HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 26: CJ McCollum #3 of the Atlanta Hawks drives against Tari Eason #17 of the Houston Rockets during the first half at Toyota Center on October 26, 2026 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Hawks looked to rebound from their first loss of the season, this time in the Lone Star State against the Houston Rockets.
Atlanta kept their usual starting lineup whereas the Rockets welcomed back Fred VanVleet to their lineup after a one-game absence, joining Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun.
Neither team took control of the game, and so the lead passed back and forth multiple times in the first quarter alone. The Hawks had trouble protecting the paint with the Rockets backcutting them to death at times.
But the Hawks hit a couple of transition threes off stops, including a big one from Onyeka Okongwu to hopefully break a cold spell:
The second quarter was more of the same, with a couple of extended runs from either side mixed in.
First, the Rockets went on a 14-3 scoring run. But the Hawks later countered with a 14-6 run of their own.
CJ McCollum got hot and provided some buckets when the offense went cold. And Aaron Wiggins continued his solid play off the bench, including coming in to finish the half when Nickeil Alexander-Walker picked up his third foul.
At halftime, the Hawks held a three-point advantage, 66-63. McCollum finished the first half with 15 points which led all scorers.
Early in the third quarter, ‘NAW’ picked up his fourth foul trying to stop Kevin Durant in transition, so it was another extended stretch for Wiggins.
But midway through the quarter, the Rockets went on a 10-0 run as the Hawks’ offense hit the skids. But Lu Dort of all people helped spark a 7-0 run in response to prevent the game from getting away:
After three quarters, the Rockets turned the tables with a 91-85 edge.
The Hawks continued to be plagued by poor three-point shooting, and after taking care of the ball for the majority of the night, they coughed the ball up after driving into the teeth of Houston’s aggressive defense over and over.
Atlanta fell without much of a late fight, 120-110. Alperen Sengun was the star with 29 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.
Wednesday, the Hawks return home to take on the reeling Miami Heat.
MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 26: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket during the game against the Miami Heat on October 26, 2026 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks (2-2) picked up their second win of the season Monday night, closing strong to beat the Miami Heat (0-4) 113-109 in a game that turned into a late showcase for Cooper Flagg. Flagg was the best player on the floor for Dallas, finishing with 29 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, four steals, and two blocks on 12-of-23 shooting while completely taking over in crunch time. P.J. Washington added 20 points and nine rebounds, Kyrie Irving finished with 18 points, six rebounds and six assists, and Walter Clayton Jr. gave Dallas a huge lift off the bench with 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting. Giannis Antetokounmpo led Miami with a monster triple-double, finishing with 29 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists, while Davion Mitchell added 21 points. Dallas trailed 84-83 entering the fourth, but Flagg and Clayton powered the Mavericks through the final period as the defense tightened and Dallas made just enough late plays to secure the 113-109 win.
Dallas opened the game playing some of its best basketball when Cooper Flagg was involved. P.J. Washington got the Mavericks on the board at the line, and Flagg quickly took control as a playmaker, finding Kyrie Irving for a layup, Max Christie for a three, Daniel Gafford for a floater, and Morez Johnson Jr. for a jumper. He finished the first quarter with five assists, and Dallas looked fluid whenever the offense ran through him. Washington knocked down a three, Flagg turned a steal into a Kyrie three, and Gafford created extra possessions on the glass. The problem started when the bench came in. Ball movement disappeared, Zaccharie Risacher struggled badly, Marcus Sasser couldn’t get anything going, and Morez picked up two quick fouls. Risacher went 0-of-5 in the quarter, including a block by Bam Adebayo, while Dallas shot just 29.6 percent despite getting decent looks. Miami stayed ahead behind Giannis Antetokounmpo, Andrew Wiggins, and a late Tim Hardaway Jr. three, taking a 27-23 lead after one.
