He’s managed to produce a fast start for the Lakers and has positioned himself as an early candidate for MVP.
Dončić produced a double-double in a 138-117 victory over the Miami Heat at Crypto.com Arena on Nov. 2. He finished with 42 points, 13 assists and seven rebounds.
The point guard did receive a technical foul with 1:12 left in the second quarter. He was initially called for the technical foul for clapping in the direction of an official as he was disputing a "no-call."
It would've been his second technical foul of the season, but it was officially rescinded by the NBA on Tuesday. He will not have to pay the $2,000 fine.
“This season,” Dončić told reporters on Oct. 21. “I’m trying to not get techs.”
DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 24: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs plays defense during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 24, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks (4-3) no doubt have a bad taste in their mouths after Monday’s 115-100 loss to the bottom-dwelling Sacramento Kings. And despite the San Antonio Spurs’ own stumbling start to the 2026-27 season, a trip to the Frost Bank Center may not be the easiest palate cleanser to swallow.
After back-to-back losses to start the year, San Antonio (5-2) has found its stride in five straight wins as all-universe life form Victor Wembanyama has started to heat up, scoring 36 and 43 points in back-to-back games last week. He only had to play 24 minutes in the Spurs’ 119-97 win over the Utah Jazz on Monday, which means he’s been resting up for the matchup against the Mavericks since sometime in the third quarter, close to a full 48 hours before Wednesday’s tip. The Spurs host the rival Mavs at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
Here are three giant obstacles the Mavs will have to climb in order to get a win against last year’s NBA Finalists from the Western Conference.
Without Flagg, who was nursing a shoulder injury, and with Kyrie Irving sitting out suffering from “injury management” on the second night of the first back-to-back set of the season, the young Spaniard Sergio de Larrea took the reins for the Mavericks and turned heads for 21 points on 9-of-15 shooting (3-of-4 from 3-point range) in just his third-ever NBA game. The undermanned Dallas bunch kept it close for three quarters before San Antonio put the Mavs away late behind a balanced effort that saw Wembanyama score a game-high 23 points and Dylan Harper add 22 more.
There’s nothing figurative about the next tall hurdle the Mavs will have to get over (or through) if they want to get an ever-elusive win in San Antonio. They’ll have to contain Wembanyama.
His 23 points, seven rebounds and four blocked shots in the teams’ first meeting is a pretty good reference point. In that one, it wasn’t really Wemby who overwhelmed the Mavs as much as it was the trio of swingmen in De’Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle and Dylan Harper, who got anything they wanted against Dallas “swinging door” defense.
Daniel Gafford will no doubt be instrumental in Dallas’ effort to rein Wembanyama in on Wednesday. He’s strung together two really good games, is averaging 1.9 blocked shots of his own so far this season and has pulled down seven or more rebounds in five of the team’s first seven outings — the last five, actually. He’s been much more effective and efficient than he was last season, when he was hampered by nagging injuries throughout the year. He’s been an important cog while the Mavs wait on the rest of the tall tall trees, in Dereck Lively II and Santi Aldama, to get healthy.
Aldama is close, inching ever closer to making his Mavericks debut, as his progress on the injury report suggests. He has been upgraded to questionable for Wednesday’s game as of Tuesday night. But for now, the tall task of limiting Wembanyama falls primarily on the shoulders of Gafford, who stands at least six inches shorter than the Frenchman.
Let’s see how many bodies the Mavericks throw in Wemby’s direction on Wednesday.
Friday’s win over the Rockets is just the latest evidence. The Mavericks don’t have another player on the roster who can do the things that Irving can do — namely, dribble the basketball. He’ll be the best-rested guest in the West, so there are no excuses, either.
In order for the Mavs to have a big night, it starts with a big night from the point guard position. Look for Irving ot log at least as many minutes (35) as he did against Houston and for the Mavericks to make this one a nail-biter down the stretch because of his disruption.
How to watch
The Mavericks and the Spurs will tip off on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. The game will be televised on ESPN, which means tip-off probably won’t be until about 8:50 in reality. You can catch the stream on MavsTV, and the radio broadcast will be on KRLD 105.3 The Fan.
Kawhi Leonard is headed back to Toronto. Getting back on the court is the next step.
The Raptors announced Tuesday, Nov. 3 that Leonard, 35, has completed treatment for swelling in his left knee and will begin the return-to-play process in Toronto. The team will update his progress in one week.
Leonard has missed five consecutive games. He felt something in the knee during pregame warmups Oct. 25 and was scratched from a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. An MRI showed no structural damage.
Coach Darko Rajakovic said Oct. 29 that Leonard was getting his treatment outside of Toronto. At the time, NBA insider Chris Haynes reported Leonard would miss at least three to four weeks. The Raptors didn't say Tuesday whether that window has changed.
This left knee problem is new.
Leonard already has injury history with the right knee. Leonard tore the ACL in his right knee in the 2021 NBA playoffs and the meniscus in the 2023 playoffs – both with the Los Angeles Clippers.
