Dončić, over a 24-hour stretch, dropped a staggering 87 points in consecutive Los Angeles Lakers victories, the latest Monday, Nov. 2 in a 138-117 domination over the Miami Heat. In the process, not only did Dončić outshine Heat star Giannis Antetokounmpo, he’s proving that Los Angeles is close to unbeatable when he’s besieging opponents with buckets.
Case in point: entering the night, NBA teams were averaging 113.7 points per game; the Lakers, by the end of the third quarter, were already at 111. For reference, that was four points off from tying the most allowed by the Heat through three quarters in their history.
One night after he dropped 45 in a win over the Toronto Raptors, Dončić toasted the Heat to the tune of 42 points on 14-of-24 shooting, scooping 7 rebounds and dishing out 13 assists.
It didn’t matter who Miami sent at Dončić. Versatile defensive wing Andrew Wiggins started the game on Dončić, but Pelle Larsson and Davion Mitchell each got their turn. Later in the third, after Dončić was creeping toward 40 points, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra dug deep in the bench and deployed defensive-specialist guard Dru Smith. The Heat threw double-teams at Dončić, but that didn’t matter, either.
Dončić zipped and lofted passes to open teammates who had been left neglected because of those double-teams. By the end of the third, he had already posted double-digit assists.
This is the bewildering thing about defending Dončić: even when you try to rush him, he stubbornly plays at his pace, parries away the additional defensive attention – almost teasing blitzing defenders and daring them to get close – only to pinpoint passes right into his teammates’ shooting pockets.
This was an efficient Dončić. He did not need to strafe the rim with shots. He was under control. He was never flustered. And, at least on Monday night, he made his teammates better.
Antetokounmpo, by comparison, finished with 30 points on 10-of-17 shooting, adding 12 rebounds and 7 assists.
The Lakers improved to 6-2 and Dončić is now averaging 38.3 points per game, which is a full 4 points greater than the next closest player. They wield one of the top 3 offenses in the NBA. And as injuries have plagued some of the top teams in the West, like the Oklahoma City Thunder, there could be an opening for the Lakers to blossom into a legitimate title threat with Dončić as the unquestioned anchor of the team.
SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 2: Josh Okogie #21 of the Utah Jazz drives to the basket during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on November 2, 2026 at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas. Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After pushing the San Antonio Spurs to overtime last Wednesday, the Utah Jazz tried to make a similar stand in Alamo City on Monday night. But the home team, spurred on by a raucous crowd, had other ideas, outmuscling the visitors 119-97. It was Utah’s second blow out loss in a row, leaving fans (and this fan in particular) scrambling to find a silver lining. I won’t say the dark clouds are lifting just yet, but there are a few glints of sun filtering through.
Lauri Markkanen A-: After a disappointing performance against Portland on Halloween, Lauri brushed off some of the cobwebs, finding his range from three and also setting up his teammates, delivering perfect lobs for both Jaxson Hayes and Mo Bamba. He was active around the basket, raking in a team high 8 rebounds, and led Utah’s spirited (but short lived) come back effort in the second quarter.
Josh Okogie A: Josh was excellent tonight, forcing turnovers and pressuring the Spurs’ guards into giving up the ball. He also showed some of his offensive skills, getting to the free throw line, where he was 6 of 6. The Jazz just have a different intensity when Okogie is on the floor, something they desperately needed on a tough shooting night.
Mo Bamba A: Another solid night from Mo, scoring 8 points, grabbing 8 rebounds and blocking two shots in just 18 minutes. He is finding ways to impact opponents’ shots without fouling, not an easy task when facing a physical team like the Spurs.
Ace Bailey C: A difficult night for Ace, who missed his first six shots from the floor. The Jazz could have really used his scoring, especially in the first and third quarters. On a positive note, he did find some other ways to impact the game, picking up 6 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal.
Keyonte George C: I think Keyonte has spoiled us with his consistent play to start the season. Tonight he struggled against the length and aggressiveness of the Spurs’ guards. He was only 25% from the field and 20% from three, and had no assists. He was active on the boards, pulling in 7 rebounds.
Darryn Peterson B: The rookie led the team with 6 assists and also showed some defensive grit with 3 steals and 3 blocks. He took care of the ball, which was in his hands a lot, committing only one turnover. His shooting is still a little streaky—he shot 0-5 in the first half—but once that becomes more consistent, then the sky is the limit.
Josh Green C: There is no denying the effort, but Josh’s impact on the game was minimal, hitting one three and grabbing one rebound in 15 minutes on the court.
Brice Sensabaugh D: Brice’s most notable play was a flagrant foul, pushing Harrison Barnes to the ground after catching an elbow in the nose. It showed some of the fight that I’m sure Coach Hardy would like to see more of. But Brice’s shooting at the Frost Bank Center was mainly ice cold, going 20% from the field and 1-6 from three.