The second quarter started with a Christie three, but Bobby Portis Jr. immediately caught fire for Miami, hitting three threes in the opening minutes and helping push the Heat lead to nine. Morez had a nice stretch, including a strong pivot move and a smart pass to Kyrie on a backdoor cut, but Dallas’ offense stalled after Sergio de Larrea went down and walked off slowly. Kyrie struggled for much of the period before finally getting a shot to fall, while Giannis started taking over by attacking Washington and Morez. Things got heated when Gafford fouled Giannis hard, and Portis got in his face, earning a technical for Gafford. Walter Clayton Jr. then gave Dallas a much-needed spark, hitting a floater and later a three, while Flagg continued attacking and creating. Gafford delivered one of the half’s biggest plays by blocking Giannis at the rim, and Dallas slowly worked its way back into the game. Flagg hit a deep three, Washington knocked down another, and the Mavericks went into halftime trailing just 53-52. Flagg already had 13 points, eight assists and three steals at the break.
Flagg opened the third with a tough turnaround jumper, a shot he’s getting more comfortable with, but the quarter quickly became the Giannis show. Klay Thompson finally found his shot with back-to-back threes, then Giannis threw down an absurd dunk over Gafford before adding a three and an and-one. He had already reached a triple-double before the quarter ended and was doing everything he could to keep Miami in control. Dallas stalled offensively at times, but Kyrie, Flagg and Clayton kept them within striking distance. Clayton hit another three, while Washington continued making important defensive plays, including forcing a jump ball against Giannis. As Giannis slowed down late in the period, Dallas tightened defensively and pushed the pace. Risacher hit a floater, Washington knocked down a three, and Kyrie buried a jumper at the buzzer, turning what had looked like a potential double-digit deficit into an 84-83 game heading into the fourth.
The fourth quarter started unevenly. Dru Smith hit a three, Christie answered with one of his own, but Dallas struggled to find consistent offense. Risacher finally knocked down a three after an extremely rough shooting night, and then Clayton once again gave the Mavericks life. He attacked for a tough layup, stole the ball, and converted an and-one in transition to put Dallas back in front. After another ugly stretch, Flagg took over. He got to the rim for a tough finish, Clayton added another floater, and Dallas started playing some of its best defense of the night. Risacher got a huge block on Giannis, and Flagg turned another stop into a difficult and-one that gave the Mavericks a two-possession lead.
pretty remarkable to watch flagg vs giannis in the fourth quarter and how much easier it was for flagg to get to his spot compared to the former MVP.
Miami answered out of a timeout, but Flagg immediately responded with a floater and never really gave control back. From there, the game was his. He hit tough shots, created offense when Dallas desperately needed it, and was everywhere defensively. Flagg finished with 29 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, four steals, and two blocks on 12-of-23 shooting, completely taking over in crunch time to lead Dallas to a 113-109 win.
Flagg planted
It is hard to overstate how good Cooper Flagg was, considering he was just 72 hours removed from a shoulder strain.
Flagg finished with 29 points, 11 assists, six rebounds, four steals, and two blocks on 12-of-23 shooting, and the numbers still do not fully capture how much he controlled the game. He was impactful from the opening quarter, when Dallas played its best basketball through him as a passer, and that never changed. He consistently made the right read, got downhill, found shooters and cutters, and created transition opportunities with his defense.
Dallas needed someone to take over, and Flagg did. He got to the rim, hit difficult shots, created offense out of nothing, and made plays defensively when the game tightened. Miami kept answering, but Flagg never let the Mavericks lose control. Every time Dallas needed a bucket, a stop, or just something to calm the game down, he seemed to be involved.
That is what stood out most. This was not just a 29-point game. Flagg looked like the best player on the floor down the stretch and dictated how the final few minutes played out.
The Walter Clayton Jr. game
Walter Clayton Jr. finally got a real opportunity, and he absolutely made the most of it.