Leonard played in the Raptors' first two games, both wins. He averaged 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals but shot just 32.4% from the field. Last season, he played 65 games for the Clippers and averaged 27.9 points.
The Raptors (4-3) are 2-3 without him. The next update is due Nov. 10.
TORONTO, CANADA - OCTOBER 21: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors reacts against the Chicago Bulls in the second half 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
Toronto Raptors superstar Kawhi Leonard has officially “completed treatment to address left knee swelling,” according to the team on Tuesday.
Leonard has missed the last five games due to his latest injury. Toronto is 2-3 during that stretch.
In his last season with the Los Angeles Clippers, Leonard played 65 games, the most he’s logged since the 2023-24 season, during which he played in 68 games. The last time Leonard appeared in at least 60 games in back-to-back seasons was during 2016-17 with the San Antonio Spurs.
In two games this season, Leonard is averaging 19.5 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.5 steals while shooting 32.4 per cent from the field.
During his 2019 championship season in Toronto, Leonard’s longest absence occurred when he missed four straight games due to load management. The Raptors recorded a 3-1 record during this time.
The last time Leonard dealt with a serious injury was when he missed the first 34 games of the 2024-25 campaign with the Clippers. At the time, he was dealing with chronic inflammation in his right knee.
The Washington Wizards just climbed to the top of the Southeast Division standings! This has not happened in quite awhile! They now host their Southeast Division rival, the Atlanta Hawks for a battle of the No. 1 ranking in the Division.
Game info
When: : Wednesday, Nov. 4, 7 p.m. ET
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC
How to watch: Monumental Sports Network
How to listen: The Team 980 AM, 106.7-2 FM
Injury Report
Wizards: Reece Beekman, Anthony Gill, Alex Sarr, Tristan Vukcevic, Justin Champagnie, Jamir Watkins (Out)
Hawks: Jalen Johnson (Day-to-Day), Jock Landale, Mouhamed Gueye, Henri Veesaar (Out)
Pregame notes
Washington heads the Southeast Division! — This is a real testament to how the Wizards have turned things around. Yes, I know we are only seven games in the season. But, still, let us Wizards fans be excited about something!
The Hawks look for an identity — The Hawks have changed things dramatically. For instance, they traded their franchise guy, Trae Young, to the Wizards last season. And they are anxious to show that was the right move. What a better occasion to do so than when playing the Wizards? Especially as the Wizards just beat in impressive fashion both the Magic and the Hornets.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 02: Baba Miller #18 of the LA Clippers defends against the dribble of Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of a game at Intuit Dome on November 02, 2026 in Inglewood, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 02: Baba Miller #18 of the LA Clippers defends against the dribble of Scottie Barnes #4 of the Toronto Raptors during the first half of a game at Intuit Dome on November 02, 2026 in Inglewood, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Toronto Raptors completed a double-digit comeback to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 125-118 at the Intuit Dome.
Toronto, which did not take its first lead until the final two minutes, came through with a clutch fourth-quarter rally to secure the win.
The Raptors found themselves in a similar position against the Lakers the previous night, but their comeback attempt fell short. This time, however, Toronto learned from that experience and finished the job with a hard-fought victory.
The Raptors continued to experiment with their options at centre, giving Trayce Jackson-Davis an opportunity last night before turning to Collin Murray-Boyles tonight, as Jakob Poeltl did not play.
Both teams traded possessions early, with neither side looking particularly sharp offensively. Trading baskets remained the theme for much of the opening quarter, as both teams struggled to find a consistent rhythm.
However, the Clippers began to create some separation behind their three-point shooting. Kobe Sanders led the charge late in the frame, scoring 11 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including 3-of-4 from beyond the arc as the Raptors had no answer for him.
Los Angeles closed the quarter on a 17-5 run, extending its lead to as many as 13 points before heading into the second quarter with an 11-point advantage.
Toronto looked sloppy down the stretch and simply didn’t do enough to start the game.
The Raptors showed some signs of life to start the second quarter, with Immanuel Quickley getting Toronto on the board before Scottie Barnes added his first basket of the night. Barnes, who entered the game questionable, had been relatively quiet through the opening stretch.
RJ Barrett also provided a spark offensively, knocking down a three-pointer before scoring on a post-up jumper against former teammate Gradey Dick to bring his total to 16 points.
Toronto’s three-point shooting and defensive effort improved, but the Clippers continued to respond whenever the Raptors threatened to build momentum.
Brook Lopez continued to give Toronto problems, taking advantage of the Raptors’ smaller lineup on both ends of the floor.
Turnovers also became a major issue for Toronto, with seven giveaways leading to nine Clippers points. Dick continued to put together a strong performance as Los Angeles extended its lead to as many as 15 points.
Toronto also had to manage much of the quarter without Barrett, who picked up his third personal foul. The Raptors had plenty of work to do after heading into halftime trailing 63-52.