Svi Mykhailiuk D: Svi, normally ready when called on, also had an off night, going 1-7 from the field and 1-4 from three.
Isaiah Collier B: We didn’t see Isaiah until the fourth quarter when the game was out of reach. It would have been nice to see his speed and physicality earlier, as it brought an energy to the Jazz’s offense (albeit against largely bench players).
Kyle Filipowski C: Kyle has largely been the forgotten man this season, pushed further down the bench by the emergence of the two Joshes. He came in tonight for the last 8 minutes, getting 1 point from the free throw line and grabbing 2 rebounds.
Tony Bradley B: Tony also came in for the last few minutes of the game and was active, muscling in a bucket and grabbing 3 rebounds and a steal.
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 2: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket during the game against the Miami Heat on November 2, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers had a red-hot offensive night against the Heat on Monday to pick up a second straight victory, downing Miami 136-115.
LA shot 56.8% from the field and hit 19 3-pointers at a 44.2% clip. They had 39 assists on 51 made shots and dominated the paint, outscoring Miami 58-38.
LA quickly took a 10-point lead on the shoulders of Luka Dončić, who was already in double figures with 12 points. The Heat cut the deficit to two with Davion Mitchell and Klay Thompson combining for 11 points.
Walker Kessler had six points for Los Angeles.
Despite hot shooting from the field, the Lakers couldn’t build much of a cushion. Giannis Antetokounmpo now led the Heat with eight points. Sandro Mamukelashvili provided a nice spark off the bench with five points.
The purple and gold were up seven at the end of the first.
Mamu has a real nice touch on these running floaters.
Miami started the second period with the first four points before Austin Reaves drained a triple. The shots from behind the arc started to fall for Los Angeles with Matisse Thybulle and Ziaire Williams each knocking one down.
Miami cut the deficit all the way to one thanks to Giannis continuing to have a dominant first half as he was up to 17 points. As a team, the Heat were shooting 88% from the field.
LA’s bench put in the work, combining for 27 points. Mamu led the way with nine. Much of the rest of the half remained a back-and-forth affair. The purple and gold went into the locker room up seven after shooting 67% from the field while Miami shot 59%.
Los Angeles also held a 36-24 advantage over the Heat in points in the paint.
Luka and Austin led the second period early, scoring nine points combined and forcing a quick Miami timeout. Out of the break, the Heat turned the ball over, leading to a layup from Kessler on the other end.
At the 10:18 mark, the Lakers led by 18.
The star duo of Luka and Reaves continued to lead the way for LA, combining for 11 points, extending Los Angeles’ momentum throughout the quarter. Williams’s first game back from injury was stellar as he had nine points and two assists.
Bam Adebayo remembered he could play basketball and entered double figures with 11 points, but it didn’t matter much as the Lakers still had all the momentum. They ended the third up 18. Luka had 37 points.
The final frame saw the Lakers start by scoring four in a row, but Tim Hardaway Jr. attempted to help Miami come back by draining two triples. It didn’t matter as LA continued to shoot at an excellent rate from behind the arc, with Luka, LaRavia, Reaves and Mamu all knocking down threes.
Los Angeles subbed in its bench with 1:22 left, and they kept the lead this time without making it unnecessarily interesting.
Key Player Stats
Luka finished with 42 points, seven rebounds and 12 assists. Reaves ended with 27 points and five assists while shooting 10-15 from the field. Kessler notched 15 points with 15 rebounds.
In his return from injury, Williams poured in nine points off the bench. Mamu pitched in with 13 points and four assists.
The rest of the role players all had positive impacts in small ways across the board. Thybulle scored six points with two assists, Grimes had seven points with four assists, Collin Sexton logged six points and LaRavia finished with seven points, four rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
The Lakers’ next game will be against the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday at 7:00 PM PT.
Mikel Brown Jr. missed out on the Nets’ first win of the season Sunday in Indiana, sitting as part of the team’s plan to manage the back injury that forced him to miss 14 games during his lone season at Louisville.
His return Monday — and his Madison Square Garden debut — didn’t go as he envisioned.
Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. (0) reacts during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
After contributing 13 points on 5-for-9 shooting to give the Nets the lead entering the fourth quarter, the No. 6 overall pick fell apart in the final quarter of the 103-90 loss, missing each of the four 3-pointers he took while failing to attack the rim.
“I think Mikel’s a rock star,” head coach Jordi Fernández said. “He’s gonna keep taking steps. And right now, we always want him to be aggressive, but he has the responsibility to run the team, and that’s a big deal. And you have to communicate. … Every shot that is good, every shot that is not good, it falls a little bit on you, right?”
Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. (0) brings the ball up court against New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, in New York. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Brown, who finished 1-for-8 on 3-pointers, is now shooting 31.6 percent from the field through his first five games with the Nets.
“I’m still growing and developing and learning,” Brown said. “I’m doing what I love every single night, and to be able to play in this type of environment, I’m just extremely blessed.”
The Garden didn’t forget.
Randle received cheers during the pregame introduction in his first game back in Manhattan since joining the Nets. Randle not only revived his career during his five seasons with the Knicks — earning two All-NBA selections and three All-Star Game selections during his tenure — he returned the Knicks to relevance by leading the franchise to its first playoff appearance in eight years, prior to Jalen Brunson’s arrival.
Randle, who with the Timberwolves had made two trips to the Garden after they acquired him in the deal that sent Karl-Anthony Towns here, finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds on 5-for-16 shooting.
“[It was] amazing, man,” Randle said. “I got a lot of love for the city, for the fans, had a lot of great memories here with the team, with my family. It was a big part of my life and my career, and [I’m] super appreciative of it.”
Egor Dëmin missed his third straight game with a right leg bone bruise.
Luka Dončić continues to etch his name in the Lakers history books with his start to the 2026-27 season.
Dončić had 24 points at halftime of the Lakers’ home game against the Heat on Monday night.
The showing made Dončić the first Lakers player to score at least 20 points in the first half in five straight games since Kobe Bryant in 2007.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic reacts after scoring a 3-point basket against the Miami Heat on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, in Los Angeles. AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea
“I don’t take it for granted,” coach JJ Redick said pregame. “A lot of times you can just be agog at his offensive prowess. Watching some of the tape [Sunday] night, and even during the game, I think our guys were like agog at his defense. And it was just awesome. It was inspiring. I really mean that.”
It’s the second time over the last week the Slovenian superstar had his name alongside the Lakers late icon in the franchise’s history books.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers prepares to shoot a free throw against the Miami Heat on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. NBAE via Getty ImagesLuka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates during a game against the Miami Heat at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
Dončić’s 21 points in the opening quarter of the Lakers’ Friday road game against the Warriors was his 33rd career 20-point quarter and 10th 20-point quarter as a Laker.
He joined Bryant as the only two Lakers players to record at least 10 20-point quarters since 2000.
Bryant recorded 36 20-point quarters between 2000 and his retirement in 2016.
With Doncic entering Monday averaging a league-best 37.7 points per game, the highest scoring average in league history by a non-Wilt Chamberlain player, he’s bound to make more history this season.
LeBron James of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles during a game against the Chicago Bulls on Nov. 2, 2026, at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. NBAE via Getty Images
LeBron ran past a stanchion and into the stands to decelerate during the Philadelphia 76ers’ home win against the Chicago Bulls.
Before returning to the court, several cameras saw James (who finished with 15 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds in the 126-107 win) take a glass of wine from a 76ers fan (who has been identified as Troy Clemons), take a sip, and the get back to the action.
LeBron James drinking a fan’s glass of wine during a Philadelphia 76ers game. (X/@krisrhim1).
Several video angles of this have gone viral, with ESPN’s Kris Rhim posting a bird’s eye view of King James’ mid-game beer break on X.
“Here’s vid of LeBron taking a sip of a drink from a fan just now during tonight’s game,” the post was captioned.
Here’s vid of LeBron taking a sip of a drink from a fan just now during tonight’s game.
James spoke with the media after Monday’s win and Rhim asked him about the exchange.
“I spilled some of his wine. I crashed into him, spilled some of his wine. So I wanted to see if it was worth it on my arm and how good it was. It was all right,” LeBron said, per an X post Rhim.
LeBron on sipping a fan’s wine mid-game tonight:
“I spilled some of his wine. I crashed into him, spilled some of his wine. So I wanted to see if it was worth it on my arm and how good it was. It was all right.” pic.twitter.com/9lDYtcI70X
Rhim caught up with Clemons after the game, who explained the exchange.
“LeBron crashed into me, he grabbed me, he said, ‘My bad.’ My drinks spilled everywhere, he took my drink from me, and he basically just took a sip of it,'” Clemons said, per an X post from Rhim.
Philadelphia 76ers fan Tony Clemons talking about LeBron James taking a sip of his wine during a game. (X/@KrisRhim1).
He added that he threw the wine cup in the trash, and that he got a fresh drink afterwards.
Even if Clemons didn’t keep the cup, he now has one of the best cocktail — or wine — party stories in all of Philadelphia.
The Warriors’ emotionally charged defensive leader was charged with two technicals on one play early in the second half Monday night against the Suns, sending him to the locker room.
After Phoenix center Khaman Maluach corralled an entry pass, the 7-footer went up for an attempt at the rim, and Green wrapped both arms around him, bringing him to the floor.
Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors dribbles against the Phoenix Suns in San Francisco, Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
Things got heated from there between the two teams, with recurring enemy Dillon Brooks charging into the scrum beneath the basket to defend his teammate. Brooks got into Green’s face and the two players put their arms on each other.
Green was originally assessed a personal foul for his initial contact with Maluach. After a lengthy review, officials assessed him one technical for what they termed his “throwdown.” They also awarded a double technical to Green and Brooks for their scrap that followed.
Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors draws an offensive foul on Oso Ighodaro of the Phoenix Suns in San Francisco, Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. Getty ImagesDraymond Green of the Golden State Warriors dribbles against the Phoenix Suns during an NBA game in San Francisco on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
It resulted in a pair of technical fouls for Green and his first ejection of the season — the 26th of his career. Green, who sat out the first half of the Warriors’ back-to-back the previous night, ended up logging 17 minutes, finishing with four points, four rebounds and two assists.
Golden State trailed Phoenix 68-57 at the time he was tossed from the game.
The two have a history of trash-talking and getting into shoving matches with one another. They kept that tension going during the Warriors-Suns matchup on Monday, Nov. 2.
Green committed a foul against Suns center Khaman Maluach, wrapping him up in an intentional foul before throwing him to the ground. Green was initially called for a foul and then an ensuing technical foul for shoving Maluach to the ground.
Things got spicy and Green got a visit from his old friend, or foe, Brooks. Brooks took exception to Green's push on his teammate and ran to the pile, pushing Green.
Green retaliated as teammates, coaches and game officials had to separate the two players. Both Green and Brooks received double-technical fouls for the dust up.
It was Green's second technical, which resulted in an automatic disqualification. Green left the game at the 10-minute mark of the third quarter. He finished the game with four points, four rebounds, two assists and a steal in 17 minutes.
The Warriors were receptive to Green's ejection. It lit a fire under the team, teammate Stephen Curry said.
"We had to respond so I'm glad we did," Curry said. "It was a combination of that moment. We're going to have out brother's back when he defends us."
Head coach Steve Kerr said he doesn't want actual fights, but rather the team's competitive nature.
"I just want to see the competitive spirit, and I thought we saw that time," Kerr said. "They really punched us in the mouth. You know, that first quarter, they were ready. ... I was thrilled with our competitive spirit. And I know there were a couple dust-ups, but that's just, you know, the greatest NBA basketball players on Earth competing. This is what it is."
Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski said he loved Green's intensity.
"We didn't have the edge to us to start the game," Podziemski said. "Found it a little bit in the second quarter but then they came out in the third quarter pretty well and that kind of changed the game for us. Everybody's locked and came together for Dray. So I think it was needed."
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 02: Emanuel Sharp #34 of the Sacramento Kings strips the ball from Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks during the first half at American Airlines Center on November 02, 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 GettyImages License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks dropped an ugly, grueling game to the Sacramento Kings by a score of 115-110. It was the kind of performance that makes you wonder why any of us spend any time watching sports at all. Dallas, fresh off their most emotional win of the season, laid a massive egg on their home floor and made the winless Kings look like the Harlem Globetrotters.
When such a horrific display of hoops takes place, everyone who steps on the floor is culpable. No one gets out unscathed. But Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks’ second-year wunderkind, had the worst game of his career, setting the tone for his supporting cast to follow. Flagg shot just 3-19 from the field and turned the ball over six times. It was an awful showing, the likes of which we won’t often see this season.
Unfortunately, the Mavericks compiled a lot of numbers throughout the box score tonight. None of them were good. Nevertheless, it is the duty of the courageous Mavs Moneyball staff and this beleaguered writer to let you know about some of those numbers and why they matter. Without further ado, here are the stats that tell this story of this Kafkaesque nightmare.
+12: Kings’ advantage in 3-pointers made
Dallas shot 7-of-33 from behind the line while Sacramento went 19—of-43. In the modern NBA, you’re not going to win any games when the other team outscores you by 36 from three. With Kyrie Irving resting, the Mavericks were without their best 3-point shooter and ball handler. As a result, space to operate and good looks from three were hard to come by.
As the game went on, the Mavericks got lazier and lazier on defense, too, letting the Kings swing the ball around and get up great looks from distance. The Dallas roster is already short on good shooting, and tonight was a sum-of-all-fears performance.
7: Mavericks’ fast-break points
The Mavericks came into tonight’s game fifth in the NBA in fast-break points per game at 18.7. Dusty May is known for pushing the pace in transition as often as possible, but that didn’t happen tonight.
Dallas was stuck in halfcourt hell, and things were a slog all night. This team is going to struggle when they can’t generate easy baskets.
