Category: NBA

Stephen Curry, the greatest shooter of all-time, walked off the floor Wednesday, Nov. 11 during a game against the Houston Rockets, clearly grimacing. Curry, who appeared to be favoring his right side, then walked to the locker room, with a trainer following. The Golden State Warriors announced minutes into the second quarter that Curry would not return for the rest of the game with right abdominal soreness.

Warriors coach Steve Kerr said after the game that Curry said he "tweaked something in his abdominal area," which Curry told his longtime coach he had never done before. Kerr said Curry left the arena to get an MRI.

"Concern is high but I have no idea the extent of the injury," Kerr said.

So, what happens now?

This is stating the obvious, but it will depend on the severity.

While Curry was in clear discomfort when he left the floor, he did try to tough it out for a few possessions. That alone is not enough of an indicator to provide a tangible assessment, but it could hint to the degree of severity.

Either way, abdominal or oblique injuries can be complicated. Because they are part of the core muscles, many basic athletic movements can become painful.

They can also take time to heal, especially if there’s a muscle tear. Magic forward Paolo Banchero, for example, missed 34 games during the 2024-25 season with a torn oblique. If it ends up being a strain, however, any Curry absence would undoubtedly be far shorter.

Regardless, if Curry is forced to miss time, the Warriors will face the impossible problem of making up for the loss of a player who’s irreplaceable.

Curry is playing at an MVP-caliber level, and Golden State simply does not have any options who come close. Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg has been sensational in his first month in the NBA, and surely he will be forced to take on more offensive responsibility. Same goes for starting guard Brandin Podziemski, though to a lesser extent.

What the Warriors won’t be able to replace is Curry’s perimeter shooting and the way that opens up space on the floor. Curry is the best off-ball player in the NBA and tirelessly bounds around the floor, looking for small gaps. Those alone are enough for him to get shots off.

And, considering he entered the night making field goals at 50.3% and 3-pointers at 45.7%, that efficiency will be sorely missed.

The Warriors haven’t issued an update on Jimmy Butler’s status, but if Curry is forced to miss extended time, that could potentially put some pressure on Butler to lead the team as soon as he returns, should the timing coincide.

Either way, if Curry misses extended time, it’s tough to see Golden State remaining as competitive as it has been to start the season.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What does Steph Curry injury mean for Warriors? Can they weather the storm?

The Spurs’ win streak has reached 10 games. Despite looking lackadaisical and digging a hole for themselves early in their visit to Chicago, they managed to mount a second-half comeback to beat the Bulls 124-119.

It’s hard to predict when a trap game is coming, but when the Bulls, losers of seven straight heading into the matchup, made the Spurs, winners of nine in a row, look helpless in the first half, it seemed like Wednesday’s bout was going to be one of them. The NBA has a way of humbling even the teams that are steamrolling opponents because on any given night, the tables can turn. Early on, the play of De’Aaron Fox and Victor Wembanyama was enough to keep up with a shockingly hot Chicago team that simply couldn’t miss, but as the minutes passed, and especially when the bench checked in, San Antonio found itself looking at a mounting deficit and not a lot of answers on how to reduce it.

There were a lot of reasons for the struggles in a first half in which the Silver and Black gave up 70 points. The Bulls’ five-out look, with Jalen Smith at center, prevented Wemby from being the defensive presence he normally is at the rim. Some questionable lineups from Mitch Johnson predictably struggled on both ends, with the ones featuring Luke Kornet really floundering, as the big man couldn’t make an impact in any area. Fox and Wembanyama did well, but the offense as a whole featured either a lot of hesitation or guys forcing the issue and trying to score one-on-one instead of making a terrible Chicago defense move. It was the perfect storm of poor play from the Spurs and surprisingly good minutes from their opponent.

Trap games will happen, and they normally don’t mean much, so when the Silver and Black were down 22 in the second quarter, it was reasonable to assume their streak might end sooner than it should have, and that was fine. As they trimmed the Bulls’ lead to 14 heading into the break, a comeback appeared possible, but it seemed like it would require adjustments in strategy and attitude that, after such an underwhelming start, didn’t look all that likely. Then, as the second half started, the Spurs decided that, actually, they wanted their 10th win in a row, and that was that.

The ball started moving, and there was no hesitation going to the basket. Harper came alive, both dishing out assists and scoring, while Wemby continued to dominate, roaming more on defense and consistently making the right play on offense. Even the bench, which had been dreadful earlier, held its own thanks to an active Kornet and good minutes from the three forwards.

The Spurs looked like the juggernaut they are in the third, as they tend to do when they don’t make unforced errors and play with energy, instead of the timid team that opened the game. It helped that the Bulls came back to earth after a scorching first half from beyond the arc, but the opponent rarely matters when San Antonio starts operating near its highest level. Heading into the final frame, the visitors led by one.

The Spurs only got the lead to 15 at a point in the fourth quarter, which is hardly large enough in the modern NBA to be confident about it being secure, but while the box score didn’t accurately reflect how in control San Antonio was, it was obvious to those watching. After showing the low floor that has Mitch Johnson worried in the first half, the Silver and Black had their sky-high ceiling in full display in the second. Consistency is still not the team’s strong suit, but as long as they keep winning, no one should really be too worried about the ups and downs of November games.

Game notes:

• Wembanyama has been Tim Duncan-esque in the way he doesn’t need to have loud games to have great ones. There were spectacular moments involving him, as they always are, but without looking otherworldly, he easily logged 32 points, nine rebounds, and five blocks. It’s too early in his career to start taking his greatness for granted, but he has been making the game look so easy lately that it might start happening if we are not careful.
• De’Aaron Fox played the perfect Robin to Wemby’s Batman in the first half as a scorer, dropping 17 points. Dylan Harper took over the role in the second half, scoring 11 points of his total 18. Harper finished with 10 assists while Fox had nine. On a night in which Stephon Castle struggled, the other starting guards stepped up.
• With Devin Vassell still out, Julian Champagnie got another start and had a decent game, finishing with 12 points, two assists, and two steals on 35 minutes of play. Curiously, he didn’t log a rebound. It’s the second time it has happened this season. Last season, it didn’t happen a single time in 82 games. Rebounding is one of Champagnie’s strengths, but the different roles and lineups might be affecting his ability to secure boards.
• Like most of the team, the bench was bad in the first half, but had a much better showing in the second half, with 21 of the 30 points scored by the non-garbage time subs coming in the last two quarters. Keldon Johnson, who is looking like a much better passer, also had four assists. Everyone did their job, which helped the Spurs tremendously.