INGLEWOOD, CA – NOVEMBER 2: RJ Barrett #9 of the Toronto Raptors looks to pass the ball as Max Strus #31 of the LA Clippers plays defense during the game on November 2, 2026 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Toronto came out of the halftime break with much better energy, as Barnes, Walter and Murray-Boyles helped spark a 6-0 run to cut the Clippers’ lead to five. The strong start forced Los Angeles to call an early timeout, but the Clippers quickly settled back into the game and restored their nine-point advantage.
Dick and Sanders continued to build on their impressive nights, with Dick making an impact across the floor and Sanders knocking down a three-pointer to cap an 11-3 Clippers run.
Toronto continued to struggle offensively, with Barrett providing a strong performance but receiving very little help from the rest of the lineup.
Jamison Battle provided a much-needed spark off the bench, knocking down back-to-back three-pointers to bring his total to 12 points. Battle was particularly effective from beyond the arc, shooting 4-of-5 from three-point range.
Although Toronto showed some improvement towards the end of the quarter, the Clippers maintained control and carried a 13-point lead into the fourth. The Raptors needed a strong final quarter, similar to last night if they wanted to make a comeback.
Toronto opened the fourth quarter with back-to-back baskets from Alijah Martin and Scottie Barnes, who quietly recorded a double-double. Barnes and RJ Barrett began to find a rhythm together offensively, helping Toronto chip away at the deficit, while Immanuel Quickley added a pull-up three-pointer to cut the lead to eight.
However, foul trouble continued to be an issue for the Raptors, with Ja’Kobe Walter picking up his fifth personal foul and Barrett his fourth, allowing the Clippers to extend their advantage back to 12.
Los Angeles also lost Brook Lopez to fouls, as he fouled out with five minutes remaining, giving Toronto a potential opening to make a push.
INGLEWOOD, CA – NOVEMBER 2: Immanuel Quickley #5 of the Toronto Raptors looks to pass the ball during the game against the LA Clippers on November 2, 2026 at Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
With both teams showing signs of fatigue, Toronto continued to battle and took advantage of opportunities at the free-throw line to work its way back into the game.
Barnes, Quickley and Barrett had carried much of the offensive load throughout the night, and they delivered when it mattered most. Barrett converted a tough layup with under three minutes remaining to tie the game at 109, capping a remarkable 16-4 Raptors run.
Barnes followed with a difficult turnaround fadeaway to give Toronto its first lead of the night. Some clutch free throws from Barnes, Murray-Boyles and Quickley, combined with vintage defensive intensity down the stretch, helped the Raptors complete the fourth-quarter comeback and escape Los Angeles with a hard-fought victory.
Although it was far from a perfect performance, the Raptors showed resilience and refused to give up, earning a crucial victory.
Barnes, Quickley and Barrett led the way for Toronto with strong performances. However, there is still room for improvement, particularly with their three-point shooting, free-throw efficiency and ability to get off to a stronger start.
Raptors fans were hoping to see Kawhi Leonard face his former team, but neither Leonard nor Brandon Ingram suited up. Dick, however, delivered a solid performance against his former team, while Sanders led the Clippers with 26 points. Despite his efforts, Los Angeles could not hold on to its lead and fell to 1-6 on the season.
The Raptors, now 4-3, will enjoy a well-deserved day off tomorrow before travelling to Denver to take on the Nuggets on Wednesday. Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m.
Nov 2, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (15) shoots the ball against Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
There was an unfortunate trend that began to manifest itself during the back half of last season. When the going gets tough, your best players need to get going. And unfortunately for the Phoenix Suns, that trend involved Devin Booker’s struggles to perform in clutch moments.
From February 1 onward, in 11 clutch games in which Booker played, the Suns went 3-8. During those moments, Booker shot 6-of-20 from the field, recorded five assists against eight turnovers, and posted a -34 plus/minus.
That’s concerning, especially when you consider that over his previous 10 seasons, which included some pretty horrible Suns teams, Booker owned a -2 +/- in 316 clutch situations. He shot 40% from the field during those moments and maintained a 1.8 assist-to-turnover ratio.
And it wasn’t as if Booker had struggled in the clutch throughout the entirety of last season. Through the first 19 games in which he played, the Suns were 11-8 in clutch situations. Booker shot 51.2% from the field, recorded 10 assists against only three turnovers, and posted a +27 plus/minus. But upon returning from an ankle injury on February 7, the nosedive began.
You can make the argument that it’s supposed to be tough, that your best player is naturally going to be the focal point of opposing defenses, and therefore his performance will be hindered by the schemes designed to stop him. During that same timeframe, from February 1 onward, Booker ranked dead last in plus/minus among players who attempted at least 20 shots in clutch situations. Jalen Brunson, Luka Doncic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander were at the top of the list, with Brunson posting a +41. And there were plenty of other names ahead of Booker, including Jamal Murray, CJ McCollum, Brandon Ingram, and Desmond Bane.
