Live coverage begins at 6:30 PM ET on Peacock.
Report: While Bulls have had 'internal discussions' about Anthony Davis trade, would not give up young core
The expectation in league circles is that the new front office in Dallas — either the current interim one or whoever takes the job full-time — will explore the trade market for Anthony Davis. One of the names that comes up as a potential landing spot is the Chicago Bulls, sending Davis back to the city where he grew up, ideally to become the two-way big man this improving team needs.
Chicago has had "internal discussions" about a Davis trade, reports Jamal Collier of ESPN — but the Bulls wisely would not give up any of their young core in a deal.
The Bulls have had internal discussions about how to proceed, including conversations about Dallas Mavericks star Anthony Davis, sources told ESPN, whom they believe could help the team's porous rim protection and defensive interior ... However, team sources said the Bulls will not sacrifice any of their young core to execute such a deal until the team is closer to contention.
"I don't think going out and chasing X megastar is the way to proceed -- at least today," one source told ESPN.
The Bulls picture their young core as Josh Giddey (23), Coby White (25), Matas Buzelis (21), and, hopefully, rookie Noa Essengue (18), along with whomever they draft in the next couple of years. Isaac Okoro, 24, might fit in that group as well.
Anthony Davis is 32, turning 33 in March, and comes with a history of nagging injuries. What's more, Davis is making $54.1 million this season, has a guaranteed $58.5 million next season, and will be seeking a contract extension this summer. He does not fit Chicago's retooling timeline and takes up a lot of cap space for a team where ownership rarely spends into the luxury tax (three times in the past 13 years). First, Davis will have to stay healthy and produce on the court throughout December and into November before any team will even seriously consider a trade.
Because of his massive salary and the fact that the Mavericks are up against the second apron, where they are hard-capped, constructing any reasonable Davis trade in-season is next to impossible. Chicago could make it work financially with an offer of Nikola Vucevic, Patrick Williams and another player making less (maybe Jevon Carter) plus a pick, but that's not going to interest Dallas (remember what they gave up to get Davis).
No doubt the Bulls have had internal discussions about Davis, but in the NBA "internal discussions" are nearly meaningless — front offices are always throwing around ideas and thinking through options, even ones they have little to no interest in actually executing. Call it due diligence, but front offices want to think through every reasonable scenario.
If Davis gets traded, it's far more likely an offseason move. But the rumors are not going to stop until the trade deadline passes.
More feasting: Marquee college hoops games continue the week after Thanksgiving holiday tournaments
Thanksgiving is a great time to be a college basketball fan with all the holiday tournaments and marquee matchups. The feast of high-level hoops doesn’t end there.
Santa Clara’s Thierry Darlan paves new path after going from NBA G League to college basketball
Thierry Darlan started school in September at age 21 after being granted two years of collegiate eligibility by the NCAA.
Yaxel Lendeborg named Big Ten Player of Week after Michigan dominates
This is exactly why Michigan basketball wanted Yaxel Lendeborg this past summer - to dominate as he did at the Players Era in Las Vegas.
No. 21 Kansas’ Darryn Peterson will miss his 7th straight game vs. No. 5 UConn with hamstring injury
Darryn Peterson will not play for No. 21 Kansas against fifth-ranked UConn at Allen Fieldhouse on Tuesday night, Jayhawks coach Bill Self said. Peterson sat out a loss to Duke at Madison Square Garden in New York and three games last week at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas. The Jayhawks still managed to go 3-0 over power conference schools without Peterson.
Tyler Kolek’s emergence gives Knicks another weapon amid championship pursuit
Injuries can be a real drag on a team’s season, especially one with expectations as high as the Knicks’, but there’s a silver lining to them as well. Guys buried deep on the bench get an opportunity they may not otherwise receive, and teams can often be pleasantly surprised by what’s been hiding outside of their usual rotation.
We’re seeing such a case play out with Tyler Kolek, New York’s 34th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, who’s stepped up in the wake of injuries to OG Anunoby and Landry Shamet to help the Knicks to a nice stretch of wins. This comes after Kolek failed to meaningfully crack the early season rotation despite some leash during the preseason and the first few games of the regular season.
Should this continue, it would make for a great turnaround for Kolek and huge development for management after not seeing real returns from any of their draft classes after 2021. But most importantly, Kolek’s emergence potentially gives the Knicks another weapon in their chase for a championship.
