Take a player who is an unstoppable freight train in transition and put him on the team that played at the fastest pace in the NBA last season and you have something dynamic.
Antetokounmpo has looked comfortable in the Heat offense, which is still using cutting and movement to create pace. Antetokounmpo has been setting picks early in the offense at points, but the Heat look best when their expected elite defense creates turnovers and lets them get out and run.
Antetokounmpo played only one half against the Pelicans and looked good.
The concerns about the Heat have focused on their offense when the games get real, but Bam Adebayo brushed that concern aside when speaking to Eric Nehm of The Athletic.
"I mean, last year, we led the league in 140-point games and that's with no Giannis Antetokounmpo," Adebayo said with a laugh. "But we see the potential."
The Houston Rockets opened their preseason with a 135-117 victory over the Dallas Mavericks on Friday morning at The Venetian Arena in Macao, China. The matchup gave both teams an early opportunity to evaluate their rosters, build chemistry, and prepare for the upcoming NBA season.
Houston established control early, taking a 27-19 lead after the first quarter. The Rockets continued to apply pressure in the second quarter, using their scoring ability and defensive intensity to create separation. By halftime, Houston had built a commanding 65-45 advantage, putting Dallas in a difficult position heading into the second half.
Tari Eason led the Rockets with 20 points, providing an important scoring contribution throughout the game. Alperen Sengun looked like the best player on the court at times, racking a up a triple double of 16 points, 10 boards, and 10 assists.
Fred VanVleet also made an impact, finishing with 17 points and 7 assists, as Houston showed its offense with a legit playmaker at the helm. He also hit 5 triples. Jabari Smith Jr. added 19 points, helping the Rockets spread the scoring across the lineup.
Kevin Durant, one of Houston’s major offensive weapons, finished with eight points in limited playing time. His presence added experience and star power to a Rockets team looking to develop its chemistry before the regular season begins. Durant’s limited scoring performance is not a concen to me as this is pre season. Additonally Houston being able to function offensilvey without relying heavily on Durant is a welcome development. Honestly my only real gripe with the offense was watching Tari and Amen try to initiate offense, Amen’s continued lack of handle.
Although preseason results do not determine regular-season success, the game provided valuable insight into both teams. Houston showed its offensive potential and depth, while Dallas gained experience for its younger players.
The Rockets and Mavericks will meet again in Macao on Sunday for their second preseason matchup. Both teams will look to build on Friday’s performance as they continue preparing for the 2026-27 NBA season. Be sure to check back here at The Dream Shake for more Rockets post game recaps.
The Los Angeles Lakers played their first home game on Thursday night, and wasted no time showing love to a late legend within their organization.
Longtime public-address announcer Lawrence Tanter died at the end of September at the age of 76 years old. He started his role with the team in 1982 and his career spanned 43 years before he retired near the end of the 2025-26 season.
Announcer Lawrence Tanter poses for a photo prior to a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2015. NBAE via Getty Images
After a brief highlight reel of Tanter’s iconic moments and player introductions, a new P.A. announcer said, “Lawrence Tanter was more than the voice of your Los Angeles Lakers. His unmistakable voice was the soundtrack to generations of Lakers basketball, and some of the most memorable moments in franchise history.
“Tonight, we remember L.T. as a cherished member of the Lakers’ family, and a voice that will forever echo through this arena. Please join us for a moment of silence in honor of the legendary Lawrence Tanter,” it continued.
Lakers pay tribute to longtime announcer Lawrence Tanter who passed away recently pic.twitter.com/lmBLtOpnuU
The Lakers’ roster also honored Tanter on the court by producing a 114-110 victory against Sacramento.
Tanter had suffered a stroke near the end of the Lakers’ last season and missed the final six games of their regular season, plus their five postseason home games.
Los Angeles Lakers public address announcer Lawrence Tanter is seen during an NBA basketball game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Staples Center in Los Angeles on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2017. Tanter, the former public address announcer for the Lakers, passed away at the age of 76. MediaNews Group via Getty ImagesAustin Reaves and Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers look on against the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter of a preseason game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Oct. 8, 2026. Getty Images
MACAO, CHINA - OCTOBER 9: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks and Morez Johnson Jr. #14 of the Dallas Mavericks hug before the game against the Houston Rockets as part of 2026 NBA China Games on October 9, 2026 in Macao, China at Venetian Arena. 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
The Dallas Mavericks were routed by the Houston Rockets, 135-117, in an early-morning preseason matchup on Friday. The game was the Mavericks’ first of two in Macao as they face the Rockets in the NBA China Preseason miniseries. Dallas echoed the same offensive struggles they faced throughout last season in Friday’s loss.
Kyrie Irving, Dereck Lively, Santi Aldama, PJ Washington, Marcus Sasser, and Caleb Martin were held out for the Mavericks.
Here are four stats to know from Friday morning’s preseason loss.
1: Daniel Gafford 3-pointer
Daniel Gafford attempted one career three-pointer ahead of Friday’s preseason matchup with the Rockets. He attempted and made a spot-up three off a kick-out from Sergio de Larrea in the first quarter, to everyone’s surprise, except maybe his new coach.