Clayton finished with 15 points, four rebounds, and four assists on 6-of-7 shooting, going 2-of-2 from three in just 17 minutes. More importantly, his minutes actually mattered. Dallas struggled to generate offense in stretches, especially in the third quarter, and Clayton became the guy who kept the Mavericks within striking distance.
He hit a three when Dallas needed one, got into the lane for floaters, and played with the kind of confidence you usually do not see from someone getting his first meaningful run. His biggest stretch came in the fourth, when he hit a tough driving layup, stole the ball, and then converted an and-one in transition to swing the game back toward Dallas.
MIAMI, FL – OCTOBER 26: Walter Clayton Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket during the game against the Miami Heat on October 26, 2026 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It never felt forced, either. Clayton was not hijacking possessions or trying to prove something. He was just making plays within the offense, pushing when the opportunity was there and giving the Mavericks another real creator.
For a team that has spent the early part of the season searching for dependable guard play outside of Kyrie Irving, that performance matters.
This team just plays hard
More than anything, this game felt like a Dusty May win.
Dallas faced a veteran Miami team with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, Andrew Wiggins, and plenty of experience, but the Mavericks matched their physicality all night. They flew to loose balls, crashed the glass, rotated defensively, and made Miami work for everything.
The rebounding numbers tell part of the story. Dallas finished with 52 rebounds compared to Miami’s 61, but the Mavericks grabbed 13 offensive rebounds and kept creating second and third chances despite giving up plenty of size. Miami controlled the raw rebounding total, but Dallas never looked physically overwhelmed.
The defensive effort down the stretch was even more impressive.
May went to his zone, and it worked because the players executed it with incredible energy. Dallas was constantly rotating, closing gaps, helping at the rim, and recovering back to shooters. P.J. Washington was especially good defensively, Risacher made multiple plays around the basket despite his offensive struggles, and Flagg was everywhere.
The system only works if everyone is willing to move, communicate, and cover for each other, and Dallas did that late. Miami still had Giannis pressuring the defense, but the Mavericks made every possession difficult and forced enough mistakes to give themselves a chance.
There will be nights when the offense looks ugly. Some nights the shooting disappears. But if this team consistently plays with this level of effort, it will be hard to put away.
Golden State Warriors player Yaxel Lendeborg smiles against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix. NBAE via Getty Images
But Lendeborg’s impressive performances on the court suggest Golden State is happy to have him around. And Lendeborg’s girlfriend, Tacarra Shyann, seems to be preparing for her man to reside in the Bay Area for a long time.
She made an Instagram post on Saturday that showed her posing courtside at the Warriors’ home Chase Center while wearing Golden State apparel.
“first of many,” Shyann wrote as the post’s caption, suggesting that she intends to be supporting Lendeborg in Golden State for the foreseeable future.
Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg and his girlfriend, Tacarra Shyann, posing for a photo at Chase Center. Instagram/@tacarra.shyann
Shyann and Lendeborg met in the summer of 2025, right before Lendeborg began his final college season with the Michigan Wolverines.
During an interview with WAG Talk from back in June, Shyann said that, “We met because he kept DM’ing me on Instagram, honestly. And I finally responded.”
Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg’s girlfriend, Tacarra Shyann, posing for a photo. Instagram/@tacarra.shyann
As much as Lendeborg’s mouth might get him in trouble, the bottom line is that he already looks like an elite prospect on the court, and that offsets his polarizing off-court nature.
This is why both Golden State and Shyann appear eager to see this pairing continue.
But Draymond Green still believes the Lakers superstar will never win the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates during the game against the Utah Jazz. NBAE via Getty Images
“Luka Doncic drops his first 50-ball of the season. And you ask yourself the question, is he on an MVP mission this season? I think yes, for sure, that’s his mindset. He’s made that very clear,” Green said on his podcast.
“He put out a letter to the fans and all that. First year not having ‘Bron and it really being his team and organization. And he’s come out and played that way.
