Jalen Brunson celebrates after making a 3 during the Knicks' win over the Bulls in Chicago on Oct. 28, 2026.
Jalen Brunson said before the season that the first few weeks will “show who we truly are.”
Now that the Knicks begin their third week of this campaign, what have they shown?
“That we’re still resilient,” Brunson said after practice Monday. “That we’re still open to getting better every single day. And through the highs and lows of the season, how quickly can we bounce back?”
Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson reacts after making a 3-pointer against the Nets on Nov. 2. JASON SZENES FOR NEW YORK POST
Head coach Mike Brown has welcomed early-season adversity, saying that he actually wanted his team to be punched in the mouth and knocked down from their championship high horse. A 2-4 start, and all the immediate discourse about what was wrong, certainly delivered that.
Now at 5-4 after winning five of their past six games, the Knicks have stabilized. Brown believes the rough start provided a valuable reminder for the team.
“The group is resilient,” he said. “[We learned] that it’s gonna be hard. This is a new year, new season and new challenges, so we have to embrace all the little details while trying not to have much slippage in our process because nobody is handing anything to us. And if we want to have success, which we’re more than capable of, that’s what some of these wins show you, that we have to go earn it.”
Josh Hart, who missed the past two games due to right ankle soreness, is questionable for Tuesday’s game against the Bucks at Madison Square Garden. He practiced Monday.
Josh Hart has missed the past two games. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Hart had practiced Friday before missing Saturday’s win in Cleveland. Landry Shamet started in Hart’s place the past two games.
If Hart returns Tuesday, it will be notable if he is able to play both legs of the upcoming back-to-back — the Knicks play the Cavaliers at home Wednesday — or if the Knicks sit him for one of those games.
Tyler Herro (right knee contusion), Milwaukee’s leading scorer, is questionable to play.
Brunson was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week for last week. He averaged 27.7 points and 6.3 assists in three games — all Knicks wins.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - NOVEMBER 09: Cameron Carr #43 of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks against the Atlanta Hawks during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on November 09, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After two garbage-time appearances, Cameron Carr received his first rotation minutes on Monday. It was a relatively brief seven minutes split across the two halves, but it was also still enough time for him to get his first NBA bucket.
In the second quarter, Luka Dončić got on the end of a loose ball and fed it to Carr for a fastbreak dunk and his the first basket of his career.
A lot transpired over the next two quarters as the Lakers grinded out a win over the Hawks for their second straight victory. But once the final buzzer hit, Luka Dončić made sure to track down the game ball to give to his rookie.
After the buzzer, Luka Dončić immediately tracks down the basketball and secures it, presumably headed to rookie Cameron Carr for his first NBA points
“Obviously, you always want to remember your first bucket and get that ball,” Luka said after the game. “You want to remember it. So, it was kind of important for me to grab it.”
The topic led to plenty of conversation in the locker room postgame, ranging from if players remembered their first bucket to whether they had teammates chase down the basketball after the game as well.
In light of Cameron Carr scoring his first NBA basket tonight in Atlanta, does Sandro Mamukelashvili remember his first bucket in the league?
Mamu: "Yeah, it was against the Miami Heat. It was a putback."
Luka Dončić making fun of question in the background
At the risk of sounding cliché, this team feels different than most. There is a togetherness and bond that clearly got kickstarted with the trip to Slovenia, but it’s evident in moments like this.
Not only are they looking out for each other in chasing down the game ball after the contest, but they’re making jokes in the locker room about it postgame. What a fun season this already has been with much more to come.
PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 9: Miles Bridges #22 of the Phoenix Suns drives to the basket during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 9, 2026 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Kate Frese/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
In a tale of two (positive) San Antonio (9-2) halves, Victor Wembanyama put his dominant stamp on a 61-46 first half, and second-year guard Dylan Harper shined brightly in a 32-22 third period to inflate a 15-point halftime cushion to more than 30 in the 122-96 win. Instead of doing it over the second and third periods as it did in previous games, the Spurs put up 30+ point quarters through the first three quarters to build and hold its sizable advantage and moved to 3-0 on the road trip.
Wembanyama (40 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 blocks) asserted himself from the tip to put Phoenix back on their heels early on. Harper (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) impressed with his smooth stroke and increasing confidence as San Antonio put the game out of reach in the third quarter. De’Aaron Fox (15 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists) did the bulk of his damage in the first half. Other double digit scorers included Julian Champagnie (11 points) and Harrison Barnes (11 points), and all Spurs that saw the court tonight again scored.
Devin Booker’s otherworldly mid-range shooting (32 points and 4 assists) prevented the Suns from being eclipsed fully in the first half. However, no other Suns joined him in double digits until Khaman Malauch (11 points) did well after the outcome was decided.
Perennial star Booker (nine) was the entirety of Phoenix’s offense over the first 5+ minutes. Though they didn’t shoot particularly well, the Spurs secured and maintained a slight lead by more conventional means as their outside shots were not finding their mark. Champagnie, in particular, had to find his seeing eye in the paint before knocking down a triple. A seven-point burst by Wembanyama enabled the Spurs to leave the quarter up six.
Wembanyama figured into nearly every part of an opening 10-2 run to start the second period. The lobbing problems – willingness and competency – that plagued prior Spurs squads seemed long gone as the superstar center put up a nearly perfect shooting line from the field (6-6) and line (5-6) only 15 game minutes in. After a couple of free throws, Booker (19 of 38) still had half of his team’s output. San Antonio got its lead as high as 20, and more importantly – did not relinquish much of it – as it went to the break up 61-46.