Kolek was a gifted scorer and creator at Marquette who fell deeper into the draft due to the inherent limitations in his age and athletic build. After some dealing around with their picks, the Knicks scooped him up, desperately needing some added ball-handling off their bench.
Offensively, he actually looked the part relatively early in Las Vegas, preseason and even some early-season NBA minutes in 2024-25. He was a clear-cut floor general who could run an offense, dribble-drive into opportunities and score when confidently looking to.
He didn’t get the chance to see sustained NBA minutes his rookie year though, spending a few games in Westchester but not displaying anything spectacular. After a head coaching change that emphasized experimentation and depth, pressure was on heading into Kolek’s second year.
To make matters tougher, the Knicks brought in a host of veteran guards - Jordan Clarkson, Shamet, and Malcolm Brogdon - to compete with Kolek for reserve guard duties. Kolek held his own in the preseason despite seeing his name in trade rumors, but even with Brogdon retiring, he fell out of the rotation after a couple of appearances in late October.
When Shamet went down with a shoulder strain in Orlando almost two weeks ago, Kolek stayed ready as the next man up, and hasn’t disappointed. He’s averaged 5.6 points, 2.6 assists and 1.2 steals in 14.6 minutes a night, shooting 45.5 percent from the field.
Even extrapolated over 36 minutes a game, these numbers aren’t anything crazy. But Kolek has brought in a steady hand and surprisingly stout defense, which is impacting winning.
If there were numbers to call out they would be Kolek’s plus-17 in those 36 minutes, and a 6.5 assist-to-turnover ratio. When Kolek is on the court, you know the offense is going to be organized, with his commitment to pushing the ball up and getting into an action with pace on every play apparent.
He’ll defer to the stars when asked, but otherwise Kolek units feel like fully fleshed out conduits of Mike Brown’s system -- and all that zip and movement is tangible. It’s a healthy dose of action that’s completely controlled, as Kolek rarely turns the ball over, which is a valuable and unique trait for someone with high passing volume.
A lot of this was the case before this stretch, but Kolek has taken this opportunity with a newfound aggressiveness and desperation that elevated his game. He’s only hit a third of his threes but looks more prepared to put them up, and has even looked comfortable in the paint.
Cut through the film and he’ll almost look unrecognizable, posting up Desmond Bane for a fadeaway, trying shoulder bump floaters, and hitting tough sweeping lays. It seems like his confidence is only growing with each passing game.
The offense has been a great if not totally surprising spark, but it’s the defense that will keep Kolek on the court long-term. He’s no weapon on that end, but if he keeps rotating this hard and playing with this physicality, his scouting report will date itself quickly.
Once Shamet returns, the rotation could look a little guard-heavy, but the Knicks should still have room for Kolek’s ball-handling. Even if it gets tricky at full health, having Kolek earn his stripes now could prepare him for the trials of late April and May hoops, when the Knicks might really need him.
The small and moral victories may not do it for Knicks fans thirsting for the franchise’s first title in half a century, but accumulating them can help New York in achieving that goal. It may have taken an unfortunate injury, but Kolek proving himself worthy of playing with the big club is nothing to scoff at, and could pay even bigger dividends down the line.
How to watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Golden State Warriors: TV/live stream info, preview for tonight's game
Tonight's Coast 2 Coast Tuesday doubleheader begins at 8:00 PM ET, as the New York Knicks face the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Then, at 11:00 PM, the Oklahoma City Thunder go-head-to-head with the Golden State Warriors. Live coverage begins at 7:30 PM on NBC and Peacock. See below for additional information on how to watch both games and follow all of the NBA action on NBC and Peacock.
Click here to sign up for Peacock!
Check out the fantasy basketball rankings update as the season enters December.
Raphielle JohnsonOklahoma City Thunder:
The Oklahoma City Thunder have not lost a game in nearly a month. Their only loss of the season came on November 5 against the Trail Blazers, and since then, they have won 12 straight games.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to excel for the Thunder. He is averaging the second-most points in the NBA (32.5 ppg) and is on pace to average over 30 points per game for his fourth consecutive season.
The Thunder (20-1) currently have the best record in the NBA and hold a four-game lead for the top seed in the Western Conference.
Golden State Warriors:
The Warriors are coming off a 104-96 victory over the Pelicans on Saturday. Jimmy Butler had 24 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds, while Gary Payton II added 19 points and grabbed 11 rebounds off the bench.