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Next game: vs. Warriors on Friday

The Warriors have been better than expected this season, but Stephen Curry had to leave the game on Wednesday against the Rockets with an injury, so they could be missing their engine in their visit to San Antonio.

Houston Rockets guard Marcus Smart was ejected after he threw a punch and just barely grazed the face of Golden State Warriors forward Charles Bassey.

The incident came with 21 seconds left to play in the third quarter of a game Wednesday, Nov. 11, during a stoppage.

Just before the punch was thrown, Smart and Bassey got tangled up under the rim when trying to box out during a Warriors possession. The two continued to jaw at each other up the floor. Then, when play halted, Smart squared up and threw a right-handed hook that nearly landed on Bassey’s cheek. Bassey had moved his head backward to avoid contact. Officials later said that Smart made contact to Bassey’s nose.

Marcus Smart was assessed a flagrant 2 and ejected after throwing a punch at Charles Bassey. pic.twitter.com/50qOhVowK3

— ESPN (@espn) November 12, 2026

One official immediately grabbed Bassey and separated him, while players from both teams swarmed around Smart to deescalate. Several Warriors players on the floor also took exception to the punch and were shouting at Smart, who then walked off the floor and headed straight into the locker room, surely aware that he would be tossed for the gesture.

Officials then reviewed the sequence and determined that Smart would draw a flagrant foul 2, which draws an automatic ejection.

Smart scored 6 points on 2-of-2 shooting and added 2 rebounds and 1 assist prior to his removal. Bassey was not disciplined whatsoever for his role in the matter.

Rockets coach Ime Udoka relayed Smart's view of the altercation after the game.

"Marcus, I just talked to him, he said they got wrapped up and his elbow that he had hurt got bent up. And so he said something to him and Bassey said 'What you going to do?' and he did it," Udoka said.

Bassey shared his view of the altercation postgame as well. He called Smart's play throughout the game "dirty" and said the altercation was Smart showing "fake toughness."

Charles Bassey on Marcus Smart throwing a punch at him: “Fake toughness.”

“I don’t think he was trying to play. I think he was trying to get himself out of the game.” pic.twitter.com/ZxbgvUDeY9

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) November 12, 2026

This story has been updated with new information.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Marcus Smart throws punch at Warriors player, ejected from Rockets game

The Utah Jazz lost to the Orlando Magic, with a final score of 123-108 in a game that where the Jazz showed signs of life, until the latter half of the fourth quarter.

Once again, Darryn Peterson played well. He finished the night with 20 points, four rebounds, five assists, on 7-19 from the field and 2-9 from deep.

Notably, Peterson is reading the floor better already. He’s reading the drop big on free-throw line extended screens better; tonight he fainted a screen rejection, then stepped into open space after the defense bit on the fake. He’s adjusting his driving angles by attacking the rim perpendicularly; tonight he created space against the shot-blocker by creating contact against the blocker’s chest and leveraging rim as a shield. And on defense, his hands are as active as ever, ending the night with a block and a steal.

We must sing Ace Bailey’s praises as well. More than anyone else on the roster, Bailey has adjusted his playing still to fit the needs of the team. He attacks the glass and defends the perimeter relentlessly. And as evidenced by his 4 blocks tonight, he’s developed as a phenomenal secondary rim-protector. It’s not secret that his shot has struggled, but he managed to finish the night with 18 points, along with seven rebounds and two assists.

For Orlando, Franz Wager matched a career-night with 38 points, with eight rebounds and an assist. While injuries have hampered the Magic as well, the trio of Wager, Desmond Bane, and Anthony Black accounted for 85 of Orlando’s 123 points, proving insurmountable for Utah.

The winless streak extends to 10. With this loss, the Jazz’s chances of partaking in post-season play are infinitesimally small. Thanks to our friend Dan Clayton at Salt City Hoops, we can see that only one team in the last 20 yearshave made postseason after starting 1-10 (let alone, 1-11):

Teams this century to start 1-10 and make the playoffs

'21-22 NOP. Zion misses the year. They start 1-5 w/ BI leading the way, then he gets hurt and they fall to 1-12. BI comes back, then they get McCollum at deadline, finish 18-14 to grab 9th spot, then win both play-in games.

— dan c. (@danclayt0n) November 11, 2026

Who knows? Darryn Peterson proving that he’s the budding star we thought he was seems like a great starting point for beating the odds. Utah take a one-stop road-trip to Houston to take on the Rockets on Friday.

Game Info

When: Thursday, November 12th at 7:00 p.m. ET

How to watch: Monumental Sports Network, League Pass

Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.

Injury Report

Wizards: Jamir Watkins – Out (Knee), Tristan Vukcevic – Out (Hip), Reece Beekman – Out (Shoulder), Justin Champagnie – Out (Foot)

Pistons: Ugonna Onyenso – Game Time Decision (Foot), Isaiah Joe – Out (Hip), Jalen Duren – Out (Hamstring)

Pregame notes

After four games away from Capital One Arena the Wizards return home to host the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night in hopes of snapping a five-game skid. the Pistons contributed a 122-111 loss in Detroit on Monday night despite a season-high 44-point performance from Anthony Davis.

Washington is playing the second game of a back-to-back after falling 114-101 to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, while the Pistons haven’t played since Monday night in Detroit.

Davis has been the Wizards’ best player through the first 11 games of the season, averaging 25.7 points and 9.7 rebounds — leading the team in both while pacing Washington with 1.3 steals per game.

Trae Young has also provided a consistent presence in Washington’s backcourt, averaging 18.5 points and a team-high 8.7 assists per game. Young has helped establish the Wizards’ offensive identity, creating opportunities for Davis and the rest of Washington’s young core including Kyshawn George who has emerged as another important piece of that group.

The third-year forward is averaging 17.9 points, 4.9 assists and 4.4 rebounds through 11 games. His ability to handle the ball alongside Young, create for teammates and score from all three levels has given Washington another reliable offensive option.

AJ Dybantsa is averaging 16.7 points and 6.1 rebounds in seven appearances. The No. 1 overall pick has continued to show his scoring ability as he adjusts to the NBA, giving Washington another young player capable of making an impact offensively.

After completing a season series sweep of the Indiana Pacers on Monday, the Dallas Mavericks (7-4) hit the road once more to start a weekend road trip. That trip starts Thursday, as Dallas visits the Minnesota Timberwolves (8-3). Dallas has won three contests in a row since suffering back-to-back losses against the Kings and Spurs. Meanwhile, the Wolves have been resting since Sunday, when they beat the Utah Jazz at home. Minnesota has won four consecutive contests.

Someone’s streak will come to an end Thursday night. Before the game tips off, here are a few things to know.