33: Combined points for Maverick centers
Let’s end the stats rundown on a positive note. There were strong showings from both Daniel Gafford (20 points) and Morez Johnson Jr. (13) tonight, providing unlikely offense for a floundering squad. Gafford kept the Mavericks afloat in the first half and scored 11 points in the second quarter when nothing else was working.
Johnson had a really nice game on both ends of the floor; the Mavericks rookie posted a career-high in scoring while lifting the team defensively. It was a much-needed performance from the rookie big, who has struggled with playing through shin splints. Both Gafford and Johnson have done an admirable job holding down the center spot while Dereck Lively II and Santi Aldama work their way back from surgeries.
Nov 2, 2026; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) controls the ball against Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach (10) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
When you have explosive personalities like Draymond Green and Dillon Brooks sharing the floor, there’s always the possibility that a spark will ignite a fire. And on Monday night, as the Warriors took on the Suns, we got exactly those fireworks.
In the third quarter, with the Suns up eight points, a technical foul was called on Draymond Green after he threw Khaman Maluach to the floor during an and-one opportunity for the second-year big man. Coming to the defense of his teammate, Dillon Brooks attempted to hold Green back, prompting Draymond to aggressively grab Brooks’ jersey near his throat.
Draymond Green and Dillon Brooks were getting into it on this play 👀
Green sparked the altercation by throwing Khaman Maluach to the floor.
Essentially, Green believed Maluach had boxed him out and flopped on the play, which led to him throwing the young center to the ground. Brooks appeared to step in and restrain Green from continuing to go after Maluach, who was still on the floor, but Green’s initial response was to escalate the confrontation.
The officials reviewed the altercation, ultimately assessing a double technical foul. Green was charged with two technical fouls during the incident, resulting in his ejection from the game.
After not scoring a single point in Friday's loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, Shamet, who played for Brooklyn during the 2020-21 season, posted a game-best 22 points, tacking on one rebound and one assist in 29 minutes of play. He also went 6-for-8 from the field, 4-for-6 from beyond the arc, and 6-for-6 from the free throw line.
Clarkson added seven points and a block in 11 minutes, and McBride shot 50 percent both from field goal range and beyond the arc. Though he saw just five minutes of play time toward the end of the game, Tyler Kolek scored two, added one rebound and one assist, and finished the game plus-13.
"Our bench was fantastic," head coach Mike Brown said after the game. "I thought Landry came off and gave us a big lift on both ends of the floor. Jordan as well. And then Tyler — I thought Tyler's minutes were tremendous. He did a fantastic job running the team, getting us some easy looks, and then he was solid defensively."
In a back-and-forth game that saw the crosstown rivals trade leads the whole way through the first 36 minutes of play, the deep bench provided the boost the Knicks needed to get over their third-quarter slump that began before the half. In the 12 minutes after the break, New York allowed a 13-0 run from the Nets and got outscored 35-24.
"When we went into a little funk was at the beginning of the second," Brown said. "Us not scoring gave [Brooklyn] a little hope because they were able to shrink that lead and tie it up, even take the lead. When you give a young team confidence, now it's hard to turn the water off ... So I just started searching at that point and went to Tyler, went to Landry, tried JC, and then we found a group that caught a little groove and helped us take the lead back and create separation."
Brown gave special praise to Clarkson, who recorded a season-high 18 points in 17 minutes, as well as two steals, three rebounds, and an assist against the Bulls. He finished that outing with a game high plus-15 plus/minus.
"You have a veteran that's been there, done that, and he's willing to accept a role that most guys wouldn't accept, even guys younger that haven't proved as much as he's proven in this league," Brown said. "... That's the ultimate team player. I will say this about JC — I've been around some good teammates. He's got to be the best. He's the definition of ultimate pro."
Mikal Bridges (25) of the New York Knicks dunks the ball against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden in New York, Monday, Nov. 2, 2026.
Mikal Bridges again watched a comeback victory from the bench.
For the second time in three games, the starting shooting guard was off the court for the vast majority of the second half and finished with just six points in 16 minutes.
Head coach Mike Brown said Bridges should focus on the positives of his performance — specifically that he ran well in the 103-90 victory.
New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) drives to the basket against Brooklyn Nets guard Nolan Traore (10) on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, in New York. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“He’s just got to keep playing. Everybody goes through those ups and downs throughout the season,” Brown said. “And obviously, it’s the beginning of the season, so he has to find his way. With everybody, when you’re in a funk, you got to find one or two things to hold your hat on, and Mikal is one of the best runners in the game, in both directions, offensively and defensively. So he has to hold his hat on that as well as his cutting and trying to do that and other little things: rebounding, driving and touching the paint and spraying it. And his shot will come eventually.”
Bridges was a focal point of the offense early and took his first free throws of the season. But his shot was still misfiring. He played the first three minutes of the third quarter and was benched for the remainder of the second half, with Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson eating up most of the minutes.
