Strus suffered a non-contact right foot injury after seeing limited action as he tried to cut across the top of the key to receive a pass from guard Darius Garland during the first quarter.
He was seen limping back to the locker room. Strus saw just five minutes of action, missing his only shot attempt. He did collect a single rebound.
Strus averaged 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and two assists per game in 12 games played last season. He suffered a Jones fracture in his left foot during offseason training in 2025 while he was with the Cavaliers.
Harris suffered a left calf strain during training camp and will miss the NBA preseason. The Spurs announced the news before their intrasquad scrimmage on Sunday, Oct. 4.
Harris did not play in the scrimmage as a result of the injury and the team said he will be evaluated after the preseason.
In July, the 34-year-old forward signed a two-year, $31 million deal to join the Spurs, who reached the NBA Finals in 2026 before losing to the New York Knicks in five games.
He spent the past two seasons with the Detroit Pistons and served as a veteran presence on one of the NBA’s youngest rosters. The 15-year NBA veteran also played for the Pistons earlier in his career.
Harris averaged 13.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists for Detroit in 63 games played last season and helped the Pistons earn the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference before they were eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the conference semifinals in seven games.
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 4: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Utah Jazz looks on before the game against the Denver Nuggets during the NBA preseason on October 4, 2026 at CU Events Center, Boulder, Colorado. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Utah Jazz beat Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets 109-97 in the preseason opener.
First things first, it was so fun to see the Jazz back in action. It’s been probably the most eventful offseason in Utah Jazz history with winning the #2 pick in the draft lottery and drafting Darryn Peterson. That was followed by the trade of Walker Kessler to the Los Angeles Lakers that netted the Jazz another treasure trove of picks and swaps.
But all that left Jazz fans waiting to see this Jazz team in action. It was a bit of a mixed bag but overall Jazz fans have to be excited. To start, Jazz fans had to be excited to see Darryn Peterson starting, although it probably shouldn’t have been much of a surprise based off what we saw at camp.
First 5 for the Jazz:
F Lauri Markkanen F Jaren Jackson Jr. C Jusuf Nurkic G Darryn Peterson G Keyonte George
Peterson looked like he was tryign to play within the offense more than he was trying to get his shots. He had solid counting stats with 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal (that assist total is deceiving because he set up some good shots on threes that didn’t fall). His shot wasn’t falling as much as you’d like for a debut, he was 1/5 from the field and 0/2 from three. That said, he looked mostly just tentative and got more comfortable as the game went on. His shot was mostly short. The more he gets to the basket the better.
Lauri Markkanen had a classic Markkanen game going 3/7 from three with 17 points. He was just 5/12 from the field though but it was pretty clear what Markkanen’s role might be. Markkanen is hands down the biggest luxury in the league. When he was forcing it in this one, the shot wasn’t quite falling. But when he let the game come to him, he was lethal. Markkanen is a purely offball shooter and cutter. And even though he is overpaid for that role, with this team it works. And because the Jazz have handled their contracts well, and subsidized the roster with young talent in Peterson, it’s fine. It might be an issue down the road, but for now, Markkanen is the most lethal third/fourth option in the league. Utah will mostly likely evolve to have the offense run through Keyonte George and Darryn Peterson with Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen playing off of them. It makes this Utah offense lethal. There’s no player you can double because it opens things up for everyone else. That said, there was one player that struggled in this one…
Jusuf Nurkic wasn’t great in the first quarter. His defensive effort was not great in the first quarter. He also didn’t finish well on offense and missed his threes. It was clear he was the player that Denver was alllowing to beat them and it was the righ strategy. Nurkic got subbed out a few times because of the need for more athleticism on the floor which came in Jaxson Hayes minutes. We’ll see if this starting lineup continues or if Will Hardy eventually moves to having Jaren Jackson Jr. start.
Speaking of Jaren Jackson Jr., JJJ was really good tonight. His ability to play on and off the ball on offense makes him valuable. He had multiple buckets in isolation on in postups and iso’s. He also found open shooters when he got double teamed. On defense he was solid as well, although it was difficult to gauge too much with Nikola Jokic passing the ball. Utah had their non centers guarding Jokic and then had their centers recovering. Jokic was fine being a facilitator and cut up the Jazz, who got confused off ball multiple times. That said, the Jazz defense looked better than last year. It looked like the difference beween the 29th best defense to the 20th best defense, but that’s an improvement!
Ace Bailey was a part of that defense. He was one of the bright spots in the game with his size, athleticism and scoring. Bailey looked like an impact defender and rebounded the ball well. His 10 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block night was really promising. There’s no doubt he’s going to earn more and more minutes as the season goes on.