Ball-in

The Wolves have been without Anthony Edwards since he underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on October 29th. You might think that has slowed the Wolves down a bit, but in fact has not. Minnesota has won five of six without their franchise cornerstone, with four of the five wins being by double digits. Edwards averaged over 33 points per contest this season, and the Wolves have made up for it in a collective manner. 

Some days it’s Lamelo Ball, who is averaging 18 points and six assists per game. Other days, it’s Jaden McDaniels, who is averaging a career best 17 points per game. Other nights, it’s Ayo Dosunmu, who has excelled in his new starting role by averaging 18.1 points per game on nearly 47% shooting from deep. That doesn’t even include defensive stalwart Rudy Gobert, former Warrior Jonathan Kuminga, or bench scorers in Terrence Shannon Jr. or Bones Hyland. Suffice to say, even without their all-world star, these Wolves can still hunt.

Cooper’s conquests

There isn’t a ton that hasn’t already been said about Cooper Flagg. The guy is an unbelievable player already, and there are still levels to go. One of the things that kept flagging (pun intended) during the two-game skid Dallas endured recently was Cooper’s willingness, or lack thereof, to really trust his shot and let it fly from deep. Well, don’t look now, but Cooper has gone six for his last eleven from long range over the last two games. In both of those games, Flagg shot over 60% from the floor. The outside shot opens up so much more inside the arc for him to operate and get downhill. It’ll be worth watching Flagg in this one, as the Wolves have the length on the perimeter and Gobert in the middle to potentially fluster Flagg.

Breaking habit

As I was sitting down to write this preview, I was thinking to myself that Dallas hasn’t beaten Minnesota in a while. What I failed to realize is just how long it’s been. The Mavericks haven’t beaten the Wolves since this game.

As the great man Drake once famously wrote, Nothing was the Same. For the Mavs, yes, old friend Luka Doncic was still around the last time Dallas won a game against Minnesota. Kind of illustrates just how drastically different directions these franchises took since their Western Conference Finals meeting in the summer of 2024. Perhaps these Mavericks can find their winning ways once again against the Wolves.

How to watch

KFAA Channel 29 or your Mavs TV app will have you covered locally for this one. Outside of Dallas, NBA TV will have the broadcast. The radio broadcast will be on KRLD 105.3 The Fan. Tipoff is scheduled for just after 7:00 p.m. CT from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The Milwaukee Bucks put up an early fight against the Los Angeles Lakers but ultimately fell short, losing 123-112. Tyler Herro led all Bucks scorers with 27 points and seven assists, while Jaime Jaquez Jr.—coming off the bench for the first time this year—dropped 25 points. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 30 points, while Sandro Mamukelashvili led the Lakers’ second unit with 23 off the bench.

NBA.com Box Score

Game Recap

Earlier in the day, it was announced that Myles Turner would rest, Kel’el Ware would start, Nate Ament would start at SF, and Tyler Herro would be available. That lineup got off to a hot start, with Herro hitting a mid-range floater before Brayden Burries showed incredible body control, scoring over Walker Kessler with a tricky little finger roll. Of course, Luka Doncic needed just four minutes to score nine points—and he hardly broke a sweat—as the Lakers pulled out a 14-7 lead. Jenkins began rotating through the bench early, and tried several lineups and looks that kept LA on their toes. One of these rotations was Jaime Jaquez Jr., who seemed to have a respawn point under the hoop and, almost at Luka speed, scored eight points to keep the game within one possession for the rest of the first. Bucks down 30-28 after one.

Milwaukee stayed aggressive on defense to open the second, which helped keep the Lakers within striking distance. After LA built their lead back to eight, came the highlight of the night: Nate Ament posterizing Kessler on the fast break to snap the cold streak. Whew. Jaquez continued his effective play, matching Herro through the middle of the second with 13 points to lead the team in scoring. However, Milwaukee then hit their usual cold stretch, allowing the Lakers to piece together a 7-0 run that pushed their lead back to nine before the half. Accordingly, Herro had to check back in to quell the run, matching Luka’s 19-point half with 18 of his own. The Lakers would not slow down, though, and the Bucks went into the locker room down 50-61. Despite the hot-and-cold shooting, there was a lot to like from the first half, including the Bucks almost matching the Lakers’ shot total (44 to 46) and matching the assist total with 14.

Both teams got off to a slow start in the third because of disruptive wing defence. The Bucks, however, were less effective at closing out on defensive possessions, which allowed the Lakers to get multiple shots per possession and turn the tide. Their lead grew to 17 by the 5:20 mark, and as Milwaukee announcer Marques Johnson alluded to, the Bucks were trying to hold on tight to a rope that kept gradually being pulled away. And yeah, that is what it felt like: Milwaukee didn’t exactly give the game away, but they didn’t help themselves either, with too many defensive rebounds slipping away. Other than Herro and Jaquez Jr., no other Bucks player reached double figures by the end of the third, and the Bucks were now well behind at 73-94.

Former Buck Sandro Mamukelashvili opened the fourth quarter with a driving layup to bring his point total to 23, proving to be a real difference-maker. Milwaukee just couldn’t find its groove, shooting 2/11 through the first six minutes, with the deficit still hovering around 20. By then, the Bucks had scored just six second-chance points for the game (!) to the Lakers’ 31, illustrating their lack of front-court presence. During garbage time, however, Milwaukee stitched together a 13-0 run, which at least showed some continued hustle from a young team, but it ultimately masked another blowout loss.

Stat That Stood Out

Nine: The number of first-quarter assists for the Bucks. For the rest of the game, the Bucks notched just 16.

Obscene Overreaction

The Bucks need a primary playmaker, and while the recent returns haven’t been stellar, Milwaukee should consider starting Jakucionis to see if he can set the table and help others find their shots. There really isn’t a single player who would not benefit from the Bucks having a primary playmaker; someone who can help control the tempo and distribute the ball. This year will be all about development, and the Bucks need to see if Jakucionis can fill a reliable true point guard role.

The start of this game had all the makings of a game in Milwaukee amidst a November road trip.

The Lakers entered the game with Quentin Grimes (right finger sprain) being the only player unavailable but left it with Luka Dončić rolling his ankle, Austin Reaves tweaking his left heel and Collin Sexton bloodied after an incidental headbutt with Ryan Rollins.

Despite the start and the injuries, Los Angeles took care of business and carries a six-game win streak into Phoenix to close out its first extended road trip of the season.

So, let’s dive into the win. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.