That only adds to the concern about who Devin Booker is and what he represents at this point in his career, particularly within the context of this Suns team. Because you can make excuses all day long about how he’s being double-teamed or triple-teamed, but great players make the necessary adjustments that lead to team success. That’s why plus/minus, when evaluated over an extended period, carries considerably more value than looking at the number from a single game. The trend we witnessed last season was concerning.
If double teams are being thrown at Devin Booker, why is he turning the ball over so frequently? Does he not see them coming? You know as well as I do that many of those turnovers come from Booker predictably driving into a crowd of defenders and trying to force the issue rather than relying on the finesse that’s been a hallmark of his career.
Why do I bring this up? Because on Monday night against the Golden State Warriors, that familiar trend once again manifested itself. Booker’s inability to execute in clutch moments ultimately contributed to another Suns loss. Yes, there are multiple variables involved, including other players who failed to perform when it mattered most. But none of those guys are making $57 million a year.
Booker re-entered the game with the Suns leading 106-104 and 4:48 remaining. A minute later, he connected on a nine-foot jumper, accounting for his only two points in clutch time. From there, things unraveled.
With Phoenix trailing 109-108, Booker missed a wide-open 12-foot jumper. On the following possession, he turned the ball over. After Jalen Green committed a turnover on the next trip down the floor, Booker was called for an offensive foul, his sixth and final foul of the game.
His final clutch stat line? In 3.8 minutes, Booker shot 1-of-2 from the field, grabbed one rebound, committed two turnovers, and posted a -7 plus/minus.
It’s not the end of the world, but it does raise concerns that Devin Booker is picking up right where he left off last season, when his ability to impose his will on a game appeared to be a fading trait.
You might look at this as a one-game sample, but I see it as a sample of 11 previous clutch-time games. Perhaps that’s still not enough to definitively identify a trend, especially when you consider the body of work Booker has put together over what is now his 12th NBA season. But it’s the manner in which these struggles recur, time and again, that has become the focal point of frustration for a fan base desperate for success and watching a team that can ill afford to lose.
Booker’s game has become predictable, and his execution in these moments has been subpar. And I know that somewhere, somebody is preparing to show me a collection of all the game winners Booker has made throughout his career. I appreciate every one of those moments and what they’ve meant to us as Suns fans. In the same breath, hitting a game-winner against Oklahoma City last season doesn’t equate to a victory last night against Golden State.
Devin Booker has earned the benefit of the doubt throughout his career, but that doesn’t mean he’s exempt from scrutiny when the results begin telling a different story. The Suns need their best player to be their best player when possessions matter most. That requires better decisions, cleaner execution, and an ability to recognize what opposing defenses are taking away. Booker’s past has established what he’s capable of. His present is beginning to raise legitimate questions about his ability to consistently deliver it.
HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Jayson Tatum #0 and Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics high five during the game against the Houston Rockets on November 2, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Celtics could be without both Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard when they face the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night. Tatum, who hasn’t missed a game this season, is listed as questionable with rest. Pritchard, who also hasn’t missed a game, is questionable with a right shoulder contusion.
Both Tatum and Pritchard played on both nights of the Celtics Sunday-Monday back-to-back against the Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets. Paul George and Mitchell Robinson, who each sat out one night of the road trip, are both available to play on Wednesday.
Injury Report for tomorrow vs. MIL:
Devin Carter – Illness – OUT Payton Pritchard – Right Shoulder Contusion – QUESTIONABLE Jayson Tatum – Rest – QUESTIONABLE
Tatum has had a strong start to the season after a complete recovery from his Achilles rupture. The Celtics star is averaging 27 points, 7.9 assists, and 6 rebounds so far this season, while shooting 41.8% from the field and 22.9% from three.
Pritchard has mostly struggled offensively, with the exception of two big-time games against the Chicago Bulls; he’s averaging 13.4 points and 3.4 assists, while shooting 40.3% from the field and 31% from three.
Baylor Scheierman could get the start in place of Jayson Tatum
The Celtics utilized a starting lineup of Derrick White, Jordan Walsh, Paul George, Jayson Tatum, and Mitchell Robinson for the first five games of the season. But Hugo Gonzalez has started in place of Walsh over the past two games, and Neemias Queta started in place of Robinson in Monday’s loss to the Rockets. Baylor Scheierman earned his first start of the season when George sat on Sunday.
If Tatum ultimately rests, the Celtics could once again start Scheierman. Walsh and Sam Hauser are also potential candidates.
Pritchard, meanwhile, has come off the bench every game so far this season. If he ultimately sits, that could open up some on-court opportunities for Mike Conley or Ron Harper Jr., both of whom have been on the outskirts of the regular rotation.
The Celtics are 5-2 to begin the season, with wins against the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls (twice), and Brooklyn Nets. They’ve dropped games against the Detroit Pistons and Houston Rockets.