“But I will tell you, I still don’t think there’s any chance that he’s going to win MVP. Because the moment he have a few bad games or an injury that costs him a few games, people are gonna flip back on him. Oh, same Luka.
“And that’s just my opinion. I think people get bored with greatness. I think Luka has been doing great things for a very long time now. And I think they’re gonna stay bored with it.”
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the LA Clippers. NBAE via Getty Images
Draymond Green doubles down on his belief that Luka Dončić will NEVER win an MVP award
“I still wholeheartedly believe he never wins an MVP… The voters get fatigued seeing you be great over and over again.”
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers shares a laugh with Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, in Los Angeles. Getty Images
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 26: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Chicago Bulls on October 26, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Boston Celtics hosted the Chicago Bulls at TD Garden in their third game of the season Monday night. After dropping their first game, Boston has found it’s groove at home. The Celtics were paced early by Jayson Tatum who had 23 points in 27 minutes, but it was Payton Pritchard who broke the game open in the third quarter with a scoring outburst, he finished the night with 28 points, highlighted by seven triples. Boston roll at home with a 35-point win, 134-99.
Boston started the game with its regular lineup of Jordan Walsh, Derrick White, Jayson Tatum, Paul George, and Mitchell Robinson. For the Bulls, they started Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis, and Jalen Smith.
Jayson Tatum drove on rookie Caleb Wilson and kicked it out to Paul George, who drained a three-pointer from the 45 for the games’ first score. In his second home game, Paul George drained a second triple as the C’s went up 6-2 to start the game.
Derrick White hit a catch-and-shoot trey as Boston reeled off three straight scores from beyond the arc. Jalen Smith hit a tough three-pointer over Mitchell Robinson in the corner and was fouled on a foul point play.
Mitchell Robinson and Jayson Tatum were showing nice chemistry to start the game, with Mitchell Robinson the beneficiary of some nice passing as Tatum was creating plenty of plays for others early.
Rookie Caleb Wilson skied for a huge chase-down block on Paul George, showing plenty of explosiveness. Wilson followed that up, blocking Jayson Tatum; he had 2 blocks in the first 6 minutes of the game. Norman Powell laced a triple for Chicago; the Celtics’ early lead was shrinking, and they were up by just 4 points, 17-13, midway through the quarter.
Hugo Gonzalez checked into the game and immediately hit the scoreboard, with his first points of the season, as he ducked into the lane to score. Tatum stayed in the contest as Mazzulla rolled with Neemias Queta, Sam Hauser, Hugo Gonzalez, and Payton Pritchard for their first stint of the game.
Pritchard nailed a three-point step back, and Hugo ran the fast break to score another two-pointer as Boston stretched the lead, 24-18, with two minutes to go in the quarter.
Jasyon Tatum found his way into the Chicago key and sprayed a pass to the corner; Hugo swished home his first three-point attempt. Hugo finished the quarter with 7 points in just 5 minutes of action. Tatum had 8 points with 5 assists and 3 boards as he played the entire first quarter. Boston took a twelve-point lead into the second quarter, 33-21.
Baylor Scheierman got the nod to start the second quarter with Jayon Tatum finally getting a rest. Paul George and Mitchell Robinson were back in the game alongside Hauser and Pritchard to start the second. Sam Hauser scored 5 quick points, and Pritchard had 9 points in his first nine minutes for Boston as the bench was providing a scoring kick in the first half of the game.
Chicago was putting up plenty of three-point attempts to start the game, clearly a point of emphasis for new head coach Thiago Splitter. The Bulls outscored Boston to start the second quarter as things were getting sloppy for the home team with ten turnovers.
Jayson Tatum returned to the game to steady the C’s as Chicago cut the lead to just 6 points. Hugo Gonzalez found Neemias Queta for a loud alley-oop jam, the Spaniard peeling off a point and rolling with excellent court vision.
Jayson Tatum rose up for three-pointer over Jalen Smith for his fourteenth point of the game with just under a minute left in the half. Hugo Gonzalez had the defensive play of the first half, coming from behind on the taller Jalen Smith to block his two-handed dunk attempt.