It was a similar story in Friday’s victory over the Bulls, when Bridges logged just 13 minutes. He’s averaging a little over six points for the season.
Mikal Bridges (25) of the New York Knicks dunks the ball against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden in New York, Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. Getty Images
Tyler Kolek was back to third-stringer. Until he wasn’t.
After missing four games with a sprained ankle, Jose Alvarado was activated Monday and took his previous position as Jalen Brunson’s first backup.
But with New York’s offense stuck in the mud, Brown went to Kolek to start the fourth quarter, and it helped push the home team to victory.
Before the game, Brown said it’s personal policy to not punish a player for getting hurt.
“I try not to take a guy out [of his rotation spot] due to injury and the reality is Jose got hurt,” Brown said.
Monday, Alvarado was scoreless in eight minutes with zero assists. Kolek had two points and an assist in five minutes.
Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. reacts during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in New York.
It wasn’t just another night. It wasn’t just another game.
It was a chance to earn respect, to seize momentum, to build confidence. It was as close to a title fight as the Nets may find for some time. They would travel roughly 5 miles to take on the reigning champs, facing the team whose stranglehold on their shared city has never been stronger and whose dominance in an uninspired rivalry has been a constant reminder of the chasm between the boroughs.
“We need to get a win,” Nets guard Nolan Traore said before Monday’s game at Madison Square Garden. “It’s been a long time since we’ve won against the Knicks, so we’ve got to do it.”
Incredibly, they almost did.
Julius Randle (30) of the Brooklyn Nets drives to the basket against the New York Knicks on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in New York. NBAE via Getty Images
Coming off their first win of the season the previous night in Indiana, the Nets looked unrecognizable from the punching bag that lost a pair of games at the Garden last season by a combined 90 points. For so much of Monday’s matchup, there was no discernible difference between one of the most celebrated champions in New York history and the team that spent the past two years chasing ping-pong balls.
Michael Porter Jr. had 18 points, making four 3-pointers. Traore put up 17 points on eight shots, adding a chase-down block of Jalen Brunson.
And the Nets led by four early in the fourth quarter.
Then came the anvil — in the form of the Knicks’ 16-2 fourth-quarter run — that had been hanging from the pinwheel ceiling, crushing the coyote who somehow didn’t see it coming again.
The Nets (1-6) made only three of 16 shots while scoring 11 points in the fourth quarter of their 103-90 loss, setting a season-low scoring mark while clinching a record-extending 15th straight loss in their 50-year series with the Knicks.
Brooklyn Nets guard Mikel Brown Jr. reacts during the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks on Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, at Madison Square Garden in New York. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“We played a championship team, and we competed,” Nets head coach Jordi Fernández said. “I’m not happy with the loss, but [with] how we started the season, these last two [games] there’s improvement on how hard we’ve played and how competitive we’ve been. So, next time we come here, my expectation is to be better as a group.
“I’m proud of the group because they played hard. … If we keep playing as hard as we played in the last two games, there’s going to be a lot of good things and a lot of growth.”
The Nets’ most recent win in the series came Jan. 28, 2023.
New York Knicks’ Landry Shamet (44) defends Brooklyn Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. (17) during an NBA basketball game Monday, Nov. 2, 2026, in New York. AP Photo/Frank Franklin II
Shortly before Brooklyn broke up the superteam led by Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Nets secured their ninth straight win over the Knicks — who were searching for their first playoff series win in a decade.
Day’Ron Sharpe was there. So were Brunson and Deuce McBride, as well as Julius Randle, then with the Knicks.
No other current player on either team was there. No one else could speak to the brief window when the Nets were the measuring stick, the team with its eye on the title.
It was less than four years ago. It feels closer to 40.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 02: Brayden Burries #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots the ball against Joan Beringer #19 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter at Target Center on November 02, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After fighting for most of the game, the Milwaukee Bucks stalled late, letting the Minnesota Timberwolves ride a dominant final four minutes to a 112-100 win. The Bucks slump to 1-6 for only the fifth time in franchise history, extending their losing streak to three games. Tyler Herro led the Bucks in scoring, posting 21 points on 8/18 shooting. Jaime Jaquez scored 19 and added eight rebounds, while Myles Turner and AJ Green each added 13 points. LaMelo Ball led all players with a season-high 34 points on 12/21 shooting, while Ayo Dosunmu (19 points, 12 rebounds, eight assists) had a near triple-double.