The Bucks are 1-6 to start their first post-Giannis Antetokounmpo season. Tyler Herro (21.9 points, 4 assists per game) and Jaime Jaquez Jr. (16.6 points, 7.3 rebounds per game) have led them.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 02: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates a three-point basket during the fourth quarter of the game against the Miami Heat at Crypto.com Arena on November 02, 2026 in Los Angeles, 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Through seven appearances this season, Luka Dončić has been utterly ethereal. While many players are off to sensational starts, one would be rather hard-pressed to tab anyone else as the very, very, very (did I say very?) early leader in the clubhouse for MVP.
He’s averaging a league-leading 38.3 points, 8.1 assists, 8.0 rebounds and 1.9 steals while shooting 59.4% on 2-pointers, 42.7% beyond the arc and 88.7% at the charity stripe — all of which are career-high marks. The Los Angeles Lakers are scoring 132.2 points per 100 possessions when he’s on the floor, per databallr.
“It’s crazy, man. It’s crazy. It’s unbelievable. The defensive mindset in me is always like, ‘Why are they not blitzing him?’ or ‘Why are they not doubling?’ ‘Why are they just letting him just walk to his spot and just do whatever he wants out there?’ ” Ziaire Williams told reporters after Monday’s victory over the Miami Heat. “But they’re trying. He’s just that good and he just makes it look that easy. He’s unbelievable, man. Even a better person and I’m happy to be on his side for sure.”
Dončić‘s past five games have been particularly preposterous, averaging 43.4 points, 8.6 assists, 8.4 rebounds and 2.0 steals. During that span, he’s shooting 66% inside the arc, 44.7% from deep and 89.1% at the line, good for 72.2% true shooting.
“It’s fun,” Austin Reaves said Monday, when Dončić poured in 42 points and 13 assists. “Obviously, Luka’s doing incredible things and when he’s doing that, it just opens up the floor for everybody else to play free and confident and I feel like that’s what we did tonight.”
Dončić’s interior scoring is justifiably revered and has remained potent to begin 2026-27. But he’s also on fire from deep, having made six or more triples in five consecutive games, a feat he accomplished only 11 times all of last season. He’s hit eight or more long balls twice in seven games, something he did only four times in 2025-26. The dude is out of this world right now and his teammates know it.
“It just feels like almost anything he shoots, whether it’s a circuit shot or it’s regular stepback three or it’s a tough floater, it just seem like everything he’s shooting is going to go in,” Quentin Grimes said Monday. “It’s kind of a surreal thing. I don’t think I’ve ever been on the court when everything somebody shoots, you think it’s going in. It’s kind of crazy little heater he’s on for sure.”
The Warriors veteran was charged with two technicals on one play in which Green wrapped both of his arms around Phoenix center Khaman Maluach during an attempt at the rim. What followed was Green’s second technical foul as he and Suns guard Dillon Brooks put their arms on each other.
Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green (23) and Phoenix Suns’ Dillon Brooks are separated by security in San Francisco on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. JOSE CARLOS FAJARDO/Bay Area News Group via AP
Former NBA champion-turned-analyst Kendrick Perkins is tired of Green’s antics and called him out on ESPN’s “First Take.”
“When was the last time we discussed Draymond Green and brought him up for his basketball and not fighting? At some point, he has to deliver on the floor,” Perkins said.
“And when you look at the start of this season, Draymond Green has been nonexistent. He has done absolutely nothing for the Golden State Warriors. To me, he has been a liability more than an asset.
“And when you look at Steph (Curry)’s face, yes, he’s always going to protect Draymond Green because of their brotherhood. He’s always going to protect Draymond Green and have his back 1000%. But let me explain something to y’all.
Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the first half of a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Getty Images
“Right now, Steph Curry, his joy of walking into that arena, walking into the practice facility, putting on the Golden State uniform, it doesn’t come from Draymond Green anymore. It’s coming from a young man by the name of Yaxel Lendeborg. That’s who has been the fountain of youth for Steve Kerr and Steph Curry. He has given them life.
“But at some point, we have to stop giving Draymond a pass. …”
Kendrick Perkins is seen prior to Round One of the 2026 NBA Draft at Barclays Center on June 23, 2026, in New York. Getty Images
Green recently shared the importance of therapy to help manage a player’s anger issues in a recent podcast episode but quickly turned heads with his actions against Phoenix. Perkins’ comments ring true, however, as Curry stood by his teammate after the Warriors’ win.
“He lit a fire in all of us, and we had to respond,” Curry said of Green.
ockets forward Kevin Durant (7) looks up during the third quarter against the Boston Celtics.
A testy Kevin Durant got into a verbal exchange with a reporter after the Rockets’ 109-93 win over the Celtics on Monday night, as the NBA superstar took issue with a question about his limited role in the offense.