Gary INCOMING down the runway ✈️
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) November 30, 2025
@NBCSAuthenticpic.twitter.com/W8p0KH3thn
Stephen Curry did not play on Saturday due to a right quad contusion. He is expected to miss tonight's game as well.
How to watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors:
- When: Tonight, Tuesday, December 2
- Where: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
- Time: 11:00 PM ET
- Live Stream:Peacock
What other NBA games are on tonight?
How to watch New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics:
- When: Tonight, Tuesday, December 2
- Where: TD Arena, Boston, MA
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Live Stream:Peacock
How to watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock:
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
How to sign up for Peacock:
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.
NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule
Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.
What devices does Peacock support?
You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.
Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg is the AP men’s college basketball player of the week
The 6-foot-9 senior averaged 17.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.3 blocks as Michigan won all three games by at least 30 points, the last two over ranked teams. A transfer from UAB, Lendeborg had 15 points, six rebounds and four assists in a 40-point win against San Diego State in Las Vegas.
Danilo Gallinari announces retirement from basketball after 20 professional seasons, 16 in NBA
Danilo Gallinari, the sharp-shooting power forward from Italy who spent 16 seasons in the NBA, announced on Instagram that he is officially retiring from basketball.
Today, with a heart full of gratitude, I am announcing my retirement from a career I've always dreamed of. A career built through hard work, sacrifice, victories, defeats, teammates who became brothers, guidance from my coaches, and, of course, family and friends that were with me every step of the way.
It's been an incredible journey filled with countless memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. To those who believed in me, to all those who supported me, and to those who shared every moment with me - thank you, from the bottom of my heart. ❤️
I'm beyond excited for the next chapter!
Today, with a heart full of gratitude, I am announcing my retirement from the career I’ve always dreamed of.
— DANILO GALLINARI (@gallinari8888) December 2, 2025
It’s been an incredible journey filled with countless memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/UjRhTL8ZdP
Gallinari was the No. 6 pick of the New York Knicks in 2008 and spent the next two-and-a-half seasons playing in Madison Square Garden before he was traded to Denver as part of the Carmelo Anthony deal. Gallinari played the next six seasons for the Nuggets, then went on to play for the Clippers, Thunder, Hawks, Wizards, Pistons and Bucks before leaving the NBA in 2024.
At 6'10", Gallinari was a classic NBA stretch four (a role that doesn't exist in the same way any more). He averaged 14.9 points and 4.7 rebounds a game, shooting 38.1% from 3-point range for his career. He played in 777 NBA games and hit 1,456 three-pointers for his career.
Gallinari had also played professionally in Europe and Puerto Rico, and the last we saw of him on the court was for Italy at last summer's EuroBasket. There was a thought he could play in Europe this season, but instead he has decided to step away from the game at age 37.
How to watch Knicks vs. Celtics: TV/live stream info, preview for tonight's game
Tonight's Coast 2 Coast Tuesday doubleheader features an exciting lineup. First, at 8:00 PM ET, the New York Knicks face the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Then, at 11:00 PM, the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Golden State Warriors. Live coverage begins at 7:30 PM on NBC and Peacock. See below for additional information on how to watch both games and follow all of the NBA action on NBC and Peacock.
Click here to sign up for Peacock!
Check out the fantasy basketball rankings update as the season enters December.
New York Knicks:
The Knicks defeated the Toronto Raptors 116-94 on Sunday, extending their win streak to four straight. Josh Hart had 20 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists in the win. Karl-Anthony Towns finished with 22 points and 8 rebounds, and Jalen Brunson added 18 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds.
no Sunday Scaries here
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) December 1, 2025
KAT 22 PTS | 8 REB | 2 AST
Josh 20 PTS | 12 REB | 7 AST
Jalen 18 PTS | 6 REB | 7 AST
Mikal 14 PTS | 3 REB | 3 AST
Deuce 14 PTS | 5 REB | 2 AST pic.twitter.com/1oLQMyelES
Brunson currently leads the Knicks in scoring (28.5 ppg) and assists (6.2 apg). Anthony-Towns is right behind him in scoring (21.7 ppg) and leads the team in rebounding (11.9 rpg).
The Knicks have the longest active win streak in the conference and are second in the East behind the Detroit Pistons.
Boston Celtics:
The Celtics have won six of their last games, most recently defeating the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-115 on Sunday. Payton Pritchard led the way for the Celtics with a season-high 42 points.