Under head coach Dusty May’s new offense, he has challenged Gafford to expand his game and take threes as he continues to “earn the right.” Gafford saw just eight minutes of action in Friday’s blowout loss, finishing with seven points, three rebounds and one steal. The Mavericks will need more rebounding from Gafford, with Lively having no timetable to return, but it was pleasant to see the start of growth in his offensive game today.
8: Dwight Powell assists
Dwight Powell finished today’s matchup with a unique stat line of one point, one rebound and eight assists. His regular-season career-high in assists is eight, and he matched that number against the Rockets, leading the Mavericks in that category. Powell is the longest-tenured Maverick, and the leadership and professionalism he has shown throughout his career make him a valuable vet to any locker room. If he continues to contribute to the Mavericks’ bench in the preseason, the Mavericks will have to seriously consider putting him on the final roster heading into opening night.
35% vs. 50%: Mavericks vs. Rockets three-point efficiency
The Mavericks lost the three-point battle today, shooting 35% to the Rockets’ 50%. The shooting discrepancy put the Mavs in a hole they couldn’t dig themselves out of. Yet, still, a glimmer of hope — Dallas hoisted 51 threes today. They were willing shooters, at least, even if not particularly effective. That number exceeds their average attempts per game last season by 20! The Mavericks will be looking to shoot a lot more under May, but will need to see their shots fall at a higher clip, or the 3-point disparity will again be a season-long story.
19: Cooper Flagg points
Cooper Flagg only played in the first half, scoring 19 points in 19 minutes. He added six rebounds, three assists, two stocks, and shot 4-of-4 from the free-throw line. He started the first quarter slowly, with just two points, but heated up in the second quarter. In the second quarter, he seemed more assertive offensively, attempting four threes. His jump shot looked more fluid, a testament to the offseason work he has put in. Flagg’s performance in the first preseason game shows he is poised to take an offensive leap this year and emerge as a bonafide star in the league.
Up next
Set your alarms for Sunday at 5 am CT as the Mavericks and Rockets run it back on NBA TV and mavs.com.
In an effort to quiet the talk around contract extensions for Karl-Anthony Towns and Josh Hart — talks that were becoming a distraction less than two weeks before they raise a championship banner in Madison Square Garden — the New York Knicks announced they are tabling all extension talks with eligible players until later in the season.
"As an organization, our entire focus is on preparing for the upcoming season and delivering another year for our fans to be proud of. As a result, we will not be negotiating contract extensions until later in the season and will remain solely focused on preparing for the start of the season."
This applies to four players: Towns, Hart, and guards Miles McBride and Tyler Kolek.
How big an issue has Towns' frustration with contract talks become? Last night, after the NBA TV broadcast of the Knicks vs. Wizards preseason game, NBA Insider Chris Haynes gave another update on contract extension talks between Towns and the Knicks (echoing earlier reports that Towns wasn't asking for the max, but the sides were far apart). That's on the NBA's own network. Questions about extensions for Towns and Hart have become a near-daily talking point around the team.
Postponing the talks may quiet things for a while and cool the rhetoric a little, but it doesn't resolve the underlying issues. Without someone (or someones) taking a massive discount, it's going to be impossible for the Knicks to keep their championship core together in a couple of years and stay under the second apron of the luxury tax, and owner James Dolan has repeatedly said it would be "suicidal" to go over that line. Players may be open to small discounts to help the team, but not massive ones.
Using Towns as an example, he is eligible for a four-year, $276 million extension, but said he is willing to take a discount to help the team. The Knicks reportedly offered four years, $200 million, which would require a healthy pay cut from the $57.1 million he will make this season, let alone in future years. Towns has said he feels he has earned a payday, coming off a season where he averaged 20.1 points and 11.9 rebounds per game and was critical to the Knicks winning an NBA title. Recently, Towns was asked whether he felt he should be rewarded for his role leading the Knicks to a championship.
"No s***, Sherlock."
This move by Knicks management kicks the can down the road, but the issue isn’t going away. By the start of the 2028-29 season, there very likely will be a Jalen Brunson extension — don't expect him to take a $113 million discount again — plus Towns and Hart extensions, and an OG Anunoby extension could begin that season. Paying all of them market rate and keeping this team together is going to be next to impossible.
The Knicks just don't want everyone talking about that on Oct. 20, when they raise their first championship banner in 53 years and Adam Silver hands out championship rings. You can watch that ceremony on NBC and Peacock beginning at 7 p.m. Eastern, part of an opening day triple-header featuring the Celtics at Pistons (3 p.m. ET), 76ers and LeBron James at the Knicks on ring night, then capped off by Thunder at Spurs and Victor Wembanyama (9:30 p.m. ET).
Jeanie Buss, sports executive, controlling owner, and President of the Los Angeles Lakers, is seen during the Slovenia national basketball team training session ahead of the FIBA EuroBasket in Katowice, Poland, on August 27, 2025. (Photo by Marcin Golba/NurPhoto via Getty Images) | NurPhoto via Getty Images
“Our focus has always been what we believe is the best for the Lakers…”
That line came from a joint statement the Buss siblings released in August, as it became clear a battle was coming over the fate of the trust’s share in the Lakers. This week, the siblings made their stance on selling their minority stake in the team official by filing a formal opposition to Jeanie Buss’ claim that they do not have the right to do so.
To be clear, this is not an argument for or against the new owners, Bob Iger and Josh Kushner. They’re bringing plenty of baggage into this role as well.