Durant had just 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field, while pulling down just three rebounds and recording four assists. When asked about what happened with his limited number of shots, Durant became defensive and the exchange became heated.
“Why does that matter to you? We won the game,” Durant said. “Why are you singling me out? [Jabari Smith Jr.] had 30 last game and only had 14 tonight. Are you going to talk about his variety?
Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) looks up during the third quarter against the Boston Celtics. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Durant didn’t let up as the reporter tried to better explain the question.
“What does that have to do with anything?,” the Rockets star said. “Are you just watching me all game? Do you have the solo cam? We won the basketball game, bro.”
Monday marked the fourth time in the last eight Rockets games that Durant attempted 10 or fewer shots and his 12 points were a season low.
Durant has been historically one of the best scorers in NBA history, sitting fifth on the all-time scoring list.
Eventually, Durant did answer about how his on-court presence affects what his teammates can do.
“My presence on the court, regardless, is opening it up for everybody as soon as I step on the court. They don’t have to give me the ball. They’re going to double-team. They’re going to shade guys to me. Even when I don’t have the ball,” Durant said. “My presence alone is impactful to the game of basketball. I don’t have to shoot. I don’t have to dribble. Just me being out there is going to cause a reaction from the defense. My teammates are taking advantage of it.”
Rockets’ Alperen Sengun, right, blocks Celtics guard Baylor Scheierman, center, as forward Kevin Durant drives. AP Photo/Michael Wyke
Durant is averaging 20.8 points per game this season, and the Rockets are tied with the 76ers for the best record in the NBA at 7-1.
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 2: Jordan Clarkson #00 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on November 2, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, 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
For three quarters Monday night, the Knicks looked like they might actually lose to the Nets. The Nets? The last place Nets? While we might get apoplectic, the champs seemed unconcerned about falling behind. When they finally flipped the switch, they turned a 79–75 deficit into a 103–90 win, outscoring Brooklyn 28–11 in the fourth at the Garden. That’s 15 straight wins against the neighbors. Landry Shamet did a lot of the work to make it so.
On a night when the starters happily hurled threes like pre-teens playing Pop Shot, Shamet sank a steady four of six, plus every free throw he took. His season-high 22 kept the Knicks in it long enough for the rest of them to wake up.
While the Knicks spun their wheels in third-quarter mud, Josh Hart collected his fourth foul with a lotta game remaining. Shamet replaced him at 8:44 and scored six points on perfect shooting from downtown. The first, at 2:26, cut Brooklyn’s lead to a single point; the second, with a minute left, made it 77-75. According to Basketball Reference, he had a team-high game score of 19.4. Pretty good for a sub.
Hart had a crooked finger in just about everything that made the fourth quarter exciting. In that final frame, he hit a Kolek-assisted three to pull the Knicks within one, then assisted on back-to-back Anunoby threes and a Kolek layup (everybody seems to enjoy playing with Tyler, don’t they?). Josh intercepted a Julius Randle pass and took it the other way for a layup. His grade suffers for taking just six shots and collecting six fouls, but maybe he deserves a little more love for being a team high +22?
OG played 38 minutes, got to the line eight times, and hit back-to-back threes in the fourth when the Knicks finally started to put Brooklyn away. Seven free throws will do a lot for a night when only four shots fall from the floor. Give credit to his stamina: after bumping bodies with that bull Julius Randle all night, he still had gas in the tank to help his team in the fourth. He hit the go-ahead three at 10:29 and another bomb 28 seconds later to make it 84–79. He also set up Clarkson’s transition three. Loses points for still struggling to finish at the rim.
A weird game for Karl-Anthony. He had double-digit rebounds in the first half, but zero points. After intermission, he scraped together 11 points with much more aggressive drives to the rim. As New York rallied in the fourth, he banked in a short fadeaway, grabbed three defensive boards, and found Landry Shamet for the Knicks’ final basket. His back up, Andre Drummond, grabbed nine boards in his 13 minutes, but dividing the workload between the pair is unsustainable. James Wiseman is glued to the bench. Leon, what’s your move?
Four threes and six assists are dandy, but missing half his free-throws and ten field goal attempts had us a little worried. He’s been mostly automatic since coming to New York, so forgive us for jumping to conclusions like: maybe he should spend less time doing extracurricular activities and more in the gym? He started off the game great, making 3-of-4 from deep, but then disappeared for a while.
Jordan Clarkson: B
7 points (3–5 FG, 1–2 3PT) in 11 minutes (+17)
Some guys can do a lot in 11 minutes. Clarkson squeezed seven points into his sliver of time (entirely in the second half) and was still a +17. As the fourth quarter started, a game that had been a nuisance all night was finally starting to break open. Jordan blocked Nolan Traoré’s layup and hit a transition three seven seconds later to push the lead to 10. He added a floater at 4:00 to keep the momentum going. He loses a point for collecting two fouls and a technical foul in the span of a minute during the third period, which didn’t help matters while the team was flailing.