EVERY BUCKET from Payton's 42-piece #celtics#nba#shortspic.twitter.com/uFkdiGZY3a
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 1, 2025
Jaylen Brown finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists, earning his fourth career triple-double.
With Jayson Tatum still sidelined due to a torn Achilles tendon last season, Brown has emerged as a leader for Boston.
The four-time All-Star is on pace for career highs in the following categories: scoring (28.4 ppg), field-goal attempts per game (21.6), field-goals made per game (10.6), and free-throw attempts per game (6.8).
How to watch New York Knicks vs Boston Celtics:
- When: Tonight, Tuesday, December 2
- Where: TD Arena, Boston, MA
- Time: 8:00 PM ET
- Live Stream:Peacock
What other NBA games are on tonight?
How to watch Oklahoma City Thunder vs Golden State Warriors:
- When: Tonight, Tuesday, December 2
- Where: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
- Time: 11:00 PM ET
- Live Stream:Peacock
How to watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock:
Peacock NBA Monday will stream up to three Monday night games each week throughout the regular season. Coast 2 Coast Tuesday presents doubleheaders on Tuesday nights throughout the regular season on NBC and Peacock. On most Tuesdays, an 8 p.m. ET game will be on NBC stations in the Eastern and Central time zones, and an 8 p.m. PT game on NBC stations in the Pacific and often Mountain time zones.
Check local listings each week. Both games will stream live nationwide on Peacock. NBC Sports will launch Sunday Night Basketball across NBC and Peacock on Feb. 1, 2026. For a full schedule of the NBA on NBC and Peacock, click here.
How to sign up for Peacock:
Sign up here to watch all of our LIVE sports, sports shows, documentaries, classic matches, and more. You'll also get tons of hit movies and TV shows, Originals, news, 24/7 channels, and current NBC & Bravo hits—Peacock is here for whatever you’re in the mood for.
NBA on NBC 2025-26 Schedule
Click here to see the full list of NBA games that will air on NBC and Peacock this season.
What devices does Peacock support?
You can enjoy Peacock on a variety of devices. View the full list of supported devices here.
The ACC is trying to spark men’s basketball. A better showing in the ACC/SEC Challenge would help
These days, the SEC has veered into the ACC’s lane.
Fantasy Basketball Stock Up Stock Down: Collin Gillespie breaking through
December is here and so is the quarter-mark of the 2025-26 NBA season.
With each team about 20 games into their respective seasons, it’s easier now to make sense of the player data. But we’re here to make it easier for those in the fantasy world looking for trends. Who’s on the rise? Who’s trending downward?
Let’s discuss.
→ Watch the NBA Coast 2 Coast Tuesday on NBC and Peacock with two tremendous matchups! The Knicks take on the Celtics in Boston at 8 p.m. ET before the Warriors host the Thunder at 10 p.m. ET. Both games are available on Peacock. Check your local listings for the NBC game in your area.
Check out the fantasy basketball rankings update as the season enters December.
STOCK UP
Kawhi Leonard — SF/PF, Clippers
It's not exactly breaking news that Kawhi Leonard is great at basketball, but it’s easy to overlook at times given his availability issues from a health standpoint. However, in his return from a foot injury that had kept him sidelined for 10 games, he’s logged three 30-point outings in a row and is averaging 28.8 points, 2.6 three-pointers, and posting 53.3/48.1/97.1 shooting splits across the last five games. Even more impressively, he’s hitting these numbers despite a minutes restriction that has only allowed him to reach the 30-minute mark in one of those games. Obviously, Leonard’s injury history is long enough to make him an unreliable (but impactful) option in fantasy leagues — depending on the fantasy manager, Leonard could either be a valuable player to shop while he’s healthy and performing well, or a nice trade-for candidate for those willing to bet good injury luck is past due. When on the floor, he’ll remain one of the Clippers’ most relied upon players amidst a tough start to their season.
Kon Knueppel — SG/SF, Hornets
Knueppel has very much performed at the level of a top-five NBA pick. He’s leading all rookies in points per game, has made over 30 more threes than the next closest rookie, and ranks in the top-10 in his class regarding rebounds and assists per game. The versatility he’s displaying through the first quarter of the season has already allowed him to become one of Charlotte’s most reliable pieces on the offensive end. Knueppel averaged 19.9 points per game in November, up from 13.8 in October. It feels early for a rookie wall to be looming — I would suggest taking a hard look at Knueppel as a roster addition if he’s available in your fantasy league.