Tatum laced a second three-pointer of the game as time expired in the first half, Boston up by 12 points, 66-54. JT had 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists in the first half, leading all scorers.
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 26: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Chicago Bulls on October 26, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Boston were scoreless in the first 2 and a half minutes of the second half, Mitchell Robinson the unlikely scorer, breaking the drought from the foul line splitting a pair. Payton Pritchard and Paul George scored back-to-back buckets for Boston on a pair of jumpers. The C’s would need to find play making outlet as Jayson Tatum drew his fourth foul and had to take an early seat on the bench.
Boston ratcheted up the pressure midway through the third quarter, with a full court trap, Jordan Walsh stole the ball to find Payton Pritchard, who was wide open on a three-pointer, his fifteenth point on the night.
The Celtics stay ready crew alongside Paul George were getting stops down one end and making buckets down the other. Boston extending the home lead to 19 points with Jayson Tatum on the bench.
In a wild stretch for Boston, they broke the game wide open. First, Sammy Hauser splashed a triple from the TD Garden logo, Payton Pritchard matched him with a pair of deep threes of his own, the C’s were rolling in the third quarter, up big time, 101-73.
Mike Conley got his first minutes for Boston to start the fourth quarter. The veteran journeyman would get an extended run with the bench unit to help finish things off. Conley would be joined by Luka Garza, Ron Harper Jr., Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez as Joe Mazzulla was clearly mindful of tomorrow night’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. No player would log greater than 27 minutes in this game for the home squad.
Gino Time was in effect at the Garden at the four-minute mark, Chris Cenac Jr. checked into the game and scored his first points in the NBA with a three-pointer.
The Brooklyn Nets visit the Garden to take on the Boston Celtics tomorrow night, tip-off is 7:30 pm EST.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 26: Donovan Mitchell #45 listens to head coach Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Rocket Arena on October 26, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers won a 127-125 thriller over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Donovan Mitchell carried them home with a heroic performance in the fourth quarter and overtime.
This was always going to be a tough test for the Cavs. Minnesota entered tonight 3-0 with a revamped offense that’s spearheaded by one of the most electric backcourts in the league. LaMelo Ball showed his influence right away, delivering an alley-oop from above the three-point line to a cutting Jonathan Kuminga.
Rookie Meleek Thomas made his NBA debut and scored his first career points by leaking out for a layup after a Minnesota basket. He followed this up with a pair of catch-and-shoot triples and a strong defensive possession in which he forced LaMelo Ball into an awkward travel.
Thomas led the Cavs in scoring during the first half with 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting. Donovan Mitchell was right behind him with 9 points.
Cleveland found themselves trailing by double digits at halftime as Anthony Edwards lit them up for 20 points.
It was a slow start for James Harden, who began the game 1-for-7 and couldn’t find his rhythym. But he snapped to life in the second half, fueling Cleveland’s comeback and putting them in the lead with an extra effort on the offensive glass.
Peyton Watson also found his stride as the Cavs made an effort to get him going as a creator in this game. He was bringing the ball up the court throughout the second and third quarters, seemingly shaking off his jitters and easing into a comfort zone.
The final quarter was a back-and-forth affair. Edwards continued to make big shots as the Cavs struggled to contain him in pin-down actions. Mitchell responded with buckets of his own, while Mobley buried multiple second-half three-pointers to keep the Cavs in the fight.
A clutch floater from Harden tied the game at 113, and a block from Watson on Edwards kept it that way to send the game into overtime.
Mobley opened the extra period with his third three-pointer of the game, while Jaden McDaniels fouled out and gifted the Cavs with a technical free throw along the way.
Mitchell then snaked around a pick-and-roll to convert a crafty layup over Rudy Gobert to extend Cleveland’s lead to three. Edwards erased that with a three-pointer, before Mitchell responded with a jumper of his own to regain the lead.