Finally, Keyonte George looked realy good in a point guard role. He scored 15 points with 4 rebounds and 3 assists but made the right read multiple times. He also manufactured 5 free throws, something that he’s so good at doing. His defensive effort was also there making that contract look good so far. Another smart decision for this Utah Jazz front office that has put together a fun, athletic, young team that is going to surprise some people this season.
MILWAUKEE, WI - AUGUST 10: Bango, mascot of the Milwaukee Bucks, poses for a 'selfie' with fans before the announcing and unveiling the team's new uniforms featuring the Harley-Davidson logo as part of their new sponsorship agreement during a press conference at the Harley-Davidson Museum on August 10, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 2017 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After trading away a global superstar in Giannis and anticipating a major loss in viewership, the Bucks have made the effort to return the focus back to the local Wisconsin sports market, giving fans more control over how they can watch the games than they’ve had in quite some time. On October 1st, the Milwaukee Bucks announced Bucks+, the team’s new streaming platform where fans in the state of Wisconsin will be able to watch all locally televised match-ups (out of market fans will still need to rely on the NBA League Pass). Bucks+ comes in addition to those same games being available over the air on your local My24 station and will also carry podcasts for subscribers, including Behind the Bucks and Hear District.
The decision to launch Bucks+ is a distinct one. Doing so, the Bucks join the Oklahoma City Thunder as the only other team to offer their local games on an in-house, direct-to-consumer streaming app. Many of the teams previously on FanDuel have sold their streaming rights to DAZN, but the Bucks chose to forgo the $2m deal to test the waters with another small-market team on the opposite end of the championship-window spectrum. The app will be managed by the Wisconsin-based marketing company Good Karma Brands, which also owns 620 WTMJ and ESPN Milwaukee (94.5 WKTI), among other stations around Wisconsin (and stations in other states as well).
The last time the Bucks games were completely accessible over the air was the 1994-1995 season, with regional sports networks then taking over broadcasts and only leaving occasional games for over-the-air broadcasts, until FSN took full control in the 2007-2008 season. While to some it may seem like an obvious choice to make after potentially losing part of its international fan base, by doing so the Bucks are at least actively putting their money where their mouth is and making this season about the fans, which is certainly refreshing given how frustrating last season felt. One of the best moves the organization can make at a time like this is finding ways to involve the local community at the same level it did before the Giannis era—including finding ways to make the team itself and spaces like the Deer District accessible and community focused. The moves to keep the game broadcasts locally focused is a great first step in that effort.
Bucks+ is available for $19.99 a month or $99.99 for the entire season. You can catch the first game on it tomorrow—preseason kicks off against the Minnesota Timberwolves!
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 04: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns talks with head coach Jordan Ott during the second half of the NBA game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Mortgage Matchup Center on January 04, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Thunder 108-105. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Are you all prepared for the preseason overreactions? It happens every year. Very rarely can you remember what took place in the preseason if you fast-forward a few weeks, let alone a full year. Any recollection of what took place last preseason? Me either. It was all a blur.
Phoenix finished 3-1 last year during these games, but unfortunately, that did not translate to early-season success. They got off to a rough 1-4 start in the regular season, dropping four straight after winning their season opener against the Kings at home.
They also had a very unusual preseason last year, with 2 games played in China and the one before that against the Lakers in Palm Springs, so it was not your typical travel schedule.
Here’s what I’m looking for in these five games. And yes, five games feels like too much to me. Oh well.
1) Rotation experimentation
This is the perfect time for Jordan Ott to experiment, and I’m sure he will. Last season, as a first-year head coach, there were probably a million things going through his mind, including how he could establish his system.
Now, he can focus more on the rotations, lineup experiments, and pull some strings in areas his focus may not have been as heavy on last year, as he was installing a new system. Phoenix is returning 12 standard contract players from a year ago, along with the entire coaching staff. Less distractions. More implementation.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 27: Head coach Jordan Ott of the Phoenix Suns gestures during the first quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Four of the First Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 27, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
2) Ball movement
I’ll keep this one short and sweet. Let’s see the ball zipping around, please.
The first group especially. Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and Miles Bridges will be the trio I’m keeping close tabs on. Throughout their careers, they have been more focused on getting buckets for themselves. In order for this system to thrive, we need to see all three make some sacrifices.
That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be aggressive. We still need them to get buckets. Just make sure it’s within the flow of the offense. If they all buy in, and we have Gillespie and Kennard running wild with Oso in the second unit, this offense has a real chance at being a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.