Instead, this is an argument that it’s time for the Buss family to move on from the franchise. Is that their true intention behind this move? Almost assuredly not. But call it cashing out. Call it spite or pettiness. Whatever the reasoning, they’re arriving at the solution that best serves the franchise.
Compare their messaging to that of Jeanie Buss’s. Her letter from her lawyer focused heavily on court orders mandating the family vote for her to remain the controlling owner of the Lakers. Her petition portrayed her as the one who had to come in once again and save the day from her scheming family. It suggested that the family trust’s best interest is to retain its stake in the team as franchise values skyrocket.
Does that sound like someone who has the Lakers front of mind? One side is doing what’s best for the Lakers — albeit while receiving a massive payday in doing so — while the other side is not.
Dr. Jerry Buss’ reign as owner was fruitful, but his children’s era has been far from it. The team does have a title to its name in that timeframe, but the Buss family has also had twice as many court appearances in that same span.
Long has the league moved past the Buss family. The lack of finances became more and more of an issue in recent years. The sale to Mark Walter seemed to be the perfect opportunity for a graceful exit as they faded into the background.
But that was always a far-fetched pipe dream. Realistically, there was only one way the Buss family was going to leave the franchise and graceful was never going to be the word used. A messy, unceremonious, contentious exit is far more fitting for the Jeanie Buss era.
This latest drama isn’t going away any time soon. The Buss siblings, at least publicly, are leaving open the door for this all to have an amicable ending, as shown with their statement to The Athletic on Wednesday.
“Jimmy, Johnny, Janie, Joey and Jesse Buss, the five of six siblings who voted to sell the Trust’s shares in the Lakers, today filed their formal opposition, demonstrating that Jeanie Buss’s petition is legally and factually baseless,” the siblings said in a statement given to The Athletic.
“While discussions among the siblings continue, their focus remains on facilitating the proposed transaction and the Trust’s participation in it, while ensuring that all beneficiaries, including Jeanie, are treated equally. Today’s filing is a necessary step to protect those interests and ensure the transaction proceeds on schedule.”
Jeanie, meanwhile, is likely motivated by the agreement she made with Mark Walter to not only be the governor for the next five years but, as reported by Dan Woike of The Athletic, to potentially do so even after.
In addition to negotiating a five-year term as the Lakers’ governor following the sale to Walter, Jeanie Buss secured an agreement allowing her to remain the team’s alternate governor beyond that period, provided she or her affiliated entities retain at least a five-percent ownership stake in the Lakers, according to Wednesday’s filing.
Her interests are pretty clear. She wants to remain a controlling voice of the Lakers. It seems to matter little to her that, at this point, fans likely won’t be receptive to her. Yet another messy, public fight between the siblings has sapped any remaining sympathy many fans had for her.
Most, if not all, are ready to move on from the Buss family. It’s a matter of their own doing with Jeanie at the forefront. If you had told Lakers fans in the mid-2000s that a day would come when they would be ready for the Buss family to sell the team, few might have believed you.
But a long history of mismanagement with plenty of in-fighting, selfishness, spite and pettiness mixed in has gotten us to this point. Now, it’s in the best interest of the Lakers for the family to take their hundreds of millions of dollars and move on…
It’s not a stretch to say that the Philadelphia 76ers’ championship hopes still rest on the broad shoulders of Joel Embiid even after bringing in LeBron James and Jaylen Brown over the offseason. It’s not just that Embiid was arguably the best player in the NBA as recently as Jan. 2024, but also that Philly just doesn’t have much center depth behind him, particularly after backup Ariel Hukporti already suffered a season-ending torn Achilles in the preseason.
LeBron made his Sixers debut in the team’s second preseason game on Thursday night, but Embiid stole the show in the worst way possible. With the caveat that it’s only preseason … Embiid looked absolutely atrocious during his 24 minutes on the floor, and it already feels like a legitimate concern for the 76ers.
Embiid shot 1-of-5 from the floor and finished with eight turnovers in 24 minutes against the Brooklyn Nets. Those numbers don’t even capture how viscerally washed he looked. Embiid already had a few terrible plays early in the game, but he went mega-viral for this pathetic fastbreak attempt midway through the second quarter. Embiid was thrown a perfect alley-oop, but he didn’t jump for it, and then missed the easy layup. Watch the play all of NBA Twitter was talking about here:
Is Joel Embiid physically capable of jumping? I’m not sure after watching this clip. Seems important for a basketball player, even if you’re over 7-feet tall like Embiid.
Embiid was bad from the very start of the game, airballing a fadeaway on his first touch. He was making some incredibly sloppy decisions with the ball as Nets defenders crashed down on him in the paint, and just looked like he wasn’t locked in at all on either side of the floor. Maybe there’s nothing Embiid could have done about his physical downfall in the last couple years since his peak, but it almost feels more concerning that he’s making so many mental mistakes. This is not what you want out of the seventh highest paid player in the NBA at a tick below $58 million this season.
The Sixers are pretty deep elsewhere on the roster after a quality offseason that saw them sign Dean Wade, Anfernee Simons, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the bench while drafting Labaron Philon out of Alabama. The one spot where the roster is really thin is at center, and that was true even before Hukporti’s Achilles tear.