It was a masterful battle between two of the league’s best scorers. Edwards finished with 47 points while Mitchell scored 12 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter and overtime.
CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 26: Anthony Davis #23 of the Washington Wizards shoots a three point basket during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on October 26, 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 Darren Carroll/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards lost to the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night, 110-103.
Despite winning in the field goal percentage battle, the Hornets outrebounded the Wizards, 54-41 which helped Charlotte to a 3-1 start for their 2026-27 season. The Wizards are currently 2-2.
Anthony Davis led Washington with 29 points while Brandon Miller led Charlotte with 39 points. It’s a disappointing loss, especially with AJ Dybantsa missing tonight’s game due to an ankle sprain from the preseason. However, he will ultimately be ready. And that’s the Dybantsa we’re waiting for, not for one game but for this season and beyond.
The Wizards’ next game is on Wednesday when they play the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tip off is at 7 p.m. ET. See you then.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Ziaire Williams is the team’s first player to be fined during the 2026-27 season. NBAE via Getty Images
The incident occured at the 4:44 mark of the fourth quarter of the Lakers’ comeback win over the Jazz on Sunday at Delta Center when Williams, with the Lakers down 114-113, exaggerated contact from Keyonte George during the Jazz guard’s drive to the basket.
George attempted a pull-up midrange shot that would’ve put the Jazz up by three points.
Ziaire Williams will have to pay a $2,000 fine for flopping during Sunday’s win over the Jazz. NBAE via Getty Images
Instead, the former Baylor Bear was called for an offensive foul, with the Lakers getting possession of the ball.
The Lakers didn’t score on the ensuing possession.
And the Jazz did eventually take a 116-113 lead after Lauri Markkanen made a pair of free throws with 4:17 remaining.
But Luka Doncic took over the game from there, knocking down a trio of 3-pointers and making four free throws late in the game for the league’s first 50-point game of the season (Doncic finished with 52 points).
Ziaire Williams finished with 11 points in the win over the Jazz. NBAE via Getty Images
Flopping is one of the league’s points of emphasis to start the season.
While Williams is the first Lakers play to be fined this season for any reason, he’s the third player to be assessed a postgame flopping fine just one week into the regular season.
Boston’s Paul George and Milwaukee’s Kasparas Jakučionis (twice) have also been fined for flopping this season.
PORTLAND, OR - JANUARY 17: Jrue Holiday #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles the ball as Jake Laravia #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers plays defense during the game on January 17, 2026 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Soobum Im/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers (3-0) are back home where they will host the Portland Trail Blazers (2-0) on Tuesday. This will be the first night of a back-to-back for the purple and gold.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
When: 8 p.m. PT, Oct 27
Where: Crypto.com Arena
Watch: NBC, Spectrum Sportsnet
The Lakers’ third win of the season felt very different from their first two. Not only did they survive a slow start on the road, but also an underwhelming showing from Walker Kessler, who the Utah Jazz contained very well. Led by Luka Dončić’s mesmerizing 52-point game, it was Los Angeles’ first time performing in the clutch.
Speaking of Luka, can we take a moment to just appreciate his performance? The reigning scoring champion cooked up the first 50-burger of the young NBA season. This is one of the cleanest shot charts we’re ever going to see.
Dončić was superb, but so was Austin Reaves, who had 29 points. The Lakers’ performance wasn’t perfect. They gave up 52 rebounds, 20 of which were offensive boards. The Jazz also scored 34 points off second opportunities and produced 58 points inside the paint. The purple and gold’s defense left a lot to be desired but that’s something that can be worked on. After all, there’s so much basketball to be played.
The goal for the Lakers at this time of the season is to stack as many wins as possible while continuously getting better and they’ve been doing just that thus far.
On Tuesday, Los Angeles will stumble upon a Blazers team that’s also had a strong start to its season. They’re a team that’s aiming to turn last season’s unexpected playoff breakthrough into something sustainable, headlined by their dynamic backcourt in Damian Lillard and Ja Morant.