Jordan Ott talked about Kennard's movement shooting today and confirmed Kennard and Ighodaro are already working the pitch-and-catch game that we saw with Gillespie last year.
"That's another one Oso tracked quickly. … Instantly some guys just play with Oso better."
Hustle. Heart. Making the right play. Giving a damn.
These are the things the Suns did really well last season. We need to carry that same attitude into the new season, because last year they “stole” several wins by just trying harder than their opponent.
It’s a talented group, but they cannot forget what made them exceed expectations a season ago.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 28: Jordan Goodwin #23 of the Phoenix Suns poses for a portrait during NBA media day on September 28, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
4) Good health
This is the most important thing to me. We need to send all the positive juju possible towards a Suns team coming out of camp and preseason healthy.
The Suns could finish 0-5 and lose by double digits every game, and I would trade that outcome for a clean injury report on October 21st.
5) The Youth Movement + Roster Battles
Play the young guys! Rasheer Fleming, this is your time. Koa Peat, this is your time. Khaman Maluach, this is your time.
And then you have the group fighting for either a roster spot or a spot in the rotation, period.
Ryan Dunn (to an extent), Pat Spencer, Jamaree Bouyea, Haywood Highsmith, Duop Reath, Koby Brea, CJ Huntley, etc.; the list goes on. There are a lot of fringe guys fighting for minutes or eager to earn a spot. It will be an ultra-competitive group, playing with plenty on the line.
Some of these guys’ roster spots are safe, but others are right on the cusp of being waived. These are the battles we always look forward to, and sometimes a huge preseason doesn’t change that fact. Remember Jared Butler getting waived over Jordan Goodwin, which led to an uproar from Suns fans?
It’s incredible to think that the preseason is already here. What are you looking forward to the most? Let us know in the comments.
SACRAMENTO — Outside of brief clips posted on social media, there’s been a mystery surrounding how exactly the new-look Lakers will look against another team.
There’s still another two weeks before the Lakers play a game with stakes, but this week will bring clarity.
What will the new-look Lakers around Luka Doncic show during preseason? Getty Images
The matchup will be the first night of a back-to-back set, with the Lakers also playing the Warriors on Tuesday night at Chase Center in San Francisco, knocking out the first two of five preseason games before the regular-season opener against the Warriors on Oct. 21 in Los Angeles.
Everything the Lakers have been working on behind the scenes from over the last week — and even longer when counting small-group workouts during the summer — won’t be on display during the preseason.
And with coach JJ Redick saying the team was “still working through” who’d be available on Monday against the Kings, there’s no guarantee the lineups used against the Kings will reflect what the team is thinking for the start of the regular season.
But preseason games are still meaningful.
For the reps the Lakers will be able to get in preparation for the next two weeks.
For the opportunities for players to showcase why they should be the ones to start alongside Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler.
Or even be in the rotation in the first place.
Here are a few things the California Post will look for Monday:
Collin Sexton (10) and Walker Kessler (14) will play their first games with the Lakers during the preseason. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Star availability
It isn’t clear how many games Doncic will play during the preseason.
Last year, he played in two of the six preseason games, but that was coming off a summer in which he was with the Slovenian national team for the 2025 EuroBasket through August and September.
After having his 2025-26 season end in early April due to a severe hamstring injury and not playing with the Slovenian national team this summer for the first time in several years, this is the longest stretch of time Doncic has gone without playing competitive basketball since he entered the NBA.
How many games will Lakers star guards Austin Reaves, second from left, and Luka Doncic play during preseason? AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Doncic typically plays 2-3 preseason games per year.
Reaves played in four preseason exhibitions in both 2024 and 2025, but that was also when the Lakers were playing six preseason games.
With a mostly new cast around them, getting the stars and role players acclimated with each other will become crucial, starting this week.
Defensive intensity
The Lakers wing picking up full court defensively in practice was highlighted throughout camp.
How does that transfer to when they’re playing against another team?
And who’s the best equipped to carry out and implement this strategy?
Ziaire Williams has been among the Lakers who’ve received prays for their defense in training camp. AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Adou Thiero, Cameron Carr, Ziaire Williams, Jake LaRavia, Jarred Vanderbilt, Quentin Grimes and Matisse Thybulle are all competing for minutes on the wings — and even at least one starting spot, maybe two.
The answers to the aforementioned questions will provide clarity on who’ll be relied on the most.
The bigs
The Lakers have multiple options for their big man minutes behind Kessler.
Will Kevon Looney have a solidified spot in the rotation? It seems like that’ll be the case based on comments made during camp.
Looney playing more will limit how often the Lakers lean on small-ball looks with Sandro Mamukelashvili at the 5.