Collin Gillespie — PG/SG, Suns
Gillespie has been a fun player to watch this season, as has the Suns team as a whole. He’s played well in every role so far, but as a recent starter at the point guard position, the production has become even louder. In the former Villanova Wildcat’s three starts, all within the last week, he’s topped 20 points, dished at least four assists, recorded a steal, and splashed four or more three-pointers in each — this includes his most recent 28-point outburst against the Lakers on Monday night in a game that Devin Booker (groin) exited in the first quarter. Gillespie’s contributions may not be as needed or as available once the banged-up Suns receive some of their most productive players back from injury. But until then, he has a chance to continue his upward trend.
COLLIN GILLESPIE WITH A CAREER NIGHT!
— NBA on NBC and Peacock (@NBAonNBC) December 2, 2025
28 PTS (Career-high)
5 AST
8 3PM (Career-high) pic.twitter.com/Zov3kMLfGn
STOCK DOWN
Shaedon Sharpe — SG/SF, Trail Blazers
Injuries stink. Sharpe had really come on as an efficient scorer to begin November, packed with the potential to grab rebounds, tally assists, and collect steals on a nightly basis. More specifically, the fourth-year shooting guard was averaging 26.5 points and 5.5 rebounds on 49.7 percent from the floor through the first eight games of November, including three 30-point games, before being sidelined for four. His minutes are down in his return to the lineup, and so is his production — he’s scored 18 total points over the past two games and is currently coming off the bench. Things could change for the better, but for now, he’s in a tougher spot as a result of the previous calf injury.
LaMelo Ball — PG/SG, Hornets
It’s been another interesting season for Ball. Injuries have taken him off the floor for seven games already, but even when healthy, it appears now that minutes aren’t guaranteed. For reference, the superstar guard was subbed out with 8:31 left in regulation and did not return to the court in a recent overtime win over the Raptors. It could have been a case of head coach Charles Lee rolling with the lineup that had a rhythm during Charlotte’s comeback effort. Or, there could have been a subtle message sent. It’s not my place to speculate, but either way, Ball is averaging fewer than 20.0 points per game for the first time since his rookie season and is currently putting together the worst shooting numbers of his career. There’s nothing I’ve seen thus far that leads me to believe his production will see a significant increase in the near future. But I’d love to be wrong.
Luke Kornet — C, Spurs
Kornet instantly came to mind when Victor Wembanyama’s calf injury was reported. On paper, it seemed as though the former NBA champion would be able to fill in nicely for the superstar center, which he did very admirably in the 13-point, 11-rebound, three-block outing he had against the Kings in his first start and Wemby’s first absence. Yet, Kornet has scored just 6.2 points per game in the following six appearances and only come close to securing double-digit rebounds on one occasion over that period. Many may not have been as high on Kornet’s short-term potential as I was, which I understand. Still, it seems like he could be more productive on the offensive end.
Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves lament their turnover-plagued play in Lakers' loss
Jaxson Hayes grabbed a rebound late in the second quarter and passed the ball to Luka Doncic, who promptly threw a bad pass for a turnover. A few seconds later, Doncic got a rebound and lost the ball for another turnover. Then he threw away another pass. A minute later, he did it again.
Over a roughly two-minute stretch in the second quarter, Doncic turned the ball over four times.
It was that kind of night for Doncic and the Lakers. Their inability to take care of the basketball doomed them in a 125-108 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Monday night at Crypto.com Arena.
The Lakers had 22 turnovers and Doncic had nine.
Read more:Lakers' seven-game winning streak shattered in blowout loss to Phoenix Suns
“Yeah, that was my fault. No way I can have nine turnovers in the game,” said Doncic, who also had 38 points and 11 rebounds. “So in that second quarter... they're giving the shots, (so) instead of shooting the ball, I feel like I was trying to get (everyone) involved. But there's no way I should have nine turnovers.”
Austin Reaves was nearly as bad, turning it over five times.
“I dribbled the ball literally out of bounds one time,” said Reaves, who had 16 points. “I've done it before. I did it tonight and at some point I'll probably do it again. ... I was bad in that aspect, so I gotta be better.”
LeBron James, who extended his double-figure scoring streak in the regular season to 1,297 games, had three turnovers as the Lakers' Big Three combined for 17.