Phoenix found more sure footing on offense to start he third, but the unfazed Spurs executed well in the halfcourt. Harper, in particular, showcased a pair of stepback jumpers, and topped those with a sublime floater on the left baseline to help extend the San Antonio lead to 19. After Harper’s fourth and fifth buckets of the quarter, Jacob Tobey noted he “is just in his bag right now.” His sixth basket evoked shakes of Michael Jordan’s post game. Wemby’s 16-foot finger roll capped a dominant third quarter clapback by San Antonio and they went to the fourth ahead by 25.
Carter Bryant entered action later in the first half and encouragingly willed home a transition three. His second three in the fourth quarter splashed home.
Collin Gillespie’s Tough Sequence: In the opening minute of the fourth, Gillespie tried the Steve Nash move on Wembanyama and had his turnaround swatted away, and then his follow-up jumper was deflected, as well. To add insult to injury, the Suns guard was dunked on by Wembanyama at the other end.
Dylan Harper Sequence of the Game: The only thing that prevented him from doing more damage in a 14 point third quarter blitz was twisting his ankle on a Suns foot in transition. All of his field goals in the frame came from different spots on the court, which is very hard to do.
Keldon’s Kitchen: That moustache has staying power.
Sequence of the Game #1: In what is a very viable after timeout play late in the first quarter, Fox slithered through the paint and delivered a feathery lob to Wembanyama. On the next possession, Keldon Johnson looked like he left a floater several feet short until Wembanyama took the errant orb and re-directed it through the rim. #greatpass
Sequence of the Game #2: Minutes into the second quarter, Wembanyama appeared to be fooled by a pocket pass from a Brooks pass to Igodaro – only to meet the Phoenix center at the rim to prevent a sure two points, and when Brooks tried to sneak a floater in after an offensive rebound, he, too, was turned away.
Sequence of the Game #3: It only took one possession in the second half for the Spurs to generate another highlight play – this time, Wembanyama found Fox at the dunker spot, and the guard whipped a behind the back pass to the left baseline to Champagnie for a corner three. It’s worth watching possibly a dozen times.
Area 51 Sequence of the Game: Wembanyama and Castle orchestrated a beautiful two-man game late in the half that culminated in a Castle one-handed slamma jamma.
Tarris Reed, Jr. (lithe AND bruising big man) playing time: The big man (4 points, 1 rebound, 1 block, and 3 fouls) was an active presence in his eight minutes of playing time.
Game Rundown
Fox and Harper scored San Antonio’s first two buckets no more than three combined feet from the rim. Castle sand Champagnie put up goose-eggs over the first 5+ minutes, but Wembanyama, Fox, and Harper picked up the slack. Before the viewing audience could blink, Booker had put up 12 of the Suns’ 14 points. An Igodaro baseline dunk provided some relief from the Booker scoring barrage. After successive bricks, Champagnie banked home a jumper in the paint to secure his first points. Tshe other Suns started contributing offensively and Khaman Malauch’s surprising corner three tied the game. Wembanyama paired two lobs with an encouraging catch-and-shoot three to help San Antonio go up 31-25.
An opening 8-2 burst to start the second put San Antonio up a dozen. Wembanyama’s fifth straight bucket – the prettiest to that point – was a baseline fade that Hakeem Olajuwon would have been proud of. After Johnson found Wembanyama for yet another lob, Sean Elliott exclaimed “What a change! Our guys have really figured out that lob!” Wembanyama then turned away Phoenix’s lob attempt at the other end. Even after his first miss, Wembanyama snared the rebound and threw down a thunderous two-hand jam. Booker’s next field goal caused Mitch Johnson to call a Pop-like timeout. Champagnie and Luke Kornet found each other on consecutive possessions to keep the lead near 20. Phoenix took advantage of the Spurs’ hyper-aggressive perimeter defense to get cheap offense at the charity stripe. Booker took a shot to the nether regions on a Johnson bankshot that could be felt several states over. San Antonio ended its well-played half up 15.
A pair of triples from Champagnie and Fox prevented a tough third quarter start for San Antonio. Booker hit the 30 point mark 3 1/2 minutes in, and yet, the Spurs added to their lead. During one possession, Fox, Castle, and Harper occupied the left side (with Champagnie deep in the right corner), which allowed Wembanyama to go back door for a reverse lob from Harper. Johnson smartly fouled a runaway Igodaro and prevented a dunk while the Sun hit 1-of-2 from the line. Harper’s flurry of baskets from different spots in and around the paint were what took away my breath this evening. San Antonio’s run spanning the third and fourth quarters made it a no-doubt road win.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 09: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs attempts a shot against Ryan Dunn #0 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center on November 09, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
What flavor do you like your popcorn? Are you a traditional butter person? Or do you look forward to the holidays, when the Chicago mix makes its annual appearance, and you’re treated to that glorious combination of cheddar and caramel popcorn? Because on Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs, you might as well have grabbed a bag of your favorite popcorn, settled into your favorite chair, and enjoyed the show that is Victor Wembanyama.
Coming off an electrifying 52-point performance last week that included 24 rebounds and eight blocks, Wembanyama followed it up with another spectacular showing, this time at the expense of the Phoenix Suns, as San Antonio cruised to a 122-96 victory.