Jake LaRavia

21 minutes, 0 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 0-4 FG, +14

The box score didn’t treat LaRavia the best this game, but his impact continues to defy counting stats. Fifty-fifty balls, defense, running in transition, all factors in the Lakers being a plus-14 while LaRavia was on the floor.

Grade: B+

Walker Kessler

29 minutes, 10 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, 1 steal, 4 fouls, 5-10 FG, +19

I thought Kessler started this game a bit too passive around the rim defensively and it set the tone for the rest of his game. Nonetheless, he was yet again a crucial conduit between the Lakers’ defensive and offensive production.

Grade: B

Matisse Thybulle

23 minutes, 8 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 turnovers, 3-6 FG, 2-4 3PT, +4

It took Thybulle a half to really make his impact felt, but he continues to be a steady producer on both sides of the ball. Steals, deflections and threes have defined his impact this season and it was the same tonight.

Grade: B

Luka Dončić

32 minutes, 32 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 turnovers, 3 steals, 10-25 FG, 5-12 3PT, 7-10 FT, +21

Luka makes it nine straight 30-point games but tweaked his ankle with around four minutes left in the game and the Lakers up by 20. Dončić was good, again, but started this game with a questionable shot diet and committed some lousy turnovers.

Of course you take the good with the bad, but Dončić’s start of the game held him back from this being another all-around great game.

Grade: A-

Austin Reaves

25 minutes, 18 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 turnover, 6-10 FG, 1-3 3PT, 5-5 FT, +23

Before leaving the game with his injury, Reaves was the ying to Dončić’s yang, providing the Lakers with balance, a steady shot diet and conservative ball handling. If it weren’t for the injury, Reaves was well on his way to yet another efficient 20-plus-point outing.

Grade: A

Sandro Mamukelashvili

26 minutes, 23 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 9-15 FG, 5-8 3PT, +21

Mamu is stringing together some of the best games of his Lakers tenure. His connectivity was on full display tonight, draining threes and seemingly switching onto everyone on defense. His ability to relieve stress both in transition and in the half-court on offense remains invaluable.

Should Reaves or Dončić miss time, having someone like Mamu is a luxury.

Grade: A+

Ziaire Williams

20 minutes, 9 points, 5 assists, 2 steals, 4-5 FG, 1-1 3PT, +11

Speaking of continued production, Williams remained a consistent bench player tonight. His defensive intensity, especially on Tyler Herro leading to a scuffle, is an important aspect in keeping an otherwise below-average group above water. It also helps when he makes his threes.

Grade: B+

Collin Sexton

13 minutes, 10 points, 3 assists, 1 rebound, 1 turnover, 1 steal, 4-8 FG, 0-3 3PT, 2-2 FT, +1

It’s been an up-and-down season for Sexton thus far, but he continues to show improved poise when handling the ball in the non-Luka minutes. However, it still feels like he takes up a little too much of the usage when sharing the floor with Reaves.

Grade: B

Cameron Carr

13 minutes, 0 points, 2 rebounds, 2 turnovers, 0-3 3PT, -13

This road trip was good for the rookie, who got some real minutes in a couple of games. Tonight was evidence that Carr is still getting his footing and adjusting to the pace of the game. Aside from diving on the floor for a ball he lost, I feel we’re still yet to really see how much of an impact he can have on the floor.

Grade: B-

Jarred Vanderbilt

Vando played just nine minutes, but each of them was impactful. He brought instant energy in his first shift and continues to show improved aggression around the rim. He’s had four points.

Bronny James, Jaden Hardy, Kevon Looney

James, Hardy and Looney each played four minutes of garbage time after Dončić rolled his ankle and, yet again, almost blew a lead. Each of them was a minus-13 in their shift. Hardy has the greenest light in the NBA, James remains passive and susceptible to pressure and Looney took the floor for the first time in weeks (give him some grace).

JJ Redick

Redick admitted that tonight could have easily been a trap game given how the team started. Many will also dock him for keeping Dončić in the game with four minutes left while up 20 when he eventually tweaked his ankle, but his explanation that the star wouldn’t have been out there if Sexton didn’t go down was reasonable.

JJ Redick told reporters that had Collin Sexton not exited the game early, he would've been on the floor instead of Luka Doncic when Doncic suffered his ankle injury late in the game.

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) November 12, 2026

The Lakers are on a seven-game win streak and Redick is pushing all the right buttons.

Grade: A

Wednesday’s DNPs: Carson Cooper

Wednesday’s Inactives: Quentin Grimes

You can follow Connor on Twitter at @cmorenoNBA.

For one night, the Cleveland Cavaliers exorcised their demons at Madison Square Garden. They came away with an impressive 115-107 win over the defending champion New York Knicks.

Three stars of the game

First star: James Harden

32 points on 9-for-14 shooting, 4 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals

Few players in NBA history have been able to single-handedly raise an offense’s floor and ceiling like Harden. His ability to score from anywhere, manipulate defenders with his body, and make every pass made him nearly unguardable in his prime — while also allowing him to remain effective into his late 30s. However, that offensive consistency hasn’t been there yet for the Cavs at the start of the season.

Harden needs his scoring and playmaking to work in concert with each other if he’s going to elevate an offense. When he’s scoring well, he draws the attention of the entire defense, which leaves teammates open for easy shots. But when he isn’t able to create space off the dribble or connect on the outside shot, defenders can stay home with their assignments. And when they are staying home, those openings for Harden to set up teammates just aren’t there. Everything is based on his scoring.

Over the last handful of games, we saw just how bad things can look when Harden isn’t scoring. Defenses don’t have to respect him and send multiple players his way. Things then become stagnant, and the entire offense suffers because of it. Against the Knicks, we witnessed the inverse.

The difference in this one was shotmaking. Harden found a scoring rhythm in the second quarter with his outside shot. This caused his defender to guard him much closer on the perimeter, making it easier for him to get inside the paint. The Knicks chose not to send multiple defenders his way, which allowed him to continue his effective scoring and close this game out with nine clutch fourth-quarter points.

It’s not too much of a stretch to say that the success of the entire team depends on Harden. Everything offensively rises and falls with his play. The Cavs need to see this version of Harden much more often than they have.

Second star: Karl-Anthony Towns

21 points on 7-of-11 shoooting, 11 rebounds, 8 assists

Towns is playing the best basketball of his career. His unique skill set allows him to affect the game in so many different ways. He proved that again here with his outside shooting, playmaking, and rebounding.

The Cavs bigs tried to contain Towns — his offense was just better than their defense.

Third star: Donovan Mitchell

23 points on 8-of-15 shooting, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals

Mitchell provided timely scoring while also being a good decision-maker. He correctly got the ball out of his hands and to his teammates when New York threw doubles at him. And his teammates rewarded him for doing so with the win.