Taylor Jenkins tweaked his rotation on Monday, dropping Ryan Rollins from the starting lineup in favor of Brayden Burries. Kyle Kuzma fired a bullet to an open Jaime Jaquez in the paint, who easily rolled it in for a layup to start the scoring. However, led by back-to-back long threes from LaMelo Ball, the Wolves rattled off 10 unanswered points to take an eight-point lead inside the first three minutes. Ball connected on his third triple of the game with just four minutes elapsed, putting the Timberwolves up 15-4 and forcing a Bucks timeout. Milwaukee quickly worked their way back out of the break, going on a 9-0 run behind triples from Jaquez, Burries, and Myles Turner; Burries showed the hustle to compete with bigger Wolves defenders on the offensive glass and consistently found teammates on the perimeter. The Wolves responded with a run of their own (12-3), scoring ten points and feasting in transition to lead 29-18 after one.
Impressively, Milwaukee quickly cut the Timberwolves’ lead out of the break and even took the lead, with AJ Green connecting on a pair of threes, Rollins getting a driving layup to go, and Burries converting a pull-up. However, Ball caught fire once again, helping Minnesota take the lead right back; the Wolves’ star PG scored 11 second-quarter points on 4/7 shooting, and his presence created so many good looks. However, the Bucks did one thing well: they took away Ball’s passing game, with his first assist coming with 1:40 remaining in the third quarter. Anyway, Ball’s and-one gave Minnesota a 45-41 lead with 2:51 remaining, but Milwaukee kept it tight, with Herro cashing back-to-back threes in the final minute to cut the home side’s lead to one, 48-47, at the half.
Although Minnesota stayed in control for much of the third quarter, Milwaukee kept the game within arm’s reach. Myles Turner’s triple off a Kuzma kick-out gave Milwaukee a 50-48 lead to start, but Minnesota wrenched it back with an Ayo Dosumnu fast-break layup. Bones Hyland’s three gave Minnesota a 68-63 lead with just under five minutes left. Milwaukee and Minnesota kept trading the lead as the game wore on. Trey Lyles gave the home side a nice kick off the bench, knocking down a few bombs late in the third to give Minnesota a 76-71 edge. The Wolves stayed ahead going into the final frame, though a tough Kasparas Jakucionis finish through contact cut their lead to just four at 80-76.
Minnesota slowly built its advantage as the fourth quarter wore on, with Milwaukee struggling with turnovers as they tried to bridge the gap; Joan Beringer intercepted a bad Jakucionis pass, another Jakucionis pass went out of bounds, and Turner lost the ball while trying to draw a foul. These mistakes let the Wolves slowly build a double-digit lead, punctuated by Beringer’s put-back layup that forced a Jenkins timeout. Eventually, Milwaukee’s offense flatlined as Minnesota picked up steam: Kuzma airballed a three and Kel’el Ware missed a dunk, while a Ball dagger pushed the T-Wolves’ lead to 15, their largest of the game. Despite trying some interesting tactics to close the game—including hack-a-Rudy—the Bucks just didn’t have enough.
Stat That Stood Out
The Bucks shot 30.6% from three-point range, highlighted by an ugly first quarter where they went 3/18 and a fourth quarter where they shot 2/9. The Bucks finished second in three-point shooting percentage (38.9%) last year, and they don’t look close to matching that this year.
Obscene Overreaction
Brayden Burries needs to start from here on out. The rookie got his first start tonight over Ryan Rollins, who has struggled mightily this season (and was bad tonight, shooting 4/11 with three turnovers). And to be clear, Burries was far from perfect, managing just nine points on 4/15 shooting, but his physical defense and rebounding really stood out.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 2: LeBron James #23 and VJ Edgecombe #77 of the Philadelphia 76ers high five during the game against the Chicago Bulls on November 2, 2026 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Bell Ringer Standings: Tyrese Maxey – 3.5 Joel Embiid – 1 LeBron James – 1 Anfernee Simons – 1 Jaylen Brown – 0.5
The Philadelphia 76ers had all five starters score in double-digits and three score more than 20 points in a 126-107 win over the Chicago Bulls on Monday night.
The Sixers were almost completely healthy for this one, with the only absences being Dominick Barlow (back) and Ariel Hukporti, who is out for the season. Taking on a struggling Bulls squad that came into Monday 1-5 on the season, they had a golden opportunity to get a comfortable win and maybe even get the starters some rest if they could put it to bed early.
Of course, it can never be too easy. After letting Chicago hang close in the first half, the Sixers finally started to put a little distance between them going into the final frame leading by 11. Philadelphia couldn’t seem to fully shake loose until late in the fourth when they extended their lead to 20 with two minutes to play. It would have been nice to gain steadier footing early to get the starters some rest before that point, but I guess we can’t be too greedy talking about a now 7-1 team.
Next up, the Sixerswill hit the road for three games, the first of which will take them to Detroit to take on the Pistons on Wednesday night.
Until then, let’s get to the Bell Ringer. It was a widespread effort, so we have a few options!