Wemby was the story. Plain and simple. He finished the evening with 40 points on an absurd 15-of-19 shooting, adding 11 rebounds and eight blocks. And here’s the part that makes those numbers even more ridiculous: He accomplished all of that damage in a mere 25 minutes of action. You know how we like to track Khaman Maluach’s restocks per 36 minutes around here? That wonderful combination of rebounds, steals, and blocks that helps quantify a big man’s impact? Well, Wembanyama posted 27 restocks per 36 minutes in this one.
Devin Booker certainly did his part to keep the Suns afloat, scoring 32 points on 10-of-17 shooting from the field. He also added four assists, a steal, and a block while committing zero turnovers. Unfortunately, no other Phoenix starter scored more than seven points to help him out.
Against a team like the Spurs, you need to be able to shoot the three ball efficiently to have a chance at competing, and the Suns simply couldn’t do that. They ended 9-of-26 from deep, good for 34.6%. They only turned the ball over 7 times. But they were blocked 10 times.
San Antonio has now won nine consecutive games and sits at 9-2 on the season, while the Phoenix Suns have fallen to 3-6.
Game Flow
First Half
The whistle was blown pretty liberally to start the game, as Victor Wembanyama drew three shooting fouls within the first five minutes. San Antonio’s early game plan was clearly to attack the basket, knowing the Suns lacked a significant shot-blocking presence on the interior. Meanwhile, Devin Booker once again catalyzed Phoenix’s offense, scoring the team’s first nine points.
Counting last game, Devin Booker has scored Phoenix's last 18 points.
Booker’s presence was certainly felt throughout the first quarter, and his impact was evident on both ends of the floor. His best sequence began with a defensive breakup of an alley-oop attempt to Stephon Castle. He then went down to the other end and knocked down a three-pointer over Victor Wembanyama.
Devin Booker’s presence is being felt on both ends of the floor.
His best sequence? Breaking up an alley-oop intended for Stephon Castle, then heading down the floor and burying a three-pointer over Victor Wembanyama.
Devin Booker finished the first quarter shooting 5-of-8 from the field and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc, scoring 15 of the Suns’ 25 points. But the Spurs capitalized on all three of Phoenix’s turnovers, converting them into seven points while outrebounding the Suns 14-9. San Antonio took a 31-25 lead into the second quarter.
The momentum carried over as the Spurs extended their run to 12-0 across the two quarters, pushing Phoenix’s deficit to 11 points. With Devin Booker taking a breather, the Suns opened the second quarter shooting 1-of-6 from the field and 0-of-4 from beyond the arc through the first 2:37. Meanwhile, the Spurs were a perfect 4-of-4 from the field, including 1-of-1 from deep, and suddenly Phoenix found itself trailing by 14 points.
The Suns were -12 in the non-Booker minutes in the second. From 1:23 in the first to 7:59 in the second, the Spurs put together a 21-2 run.
With 5:19 remaining in the second quarter, the Suns found themselves trailing by 20 points.
Then, with 1:54 left in the first half, Keldon Johnson delivered an unnatural kick on a layup attempt that caught Devin Booker square in the junk, the same type of play that got Dillon Brooks ejected last week. Yet the officials opted not to even review it. Funny how that works, isn’t it?
Over the final eight minutes of the half, Phoenix was +3 with Booker on the floor, but the Suns were ultimately outscored 30-21 in the second quarter. Booker finished the half with 23 points.
Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama had 22 points on 7-of-8 shooting from the field and 7-of-8 from the free-throw line. He also added six rebounds, three assists, and five blocks, leading the Spurs in all of those statistical categories. At halftime, San Antonio led Phoenix 61-46.
Turns out the Suns are much better when Booker is on the court.
The Phoenix Suns opened the second half with a much-needed infusion of energy, finding opportunities to attack in transition and briefly put pressure on the San Antonio Spurs. After an opening three-pointer from Julian Champagnie, Phoenix responded with an 8-0 run to cut the deficit to 10 points. But getting that close seemed to flip a switch for Victor Wembanyama, as San Antonio answered with a 10-4 run of its own to regain control. Before long, the Suns found themselves staring at another 20-point deficit.
Phoenix had another frustrating offensive quarter and again failed to reach 25 points. The Suns collectively shot 8-of-26 from the field and 3-of-9 from beyond the arc, struggling to generate any consistent offensive rhythm. Devin Booker led the way with nine points, while Dillon Brooks contributed five. The rest of the roster? A miserable 3-of-14 from the field.
Meanwhile, San Antonio continued to demonstrate why it’s one of the most dangerous teams in the Western Conference. Dylan Harper erupted for 14 points in the third quarter, adding three rebounds and an assist, while Wembanyama contributed 10 points, four rebounds, and a block. Every time Phoenix appeared ready to make things interesting, the Spurs had an answer, methodically dismantling whatever momentum the Suns managed to generate.
By the end of the third quarter, Phoenix trailed 93-68, facing a 25-point deficit and another uphill battle that was becoming increasingly difficult to overcome.
The fourth quarter? Well, the Suns essentially waved the white flag with eight minutes remaining, pulling their starters and allowing Jamaree Bouyea and Rasheer Fleming to see the floor. Cam Spencer, Koa Peat, and Duop Reath followed shortly thereafter, as Phoenix found itself trailing by 30 points and the outcome was all but decided.
There were at least a few entertaining moments from the young guys. Peat, the Suns’ rookie, wasted little time making an impression, executing a smooth spin move before finishing off the glass. On the very next possession, he connected with Jamaree Bouyea for an alley-oop, providing a brief spark of energy as Phoenix trimmed the deficit to 26 points.