Cleveland also did much better at controlling the glass. Head coach Kenny Atkinson has talked about rebounding being something everyone on the court needs to be involved in. Mitchell chipping in went a long way in making sure rebounding wasn’t an issue.

Duds of the game

New York’s wings: OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart

Combined stats: 22 points on 7-of-20 shooting, 10 rebounds, 7 assists

The Knicks’ incredible championship run was partially fueled by phenomenal play from their three starting wings. Likewise, their inability to show up to this game is a big reason why the Cavs were able to come away with a win.

Anunoby was helpful defensively, but couldn’t find the range from the field, going 3-for-9. Bridges played just 17 minutes and was benched down the stretch due to being a complete non-factor. And Hart couldn’t find his shot and wasn’t an impactful rebounder.

Swing players often decide games against two high-powered teams like this. In this contest, New York’s supporting pieces just didn’t show up.

Cavaliers who deserve shoutouts

Meleek Thomas

14 points on 6-of-11 shooting, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 assist

We’ve yet to encounter a moment that was too big for Thomas. He played with a confidence that’s rare to see in a rookie making his debut at MSG against the defending champions.

Thomas is first and foremost a scorer. We saw that again as he was able to create off the dribble and knock down open threes when the ball swung to him on the perimeter.

Atkinson has been able to continue putting Thomas in the rotation because of how he can positively influence the game in areas besides scoring. Defensively, he did a good job of guarding his man, didn’t get lost off-ball, and forced two steals. Thomas was also effective at attacking the offensive glass as he came away with three offensive rebounds.

Thomas is scoring, but he’s also doing a lot of the little things right that you need to in order to be a rotation player. This was another good outing for a rookie who has made nights like this feel routine.

Tyrese Proctor

15 points on 6-of-12 shooting, 3 rebounds, 1 assist

Proctor showed the wide array of skills that he has. He initiated the offense as a secondary ball-handler, knocked down outside shots when the ball swung to him, and was helpful defensively.

This was exactly what you want to see from someone who’s trying to prove that he should stay in the rotation when Sam Merril and Nae’Qwan Tomlin return from injury.

Peyton Watson

7 points on 2-of-12 shooting, 5 rebounds, 4 blocks, 4 assists

Watson’s defensive effort made up for his poor shooting. He was seemingly everywhere on defense and secured the victory with a chase-down block on Deuce McBride.

Play of the game

PEYTON WATSON WITH THE BLOCK 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/ozIJjn5WIP

— ESPN Cleveland (@ESPNCleveland) November 12, 2026

Stat of the game

The Knicks only got 24.4% of their missed shots (21st percentile) while the Cavs grabbed 32.6% of available offensive rebounds (65th percentile).

The Cavs controlled the glass, won the possession battle, and ultimately won the game.

Main takeaway from this game: Talent isn’t the issue for the Cavs

This game doesn’t fix all that has been wrong with the Cavaliers at the start of the season. Nor does it show that they’re going to put the pieces together and become the team they have the potential to be. It does, however, demonstrate that the Cavs have the talent to beat anyone.

The Cavs were impressive on both ends of the floor. Offensively, their two elite guards controlled the game while still making way for role players like Proctor and Thomas to make meaningful contributions.

Defensively, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley made it difficult to score inside and kept the Knicks off the free-throw line. Watson also made a sizeable impact as a point-of-attack defender and weak-side rim protector. This resulted in New York becoming more of an outside-shooting team than they would’ve liked.

In short, this was a complete performance.

The Cavs have had other impressive wins this season, but they haven’t been able to back any of them up with anything substantive. At this point, we don’t know what team we’ll see on a nightly basis, and there’s no evidence that they’re creating sustainable habits that will help them in the postseason. This win will only be different if they can actually build off it from a process and results standpoint.

There are three guarantees in life. Death, taxes, and Devin Booker trade rumors, and we’ve got another rumor today. Amid an underwhelming 4-6 start for the Phoenix Suns that saw Booker have one of the worst games of his career, talks about the franchise’s all-time leading scorer’s future once again arose, and NBA Insider Mike Scotto put a nip in the bud about him going anywhere.

"He still wants to be a Sun for life"@MikeAScotto tells @iamBenLyons what the future might hold for Devin Booker in Phoenix

Hear Deals and Dunks weekdays at 1 PM ET https://t.co/uGOfTU9PUjpic.twitter.com/MXlTUNny0g

— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) November 11, 2026

With stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard getting traded from the organizations that they spent the first decade-plus with, many start to question players in similar spots’ futures, especially when they don’t appear to be title contenders like the Suns don’t project to be anytime soon.

But the Suns or Booker have left no tea leaves to indicate a split is on the rise. In fact, they’ve stayed loyal to each other.

Signing an extension last offseason, Booker and the organization have expressed their admiration and commitment towards each other numerous times, and team owner Mat Ishbia has been on record multiple times in 2026 saying he’s staying in Phoenix.

Mat Ishbia SHUTS DOWN someone asking if he’d trade Devin Booker to the Detroit Pistons 🗣️

“When I’m dead. Devin Booker will never be a Detroit Piston.” pic.twitter.com/1hr2dw7oms

— PHNX Suns (@PHNX_Suns) August 27, 2026

Suns owner Mat Ishbia: “I’ll ride into a fire with Devin Booker, and I’ll do it proudly… Devin Booker is not getting traded. Devin Booker is our franchise player. We’re going to win a championship here with Devin Booker. I’m excited to do it and be next to him when we do that.” pic.twitter.com/CtyNXnLehp

— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) April 30, 2026

Leading the team in scoring and assists, Booker’s efficiency and scoring are up since the start of November, and the team has won three of their last four, including their first win over the Houston Rockets in nearly 1400 days, but if the team doesn’t climb up the standings amid a wounded Western Conference and heightened expectations after a surprising playoff berth a season ago, the noise will get noisier about the star’s long-term future.

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While the Lakers took care of business in fairly convincing fashion against the Bucks on Wednesday, the one sour note that came out of it was Austin Reaves suffering an injury.

During the third quarter, Reaves went up for a dunk and landed awkwardly. After trying to run it out for a few minutes, Reaves eventually asked for a sub and went to the locker room. He was eventually ruled out for the game.

Update from the Lakers: Austin Reaves won't return tonight with a left heel injury.