SAN ANTONIO, TX -SEPTEMBER 28: Tobias Harris #23 of the San Antonio Spurs addresses the media at the San Antonio Spurs Media Day at Victory Capital Performance Center on September 28, 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
Not long before the Silver and Black scrimmage, the Spurs announced the first injury of the season. Lone free agency acquisition, forward Tobias Harris, suffered a left calf strain during training camp and will be reevaluated after the preseason. He is considered questionable for the regular season opener.
Tobias Harris has a left calf strain that occurred in training camp. He will not play in today’s scrimmage and will be reevaluated after the preseason, per the Spurs. Harris is questionable for the regular season opener.
Harris was signed in free agency after averaging 13.3 points and 5.1 rebounds for a Detroit Pistons squad that won the East in the regular season before flaming out in the playoffs. He fills arguably the one weakness the Western Conference Champion Spurs had last season, which was size and offensive versatility at the power forward position. The good news is the Spurs can afford to let Harris take his time, as they have plenty of depth at the position with last season’s starter Julian Champagnie, plus Harrison Barnes and Carter Bryant.
The Spurs have not provided an update on rookie Jayden Quaintance, who underwent knee surgery following the draft to fix an injury that had been nagging him since his freshman year at Arizona State.
The Knicks hit another gear during the postseason last year, particularly after falling to a 2-1 series deficit to the Hawks in the first round. So much has been written and said about how the Knicks subsequently pivoted to an offensive system that featured Karl-Anthony Towns as a “hub” and facilitator at the elbows, a decision that sparked one of the most dominant championship runs in NBA history.
That decision was a result of an openness within the coaching staff and locker room for dialogue and change. Towns told Mike Brown and his assistants that he wanted the team to give him a chance at the new role. Assistant Chris Jent, who is in charge of the Knicks offense, was also involved, pushing for the Towns-centric system.
Andre Drummond (0), Jalen Brunson (11) and OG Anunoby look on during practice at their training facility, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, in Tarrytown, NY. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
Collaboration and the willingness to try new things were major considerations during the coaching search ahead of last year, which resulted in Brown taking over. And it’s hard to argue that it didn’t play a significant role in the championship run.
The Knicks’ effectiveness in communicating with each other during the playoffs helped fuel their championship.
“I think as a group,” Jalen Brunson said, “we figured out that we need each other to win, obviously, and we need each other to be on the same page.”
Karl-Anthony Towns (32) speaks with head coach Mike Brown during practice at their training facility, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026, in Tarrytown, NY. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
The early adversity is hard to remember considering the Knicks won 13 of their last 14 games — many in blowout fashion. But there was a time, after three games in the first round, when it was DEFCON 1 around the team.
It tested their mettle, but they came together and brought out the best in each other. It’s why Brown actually wants more hard times.
“A lot of people tend to shy away from adversity,” Brown said. “And especially early on, because you get scrutinized, and sometimes it can be tough dealing with that. I actually, I yearn for it. I yearn for it early, because I want to make sure that not only myself, but we as a group can handle it.
“And early on, especially when you have a new group, it’s tough to deal with. It’s extremely tough to deal with, but that will make you better, dealing with it earlier, as you go along throughout the course of the season because you have not only examples to lean on, but you still have your standard.”
Brunson and Josh Hart’s friendship is well-documented, but that the Knicks as a whole are genuinely so close to one another — and are all on the same wavelength, with a comfort level with each other — is a real advantage.
Head coach Mike Brown surrounded by staff after the Knicks practiced on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at Madison Square Garden Training Center in Greenburgh, NY. Robert Sabo for NY Post
They can handle the bad times — and more importantly, use them to get better.
“The first couple of weeks or whatever of the season is going to show us who we are and where we are,” Brunson said. “No matter what we’re doing, whether we’re playing great, playing bad, how are you going to be able to learn? We’ll find a way. We’ll hold each other accountable, just like we did last year, and then we’ll be better.”
There was little change this offseason to that close-knit unit. Ten of the top 11 players in minutes played last year are back, with the only departure being Mitchell Robinson.
In a league where the last eight champions failed to repeat, it gives the Knicks reason to believe they can buck that trend.
“Second year with Mike and all of our assistants, terminology is the same, we’re moving quickly into certain things [during training camp] that we weren’t even close to scratching at this point [last year],” Landry Shamet said. “That alone, all that, just from the team perspective, just breeds confidence as well. You’re stepping into a familiar environment and you feel good about one another.