Realistically, how many games can the Sixers count on Embiid to play? Over/under 45? That is going to put immense pressure on backup Adem Bona, and the Sixers are going to need some more big bodies after him. Embiid really won’t help the team much regardless of how often he plays if he’s this lackadaisical mentally and physically.
There was already a report in training camp that Embiid showed up to practice late — a theme throughout his career — and got yelled at by LeBron. Both Embiid and James shot down the report, and ESPN apologized for it. Embiid gave another sad sack comment on the report after the game:
Joel Embiid on the recent report about LeBron James getting on him for being late: "I don't know where that came from. It never happened. … One, it's not true. And then again it's like, 'Why me?' But I guess I'm Joel Embiid, I've been in this situation."
Embiid’s professionalism has always been a question even when he was at his peak. He’s slipped so much physically at this point that he can’t afford any mental mistakes. Embiid seems like he has a “woe is me” attitude far too often. I certainly have some empathy for the amount of injuries he’s dealt with, but at a certain point making a bunch of excuses isn’t a good look for a player who is this highly paid.
Yes, it’s the preseason. It’s totally possible that the Sixers look great by May, and Embiid is a big part of the team on both ends of the floor. It’s troubling that the veteran center looks so bad after a long summer where he dropped weight and seemed to show a new commitment to his body. The Sixers are loaded offensively, but it’s only going to work if Embiid can step up defensively and on the glass. There’s no safety net behind him anymore.
It’s silly to overreact to preseason, but this game will at least serve as an important note in the Sixers’ story whether they end the season as champions or fail to win a playoff series. Embiid looked awful in his first preseason game. Let’s see where he goes from here.
NBA preseason action has returned to Macao, China, where the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets will play in a two-game series.
Friday’s opening matchup at The Venetian Arena saw the Mavericks’ offense shine, led by reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, along with strong performances from Naji Marshall, Zaccharie Risacher and Max Christie.
Despite their efforts, the Mavericks fell 135-117 to a seasoned Rockets squad. Houston was led by Kevin Durant, who began his 19th NBA season, along with Fred VanVleet and Amen Thompson.
Beyond the games, this preseason trip offers an immersive experience both on and off the court. The Venetian Arena will become a basketball hub featuring NBA House, an interactive expo that blends music, live entertainment, fashion and retail experiences to celebrate basketball culture.
Fans will also have the chance to participate in NBA Fan Day on Saturday, Oct. 10, an event where they can interact with players and enjoy performances by top Asian artists. These festivities set the stage for the second preseason game on Sunday, Oct. 11.
The NBA China Games bring two preseason matchups between the Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets at The Venetian Arena in Macao on Oct. 9 and 11 at 6 a.m. ET.
Fans in the U.S. can watch the NBA China Games on NBA TV and NBA League Pass.
Why are the Rockets so popular in China?
The Houston Rockets rose to popularity in China largely thanks to Chinese basketball legend Yao Ming. Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2002 NBA Draft, Yao spent all nine seasons with the Rockets before retiring in 2011.
NBA's other international showcases
This season, the NBA has five events outside the U.S.
Beyond the doubleheader contests in China and the Canada Game in Quebec City, the NBA’s international calendar features additional stops in Mexico City, Paris and Manchester.
Here is a look at the International showcase schedule (times ET)
MACAO, CHINA - OCTOBER 9: Fred VanVleet #5 of the Houston Rockets plays defense during the game against Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks as part of 2026 NBA China Games on October 9, 2026 in Macao, China at Venetian Arena. 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
The Dallas Mavericks tipped off a four-game preseason slate on Friday against the Houston Rockets, losing 135-117 at the Venetian Arena in Macao, China.
Dallas’ goal in the preseason opener was clearly to get a good look at all the new players on the roster, to see how the rookies mix in and to see what pieces fit where. Both Morez Johnson Jr. and, inexplicably, Daniel Gafford hit 3-pointers in the first quarter for the Mavericks, but the Rockets led 27-19 after one as Yao Ming looked on from his courtside seats.
Cooper Flagg stood alone in the second for the Mavs, as the rest of the team looked stuck in the mud on the offensive end. The Rockets built a lead as large as 23 before taking a 65-45 lead into the halftime break. The Mavs pulled to within on 27-23 on an alley-oop dunk by Flagg early in the second before the Rockets outscored Dallas 38-22 for the rest of the half. Tari Eason hit a 3-pointer from the right wing as time expired to end a Mavs mini-run late in the quarter and give the Rockets 20-point edge at the break.
The Mavs cut into the lead early in the third before the Rockets built it back to 20-plus late in the third and early in the fourth, behind a game-high 20 points from Tari Eason and 17 more from Fed VanVleet. Flagg led Dallas with 19 points in the loss, and Naji Marshall added 16.
Flagg pours it on
From tipoff, Cooper Flagg was getting after it on the defensive end. Though he was credited with just one steal in the first quarter, he forced the Rockets into three of their first five turnovers. He scored just one bucket in the first quarter, an uncontested drive and dunk as both teams were dipping their feet into the preseason water.
Cooper Flagg throws it down for his first preseason bucket 💥
Flagg made a couple of highlight plays early in the second, blocking Amen Thompson’s driving layup attempt on one end before receiving an alley-oop to finish off the break on the other as he scored Dallas’ first four points of the frame. He picked up his third foul of the game with 9:22 left in the second quarter, but head coach Dusty May left him in for a few minutes because, hey, it’s the first preseason game of the year. Flagg rewarded May by hitting his first 3-ball of the game the next time down, drawing Dallas to within 34-26 with 8:45 left in the half.