— Thuc Nhi Nguyen (@thucnhi21) November 12, 2026

Austin Reaves subbed himself out and limped back to the locker room with team personnel. He motioned to the bench for a sub during this play: pic.twitter.com/TH1MttlcWR

— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) November 12, 2026

After the game, head coach JJ Redick shared a minor update, noting that X-rays were negative and they’d get imaging on his heel Thursday. Redick also said that there was no worry of an Achilles injury.

JJ Redick says x-rays were negative on Austin Reaves’ heel. He’ll get imaging tomorrow.

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) November 12, 2026

JJ Redick says they’re not concerned that Austin Reaves suffered an Achilles injury. Still will undergo testing tomorrow.

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) November 12, 2026

The Lakers will be off until Sunday when they take on the Suns and it’s a break that couldn’t come at a better time. Not only did Reaves leave with an injury in the second half, but both Collin Sexton and Luka Dončić did too, though with more minor ailments.

Sexton took a blow to the face and received sutures. Luka twisted his ankle on the foot of Kyle Kuzma while shooting a 3-pointer. He stayed in the game to shoot the free throw before leaving.

Redick did not seem particularly concerned about any of the injuries and said Austin was the typical Austin postgame, so early signs are positive. Fortunately, the Lakers now have their longest break so far this season to rest and heal back up.

You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude or on Bluesky at @jacobrude.bsky.social.

After their hardest hitting loss of the season, the Big Easy was the perfect place for the Brooklyn Nets to go next on their road trip. The Nets obliterated the New Orleans Pelicans this evening at the Smoothie King Center. Few wins have been more necessary, and even fewer more deserved.

However, the contest wasn’t advertised as the breakaway layup it turned into.

The Pelicans were at home, and with a Zion Williamson coming off three days of rest. Meanwhile, Brooklyn’s young guards had just taken a spin on the injury carousel. Before the game, the Nets announced that Egor Dëmin, who hasn’t played in two weeks due to a bone bruise, would return tonight. However, the team also said that Nolan Traoré, who hadn’t missed a game yet, would sit with right calf soreness. They also ruled out Mikel Brown Jr. due to an illness.

So, ball-handling was at a premium in the bayou. Dëmin and Danny Wolf made up the starting back court, with usual suspects Michael Porter Jr., Julius Randle, and Day’Ron Sharpe filling in behind them. Call it big ball. Indeed, it may have the first starting line-up ever featuring five players 6’9” or taller.

With the aforementioned injuries, Jordi Fernández didn’t have many choices when putting together his starting five, but still made the right ones. With the Pelicans giving up more opponent points in the paint than anyone so far this year, beginning with the jumbo lineup made sense, and it showed on the court, with the Nets outscoring New Orleans 24-10 inside during the first period. The most they had in an opening frame all season before that was 18.

Mo Wagner scores in isolation on Jordan Poole. Shook him hard with the spin move. pic.twitter.com/zWOdqj0jeD

— Collin Helwig (@collinhelwig) November 12, 2026

Evidenced by the above, Brooklyn’s reserves got in on the action all the same. Noah Clowney, fresh off a game where he fouled out in just over seven minutes of play, knew he had to take advantage and acted accordingly, putting up six points with a block and a steal in the opening period. Wagner also added seven points, Wolf had five, and Porter Jr. led with nine. The Nets also led after one, up 39-25, giving them their largest advantage after a first quarter since April 2024.

Effective and easy-to-follow, Brooklyn had no reason to abandon its game plan in the subsequent period. The Nets got eight of their first 11 points in the second inside, and after MPJ topped that off with a three from the top of the key, Brooklyn had gone up by 17 with 7:29 to go in the second.

Holding it down from deep while everyone else went to work inside, that wasn’t even Porter Jr.’ best hit from downtown. With a little under four to go in the first, he also dethroned Derik Queen with this diagonal step-back…

MPJ drops Derik Queen and drains the three. pic.twitter.com/LMh8OPq22o

— Erik Slater (@ErikSlater_) November 12, 2026

And, knowing full well how harmful poor paint defense can be, the Nets were careful not to give up what their opponents had so frivolously surrendered. Sharpe was especially quick tonight fading back to provide extra defense around the rim, even as Zion Williamson continued to try and rummage his way in. New Orleans scored only twice inside in the second.

Saddiq Bey did threaten Brooklyn with another ugly end to a quarter. Hustling down after a Porter Jr. turnover offered up spacing in transition, Bey netted a triple that quickly brought it back to an 11 point game with roughly two and a half minutes left in the half.

The Nets didn’t take it lightly. They responded with a 13-7 jolt that involved two threes from Terance Mann, one as a direct response to Bey’s and another just before the horn. Brooklyn ended up going into the half up 83-66. It was the most points the Nets had scored a first half since putting up 91 on the Golden State Warriors in 2022. It’s the third most points they’ve ever put up in a first half in team history.

Another look at Terance Mann's buzzer beater. Big response from him hitting the triple after Bey cut it to 11 with about two and a half to go in the period as well. pic.twitter.com/pXN2N9i865

— Collin Helwig (@collinhelwig) November 12, 2026

By that point, Brooklyn’s paint scoring advantage had swelled 40-24. They also carried a +9 advantage on the boards, along with five rejections.

So, after a period of complete interior dominance, that meant one thing one: it was time for Day’Ron Sharpe to begin shooting threes. No, I’m not kidding. And no, it didn’t cost them the game. In fact, it had an opposite effect.

The Brooklyn big man hit two triples in the third’s opening five minutes to give his team’s lead a quick buff once play resumed. Sharpe also dished one to Egor Dëmin, who was only starting to find his groove at that point, but more on that later.

The Nets weren’t just scoring from inside anymore. They were scoring from everywhere, and the Pelicans couldn’t do so from anywhere, everywhere, all at once. Not before long, the home team had a look on their face Brooklyn knows all too well: one of discouragement. They stopped boxing out, closing out, and just seemed like they wanted out. The Pelicans only put up 15 points in the period.

And the Nets? Like Bill Murray in the mid 2000s, they were eager to play a new, more serious role. After Noah Clowney scooped and slammed a missed three from Mann, Brooklyn earned their largest lead of the game, going up 104-77 with about three and a half left in the third.

“He impacted the game,” Fernández said of Clowney, who he said had things to “figure out” after the Dallas game. “You have size in him. He can guard multiple positions. He’s switchable. He’s been rebounding very well. And the efficiency, the taking good shots to get to the free throw line. Very happy with him, and we just got to keep taking positive steps here.”

In the fourth, it got to a point where you almost wanted the Nets to cut it out, irrationally afraid they were burning through all their makes before the end of the road trip. Keon Ellis and Wagner added back-to-back threes to begin the final frame, getting the team to a 16-34 mark from deep by that point. They’d finish 20-41 from beyond the arc.