“We’re just exploring, implementing some things and seeing what worked and if we can build on top of it. But for the most part, kind of knowing what formula works and how can we get back up to that speed as quickly as possible? And from there, having a second year, having a second year in the offense adds some flexibility for some variability. I think it sets us up nicely.”
Team chemistry has a real impact. The Knicks are as close as they come.
HONOLULU – Fewer than three months removed from leading the Warriors to a Las Vegas Summer League championship and taking home MVP, Yaxel Lendeborg found himself in new world during Sunday’s last-second preseason loss to the LA Clippers.
Vegas and Hawaii are different enough. Going from sharing the court with a group of other young players who either have little NBA experience or who are grinding through the G League, compared to being in a starting lineup with multiple players destined for the Hall of Fame, can make a player’s head spin. Lendeborg isn’t lost; he’s learning.
The lesson the Warriors want him to take from his NBA preseason debut is to be more aggressive. Steve Kerr stressed it after the Warriors’ 104-101 loss at the Stan Sheriff Center at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, as did Steph Curry, in their own positive ways.
“Yaxel was good,” Kerr said. “We need him to be more aggressive.”
Lendeborg started as the Warriors’ small forward in a lineup that featured veterans Curry, Draymond Green, Al Horford and fourth-year guard Brandin Podziemski. Four days removed from celebrating his 24th birthday during training camp, Lendeborg played 19 minutes and scored four points on 1-of-6 shooting. Kerr highlighted a specific play early in the third quarter as the perfect example he wants Lendeborg to learn from.
The strong and long forward ran down the floor like his coaches and teammates want him to. He out-jumped his defender to snatch a pass out of the air for what looked like two points from a layup, dunk or a trip to the free throw line.
Instead, Lendeborg tried to force a pass to Warriors center Charles Bassey, who was in close range next to him under the basket. Unselfishness can be applauded, but good intentions don’t always mean the best outcome.
The result was a Warriors turnover on one side and a Clippers 3-pointer on the other.
“That’s got to be a layup,” Kerr said. “We need Yaxel to have an aggressive scoring mentality and that’s something we want to work with him on, because he can make plays and he can score.”
Feel for the game is one of the reasons the Warriors were so high on Lendeborg going in the NBA draft. Though he’s a late bloomer who has paved a unique path to the pros, Lendeborg can see the game in the same light as Warriors teammate Jimmy Butler. He connects the game like the Warriors always have loved, and his passing ability was seen Sunday with three assists, including two instances where he perfectly played the pick-and-roll game with Bassey.
But with Butler sidelined for at least a few more months while recovering from a torn ACL, the Warriors need Lendeborg to unleash his inner beast. They need him to power through players and use his 6-foot-9, 241-pound frame as a scorer, just like he did in coming down with a game-high nine rebounds. They need his inner trust to ooze and know that if he needs to scale back, he’ll be told when to.
Al Horford won the opening tip and got the ball in the Warriors’ hands. It eventually wound up out of bounds from Lendeborg fighting for a rebound over multiple Clippers, but it remained in the Warriors’ favor. After being the Warriors’ indound passer, Lendeborg let a corner three fly in rhythm for the first points of the game.
Lendeborg took five more shots the rest of the game but couldn’t covert. The Warriors couldn’t care less and never want that to sway his confidence in the wrong direction.
“The balance for a young guy who’s expected to have an impact is to walk that fine line of aggressiveness but being OK knowing you’re going to make mistakes and not get deflated and to move on to the next play,” Curry said. “But we don’t want anything passive, and I think he’s been answering that call early. You saw the first possession him taking a shot when he’s open. Grabbing offensive rebounds, driving – I know he wants a couple of those possessions back, but we want him applying pressure on both ends of the floor, but especially offensively being able to create good offense for us.”
Curry even used himself as an example. Now entering Year 18, the all-time great once was a young first-round pick with a spotlight all over him. He still looks back at getting the space to make mistakes as one of the keys to his ultimate success.
“It’s not going to be perfect. He’s going to make mistakes,” Curry said. “I think that he can hopefully thrive off the fact that he can play through those, similar to what I was – well, more expectations as a team – but similar to my rookie year, I got to play through that stuff early.”
Summer league isn’t the preseason, and the preseason isn’t the regular season. Lendeborg is five training camp practices and one preseason game into his NBA career. The Warriors are gifting him the grace of learning from mistakes, and a more aggressive mindset being his biggest negative is a positive in its own right.