All signs to Flagg easing his way into a transcendent second year. He looked free to roam a little and disrupt things on the defensive end, which was good to see. That’s how he can be an elite defensive disruptor.
Flagg scored 17 easy points in the second. He got exactly where he wanted, mainly the nail, but he also excelled on the fast break. This kid is already, say nothing of what he’s going to be, amazing to watch. His comparative readiness to go and the ease with which he adapted to in-game circumstances in the first preseason game stood in stark contrast to the rest of this roster.
If this game is indicative of what kind of leap Flagg could take in his second NBA season, we could already be looking at a top-15 NBA player. His strength and confidence with the ball was the most obvious point of growth on Friday. The scoring and defense were always going to be there.
Flagg sat out the second half after scoring 19 points and grabbing six boards on 7-of-14 shooting in 19 first-half minutes.
Get a look at Risacher
Zaccharie Risacher started the first preseason game for the Mavericks, and take a mental snapshot of that. If his effort was indicative of what he’ll bring to Dallas this season, Risacher won’t sniff the starting lineup in any meaningful games any time soon.
He was timid — soft at times. His first 3-pointer barely grazed the rim, and he missed all three of his shot attempts in the first quarter, when he and Flagg got a little more run than the rest of the starting five. It seemed like first-year head coach Dusty May really wanted to get a look at the player Dallas traded Ryan Nembhard for this offseason — only to find out that there’s a reason that all it took to acquire Risacher was an end-of-the-bench undrafted rookie like Nembhard.
Much has been made of how much good a change of scenery could do the former No. 1 overall draft pick and how he’s apparently now 6’10”, but until he starts doing anything at all on a real live basketball court, expectations should be tempered. He scored his first bucket of the game on a broken play inside late in the second quarter and finished the game with nine points and eight rebounds in 24 minutes.
Risacher looked a little more comfortable in the second half. He curled around a screen and pulled up for his first 3-pointer of the preseason with 7:50 left in the third as the Mavs worked their way out of the 20-point first-half hole. Then, he started a fast break the next time down that ended in Max Christie’s driving jam, which made it a 72-61 game.
Risacher finished a tough baseline drive through Eason’s defense with 5:08 left in the third before bricking an awkward-looking 3-point attempt from the top of the key two possessions later. Then, he put his head down and got to the basket again for a finger roll to give him seven points in the quarter.
May announced before the game that Kyrie Irving would rest for the first game of preseason play on Friday, likely to make his debut on Sunday, when Dallas plays even earlier in the morning than Friday’s 7 a.m. tip.
“The leverage he provides the other guys, I think that’s one area we can make a big improvement offensively,” May said in his pregame comments. “Simply having a floor general like him on the court with the young group I think will open up a number of things.”
At times, it felt like that center of gravity was exactly what was missing for the Mavericks in Friday’s preseason opener against the Rockets. It felt like if you added Irving to the mix in a lot of scenarios that went wrong for Dallas on Friday, things could have gone the other way on those possessions.
It was a good early reminder. Patience is going to be key this season — in so many ways. This team has a couple of things going for it, but there are is a ton more that needs to be worked out and will take time to get worked out.
Sergio de Larrea is going to be one of the most intriguing pieces of this Mavericks’ roster all season long. He quietly knocked down his first two 3-point attempts before using some of his extended run in the fourth quarter to drop a nice assist nearly the length of the court to a sprinting Tobi Lawal for his fourth assist of the game.
Then, for good measure, he knocked down a third straight 3-pointer in the game’s final minutes to give fans something extra to ruminate on.
This kid can play. He showed his special passing and playmaking abilities in Summer League play, and he flashed them again in smaller doses in the team’s first preseason game. He seems one step ahead of Tarik Biberovic in terms of development at this early juncture.
De Larrea finished with 11 points, six assists and four turnovers in 23 minutes against the Rockets on Friday. Two-way rookie Tobi Lawal led the Mavs’ bench unit with 13 points in 15 minutes.
The Warriors are holding on to the final years of a tremendous stretch. If they want any chance of competing deep into the NBA playoffs, Batman will need Robin.
Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler are the one-two punch that led Golden State to the second round of the Western Conference semifinals two years ago. Butler is coming off a torn ACL, and owner Joe Lacob has blunt expectations for when he returns to the court.
“My guess is he’ll come back and be pretty damn good,” Lacob said, “because he’s Jimmy Damn Butler and he works hard.”
Jimmy Butler had to be helped to the locker room after appearing to injury his knee pic.twitter.com/sOSpAxbbAP
It’s been nearly nine months since Butler’s knee injury, and he has been recovering well. Butler sat down with NBC Sports Bay Area’s Kerith Burke in Hawaii during training camp for an update.
“I’ve started to run,” Butler stated. “I can dunk. I probably shouldn’t be doing that, but I can.”
Butler’s eagerness to get back on the floor is no surprise. His competitive spirit has never been a concern with every team he’s played for.
“I’m moving in the right direction,” Butler continued. “I’m also moving at a faster pace. I’m stoked. I’m excited about it because now I’m starting to see the progressions that are leading me back to the basketball court.”