At that stage, moral victories were about the only thing left to celebrate. Suns lose, 122-96.
Up Next
The Suns are right back at it tomorrow night as they host the Clippers. We shall see you then.
Walker Kessler of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a free throw during a game against the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta, Georgia, Nov. 9, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
More importantly, he accomplished something neither Magic Johnson nor Kareem Abdul-Jabbar managed twice in a Lakers uniform.
Doncic became the first player in franchise history to record multiple games with at least 30 points, five assists, five steals and two blocks. Johnson and Abdul-Jabbar each accomplished the feat once.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during an NBA game in Atlanta, Georgia, Monday, Nov. 9, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
Doncic has already done it twice in his first 10 games this season.
He also climbed into 10th place all-time for games featuring at least 30 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals.
Walker Kessler of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a free throw during a game against the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta, Georgia, Nov. 9, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
Of course, what else was Kessler supposed to say about his new pick-and-roll partner? That he’s the fifth-best player in basketball?
Victor Wembanyama, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Brunson and Anthony Edwards might have a few objections to Kessler’s declaration.
But with the Lakers sitting atop the NBA standings at 10-2, Doncic has something those other superstars don’t: the league’s best record, and an NBA-best scoring average of 40.1 points per game.
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DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 9: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates after scoring a basket during the second half against the Indiana Pacers at American Airlines Center on November 9, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks (7-4) survived a wild one Monday night, beating the Indiana Pacers (3-8) 125-122 in one of their most entertaining games of the season. Cooper Flagg was incredible, finishing with 43 points on 16-of-25 shooting, 10 rebounds, six assists, and three steals, while Kyrie Irving added 35 points on seven made 3-pointers. Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 29 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. Dallas trailed by 10 at halftime, but Flagg and Irving powered a second-half comeback and made enough plays late to escape with the win.
Dallas opened sluggishly and spent most of the first quarter trying to dig out of an early hole. Flagg was easily the Mavericks’ best player, scoring nine points with five rebounds, two assists, and three steals while shooting 4-of-6. Kyrie started 1-for-4, Caleb Martin missed both shots, and Dallas shot only 40 percent from the field and 27.3 percent from three. Indiana, meanwhile, shot 55 percent from the field and 57.1 percent from three, with Siakam going perfect from the floor for nine points and Aaron Nesmith hitting both of his threes. Flagg’s activity kept Dallas within reach, but Indiana was the sharper team and led 31-26 after one.
The Mavericks found more offense in the second quarter, but Siakam completely took over. Kyrie got going with three threes and reached 15 points, while Flagg continued to create as both a scorer and passer. Walter Clayton Jr. also gave Dallas good minutes, but the Mavericks couldn’t string together enough stops to take control. Siakam finished the half with 26 points on 8-of-9 shooting and hit five of his six threes, repeatedly answering every Dallas run. Indiana shot 60 percent from the field and 56.3 percent from three in the half, while P.J. Washington struggled badly at 2-of-10 from the floor. Andrew Nembhard hit a turnaround jumper at the horn to send the Pacers into halftime up 66-56.
Dallas finally flipped the game in the third, and Flagg was the biggest reason why. He scored 14 points in the period, getting to his turnaround jumper, attacking the rim, and making better reads as the Mavericks steadily erased the deficit. Kyrie stayed hot with two more threes, while Washington finally found some rhythm with a tip-in and a three. Dallas also tightened up defensively, forcing turnovers and getting better activity from Clayton and Naji Marshall. Siakam cooled off significantly after torching Dallas in the first half, and Flagg kept pushing late with back-to-back finger rolls to cut the deficit to two. Dallas closed the quarter down just 93-90 after entering it trailing by 10.
The fourth quarter was an absolute blast. Dallas and Indiana traded tough shots, mistakes, and momentum swings to the finish, with Flagg and Kyrie carrying the Mavericks offensively whenever things started to fall apart. It was far from clean, with turnovers, unnecessary fouls, and several possessions that could have swung the game either way, but Dallas kept responding. Every time Indiana landed a punch, Flagg or Kyrie found another huge basket. The final minutes turned into a possession-by-possession fight, and the Mavericks finally made enough plays on both ends to survive 125-122. It was messy, stressful, and probably harder than it needed to be, but it was also one of the most fun wins of the season.
Right now, the Mavericks need to do everything they can to keep Kyrie Irving in rhythm. Kyrie was great again Monday, finishing with 35 points on 11-of-18 shooting while hitting seven of his 10 threes, and it felt like a continuation of everything he started against Brooklyn the night before. Since returning from injury, Kyrie has looked noticeably better when he has been able to stack games together. He came back a little rusty, started finding his rhythm, then sat against Sacramento and looked rusty again when he returned. Now he has played on consecutive nights, and suddenly he looks completely comfortable.
Against Indiana, he was the driving force behind Dallas staying alive long enough to make its second-half run. Every time the offense stalled, Kyrie created something, whether it was a pull-up, a three or a tough finish around the rim. He had 25 points by the end of the third quarter and kept making huge shots as Dallas erased a 10-point halftime deficit. The Mavericks obviously have to be smart with him after the injury, but there is also something to be said for letting Kyrie play when he is rolling. Right now, he has his rhythm back, and Dallas looks completely different because of it.
Cooper Flagg is ridiculous
Somehow, Cooper Flagg keeps finding another level.