Lakers guard Matisse Thybulle says he has been tested on defense daily by dynamic scorers Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. (Eric Thayer/Los Angeles Times)
“I mean, you have to work soooo hard. They’re soooo talented,” Thybulle said, laughing. “And it’s just … I think for me it’s great because getting to play against two of the best offensive players in the NBA every day just primes you for — I think it primes all of us, but me specifically — just primes you for what to expect. And I think it was a big thing when you’re growing up that practice should be harder than the games. And I think in the NBA it’s a little different because you just have to pace yourself for such a long season. But guarding Luka and AR, practice is definitely going to be harder than the games.”
During the first four days of Lakers training camp, Thybulle was frequently listed as one of the players who has been a menace on defense.
Austin Reaves said Matisse Thybulle "annoys" him. How do Luka and Austin annoy him? "You have to work soooo hard! They're so talented." pic.twitter.com/Qz8g1NLGSt
It was why the Lakers signed the 6-foot-5 free-agent wing to a one-year, $3.2-million contract.
Thybulle, along with Ziaire Williams and Adou Thiero, has been praised for how disruptive he has been during workouts.
“I just think naturally it’s going to be a healthy competition and it gets you better. It’s going to make Austin better when Ziaire is picking them up full court every possession and Matisse is in the passing lane trying to blow things up,” Lakers coach JJ Redick said. “I think [Thybulle and Williams] — [and] Adou with his physicality — those guys are getting better from practicing that way. It goes both ways.”
Thybulle made a name for himself on the defensive end of the floor. He is a two-time NBA all-defensive second team selection, both times with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2021 and 2022.
Still, Thybulle said he’s picking up new skills.
“I think, like the best offensive players in the league — Luka being probably one of the best — change pace so well,” Thybulle said. “And I think as I’m growing in this league, growing as a defender, learning when to change pace and go for steals versus sitting back and being solid and make it more of a cat-and-mouse game as opposed to trying to be in every passing lane every single time.”
On offense, Thybulle will try to mold his game around Doncic and Reaves.
Thybulle will be asked to knock down corner threes and fill the lane on the fast break.
Over the course of his seven-year career, he has made 34.9% of his three-pointers.
“I think luckily for me, I started my career in an offense that was similar to that, and just understanding you never know when it’s going to come, but just to be ready,” Thybulle said. “And just for me personally, at this point, having the confidence in my shot to know that when it comes, I’m ready for it, as opposed to just hoping for the best. I think it goes a long way as well.”
Health has been an issue for Thybulle during the past two seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.
He played in just 30 games last season while recovering from a torn ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb and in just 15 games during the 2024-25 season because of right knee and right ankle injuries.
But he’s healthy now and ready for a breakout season.
He’s one of nine new players on the roster and he’s one of the Lakers that will compete for a starting role.
“I leave those decisions up to the coaches,” Thybulle said. “Yeah, so for me, if my teammates are happy with how I’m playing and the coaches are happy with how I’m playing, that’s a good sign to me that I’m doing a good job. But if that means I’m coming off the bench or that means I’m starting, I trust that the coaches know how to use me best to create the most impact, and we’ll go with that.”
Two starting spots up for grabs
When the Lakers play their first exhibition game Monday night in Sacramento, the big story line will be the starting five.
Redick has said Doncic, Reaves and Walker Kessler will for sure start and that the other two spots will be decided by an open competition.
Redick was asked who would be available in Sacramento.
“Obviously, [we’re] still working through stuff,” he said.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - MAY 09: Jalen Duren #0 of the Detroit Pistons waits during the fourth quarter of Game Three of the Second Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on May 09, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Pistons 116-109. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Jalen Duren wanted to make one thing clear — he’s happy to have signed his long-term deal with the Detroit Pistons and wants to finish his career with the team that drafted him.
That might come as a surprise to many fans, who have been living and dying by unsourced media reports about him angling for a trade out of Detroit, feeling disrespected by the franchise, and the relationship being beyond repair.
During his introductory press conference following signing his five-year, $200 million deal to return to the Pistons, Duren said those reports certainly didn’t come from him.
“I’ve never spoken to anyone in the media, made any statements or comments about anything or everything that’s been out there, so you can accept those as rumors,” Duren said. “They do not represent how I feel or what I think.”
So what does Duren think?
That he loves his teammates, loves his team, loves his coaching staff, and sees himself in the Motor City for the long haul.
“I’ve built lifelong bonds and relationships with the people here, and I’ve always seen myself finishing my career here, leaving a legacy in an already legendary organization and city,” Duren said during his opening statements.
The bottom line for Duren?
“I am a Detroit Piston. I want to be a Detroit Piston for life. I want to give everything I’ve got to the Pistons and the fans.”