Since his time with the Warriors, Butler is averaging 19.1 points along with 5.5 rebounds per game. His stats are great, but his impact is felt more than numbers can quantify.
If the Warriors are able to get Butler back sometime near the All-Star break, that would be a positive. Down the stretch of the regular season is when competition will pick up in the West.
One thing is for certain: Lacob expects Butler to ball out.
Four days after Towns expressed frustration with what he intimated was an insulting offer, the Knicks released a statement Friday morning that attempted to temporarily put the kibosh on both negotiations and distractions.
It was further evidence that the sides weren’t close to an agreement before the regular-season opener Oct. 20.
New York Knicks center Karl Anthony-Towns is seen during speed shooting drills during practice at media day during the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas, Tuesday, June 2, 2026. JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST
“As an organization, our entire focus is on preparing for the upcoming season and delivering another year for our fans to be proud of,” a Knicks spokesperson said. “As a result, we will not be negotiating contract extensions until later in the season and will remain solely focused on preparing for the start of the season.”
Josh Hart and Miles McBride, in addition to Towns, are currently eligible for extensions. They can negotiate until June but agreements are often settled before the season to avoid distractions.
Instead, the Knicks sent out a message that they are done talking – for now – as they navigate owner James Dolan’s mandate to stay under the second apron.
If Towns left the Knicks in free agency, the max he could make is $265 million over four years.
“Simply put: I want to do something to keep the team together and can work with the Knicks and also (a contract that) values me,” Towns said Monday. “And none of those things are close to happening.”
Asked if he expected to be rewarded after breaking the franchise’s 53-year title drought, Towns responded, “No s- -t, Sherlock. I just won a championship. You’d think it was pretty easy. Unless you guys (the reporters) think I have something else to prove.”
Knicks guard Josh Hart practices on Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026, at the Madison Square Garden Training Center in Greenburgh, N.Y. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Towns, who will make $57 million this season, left Thursday’s preseason loss to the Wizards without speaking to the media.
He holds the leverage of a $61 million player option for next season. If there’s no extension agreement and he shines again this season, Towns can decline the option and seek a lucrative offer in 2027 free agency. If he struggles, Towns can pick up the option and play next season on the highest salary of his career.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns speaks to the media during media day at the Knicks training facility in Tarrytown, New York, Monday, September 28, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
Hart holds less leverage with a team option for next season. He said on Media Day that there was no progress on his extension negotiations and didn’t expect an agreement before the season started.
McBride has no options and, with no extension, will definitely become a free agent after the season.
The Warriors are back in action and hungrier than ever to return to the NBA playoffs after missing them entirely last season. Coach Steve Kerr is still leading the charge after rumors circulated that he would step down after last season. But Kerr and the Warriors agreed to a new contract, keeping him in charge of the franchise for at least the next two seasons.
Kerr seems more motivated than ever since announcing his return, implementing changes to the offensive system while also figuring out ways for the team to improve their spacing on the floor. Owner Joe Lacob has noticed Kerr’s renewed fire and is happy that he got his coach back, even if they do not see eye-to-eye on everything.
“I think he’s very motivated,”Joe Lacob told The San Francisco Chronicle’s Ron Kroichick. “I looked around and said, ‘Am I really gonna get a better coach than Steve Kerr?’ Look, he’s a great coach with a tremendous track record of success. We don’t agree on every little thing all the time, but for the most part we do agree on things.”
One of the most notable things that the two do not always agree on is Kerr’s outspoken political views. That topic was brought up back in April when ESPN’s Marc Spears said during a radio show appearance that Kerr was being stifled on that.
Kerr dismissed the issue and said the topic did not come up with Lacob or general manager Mike Dunleavy when he negotiated his new contract. Kerr even told the San Francisco Standard’s Tim Kawakami that Lacob lets him say what he wants as long as there is no controversy.
Lacob echoed that same sentiment while doubling down on the trust that he has in his coach.
“Steve knows there are times he has said things which I did not agree with,” Lacob told the Chronicle. “But I do trust him to say the right things, do the right thing. Now sometimes he goes a little far and I have to go back and say, ‘Hey, Steve, maybe that was a little far.’ (laughing)…
“But we don’t have to agree on everything. Steve’s a really smart guy and we’re lucky to have him as our head coach. I really love our relationship, so I would not make anything more of it than it is.”
Kerr might be known for his highly public views, but his success as a coach overshadows all that. A four-time NBA champion during his time as the Warriors coach, he is ready to see how the next couple of seasons go and is hopeful that he can win at least one more title while the franchise still has future Hall of Fame guard Steph Curry.
The Warriors began their preseason with a 104-101 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Oct. 4. They begin the regular season against the Los Angeles Lakers on the road on Oct. 21. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.
J.R. Smith was ordered to have “zero communication,” except through an attorney, with the woman he is accused of causing “serious bodily injury” during an incident that led to his arrest in Texas last month, according to an emergency protective order obtained by the California Post.
Smith, a two-time NBA champion guard with the Cavaliers and Lakers, has also been barred from going within 333 yards of the woman’s residence or place of employment, the EPO states.
He was also ordered not to possess any guns or ammunition.