Entering the game, the Suns averaged an NBA-high 10.6 steals per game, and the Lakers were aware of that.
“Turnovers, turnovers (and) transition points,” said James about what went wrong for the Lakers. “And obviously on our home floor and against a disruptive defense like that, you can’t turn the ball over that much. And they were pretty much all pick-sixes. They not only turned us over, they were able to convert.”
Lakers hit the road
Now the Lakers must take their show on the road, playing three games in four nights on the East Coast against opponents all above .500.
They start Thursday night against the 14-7 Toronto Raptors, then face the 11-9 Boston Celtics on Friday before finishing the trip Sunday against the 10-9 Philadelphia 76ers.
"Well, the road trip should always refocus you, no matter how you’re playing,” James said. “So, I don’t think it took for us to have this game tonight to refocus us.”
The Raptors have lost two straight, but they are 8-2 in their last 10 games.
"I don't watch too much NBA, sorry,” said Doncic when asked to share his thoughts on the Raptors. “I know they have a good record. I love the coach [Darko Rajakovic]. ... I know he has (them) playing physical, so we're gonna see."
Read more:Former Lakers star Anthony Davis makes long-awaited return to L.A. after trade
The Lakers will also see if James will play in back-to-back games.
He didn’t play against the Pelicans on Sunday night in the first game of a back-to-back.
Since the Lakers listed James out with left foot injury management, he was asked if that was something new for this season after he missed the first 14 games with sciatica.
“Yeah, it’s called old,” said James, who turns 41 this month.
Poor defense
The Lakers had a defensive plan in place, but it didn’t work.
They allowed the Suns to shoot 57% from the field and 44% from three-point range.
Collin Gillespie, a known three-point shooter, went eight for 14 from three-point range on his way to 28 points. Royce O’Neale made two three-pointers.
“I don't remember ever talking about going under (screens) versus lasers (three-point shooters), and Gillespie's making threes and Royce O'Neale was making threes, going under,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “I don't know, I don't know. It's a weird sort of thing.”
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
How De'Anthony Melton believes he can help Warriors amid ‘roller-coaster' start
How De'Anthony Melton believes he can help Warriors amid ‘roller-coaster' start originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area
De’Anthony Melton is approaching a return to the court at a much-needed time for the Warriors.
After more than a year of rehabbing a torn ACL, Melton is confident his abilities will provide a boost to the 11-10 Warriors.
“I’m trying to provide everything – if it’s from shooting, to playmaking, to defense, to IQ – I think I bring all that stuff to the table,” Melton said to reporters Monday after team practice at Chase Center. “And also, just to have a secondary ball handler out there just to help break guys down and kick out at the same time…”
“… And my ability to shoot and defend is definitely something I think any team can use. So, just bringing all that stuff to the table and just being a smart basketball player too.”
Melton is correct; any team could use a player who brings all those qualities to the table.
Particularly for the Warriors, the team needs more ball handlers. Aside from Steph Curry and Draymond Green in the starting lineup, Brandin Podziemski and Pat Spencer are the only players off the bench who serve as facilitators.
Melton’s return, along with the signing of free agent guard Seth Curry, could help ease offensive flow for the second unit. Golden State currently averages 16.2 turnovers per game, tied for fifth-most in the NBA.
Defense on the perimeter, an issue that became glaring after allowing 31 points to Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard, could see a boost from the shifty Melton.
“I think it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster; I think anyone can attest to that,” Melton said of the Warriors’ 11-10 start to the 2025-26 NBA season.
Melton and the Warriors hope to have the guard make his season debut at some point during the team’s next road trip.
His return could mark an opportune time for the Warriors to create distance from the .500-win percentage they have been hovering around since early November.
“I think Steve [Kerr] has already said it, we’ve been in similar spots around this point last year, and they still went to the second round with a potential chance to [reach] the Western Conference Finals,” Melton noted. “So, I mean, it’s early in the season still. First 21 games, a lot can happen from here on out, and we just got to turn the corner when it’s time.”
Melton played in just six games for the Warriors in the 2024-25 NBA season before sustaining a season-ending ACL injury. Golden State traded him to the Brooklyn Nets as a part of a deal to land guard Dennis Schröder.
Before his injury last season, Melton averaged 10.3 points in just 20.2 minutes per game. The Warriors were the second-best scoring team in the league with Melton, averaging 121.2 points per game in that time frame.