. They’re just going to attack defenses in highly unconventional ways, and if they get hot in a short series, anything can happen.
The Bulls will be in the relegation zone
New Bulls lead executive Bryson Graham essentially said his team would be “Fun Bad” at media day, but there was nothing fun about Chicago’s 43-point loss to the Toronto Raptors to open the season. The Bulls are trying to turn rookie stud Caleb Wilson from an Amare Stoudemire or Shawn Kemp style play-finisher at the college level to a Paul George or Tracy McGrady style wing creator in the NBA, and there’s naturally going to be a lot of growing pains. Even if Wilson’s three-point shot is better than he showed at North Carolina, his ball handling is still very bad. The Bulls just don’t have much talent around him. Here’s how I put it on Twitter — and I don’t think there’s much else to say.
The Bulls can’t drive, can’t rebound, can’t force defensive takeaways, and can’t shoot. Other than that everything is great.
Nickeil Alexander-Walker won NBA Most Improved Player last season as he went from a reserve on the Timberwolves to a starter on the Atlanta Hawks. I don’t think he’s done improving. The 28-year-old is the rare guard who provides on- and off-ball utility while also being above-average defensively. He’s only getting more comfortable picking his spots and hunting his own offense, and his biggest shot of the night in a win over the Orlando Magic came off a play that started with him setting a hard screen. NAW has the size and versatility that star guards are made of, and I think his career will only continue to keep trending up.
Damian Lillard won’t miss a beat coming off Achilles surgery
Dame STARRED in his Portland return!
25 PTS (game-high) 6 AST 6 3PM (game-high)
542 days since his last NBA game. 1,309 days since his last game as a Blazer. pic.twitter.com/ztAd0ANubT
An Achilles tear at age-35 would be the end of most players’ careers. Not Damian Lillard. The superstar guard returned home to the Portland Trail Blazers to rehab the injury last season, and taking his time to come back was a smart move. Lillard looked like his old self as the Blazers humiliated the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night, with 25 points, six assists, and only one turnover on 7-of-12 shooting from the floor. Portland should continue to be smart with Dame by resting him at opportune times, especially when they have such great guard depth. In the right doses, Lillard sure looks like he can still be a killer on the offensive end, and that’s great to see.
Paul George will be an amazing addition for the Celtics
Paul George was at or near the top of every “worst contracts in the NBA” list last year. That didn’t deter the Celtics from taking him on in the controversial Jaylen Brown trade despite $110 million over two years remaining on the deal. George is kind of the exact opposite of Brown: way less durable and less explosive going to the basket, but much better as an off-ball player on both ends of the floor. George’s Celtics debut was perfect: 38 points and five steals on 7-of-12 shooting from three. Well, it wasn’t actually perfect because Boston blew the biggest lead on opening night in league history. Still, George is going to be really good for the Celtics this year, and I still suspect Boston might come out on top in the Brown trade, depending how those future draft picks eventually turn out.
The Suns’ try-hard gimmick won’t work this time
No one expected the Suns to win 45 games last year, but they turned into one of the league’s most pleasant surprises by crushing the margins at every opportunity. More than anything, Jordan Ott’s team just felt like it played harder than any other team in the league, but that style can only take you so far. The Suns looked flat-out unprepared to open the season as the Blazers ran them out of the gym from the first quarter. Cinderella stories usually aren’t built to last, and the clock could strike midnight early for Phoenix.
Dylan Harper gave some quotes to GQ in the preseason that indicated he didn’t want to come off the bench. I’m on Harper’s side on this one, but San Antonio’s decision to start all of Harper, De’Aaron Fox, and Stephon Castle felt like it was more based on personality management than actual tactics. The Spurs flipped their season last year by putting Julian Champagnie in the starting lineup, and I suspect that will happen again as the playoffs draw near. I like putting Fox and Castle off the bench and Champagnie and Devin Vassell in the starting lineup. What happens when Tobias Harris is healthy? The Spurs have a lot of buttons to push, and that’s a good thing, but championship teams demand sacrifice, and that’s going to have to happen eventually for San Antonio to reach its ceiling.
The Thunder are winning it all
I thought I was picking the Thunder to win the 2027 NBA championship all offseason before I flipped my pick to the Spurs at the last second. I’m already regretting it. OKC still has the best roster in the league with Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell healthy. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is ready to fight MVP voter fatigue, and Chet Holmgren doesn’t want to go out sad again like he did last season. The title still runs through OKC.
PORTLAND, OR - OCTOBER 21: Jalen Green #4 of the Phoenix Suns shoots the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 21, 2026 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. 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 Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
This was supposed to be my first article for the Bright Side of the Sun: a literature review of ongoing discrimination issues in the National Basketball Association.
I left my proposed draft title in place even though the subject has changed. It was titled “The Answer” before Voita changed it to something more SEO appropriate. Remembering The Answer, Allen Iverson, should bring joy to all basketball fans. Pause, reflect. On to the present.