Flagg finished with 43 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and three steals while shooting 16-of-25 from the field, 3-of-6 from three, and a perfect 8-of-8 at the line. He was Dallas’ best player early when almost nobody else had anything going, then became the centerpiece of the comeback after halftime. He scored 14 points in the third quarter alone, repeatedly getting to his turnaround jumper and the rim, and he continued making huge plays when the game tightened in the fourth.
What continues to stand out is how comfortable he looks with the game on the line. Flagg does not shy away from the moment or wait for someone else to create. He wants the ball, attacks mismatches, and has already developed an incredible ability to create something when possessions break down. His case for Clutch Player of the Year is only getting stronger because this keeps happening. Dallas needed nearly all 43 of his points Monday, and when the Mavericks needed someone to will them across the finish line, Flagg was right there again.
The Mavericks win in the clutch again
This is becoming one of the biggest differences between this Mavericks team and what we watched last season.
Monday was exactly the type of game Dallas would have found a way to lose a year ago. The Mavericks were down double digits, had stretches filled with turnovers, missed free throws, and unnecessary fouls, and gave Indiana plenty of opportunities to take control. Instead of folding, they kept answering. Kyrie and Flagg made difficult shots, the defense made timely stops, and Dallas stayed composed enough to survive a genuinely chaotic finish.
That matters.
Close games are rarely clean, and Monday certainly was not. The Pacers shot 52.4 percent from the field and 42.9 percent from three; Siakam was incredible, and Indiana kept finding ways to punch back. Still, Dallas found a way to win 125-122. This team has the talent to make tough shots late with Flagg and Kyrie, but it also feels like Dusty May has given them more structure and confidence in those moments.
Mistakes and ugly possessions will still happen, but the Mavericks no longer seem to panic when games get tight. They believe they can close, and with Flagg and Kyrie playing like this, there is a pretty good reason for that confidence.
TORONTO, ON - November 9 In first half action, Jamal Shead (1) of the Raptors works some defence on Jerami Grant (3) of the Grizzlies The Toronto Raptors played the Memphis Grizzlies in NBA basketball action at the Scotiabank Arena. November 9 2026 Richard Lautens/Toronto Star (Richard Lautens/Toronto Star via Getty Images) | Toronto Star via Getty Images
The Toronto Raptors may have fallen to the Memphis Grizzlies 118-102 on Monday, but there was a familiar presence on the court that both softened the blow of a loss and boosted hopes for the future.
With Kawhi Leonard, Scottie Barnes, Collin Murray-Boyles and especially Immanuel Quickley out with injury, it was a chance for Jamal Shead to step up. Shead ultimately did so while summoning the spirit of Kyle Lowry.
Here are seven examples of how Shead looked like the Raptors legend during the game:
Finding what the team needs the most
One thing Lowry was known for – other than his ability to lull opponents into committing offensive fouls – was his uncanny feel for the game. Whatever the Raptors needed at any given moment, Lowry usually dug into his deep bag of tricks to supply it. When Toronto was a horrendous 0-for-6 from the perimeter, it was Shead who hit the team’s first three of the game.
The point guard followed that up with two additional threes before the end of the first quarter. Shead’s three triples were the only shots Toronto made from beyond-the-arc in the opening frame. Considering Shead entered the contest shooting a career-low 21.7 per cent from the perimeter, it was very “Lowry” of him to transform into a deadly shooter when the moment called for it.
“Me being aggressive is going to add fuel to us,” said Shead. “They won’t be able to load up on Scottie, load up on Kawhi, load up on IQ.”
Shead finished with four three-pointers, the most he’s made this season. It’s the most threes Shead has made since Dec. 9, 2025 against the New York Knicks.
The signature Lowry move
Speaking of lulling opponents into a false sense of security, a player can’t have a Lowry-type game without drawing at least one offensive foul. In the second quarter, while Memphis was in semi-transition, Shead drew an offensive foul on Taylor Hendricks.
After the whistle was blown, and while Shead was on the ground, the point guard enthusiastically pointed the other way. It was easy for those in attendance at the Scotiabank Arena to cheer the blue-collar play. Even for those who don’t ever see the sequence, if you’ve watched the Raptors before, you know exactly what this looked like.
A night to remember
Despite the outcome, it still ended up being one of Shead’s best performances as a professional. Shead finished with 20 points on 35.2 per cent shooting. He was two points shy of tying his career-high (22 points vs. the Philadelphia 76ers on Jan. 11 in 2026).
The uptick in usage was obviously due to the Raptors’ injuries, but Shead was ready for the call.
“A lot of guys wait for those opportunities and are just ready to play,” said Shead. “Obviously those are really important pieces for us…but when they’re out, it’s just next-man up.”
Authoring a career-type game while undermanned is very Lowry-coded.
Mighty mouse in the house
Lowry’s stature may have prevented him from living above the rim during his 20-year career, but it didn’t stop him from controlling the painted area – and it didn’t matter how much height he was giving up.
On two separate occasions, Grizzlies rookie Cameron Boozer had Shead pinned in the paint. The first example occurred in the opening quarter. Shead leaned his body into Boozer’s back, daring Memphis to throw the entry pass. Instead, the Grizzlies opted out.
Later in the game, Boozer received a pass near the basket with Shead guarding him. While Shead’s help lurked nearby, Boozer quickly passed to the opposite side instead of taking advantage of his size.