The Nets have long used fourth quarter blowouts to give their young players real game reps. Tonight, they got to do so from the other side of the scoreboard. Not long after the Ellis and Wagner threes, Dëmin added his own pair of triples, looking more comfortable on the floor than he has all season. The Nets seemed to run a number of the actions they normally reserve for MPJ, asking him to duck and dive around screens off ball before rising up for a catch-and-shoot three. Like his mentor, he did so each time with confidence…

Egor drains back-to-back threes to extend the Nets' lead to 37. He's up to 18 points on 5/8 from the field and 4/6 from three. pic.twitter.com/pxkgZQIpst

— Erik Slater (@ErikSlater_) November 12, 2026

Coming in like Mariano Rivera in a game where the Yankees were already up seven or eight runs, Dëmin added 12 points in the fourth to bring his total for the game to 22 on 5-of-8 shooting from the field and 4-of-6 shooting from deep.

“What impressed me? Nothing,” Dëmin said of the team’s overall performance. “I think that’s what we’re working on every day, and it’s not a surprise for me how you we could sustain the energy and effort throughout the whole game, which we really need to do from night to night. Obviously it’s hard to do, but it’s nothing new about what we’re trying to accomplish every single game.”

Porter Jr. also finished with 22 points while shooting 7-of-14 from the field and 4-10 from three. He also dished three assists, grabbed a steal, and garnered six rebounds. Randle had 17 points, five assists, and four rebounds after shooting 6-of-16 from the field. Sharpe had 15 points, five assists, four rebounds, and four blocks, shooting 5-of-6 from the field and 2-of-3 from deep.

Off the bench, both Wagner and Clowney had 16 points each. Wagner added four assists while shooting 6-of=8 from the field. Clowney shot 5-of-7 from the field and 2-of-3 from three, also grabbing two steals, a block, and three rebounds. Ellis had 11 points, four rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Wolf reached 10 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.

“We’ve been practicing very well and working very well, and it’s good to see that you play how you practice,” Fernández said. “So, happy for the group, proud of the guys. I mean, you see everybody. Mike was composed the whole time and talked to his teammates. Julius is +38 in 29 minutes. Egor huge minutes. Mo scoring. Terrence two huge winning plays. Everybody was a big part of the win.”

“Just getting into our actions, getting organized, and just having some structure,” Randle added. “We were all on the same page, and we’ve been working at it, so it’s good to see.”

It sure is.

Final: Brooklyn Nets 145, New Orleans Pelicans 111

Milestone Watch

• Day’Ron Sharpe scored 15 points with four rebounds, five assists and a career-high-tying four blocks tonight in New Orleans. It is his fourth consecutive game with at least five assists, which establishes a franchise-record streak of games with 5+ AST by a center.
• Julius Randle recorded a +38 plus/minus tonight in New Orleans, which tied Stephon Marbury (4/16/99 at Seattle) as the highest plus/minus by a Net in a road game in franchise history. It tied the seventh-highest in any game by a Net.
• Danny Wolf recorded a career-high 11 rebounds tonight in New Orleans to go with 10 points, four assists and two blocks. It is his second double-double of the season and fourth of his career.
• Six Nets scored 15+ PTS tonight at NOP: Porter Jr., Randle, Sharpe, Dëmin, Wagner and Clowney. It ties the franchise record (15th instance) and is their second such game of the season (10/27 at BOS). This is the fourth season in franchise history with multiple such games.
• Brooklyn’s 83 first-half points tonight vs. New Orleans were the team’s most in a first half since scoring 91 on 12/21/2022 vs. Golden State. Their 39 points in the first quarter tonight at New Orleans were their most in an opening frame this season and second most in the last two seasons, trailing only their 46 points on 2/7/26 vs. Washington.

Bonus Reading

This morning, veteran NBA writer James Herbert published a story for The Ringer on our very own Net Income. In it, you can hear from Pooch, Lucas, Sean Marks, and the countless others who’ve gotten close with the man behind Nets Daily over the years. I encourage all of you to check it out, and throw James a follow, who is as talented of a story teller as you’ll find.

Next Up

Brooklyn concludes its roadtrip on Saturday evening with a bout against the Memphis Grizzlies in Grind City. At the time of writing, the Grizz are 7-3. Isn’t it cool when the lottery decides to bless you instead flip you upside down, tar and feather you? This one tips off at 8:00 p.m. EST.

• Boxscore: Brooklyn Nets 145, New Orleans Pelicans 111 – NBA.com
• Game Highlights: Brooklyn Nets 145, New Orleans Pelicans 111 (Video) – NBA.com
• Jordi Fernández comments on win vs. Pelicans (Video) – YES Network
• Egor Dëmin on returning from injury (Video) – YES Network
• Day’Ron Sharpe on energy vs. Pelicans (Video) – YES Network
• Egor Demin scores 22 in his return as the Nets rout the Pelicans 145-111 – AP
• Nets pound Pelicans for much-needed bounceback win – Brian Lewis = New York Post
• Nets frustrate & embarrass Pelicans in 145-111 victory for 1st win of road trip ($) – C.J. Holmes – New York Daily News
• Nets beat down Pelicans 145-111 to end 2-game road losing streak – Sharif Phillips-Keaton – USA TODAY
• Nets Stand Tall In Blowout Win – Steve Lichtenstein – Steve’s Newsletter

The Lakers won their seventh straight game. They could lose something bigger.

Star guard Austin Reaves left Wednesday’s 123-112 win over the Milwaukee Bucks with a left heel injury and did not return.

Reaves, who scored 18 points with five assists and three steals, landed awkwardly on a blocked dunk attempt during the third quarter but stayed in the game despite appearing to be in discomfort on the bench during an ensuing timeout. He remained in the game for three minutes before appearing to aggravate the injury on a drive toward the basket. He asked to sub himself out on the next possession.

Reaves’ initial X-rays were negative, Lakers coach JJ Redick said, and the guard, averaging a career-best 23.5 points on 50.8% shooting, will undergo further imaging. Initial tests have ruled out any potential Achilles injury, Redick said.

The Lakers finished their first extended trip of the season unscathed in the standings, improving to 11-2 and still the best record in the league, but had to limp across the finish line Wednesday after injuries struck.

Guard Collin Sexton received an eyebrow’s worth of stitches over his right eye after knocking heads with Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins with 6:51 remaining in the fourth quarter. Sexton’s sudden departure forced Luka Doncic to re-enter a 20-point game.

Two-and-a-half minutes later, Doncic turned his ankle while getting fouled by Kyle Kuzma on a long two-point jumper.