Wednesday night’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers changed that, as did our editor John Voita’s request for commentary on what was a disaster of an opening season for the Suns.
What was truly gut-wrenching about last night’s game was not the Suns’ loss. It could have been anticipated. Since this was the Trail Blazers’ home opener, they had several reasons to celebrate: new players and the return of Portland legend Damian Lillard.
No. What was truly disheartening and unexpected was the lack of team effort. The total unpreparedness of a Suns team that looked at times like they had never played together during preseason.
John is a lifelong Suns fan, like many of us. He also couldn’t anticipate the events of yesterday’s game. He asked in good faith whether he was alone in his assessment that yesterday’s game was very much like a crime scene.
I assert John is not alone in his assessment, and many of you may feel the same way. Please comment below to let us know what your take is on the Suns opener. Let’s also all look forward to Saturday’s home game. The most important for the Suns, in my estimation, for the coaching staff and the players in years.
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 28: Corey Kispert #24 of the Atlanta Hawks poses for a portrait during NBA Media Day on September 28 2026 at PC&E in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Corey Kispert was a mid-season addition for the Atlanta Hawks last season, as he was part of the Trae Young trade that sent him to the Washington Wizards. It was an up-and-down 39 games for Kispert, and he saw his minutes decrease toward the end of the season and into the playoffs.
Coming into this season, it looks like he may be an end-of-bench guy for the Hawks, and if they need offense, he’ll be called upon.
During the preseason, Kispert mentioned how having a full offseason and training camp with the team was big for him coming into his second year.
“It’s been really great; I feel much more comfortable, feel more like myself, and looking forward to hitting the ground running,” Kispert said.
He showed how beneficial it was at times during the preseason, as he was able to play within the flow of the offense and get some good shots from the perimeter. He even showed an effort to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim. At times, he did struggle on offense, and that would be the one concerning thing about him, as well as his defense.
Kispert lost most of his minutes down the stretch of last season probably because of his defense, and Quin Snyder was looking to shorten his rotation going into the playoffs.
With the additions of Lu Dort and Aaron Wiggins, it’s hard to see when he Kispert could truly get minutes on the floor. That was evident in the Hawks’ preseason finale against the Dallas Mavericks, where it resembled more of a dress rehersal for the team. Dort and Wiggins led the bench in minutes, and Kispert didn’t see time on the floor until late in the game.
For Kispert, it will most likely take someone getting in foul trouble or an injury for him to see real minutes. Nonetheless, he has to be ready when his name is called, and the hope is that he can make an impact when he’s on the floor.
The good news is that he feels better coming into the season, and that should help him throughout the season. Kispert’s still one of the better 3-point shooters on the team, and if he can show some consistency on defense, he could make a case for possibly sliding into the rotation.
It’ll be interesting to see how things pan out for him as the season goes on.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - OCTOBER 20: After a flagrant foul by De'Aaron Fox #4 of the San Antonio Spurs on Chet Holmgren #7 of the Oklahoma City Thunder an official had to separate the players In the second half at Frost Bank Center on October 20, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In the midst of the Spurs’ season opener, this happened:
De’Aaron Fox, in attempt to keep Chet Homlgren from an easy shot, threw him to the ground like a sack of potatoes. Whether Fox was venting some frustration about how the Spurs were playing or he was exuberant in his attempt to quell the play, the outcome was strange considering Holmgren bulked up this summer adding two lbs. to his 7’1” frame.
A skirmish quickly developed between Victor Wembanyama and every player on the Oklahoma City Thunder whose last name is Williams. A review took place with Fox landing a flagrant foul. Technicals were handed out like Halloween candy to members of both teams, and the game resumed shortly thereafter.
When asked about the incident after the game, Fox shrugged off aggression as an element of the penalty.
Fox responded by saying, “If somebody grabs you like that and you go flying on the floor like that, you got other problems to worry about.”
When asked about his reaction, Holmgren skirted around the play and focused more on his team having his back. Considering that the team has embraced flopping as part of their strategy (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander most readily resembles a Thumb Push Puppet unable to land on two feet), it stands to reason that no one on the Thunder addressed the absurdity of Holmgren’s flailing.
The internet did not let it go unnoticed. A comparison to the painting The Abduction of Persephone by Nicola Maria Rossi has made the rounds.
The resemblance is uncannily down to Victor Wembanyama peering over his shoulder like the angel in the painting.
Missed calls and bad officiating aren’t limited to the reining MVF (most valuable flopper) and his squad, turnign a blind eye to an egregious violation is a league wide concern.
In what amounts to a “Shaqtin’ The Fool” type clip, LaMelo Ball square dances his way to the three point line. The video exposes that the Minnesota guard travels directly in front of referee Jonathan Sterling, who watches on with all the expertise of a WWE official.
Spurs are in Austin tonight against the Houston Rockets, their Interstate rivals. Go Spurs Go.
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