So how did we get here? Well, Duren said he also learned how much of a business the NBA is, and that all sides are working for the best situation for their respective sides. The Pistons certainly didn’t handle everything perfectly. Perhaps if they started out negotiations much closer to a $200 million number, we never would have gotten here. Duren’s camp seemingly did everything in its power to extract every potential dollar for Duren. That’s their job. But it can also lead to contentious negotiation and some fractured relationships.
If I were going to extrapolate from that just a bit further, I’d say it’s pretty clear where those unattributed comments were coming from that just kept finding their way into reporters’ notebooks, but it’s best to move on. Because there is no reason we all shouldn’t move on.
Jalen Duren wants to be a Piston. The Pistons want Jalen Duren to be their starting center in a legitimate title window. They made a deal that brings the big man back for the next five years. Nothing else really matters.
HONOLULU – Preseason basketball isn’t about perfection.
The Warriors on Sunday in their first preseason game of the 2026-27 NBA season had their highs and their lows, finding a way to overcome a 13-point deficit for yet another thriller at the Stan Sheriff Center at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.
A Lindy Waters buzzer-beater three called for a raucous celebration the last time the Warriors played here in 2024. Sunday’s game again came down to the final minutes, and even the final few seconds. But a Keaton Wagler step-back jumper with 12.8 seconds left was the difference in a 104-101 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Al Horford had their days done after the first half. Curry scored 10 points and drained two threes. Green swiped three steals and didn’t have any turnovers. Horford hit his first three but missed his next three shots from deep.
Charles Bassey (12 points), Brandon Williams (11 points) and Graham Ike (11 points) did their all to lead the bench in the Warriors’ comeback attempt.
Both teams displayed a heavy dose of rust and will want to look away from their shooting percentages, which is expected at this point of the calendar.
Here are three takeaways from the Warriors’ three-point loss to kick off their preseason slate.
First Look at Lendeborg
Every player has his own unique welcome to the NBA moment. A reminder of the rules might have been just that for Yaxel Lendeborg.
Fighting for a rebound on the Warriors’ opening possession, Lendeborg was reminded by a referee to tuck in his jersey after the ball went out off the Clippers. Lendeborg was the Warriors’ inbounds man, and after strong ball movement, the rookie splashed a three from the right corner for the first points of the day.
The only other shot attempt Lendeborg took in the first quarter got swiped by Kris Dunn right as he went up around the rim. His size already stood out guarding Clippers center Brook Lopez, and Lendeborg had a game-high four rebounds in the first quarter. His biggest highlight of the first half came on the other end, when Lendeborg sprinted down the floor and swatted a Gradey Dick layup that went off the Clippers guard.
Lendeborg played 14 minutes in the first half and grabbed a game-high seven rebounds. But he was stuck at three points on 1-of-5 shooting. He started the second half alongside Brandin Podziemski, De’Anthony Melton, Gui Santos and Charles Bassey, and played another five minutes.
His shot, despite the numbers, looked solid, and Lendeborg’s length will be a real advantage. There also was an instance in the third quarter where Lendeborg caught a pass over his defender in transition and deferred instead of going right to the rack, which will be highlighted on the film review.
Hawaii Steph Show
A sold-out crowd erupted more than an hour ahead of tip-off, and everybody knew why. Curry was walking through the tunnel to begin his world-famous warm-up routine. A mere look at the crowd by Curry had the arena going wild.
Then came the game. When the Warriors last spent training camp in Hawaii, Curry didn’t make a single three against the Clippers. Two years later, he splashed his first attempt at the top of the arc off an inverted screen with Horford.
Curry never was going to have a long night in the first game of preseason. The plan was for him to sit in the second half and play between 12 and 16 minutes through the first two quarters. That number ended up being 13 minutes.
In that span, Curry scored a team-high 10 points on 3-of-4 shooting and was 2 of 3 from 3-point range. He also had two rebounds and two assists, but he was one of four Warriors to have two turnovers.
Warriors fans will get their next look at Curry at Chase Center on Tuesday night against the Los Angeles Lakers, but he’s unlikely to play Wednesday night in Portland against the Trail Blazers.
Back to the Drawing Board
The Warriors are one of two teams to have six preseason games this year, and they’ll need every one of them.
Their new 5-out offense was seen from the jump, with their first six shot attempts being threes. A baseline drive from Draymond Green that drew a foul was their first 2-point attempt, and he made both his free throws. As the first half went on, the wheels began to fall off.
Steve Kerr has hammered home how badly the Warriors have to take care of the ball, but they gave up 10 turnovers for 17 points in the first half while not shooting particularly well. The Warriors’ defense struggled stopping the ball, and they had no answers for Rui Hachimura (21 points) or Darius Garland (15).