Lillard is showing encouraging signs after an Achilles injury while Morant looks healthy and determined to be great this season. On top of that, they also have Deni Avdija, who is the team’s No. 1 option. Avdija is averaging 22 points, 8.5 rebounds and 5 assists across two games.
Coming off four days of rest, the Blazers should be ready to go. After opening the season with a dominant 41-point win over the Phoenix Suns before grinding out a clutch victory against the Sacramento Kings, Portland will look to keep its momentum rolling. They can really score the ball, so the Lakers’ defense has to be significantly better in this one.
The Blazers will likely assign Jrue Holiday and Toumani Camara — two of the best defensive players in the game — to Dončić and Reaves. How the Lakers navigate Portland’s elite perimeter defense will be worth watching. Ideally, with opposing defenses keying in on Dončić and Reaves, a bounce-back game from Kessler and a collective effort from the role players would go a long way.
The victory over Utah provided solid preparation for the Lakers’ upcoming clash with Portland. The Blazers figure to be a tougher matchup, but Los Angeles’ early-season record suggests that they can hold their own against any opponent.
Let’s see if the Lakers remain undefeated against the Blazers on Tuesday.
Notes and Updates
For the Lakers’ injury report, Cameron Carr (right oblique strain), Adou Thiero (left knee effusion) are out.
As for the Blazers, Shaedon Sharpe (right meniscus surgery) is out. Branden Carlson (concussion protocol) and Scoot Henderson (left ankle soreness) are questionable.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 16: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors hugs Stephen Curry #30 before their game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Chase Center on October 16, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s time for Game No. 4 of the Golden State Warriors season … and hopefully, Win No. 1. It won’t be easy, though, as the Dubs are taking on superstar Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets, on the road.
There’s good news, though: the Dubs are getting some reinforcements. After not playing Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Brandin Podziemski, or Al Horford in Saturday’s loss to the Phoenix Suns, all four of those players are off the injury report in this one.
Here’s the full injury report for both squads:
Warriors
Out — Kristaps Porziņģis(not with team)
No news is emphatically not good news in the case of Kristaps Porziņģis. It does feel like we’ve seen the last of him wearing a Warriors jersey, but that might be pessimistic of me. We’re still waiting for an update … any update.
Out — Jimmy Butler III (right ACL repair surgery) Out — Moses Moody (left patellar tendon repair surgery)
Nothing new for either of these two. They’ll be out for a few more months, at the minimum.
Available — Gui Santos (left knee tendinitis) Available — Charles Bassey (right patellar tendinopathy) Available — Brandon Williams (left low back soreness)
Santos, Bassey, and Williams all played on Saturday, and Bassey and Williams in particular player quite well. They’re not 100%, but they’re good to go for this game.
Nuggets
Out — Julian Strawther (left knee sprain)
Strawther, who was taken 29th overall in 2023, figures to play a huge role on Denver’s team this year. Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury in camp, and will likely be out until sometime around early December.
Out — Spencer Jones (bilateral hamstring injury management)
Jones, who went undrafted out of Stanford, had a breakout second season a year ago. He’s yet to make his season debut this year, but should be back on the court soon.
Out — Alpha Diallo (right wrist sprain/personal reasons)
Not often you see the injury/personal reasons combo. Hopefully everything is okay with Diallo, a 29-year old rookie.
Doubtful — Cameron Johnson (right ankle sprain)
Johnson hasn’t been as good with the Nuggets as he was before being traded by the Brooklyn Nets, but he’s still a quality shooter, and one of Denver’s starting five. It will be a hit for the Nuggets if he’s unable to play.
Enjoy the game, everyone. It tips off at 7:00 p.m. PT on NBC Sports Bay Area.
Sadly, those hopes just took a major blow less than a full week into the season.