After the game, coach Mike Brown offered high praise for the vet. “I’ve been around some good teammates when it comes to players. He’s gotta be the best. He’s the definition of ultimate pro,” he said. “You have a veteran that’s been there, done that, and he’s willing to accept the role that most guys wouldn’t accept […]. And he’s willing to accept it… and still try to uplift everybody and connect everybody while he’s going through what he’s going through. That’s the ultimate team player.”
Deuce hit two of four from deep and added a couple of assists. A decent shift on a night when the Knicks could’ve used a few more of those. Two steals is great. Four shots in almost 17 minutes seems insufficient, however.
Hoo boy. Bridges made one shot from the floor and did little on defense to make up for it. The Knicks lost his 16 minutes by 11 points, the worst mark in the rotation. At least he got to the foul line for the first time after six games.
It’s perhaps too soon to sound the panic alarm, but he has shot 16 of 52 for the season. Mike Brown has taken notice. He ended Kal’s night after just a few minutes into the third quarter, and when he sent the starters back at the end of the game, Shamet took Bridges’ spot.
Overall
The Knicks got away with three quarters of sleepwalking because Shamet kept them close and Hart, OG, and the bench gave them life in the fourth. Next up are the Bulls on Wednesday. In their first meeting of the season, last week, the Knicks won but needed 48 points from the bench to bail them out. Do we see a trend emerging?
Smith was stopped by Royse City Police Department officers on a Texas roadway on Sept. 28 after they suspected he had a warrant out for his arrest.
Bodycamera video shows J.R. Smith talking with police officers in Texas. ROYSE CITY PD
The cops asked him to exit his vehicle while they investigated the situation, and as they were trying to get the matter squared away, they struck up a conversation about basketball.
Smith told them he was a former NBA player who retired in 2020. He also explained how he broke into the league and what teams he played for.
Then one of the officers asked him if he had a championship on his résumé.
“Two,” Smith said.
Smith went on to explain he got the rings during his time on the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers.
J.R. Smith chats with police officers about the Lakers in September. ROYSE CITY PD
“So, you got a ring with Kyrie [Irving],” one of the cops asked.
“Kyrie and LeBron,” Smith responded.
Cops stopped J.R. Smith after they suspected he had a warrant out for his arrest. ROYSE CITY PD
The cop, who appeared to be a Dallas Mavericks fan, then made it clear he was not James’ biggest supporter, as he called the former Lakers superstar, “He who shall not be named.”
“Not a fan?” Smith asked.
“He stole Luka [Doncic] from us,” the officer said, referencing the historic Lakers-Mavericks trade that sent Doncic to LA in February 2025. “He stole Luka from us. That was all him.”
JR Smith of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020, at The Arena in Orlando, Fla. NBAE via Getty Images
“Nobody was happy about that,” one of the other cops on the scene added.
“I’m still mad,” the other officer said. “Still mad.”
Just moments later, Smith was placed in handcuffs after it was confirmed he had an active warrant.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James controls the ball against New York Knicks guard Landry Shamet during a game Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, in New York. Brad Penner-Imagn Images
No further NBA conversations took place.
It was eventually revealed that Smith was wanted by the Southlake Police Department for assault causing bodily injury — family violence after he allegedly got physical with a woman during a Sept. 18 incident in Tarrant County.
Smith was accused of “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly” causing “bodily injury” to a female who was a member of Smith’s family or household or with whom he had a dating relationship, court documents stated.
Smith was taken into custody over the allegations and released a short time later. His attorney, Justin A. Moore, said in a statement after the run-in with cops that his client was “eager to see this matter resolved and has full confidence in the legal process.”
“He is presumed innocent, and we will address this matter in Court,” Moore continued. “We ask that everyone respect the privacy of all involved throughout the process.”
Smith is due in court for his next hearing in the case next month.
Savannah James is facing new challenges in this season of her life.
James, wife of four-time NBA champion LeBron James and mother to three children, has been given the task of keeping her family close while every member of the group resides in three different places.
Savannah James attends the Blue Jacket Fashion Show, an event supporting prostate cancer awareness and men’s health through fashion and philanthropy, in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026. BFA.com / BACKGRID
Bronny James plays for the Lakers, and Zhuri James attends school and plays volleyball in Los Angeles. As the matriarch of the family, Savannah tries her best to support everyone in their endeavors while also fulfilling her own.
“The crazy in my life is the fact that I have to figure out how to be three places at once,” Savannah said on an episode of “Baby, This is Keke Palmer.”
“I try not to think about it because I’m like it’s gonna stress me out. And I know it has to happen, but that is crazy.”
LeBron James #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Chicago Bulls on November 2, 2026 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NBAE via Getty Images
Savannah described New York as the primary meeting point between her and LeBron, who decided to live in the Big Apple while playing for the 76ers.
“So, New York will be the hub. So it’s LA, New York and Philly. And my son is in school in Tucson, Arizona. Trying to plan my life out like that is a little crazy for me right now,” she said.