Doncic, who led the Lakers with 32 points, five assists, five rebounds and three steals, grabbed at his right ankle immediately. Lakers staff members tended to him while Kuzma’s foul was reviewed for a potential flagrant, but Doncic stayed in the game to shoot the free throw. He got subbed out right after.

Doncic said after the game he felt fine. Now he just has to wait for news on his backcourt running mate.

Read more:'It's forever': Lakers rookie Cameron Carr cherishing first NBA points

“We just gotta have next-man-up mentality,” Doncic said of the potential of playing without Reaves. “Obviously we lose a very, very good player. Hopefully ... it’s nothing. We gotta have next-man-up mentality.”

Reaves just signed a maximum contract extension this summer and was off to a career year. He is the 15th-leading scorer in the NBA, and he and Doncic (38.6 points per game) form the highest-scoring pair of teammates in the league. Reaves is also averaging 3.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists while shooting a career-best 41.3% from three-point range.

Reaves, who played almost an entire game on what turned into a Grade 2 oblique strain suffered last April against Oklahoma City, had missed the Lakers’ previous game against the Atlanta Hawks because of illness.

Guard Quentin Grimes missed his second consecutive game Wednesday with a sprained finger on his right hand. Grimes was questionable for Wednesday’s game, but still had swelling, Redick said, which could have affected the right-handed guard’s shooting.

Read more:What we’ve learned about the first-place Lakers

Forward Sandro Mamukelashvili delivered for the shorthanded Lakers both nights, scoring 23 points of the bench for the second consecutive game Wednesday. The Georgian forward went 11 for 35 from three-point range during the first 11 games of the season and suddenly found his shooting stroke with consecutive five-of-eight nights against the Hawks and Bucks.

Mamukelashvili helped lift the Lakers through a five-day stretch that Redick said felt more like three weeks. Last Friday, the Lakers played the Portland Trail Blazers at home in an NBA Cup game and have since climbed to the top of the NBA standings, won two games against teams in the top half of the Eastern Conference and watched both of their star guards leave a game with injuries.

“We’re all ready to go home,” said center Walker Kessler, who had 10 points and 11 rebounds for his seventh double-double in eight games. “I’ll just say that.”

Battered and bruised from a tiring rip, the Lakers return home for a brief respite. The Lakers will have multiple days of rest before their next game Sunday at Phoenix. They don’t face a team with a winning record until Nov. 27. The road game in San Antonio figures to be a marquee showdown between Western Conference title contenders.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

The Lakers used a big run in the third quarter to blow out the Bucks on Wednesday, 123-112.

LA led for most of the game, but the Bucks remained feisty for much of the contest. It wasn’t until the third quarter when the Lakers blew the game open and fully took control. 

Milwaukee showed how woeful they are, turning the ball over 19 times, leading to 28 points. LA’s bench was strong again, scoring 55 points.

The concern coming out of the game was a variety of injuries. Austin Reaves left in the third quarter with a heel injury and Collin Sexton took a blow to the face. Luka Dončić twisted his ankle after a hard closeout and left the game after shooting the subsequent free throw.

Brayden Burries gave the Bucks an early lead, but Luka and Austin started to cook, scoring a combined 14 points to put Los Angeles ahead. The Lakers were on a 12-0 scoring run. 

Ever seen a no-look and one? pic.twitter.com/7kXjw1UFPO

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 12, 2026

Luka continued his dominant play and, as we are used to seeing every game, was already in double figures with 14 points.

Kyle Kuzma and Tyler Herro added 12 points to help keep Milwaukee close. The Lakers were up six with 3:27 left.

LA allowed Jaime Jacquez Jr. to start heating up. He scored eight points that cut Los Angeles’ lead down to two at the end of the first.

First quarter: Lakers 30, Bucks 28

Luka has 16 points on 5-9 FGs. Austin Reaves has 7 points. Some solid bench minutes from Mamu, Vando and Ziaire. The Lakers have been shaky on the defensive glass (6 offensive rebounds for MIL) and in transition. Bucks generating some good…

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) November 12, 2026

Walker Kessler got on the board early in the second period with a layup for LA. Sandro Mamukelashvili picked up right where he left off last game, providing an excellent spark off the bench with five points. Collin Sexton also pitched in with four points. 

The Bucks were sticking around, though, cutting a 10-point Lakers lead to four, led by Jacquez Jr and Herro. 

Milwaukee was playing scrappy and keeping pace with LA. The Bucks were shooting 50% from the field and Los Angeles was at 42%. 

The Lakers offense woke back up as they went on a quick 7-0 run on the shoulders of Sexton and Luka. 

Milwaukee was on a three-minute scoring drought until Herro scored. It seemed the Bucks were inching closer again, but Mamu and Reaves combined for nine points to help give the purple and gold an 11-point lead at halftime. 

Mamu is so good man. What a signing.

— Raj C. (@RajChipalu) November 12, 2026

Reaves drained a triple to start the third period for Los Angeles. Luka also knocked down one of his own. Burries scored on a triple for the Bucks. LA kept their double-digit lead, despite shooting 3-9 in the quarter. 

Los Angeles then blew the game open, extending its lead to 17 as Thybulle and Kessler combined for five points.

The concerning moment came in the middle of the middle of the quarter when Austin suffered his heel injury on his landing after attempting a dunk. He left shortly after and did not return.

The rest of the quarter was Mamu continuing his incredible play off the bench, pushing his point total to 21 for the night. Luka ended the third by converting on a three-point play that gave the purple and gold a 21-point lead.

Mamu is so good man. What a signing.

— Raj C. (@RajChipalu) November 12, 2026

LA maintained their big lead well into the final frame. Mamu, Kessler, Williams and Sexton each contributed offensively. Herro and Jacquez hadn’t scored a field goal, but converted on six free throws.

Sexton suffered his injury in the final frame, taking a shot to the face while on defense and being forced to leave with an apparent cut.

At the 5:30 mark, Los Angeles was up 22.

Luka had scored six points before being subbed out after appearing to injure his ankle. The Lakers then subbed in their bench at the 4:25 mark.

Key Player Stats

Luka finished with 32 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals. Reaves ended with 18 points and five assists before leaving with an injury. Kessler logged 10 points with 11 rebounds and three assists.

Mamu pitched in with 23 points off the bench. Sexton had 10 points. Thybulle scored eight points with five rebounds. Ziaire Williams and Jarred Vanderbilt combined for 13 points and six assists.

The Lakers’ next game will be against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday at 1:00 PM PT.

You can follow Karin on Twitter at @KarinAbcarians.