The set-up man
While Shead may be light-years away from reaching Lowry’s all-time Raptors assists record – 3,447 to be exact – that shouldn’t take away from the fact that he’s an excellent table-setter. After setting a career-high in assists (16) against the Milwaukee Bucks on Nov. 6, Shead continued to show his playmaking chops against Memphis. He led Toronto in assists with 11.
It’s also the way he got his teammates the ball that mirrored Lowry.
Shead’s Nash dribble as he exited the baseline before throwing the lob pass was fun. Later in the game, Shead’s dribble drive opened up the lanes and as soon as the Memphis defence committed, he kicked it to the corner for an Allen Graves three. Shead’s paint touches and vision also make the game visibly easier for Jakob Poeltl.
“We had a lot of great conversations during the game about where he’s going to be,” said Shead. “He’s very mobile and can kind of handle the ball. He’s really smart…it’s really easy playing with Jak.”
An endless amount of pocket passes, dump-offs and alley-oops allowed Poeltl to have his best game of the season. Poeltl finished with 18 points and eight rebounds.
QB1 at the one
The only player that might’ve thrown a better outlet pass as a Raptor than Lowry was Marc Gasol, but Shead definitely added to his resume against the Grizzlies. In the second quarter, Shead corralled a defensive rebound and immediately threw a deep ball to Walter on the break. The play shifted the momentum and brought the entire Raptors bench, including Barnes, off their feet.
“Those guys really want to be out there,” said Shead. “But they’re really engaged with us regardless if they’re out there or not, and that’s really helpful.”
Later in the fourth quarter, Shead fought through the trees and somehow snagged the defensive rebound. Without hesitation, he launched a perfect outlet pass to Jamison Battle in stride, subsequently leading to an easy two points during a pivotal moment in the game.
Electric defensive plays
Lowry had a knack for coming up with clutch defensive plays, especially when the Raptors were in dire need of a stop. When Graves helped knock a ball loose at the top of the arc, Shead teleported to the ball and rushed down the court for a breakaway layup, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Moments later, while getting back on defence, Shead motioned to the bench to ask for a breather. Before the whistle blew, Shead swiped at the ball while Canadian Zach Edey had it under the basket, causing it to go off his leg and out of bounds. As the crowd roared, Shead yelled as he walked back to the bench. The play was ultimately overturned due to a Poeltl foul, but it highlighted just how much passion and bravado Shead brings to the team.
Even while taking on a larger responsibility on the offensive end, Shead is still finding ways to impact the game defensively, just like Lowry.
“The more minutes I’ve been playing, I’ve took off the gas a little bit on the defensive side,” said Shead. “Once those guys come back, I get to do what I do best and go guard the ball.”
Luka Doncic had already stuffed the stat sheet Monday night, but the Los Angeles Lakers superstar wasn’t finished dishing out assists.
His final one didn’t even count in the box score.
Following the Lakers’ 124-114 victory over the Atlanta Hawks, Doncic was spotted tracking down a referee to retrieve the game ball as players exchanged handshakes and pleasantries at the final buzzer.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during an NBA game in Atlanta, Georgia, Monday, Nov. 9, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
The reason? Lakers rookie Cameron Carr had just scored the first points of his NBA career, and Doncic wanted to make sure his young teammate had a souvenir to remember the moment.
It was a small gesture from one of basketball’s biggest superstars, but one that spoke volumes about Doncic’s leadership on this new-look Lakers team without LeBron James.
Luka Doncic (77) of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. NBAE via Getty ImagesCameron Carr (43) of the Los Angeles Lakers dunks against the Atlanta Hawks during a game at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Nov. 9, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
With Austin Reaves sidelined on the second night of a back-to-back after erupting for 43 points Sunday in Detroit, Carr received seven minutes of playing time.
The rookie scored his first NBA basket on a breakaway dunk at the end of the first quarter, courtesy of an assist from Doncic, who apparently decided that helping Carr make history wasn’t enough. He wanted to preserve it, too.
Doncic finished with a ridiculous 32 points, 10 assists, eight rebounds, five steals and two blocks, becoming one of only 10 players in NBA history to record multiple games with at least 30 points, five rebounds, five assists and five steals. This was Doncic’s fifth such game of his career.
After the game, Doncic was asked about grabbing the game ball for Carr.
“Yeah obviously you know you always wanna remember your first bucket, you know? And you wanna get that ball so it was kind of important for me to grab it,” said Doncic.
The victory improved Los Angeles to an NBA-best 10-2, its best start since the 2019-20 season, when the Lakers eventually captured their 17th NBA championship.
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The Los Angeles Lakers star nearly notched a triple-double on Monday, Nov. 9 in his return from injury when he tallied 32 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds in a 124-114 win against the Atlanta Hawks.
Dončić missed one game with back tightness, a win over the Detroit Pistons on Sunday, Nov. 8, but he returned to the starting lineup on day later at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. Sandro Mamukelashvili contributed 23 points off the bench, and Walker Kessler added 21 points and 10 boards.
CJ McCollum led Atlanta with 21 points off the bench. Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 20 points.
The Hawks took an early 15-7 lead in the first quarter, but the Lakers took control from there and didn't trail the rest of the game.
Los Angeles snaps the Hawks' four-game winning streak. On Saturday, Nov. 7, Atlanta had a star of their own return from injury. Jalen Johnson had 30 points and bounced back from a hurt ankle to help his team come back from a 17-point deficit and notch a victory against the New Orleans Pelicans.