As both teams rested their starters the majority of the second half, if not all of it, the Warriors’ bench and second unit took advantage. The Warriors outscored the Clippers 30-22 in the third quarter and 28-27 in the fourth, yet Golden State still fell a hair short.
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - SEPTEMBER 28: Yaxel Lendeborg #1 of the Golden State Warriors poses for a portrait during NBA media day on September 28, 2026 at Chase Center in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Mike Rasay/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Golden State Warriors basketball is officially back as the team tips off their 2026 preseason opener with Sunday night’s matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. The game will be played at 4:00 p.m. PT in Honolulu, Hawaii, and can be watched on NBA League Pass.
The 2025-26 season for the Warriors will unfortunately be remembered for injuries. Jimmy Butler and Moses Moody both suffered significant knee injuries that cut their seasons short, while Stephen Curry missed a significant portion of the year with a lingering runner’s knee issue. Midseason trade acquisition Kristaps Porzingis also missed multiple games due to illness. Despite the injuries, the Warriors managed to finish the regular season as the 10th seed in the Western Conference with a 37-45 record. Their season ultimately came to an end with a loss to the Phoenix Suns in their second game of the Play-In Tournament.
What to watch for tonight:
Sunday will provide the first glimpse of this year’s group, as Golden State’s starting lineup will feature Curry, Draymond Green, Brandin Podziemski, Al Horford and rookie Yaxel Lendeborg. Lendeborg, in particular, is coming off an impressive summer in which he earned Summer League MVP honors, averaging 14.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. The team has been impressed with what they’ve seen from their 11th overall pick in the draft, so it should be interesting to see how quickly he can translate that success alongside Golden State’s veteran core.
Snippet of Steve Kerr interview with ESPN out in Hawaii on the Steph Curry paycut, the cap space flexibility and Yaxel Lendeborg’s immediate major rotation role: “Frankly, he deserves it. Summer league or pickup games or now, he’s one of our best players already.” pic.twitter.com/KCmiLCgKTE
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 02: A detailed view of the shoes on Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the First Round of the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at TD Garden on May 02, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images
LAS VEGAS, NV - JULY 10: Egor Demin #8 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on during the game against the New York Knicks during the 2026 NBA Las Vegas Summer League on July 10, 2026 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Candice Ward/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
There’s been so much written and spoken about Egor Dëmin’s greatly improved strength and how it’s helped him amplify his offense, drive the lane and finish without fear. But as C.J. Holmes reports, there are other aspects to his new physique. He wants to play more with the ball in his hands, as he did in college, and wants to see the best player on the opposing team in front of him.
“I’ve been working there a lot this summer, so I’m willing to take a role and take those opportunities to go there,” Dëmin said, adding how he wants to create as he did at BYU where he got the reputation as having the best court vision in his draft class. That’s not something we saw much of last year. Defense is a priority as well, he said.
”Last season it was harder for me, but I think this year what I’m emphasizing on is getting to the lane, getting to the paint, which is going to open up so much more opportunities for exactly that,” Dëmin said. “For being able to create not just for myself but for others and having opportunities for passes and playing in transition, playing fast basketball with gravities like Mike [Porter Jr.], like Julius [Randle], like Mikel [Brown Jr.].”
Indeed, that stronger and more versatile Dëmin should be just one of several improvements to Brooklyn’s distributing game. Mikel Brown Jr. is one of the most electrifying passers in this year’s draft class and Julius Randle is one of the NBA’s top passing big men, averaging five assists a game last season. And although the No. 28 pick in the draft, Joshua Jefferson, will likely see a lot of time out on the island, the 6’9”, 240-pounder played point forward for Iowa State last season.
All of that plus that newly acquired strength should add new wrinkles to Jordi Fernandez’s offense. As Holmes writes:
Dëmin sees opportunity. Porter, Randle and Brown can draw defenders and finish the looks he creates, giving him options in the paint even as Brooklyn distributes the ball among more playmakers.
Porter Jr. thinks it will work out well for everyone. He’s no longer just a 2 who can play the 1, no longer just a shooter but a distributor.
“So, I think Egor is very comfortable playing the point guard position or the shooting guard position,” Porter said at Media Day. “I mean, I think he definitely has physically matured enough to play the point guard if that was needed because guys aren’t bothering him when he’s pressured.
“And now that he’s getting in the paint and finishing around the rim, I think he’ll make a humongous jump.”
Demin also likes reminding people of his game at BYU.
“I think last season it was a lot more off the ball, kind of catch-and-shoot type of plays,” Dëmin said. “While at BYU I was 80% of the game, I was with the ball in my hands.”