This booking photo provided by the Hunt County Sheriff shows Earl Joseph Smith III, also known as J.R. Smith III, on Monday, September 28, 2026. Hunt County Sheriff
The EPO, signed by a judge on Sept. 29, is to remain in effect until Dec. 29.
The 41-year-old was accused on Sept. 18 of “intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly” causing injury to a woman who was a member of his family or household or with whom he had a dating relationship, a criminal complaint filed on Oct. 2 states.
The complaint accuses Smith of hitting, grabbing, or pushing her with his hand.
The woman’s identity was not disclosed.
Smith, released on $5,000 bond on Sept. 29, has since been charged with one count of assault causing bodily injury family violence, per court records.
New York Knicks alumnus JR Smith sits on celebrity row during the first quarter of Game 5 of the NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, Thursday, May 29, 2025. Charles Wenzelberg/NY Post
Smith was arrested while pulled over for a traffic stop in Texas — during which police checked his license plate and discovered Earl Joseph Smith III (his legal name) had an active warrant out of the Southlake Police Department for a charge of family violence assault causing bodily injury, Royse City Police Department said in a statement to The Post.
Smith’s attorney, Justin A. Moore, told The Post last week that “JR is 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. We ask that everyone respect the privacy of all involved throughout the process.”
Lakers guard J.R. Smith handles the ball against the Denver Nuggets during Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals of the NBA Playoffs, Friday, September 18, 2020, at The AdventHealth Arena in Orlando, Florida. NBAE via Getty Images
Smith, who played 16 seasons in the NBA, was named the Sixth Man of the Year with the Knicks in 2013, and won his first championship with the Cavaliers alongside LeBron James in the 2015-16 season.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 31: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket against Reed Sheppard #15 of the Houston Rockets in the first half at Toyota Center on January 31, 2026 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. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Mavericks begin their 2026-2027 campaign on Oct. 9th against the Houston Rockets in an early morning game in Macau, China. As with almost every single year, the Mavericks enter their first preseason game with massive questions surrounding the roster, with a near complete overturn of their 2025 roster.
What is the starting lineup?
Mavs starters:
Max Christie Naji Marshall Zaccharie Risacher Cooper Flagg Morez Johnson Jr.
The most pressing question I have is who will encompass Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving in the starting lineup. The Mavericks have plenty of players who could start in the NBA, but the fit between these players to paramount.
Due to this, I would expect Naji Marshall to be the sixth-man even though he may be one of the five best players on the roster.
Will P.J. Washington start? Washington has been a main-stay in the starting lineup since his arrival in Dallas, but the arrival of Morez Johnson Jr and Santi Aldama could mean his starting spot is up for grabs. Starting Johnson Jr. would be a commitment to the future, while Aldama is the best fit next to Flagg.
The Mavericks also went after Zaccharie Risacher this summer, a player with real talent and potential. Risacher is also up for a contract extension after the season, with a possible extension being over $20 million a year.
Could the Mavericks commit to Johnson Jr. at center? Could an all lottery lineup be in the cards?
We probably won’t know entirely based on preseason, but it will be interesting to see what levers Dusty May pulls in his first NBA games.
How do the rookies make an impact?
Morez Johnson Jr. and Sergio De Larrea are both expected to be immediate contributors for the Mavericks this season, but these presaeason games will be their first real taste of the NBA.
Both players showed plenty of promise in Summer League, with Johnson Jr.’s defense and athleticism, and De Larrea’s passing.
For Johnson Jr., he needs to showcase his ability to stretch the floor as a three-point shooter, along with seeing if he can surviive at the 5 defensively.
De Larrea needs to show if can handle NBA ball pressure and physicality as a ball handler, along with his catch-and-shoot ability.
Kyrie Irving’s return
If there is a primary source of optimism for the season, it is the return of Kyrie Irving.
Irving missed all of last season with a knee injury, and at age 34, there are real questions about whether he can still perform at an all-star level.
What I’m watching with Irving is his overall quickness and explosiveness. Now Irving has never been an elite leaper, nor the most explosive driver, but his quickness has always been underrated. If Irving is slower than his previous self, it will dramatically effect how he can be used within the Mavericks offense, as his role could become based around his shooting ability.
Irving has always thrived as a second option next to a star, but how will he handle playing with a young star like Flagg?
All of these questions won’t be answered in preseason, but if Irving is no longer the player he once was, it won’t be hard to tell.
Dusty May’s offense
The Jason Kidd offense was often meandering in its approach, rarely having any sort of real focus or style. But that should be different under May.
May has always been adept at adapting his offense around is personnel, so it will incredibly interesting to see how he tailor the offense around this Mavericks team.
Will he lean into bully ball and offensive rebounding? Or will the Mavericks be a fast-paced, run-and-gun style offense.
Will the Mavericks shoot 45 threes a game? Or will they be stuck in 2005.
Preseason basketball doesn’t mean much, but there are still questions that can start to be answered in these exhibition games.
(Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There is a common narrative that European coaches struggle in the NBA because of their demanding and emotional approach. That it is one of the biggest things holding them back because they want to put themselves at the center of attention, while the NBA is ultimately a players’ league. They are often viewed as too tactically focused and not focused enough on catering to the people who are under the brightest spotlight – the superstars who have done the most to make the game a global phenomenon.