Savannah, who turned 40 years old this summer, spent a lot of time reflecting on entering a new decade and how she wanted to approach anything that life threw at her.
Savannah James absolutely stunned on the red carpet at the TIME100 Sports Gala. FilmMagic
“LeBron going to play in Philly, it’s going to be an adjustment, but it is going to work out. Zhuri going into middle school is an adjustment, but it’s going to work out. And then the boys are kind of living their own lives.
“But I think the way that it feels for me is that I feel different in myself, in the work that I’ve done and the way that I wanted to feel going into this milestone age.
“I am happy to be in this space right now; it feels good.”
The James family may not reside together anymore, but Savannah appears determined to be the glue of the group.
Lakers coach JJ Redick chats with guard Luka Doncic during a break in the action against the Heat on Monday night at Crpyto.com Arena. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Austin Reaves described it as “fun.” Luka Doncic called the Lakers’ effortless-looking offense as “flowing.” And this is still the early stages of development for a team that brought in nine new players.
Through eight games, the Lakers have the most dynamic offense in the NBA. Led by Doncic, the Lakers are second in scoring with 122.5 points per game and first in offensive rating with 121.9 points per 100 possessions. The starting lineup of Doncic, Reaves, Walker Kessler, Ziaire Williams and Matisse Thybulle has a league-best 135.5 offensive rating among five-man groups that have played at least 40 minutes together entering Wednesday’s game at Sacramento.
“Everything’s as expected,” guard Quentin Grimes said Monday after the Lakers hung 138 points in a 21-point win over the Miami Heat. “Winning, everybody’s getting involved, everybody’s making the right play, getting a lot of assists.”
The Lakers (6-2) had 39 assists against the Heat, the most during JJ Redick’s head-coaching tenure. Doncic is on a historic scoring binge; he is the first Laker since Kobe Bryant in 2007 to have five consecutive games of 35 or more points. While putting up a seemingly ho-hum 42 points against Miami, he also had a season-high 13 assists.
“It’s a really good offense that we’re playing right now,” Redick said. “And a lot of that, of course, is Doncic and what he’s able to do and bend the defense.”
Doncic, the NBA’s leading scorer at 38.3 points per game, does his damage early. He typically plays all 12 minutes of the opening quarter and leads the league with 15 points a game in the first quarter. Once he gets his shot going, teams send double teams to force the ball out of his hands. That’s when Doncic can be particularly dangerous.
Doncic has always been lauded for his superior court vision. But the Lakers are still learning to see the same picture. The Lakers had 14 turnovers, including 11 from Doncic and Reaves, during a preseason game against the Denver Nuggets, who were aggressively trapping the Lakers’ ballhandlers. The Lakers threw away a 25-point second-quarter lead on Oct. 30 when the Golden State Warriors ratcheted up the ball pressure.
Doncic’s five turnovers a game are the second most in the league, and Reaves is third with 4.6 turnovers per game.
Some players are new to being on a team with guards who get blitzed nearly every play, Reaves said. It requires players to not only be comfortable making decisions to pass, drive or shoot, but they have to choose quickly. A moment’s hesitation gives away the four-on-three advantage created by the double-team.
Redick praised Grimes’ ability to keep advantages by driving decisively. Forward Sandro Mamukelashvili is also great at it, Redick said, as is guard Collin Sexton, who knows no speed other than full. The Lakers have also finished their advantages with Thybulle and Williams making27 of 58 (46.6%) three-point attempts combined.
“That’s the beauty of our team,” Williams said. “You could put different guys at different spots and everyone’s able to make a play. All our guys are just dynamic and versatile. And everyone just wants to make the right play. No one wants to only shoot, there’s no egos. And that’s the fun part about it, you know? We all love to see each other succeed.”
Williams missed three games because of a sore left foot but returned Monday with nine points, two rebounds and two assists off the bench. When Jake LaRavia jumped into the starting lineup, the Lakers were just as effective offensively as their first-choice lineup. When Doncic, Reaves, Kessler, Thybulle and LaRavia are together, the Lakers’ 144.3 points per 100 possessions ranks first among lineups that have played at least 30 minutes.
Heat forward Giannis Antetokounmpo reaches through the hoop to block a reverse dunk by Lakers center Walker Kessler on Monday night. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
But numbers don’t normalize until about 250 minutes, Redick believes.
“I think there’s always room for improvement,” he said Monday.
The Lakers have the most room for improvement on the defensive side. Their defensive rating of 114 points allowed per 100 possessions is tied with the Clippers for 20th in the NBA. They still rank 28th in rebounding, despite three consecutive double-doubles from Kessler, who responded after Redick challenged the center to be a larger rebounding presence.
“This team can become a great team,” Redick said before Monday’s win over the Heat. “That requires patience, that requires a lot of coaching and teaching and buy-in, and so that whole process takes time.”