The six-time All-Star is averaging a league-high 39.3 points per game this season. He adds 7.9 assists per outing, which ranks seventh in the NBA, and 7.8 rebounds and is making an early case for MVP. Dončić also leads the league in field goals made per game (12.1), 3-pointers (5.5) and free throws (9.6), while 49.8% from the field, 40.7% from beyond the arc and 88.1% from the charity stripe.
Featured on the Pelicans roster is their reserve point guard Jordan Poole, who was drafted by the Warriors with the 28th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Poole helped the Warriors win a championship in 2022.
During pregame warmups, Poole – who rocked a pair of athletic shades – had briefly reunited with his former backcourt mate, Warriors star Stephen Curry. Poole just finished his shootaround and was headed back to the locker room when Curry was also warming up on the court.
The two completed their signature handshake from years ago when Poole stopped to greet Curry. Curry couldn't help but to notice Poole's cool shades.
He signals to try them and on as Poole takes them off his face and hands him to Curry to wear for himself. Curry, of course, took and did 3-point shot with them on.
Poole played four seasons with the Warriors from 2019 to 2023, during which he averaged 15.8 points, 3.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds per game across 266 total regular-season games. He became known for his microwave-like scoring off the bench as he worked up trust between his teammates. He excelled enough to run the backcourt alongside Curry as a starter during the 2021-22 season as Klay Thompson, then, recovered from a torn ACL.
Poole developed the nickname "Poole Party" for his 3-point shooting and the range he began to develop.
As he started walking back towards the team’s bench and was approaching Walker Kessler, the song “Y.M.C.A.” by the Village People began playing off the speakers in the arena.
Dončić immediately started breaking out into the song’s dance and was staring right at Kessler who didn’t seem to notice the Lakers superstar was dancing.
While Kessler didn’t notice Dončić’s dance moves, he couldn’t help but notice his 32-point performance that included eight rebounds and 10 assists.
Monday night marked another night Dončić finished with over 30 points in a game, as he’s done it in all nine games he’s played this season.
This season, Dončić has made his case as an early MVP candidate, coming into Monday’s game averaging 40.1 points with 7.8 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and shooting 49.8% from the field.
Walker Kessler misses Luka Dončić’s dance moves. NBAE via Getty ImagesWalker Kessler moving past a defender in Monday’s game agianst the Hawks. AP Photo/Mike Stewart
Dončić has gone and scored over 50 points twice this season and has the Lakers with a 9-2 record entering Sunday’s game, which is probably why he’s been feeling so comfortable with the team.
After Friday’s victory against the Trail Blazers, Dončić was seen messing with head coach JJ Redick by peeking his head out during his press conference.
Aside from Dončić putting together another dominant performance, Kessler was in the midst of having another promising performance, as he’s scored 21 points with 10 rebounds and four assists through the first three quarters of the game.
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 9: John Collins #20 of the Detroit Pistons dunks the ball in the game against the Washington Wizards on November 9, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
For those of you DBB sickos who care, I’m officially a married man! We had a spooky wedding on Halloween night and spent the past week in Cabo San Lucas for our honeymoon. We had a great time celebrating over the past week and a half!
Now we’re back to Pistons hoops.
JB Bickerstaff decided to mix up the starting lineup by starting John Collins at center. Paul Reed moved to the bench, and Daniss Jenkins was inserted into the starting lineup. Detroit started small with Duncan Robinson at the 3 and Ausar Thompson at the 4.
It proved to be the right idea early, as Collins was the leading scorer for Detroit after the first quarter with nine points. The Wizards took a 32-31 lead heading into the second, behind 12 points from Trae Young and 11 from Anthony Davis.
Detroit struggled to have an answer defensively for AD, and this was another game where Detroit missed Jalen Duren’s physicality and inside presence. Davis had 30 points and eight rebounds at the halfway point while only missing one of his 11 attempts. The Pistons put up 37 points in the quarter with five different players scoring more than seven points. Collins led the way with 15, Duncan had 14, and Cade had 11 as Detroit held a 68-58 lead.
The third quarter was all about Daniss Jenkins. Cade picked up his fifth foul halfway through the third, and DJ took the reins. He made Trae Young look like a traffic cone on defense as Jenkins went on to score 13 in the quarter. He consistently attacked Young, and Young never stood a chance. Detroit continued to extend their lead as they were up 103-87 heading into the fourth.
The fourth quarter was highlighted by two beautiful plays by Ebuka Okorie and Ausar Thompson.
First, watch Ausar find Okorie in transition as Okorie does his best Kyrie Irving impression:
Second, the Human Swiss Army knife blocks the 7-footer Alex Sarr on one end, then follows that up by directing traffic and finding an open DJ with a great bounce pass for a wide-open dunk:
The Pistons will continue to hope for a speedy recovery for Jalen Duren as they needed his inside physicality against Anthony Davis, who finished with 44 points and 13 rebounds while shooting 16-for-21 from the field. Detroit still managed to pull away with a 122-111 win behind three different players who scored 20+ points, despite none of them being Cade Cunningham.
John Collins, in his starting small-ball five role, led the way with 24 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 9-for-13 from the field. Both Daniss Jenkins and Duncan Robinson added 22 points each, and Jenkins led Detroit with eight assists. Your fun fact of the night: Robinson led the Pistons with seven free throw attempts. There has been a clear difference in his game this year as he looks to get to the line more often. Cunningham added 17 points and seven assists.
The Pistons improve to 7-3 on the season. Detroit’s home-and-home matchup with the Wizards continues as the Pistons will travel to Washington for Round 2 on Thursday night.