One coach who has managed to bridge the gap between the European and American approaches, preserving the essence of both and doing so successfully, is Darko Rajakovic. Highlights of his emotional exchanges with referees often make the rounds, but so do his moments with the media, such as when he called Scottie Barnes a future face of the league after what he described at the time as Barnes being treated unfairly.
At the same time, Rajakovic is widely regarded around the league as a player’s coach, someone who knows how to connect with stars. Russell Westbrook is perhaps the best example back when both were in Oklahoma City. And since becoming the head coach of the Toronto Raptors, Rajakovic has shown that he can successfully balance those two sides of coaching — perhaps his greatest strength.
However, the upcoming season will put him to a much bigger test and bring a different kind of pressure than he has faced previously. The reason is clear: the arrival of Kawhi Leonard has shifted the Raptors’ trajectory more firmly toward championship aspirations. FanDuel has Toronto with the sixth-lowest championship odds entering the 2026-27 NBA season.
“We entered the rebuilding process two years ago, and in a relatively short period of time, we managed to make significant progress. The core of the team was made up of young players we drafted and developed within our system, and with a few additions from outside, we took another step last season, going from 30 wins to 46,” Rajakovic told SB Nation, explaining how this team was built.
Along with all of those qualities, the Serbian coach is also known for his ability to develop young talent. Barnes is gradually approaching his full potential, while Collin Murray-Boyles has already begun showing that he can be a very valuable addition.
“That progress came through building our culture, developing different habits and establishing the style of play we wanted. So we give a lot of credit to our young players, who took a big step forward last season. Our ambitions are now as high as they can be. We want to get the Toronto Raptors to a point where we can compete for championships, compete against the best teams in the league and try to achieve the best possible results. Everything we do is geared toward that.
“That’s why we made the decision to make an important trade and bring in Kawhi Leonard. He’s a proven NBA champion who has already won a championship here, and that brings another level of seriousness and quality to our team. The ambitions remain as high as ever — to raise our level from game to game, compete with the best and see where that takes us. We expect this to be a good season for us.”
Rajakovic also had a demanding summer. The Raptors emerged as a potential destination for Leonard before the situation became entangled in an investigation. That complicated Toronto’s preparations for the season, but ultimately, everything ended the way the organization had hoped.
“We focused on what we could control. We did a great job with our young players, who worked extremely hard throughout the summer. We had certain expectations and wanted everything to work out in the best possible way for us and for Kawhi to come. Unfortunately, that process took 76 days before he finally arrived. It disrupted our plans a little bit when it came to integrating him with the team and having him around his teammates more during the summer. But it is what it is. Training camp has started, and we’re going to make the most of this time to prepare for the season,” Rajakovic said.
Many have compared Leonard and Barnes. Both can defend multiple positions, neither is a natural-born scorer, and both have built up their offensive games through hard work. They appear to complement each other well, while also sharing several similarities in their games.
“Kawhi’s arrival is going to have a really positive impact on Barnes, on the team in general, and on RJ Barrett, Quickley and all of our young players. We’re a very young team. Kawhi is 35 years old, he has a tremendous amount of experience, and I think all of our players have a great deal of respect for him and everything he has accomplished.
“He has matured a lot, both as a person and as a player. He’s going to bring a great presence to the locker room, be a good leader and be able to help our players individually, but also our coaching staff and the team as a whole. If we didn’t believe that, we wouldn’t have brought him in. He’s going to have a really positive impact on our entire team, bringing a new level of seriousness and accountability. All of our players can benefit tremendously from having him here and from growing alongside him.”
Early in his NBA career, Rajakovic was a scout for the San Antonio Spurs and was in attendance at the 2011 NBA Draft, when Leonard was selected 15th overall by the Texas franchise. He has therefore been familiar with Leonard’s abilities from the very beginning of his career.
“Kawhi is a generational talent, a player who has left his mark on the NBA over the past 15 years. When he’s healthy and on the floor, he makes an enormous difference. I’m glad he came back home. The Toronto Raptors are his team and his home. We hope he plays here and finishes his career with this team, that one day his jersey will be retired and hanging in the rafters of our arena. He’s a player who has accomplished so much individually, and he also helped both the Toronto Raptors and the San Antonio Spurs win championships.”
The Raptors will have a difficult path toward their ultimate goal. The Eastern Conference appears deeper than it has been in a long time, especially following LeBron James’ arrival in Philadelphia and several other major moves around the conference, as Rajakovic discussed.
“The NBA has never been stronger. There’s a group of veterans led by LeBron James who are incredibly good players and can make a huge difference, while at the same time, there are a lot of young players bringing tremendous quality, and many of them are capable of playing at a high level from the moment they enter the NBA. So I think the level of talent across the entire league is extremely high. The Eastern Conference is incredibly strong with the trades and players coming over from the Western Conference.
The Knicks won the championship last season, Philadelphia is very powerful, Boston has a great team, Detroit, Cleveland, us, Atlanta got better, Orlando got better… Miami with Giannis is there, too – I don’t want to forget anyone. There’s a group of young teams that are extremely talented – Chicago, Washington, Charlotte… The competition is fantastic, and this season is going to be one where nobody is going to tank, nobody is going to intentionally lose games. So it’s going to be an extremely competitive season, and I’m very excited about all of it. I can’t wait for the season to start,” Rajakovic told SB Nation.