<p>(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)</p><br> | NBAE via Getty Images
To anyone who says that VJ Edgecombe can’t thrive in this Sixers’ lineup, please watch the first quarter of tonight’s game. It was the perfect example of a simple but effective synergy between the sophomore and his new-look squad — VJ fully utilizing his speed in transition to get out ahead with LeBron James and Tyrese Maxey getting their heads up to nail impressive passes to him in stride. Edgecombe took full advantage, shooting 5-for-5 from the floor (1-for-1 from long range) for a floor-leading 11 points in the first frame. And if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. LeBron hit another cross-court dime to a pushing Edgecombe to help the boy from Bimini to 15 points on 7-for-7 field goal shooting by halftime.
This is why I never worried about Edgecombe’s development in this lineup. Sure, there’s only one ball… but when you have passers like James (and Maxey, though to a lesser extent) around you, there will always be opportunities for a speedy, athletic player that is constantly in motion off the ball. Tonight was the perfect example of how he can become borderline uncoverable. And if you move (and finish) like Edgecombe did tonight, one can imagine those opportunities will only become more plentiful as the Sixers continue to solidify their chemistry offensively.
Edgecombe finished Monday night with 21 points on 9-for-12 field goal, 2-for-4 three-point shooting. He also had three rebounds, five assists, a steal and a block.
A stellar offensive night for VJ Edgecombe, who absolutely flourished utilizing what he does best: speedy, off-ball movement.
<p>(Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)</p><br> | Getty Images
LeBron James hit not only one but several passes in this game that I watched on repeat. And he made them look easy. I’m talking multiple full-court bounce passes that hit blazing fast players like VJ Edgecombe perfectly in stride and a number of perfectly timed dimes in the half-court offense working off double (or even triple) teams. I’ll be honest, I didn’t watch LeBron play night in and night out before he came to Philadelphia… it is an absolute treat to watch the plays he makes for his teammates every single game, with the correct passes at the correct time to the correct players to make the most of each moment. By the time an opponent’s shot is in the air, James is already positioning himself to grab the rebound and to be able to make a quick, accurate pass ahead.
It sounds like I’m overstating things, but I genuinely don’t think it can be overstated what a facilitator he’s been to start this season.
In addition to his nine dimes, LeBron found the time to sink some buckets of his own, chipping in 15 on 6-for-13 field goal shooting. He also pulled in seven rebounds and had a steal. His first triple-double as a Sixer still eludes him for now, but something tells me it won’t be too long…
I sound like a broken record tonight but watching the playmaking of LeBron James with the Sixers has been incredible. His first Philly triple-double still eludes him, but something tells me it won't be long.
<p> (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)</p><br> | NBAE via Getty Images
Philadelphia rained down MVP chants for Tyrese Maxey when he went to the line at one point tonight… and frankly, they’re not crazy. Well, maybe they are, but not for this! Maxey continues to be an absolute baller to start this season, and notably it’s coming in different ways and on both ends of the floor. Not only has Maxey’s defense been incredibly impressive these first eight games… and not only has he been an absolute scoring powerhouse at times… but he’s also taking some clear queues from LeBron James and hitting some monster passes as well.
With such a widespread scoring effort tonight, it didn’t have to be all on Maxey’s shoulders to chip in 40 points. But even without the overwhelming point total tonight (not that 26 is anything to be ashamed of), it’s amazing just how many of the Sixers’ points Maxey played a large part in, whether he scored them, assisted on them, or came up with the defensive play that led to them. First, he got his team going early. Then, he was scoring in bunches himself by the fourth.
Maybe the MVP chants are right…
Maxey finished Monday with a 26-point, 11-assist double-double. He shot 10-for-15 from the floor. He also had four rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
<p>(Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)</p><br> | Getty Images
It was another night of Jaylen Brown just being Jaylen Brown. I’m sounding like a broken record across these Bell Ringers, but it’s incredible how much Brown contributes each game in a somewhat quiet manner. It’s not the high-flying dunks of VJ Edgecombe or the cross-court passes of LeBron James. It’s not always one big spurt of scoring where Brown puts the Sixers on his back for a few minutes. It’s just simple, constant contribution when he’s on the floor, on both ends of the floor. You hear his name called by Matt Cord in the arena so often you almost stop hearing it. He just balls. Tonight, it was 25 points on stellar shooting, 9-for-15 field goal and 4-for-7 from beyond the arc, spread out pretty evenly throughout the entirety of the game. This level of performance has seemingly already become the accepted, unceremonious norm from Brown on the Sixers… and that’s something worth taking note of.
Brown finished the night with a 25-points, 11-rebounds (5 offensive) double-double with 5 assists and 1 steal. He hit four triples, two of which game back-to-back late in the game which really felt like the dagger in this one (finally).
Jaylen Brown is up to 25 points following this beautiful handle and three over Buzelis pic.twitter.com/rG3uFJoPrJ