ATLANTA — The Lakers didn’t need Luka Dončić to continue his 40-point scoring streak to leave Starm Farm Arena with a victory on Monday night.
Even with Austin Reaves sidelined because of an illness fresh off scoring a season-high 43 points in Sunday’s win over the Pistons, the Lakers didn’t need Dončić to perform at the unrealistically high he set for himself externally over the last two weeks.
Luka Doncic (77) of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, at State Farm Arena in Atlanta. NBAE via Getty Images
They just needed the Slovenian superstar to make the plays in front of him that the Hawks were conceding – which he did to the tune of 32 points, 10 assists and 8 rebounds for a near triple-double in the Lakers’ 124-114 win over the Hawks to push the team’s winning streak to six games.
Dončić added five steals and 2 blocked shots during a night he stuffed the stat sheet while his non-Reaves teammates picked up the scoring slack with the league’s No. 11 scorer sidelined.
Sandro Mamukelashvili stepped up the most, scoring a season-high 23 points on 7-for-13 shooting (5 of 8 on 3-pointers), finding his spots within the offense to be a scorer and distributor in a way the Lakers needed without their second-best playmaker.
Sandro Mamukelashvili of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a 3-point basket against the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta on Monday, Nov. 9, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
Collin Sexton provided the biggest jolt off the bench, with his 18 points and 6 assists coming at critical moments.
Sexton also assisted Walker Kessler (21 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists) on three alley-oops to get the starting big man going early.
The Lakers quickly reversed their slow start, turning an early 15-7 deficit into a 31-22 lead going into the second quarter, with their lead growing to as many as 20 points midway through the quarter.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Collin Sexton (10) reacts during the first half of an NBA Cup basketball game against the Atlanta Hawks in Atlanta, Monday, Nov. 9, 2026. AP Photo/Mike Stewart
Monday played out similarly as Sunday, with the Hawks threatening to erase the Lakers’ lead but never tying or getting ahead of the game.
The Lakers closed the game out with a 9-3 run, with Dončić and Mamukelashvili at the heart of creating the easy offense the team is getting used to benefiting from.
The Lakers improved to 10-2 on the season with the victory.
They’ll travel to Milwaukee to play the Bucks on Wednesday.
DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 9: Anthony Davis #23 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 9, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards lost to the Detroit Pistons, 122-111 on Monday night to fall to 4-7 in the 2026-27 season.
While the Wizards led 32-31 after the first quarter, Detroit outscored Washington 37-26 in the second. The oddest part was that Anthony Davis scored 19 of his 44 points in the second quarter. Davis ws Washington’s brightest spot tonight shooting 16-of-21 from the field and grabbing 13 rebounds.
Still, things didn’t get much better in the third quarter when the Pistons shot 63.2 percent from the field and out-rebounded the Wizards 127 in the period. Washington also committed 19 turnovers in the game as a whole which also made things harder for them tonight.
John Collins led the Pistons with 24 points and 10 rebounds while Daniss Jenkins and Duncan Robinson added 22 points each for Detroit.
AJ Dybantsa added 21 points while Trae Young added 20 more for Washington.
The Wizards’ next game is on Wednesday where they will play against the Indiana Pacers. Tip off is at 7 p.m. ET. See you then.
CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 9: James Harden #1 and Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on November 9, 2026 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers, in desperate need of a get-right game, put together one of their worst performances in recent (regular season) memory by getting blown out by the Charlotte Hornets 124-112 on Monday night. The Cavs fall a game under .500 before heading to New York on Wednesday to play the defending champion Knicks on national television.
Instead of using tonight’s game as a momentum builder, the Cavs were laughed out of the arena by the woeful Hornets. Cleveland trailed by as many as 33 points against the NBA’s worst offense in Charlotte, a team that was already missing several key players. Grayson Allen (27 points on 8-of-14 shooting) and Naz Reid (25 points, 13 rebounds) thoroughly outplayed Cleveland’s starters, resulting in a 16-point deficit at the half. That ballooned to 27 points at the end of the third quarter, leading to none of the Cavs’ starters returning to the game after that.
Jarrett Allen returned to the starting lineup, finishing with 12 points and seven rebounds in 19 minutes. Donovan Mitchell and James Harden had 11 points each and combined to shoot 7-20 from the floor. Harden in particular was disastrous and had some of the worst defensive possessions you will ever see from an NBA player. Evan Mobley had an exceptionally ineffective game, too, with nine points and four turnovers. Harden and Mobley had a combined +/- of -46 tonight, which passes the eye test.
Not only did Charlotte’s starters outplay the Cavs, but Cleveland’s backups did too. Craig Porter Jr., Thomas Bryant, Thomas, and Norchad Omier brought the Cavs within eight points late in the fourth quarter before running out of steam. But the reserves showed a lot of heart, and considerably more effort and energy than Cleveland’s starters.
The Cavs were out-rebounded 49-32 overall, but didn’t get their first offensive rebound until the third quarter, losing that battle 17-3. Cleveland actually ended up with fewer turnovers and shot better from the field than Charlotte, but the final score didn’t reflect that.
This is the type of loss that reverberates through an organization, especially one that is expensive and on a fixed timeline like the Cavs. There is a heightened sense of urgency to right the ship, but Cleveland remains exceptionally inconsistent and underwhelming. Despite quality wins against Minnesota and Philadelphia, the Cavs feel like a team teetering on the edge of the abyss. Losses like tonight’s are what push things over.
(@PurpGoldLakers) 