Thunder GM Sam Presti announced on Monday that Wallace has suffered a torn labrum and will require surgery.
With a long recovery timetable, a return this season looks bleak for the former Kentucky Wildcats standout.
Wallace has become a core player for the Thunder alongside SGA in the backcourt. Already winning one title, it seems this team’s window is still wide open with how many draft picks they have accrued over the next several seasons.
However, it will take a lot for them to make another deep run this season, especially with teammate Jalen Williams also being sidelined for most, if not the entire season due to a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula.
Here’s to hoping both of these guys are able to fully heal and return at some point this season.
BREAKING: Oklahoma City's Jalen Williams has a dislocated left ankle and fractured fibula; Cason Wallace has a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Both will undergo surgery and be sidelined for several months — most, if not the entire season. pic.twitter.com/62OxZtIGRc
The Thunder’s worst fears around Jalen Williams’ injury were realized.
The All-Star wing dislocated his left ankle and has a fractured fibula after taking a nasty fall on a drive to the basket late in the fourth quarter Sunday night, Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti announced during his media availability Monday.
Fourth-year guard Cason Wallace, an All-Defensive Second Team selection a year ago, also has a torn left labrum.
Both will undergo surgery and will miss most of and potentially the entire regular season, according to ESPN. Presti did not offer up a return timetable.
“He’s as tough as they come. He’s an elite competitor,” Presti said of Williams. “Even last night, just miraculous in terms of his outlook in the way he’s looking forward to attacking this. And, you know, we’re going to be with him the entire way.”
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) lies on the floor after getting injured on a play against the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
It’s a rough blow for a Thunder team looking to win a second NBA championship in three years after losing to the Spurs in last season’s Western Conference finals.
Williams, who was averaging 13.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists in three games, injured himself when he was sandwiched between two Clippers players on a drive.
He landed with his left leg getting caught underneath him as he fell hard to the court. Williams, 25, was taken off on a stretcher after being immediately attended to by medical personnel.
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was emotional when asked during his on-court postgame interview what was going through his mind watching Williams’ injury during the 108-101 win that moved the team to 3-0 on he season.
“I don’t even know,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I just feel bad for him. Nothing more than that.”
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) falls to the floor holding his shoulder during a play against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
He knows the team has a much taller task ahead of it now without his co-star, but he is confident the team can work through it. Williams also missed time last season after wrist surgeries and dealt with multiple hamstring strains.
“It’s obviously going to be tough without a player like that,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “But he’s not gone forever. He’ll be back better than ever, and we know it. We’ve just got to hold the fort down until he comes back.”
Wallace tried to fight through a screen early in the game against the Clippers and immediately grabbed near his shoulder.
The 22-year-old, who is averaging 6.3 points and 2.3 rebounds this year, signed a five-year, $135 million contract with the team before the season started.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JUNE 22: Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts late in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers in Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 22, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In devastating news for Thunder fans and basketball aficionados everywhere, Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace could both miss the rest of the season after being scheduled to undergo surgery for serious injuries, the team announced.
Williams suffered a gruesome injury during the Thunder’s matchup against the Clippers on Sunday, and while there was no official announcement at the time, it was clear for anyone watching that he would be sidelined for a long time. Now, General Manager Sam Presti has revealed that he suffered a dislocated ankle and a fractured fibula. It’s a similar injury to the one Gordon Hayward suffered back in 2017 (Hayward dislocated his ankle and broke his tibia), and the forward was sidelined for a year after that. It’s very likely Williams, who missed most of last year, won’t return this season.
In somewhat more surprising news, Cason Wallace also suffered a serious injury in the same game that will require surgery and could sideline him for several months. The up-and-coming guard has a torn labrum in his left shoulder, an injury similar to the one that sidelined Ja Morant for six months in 2024 (Morant’s tear was on his right shoulder). He could return at some point this season, but he’s out indefinitely.
The injuries represent a huge blow to Oklahoma City’s title chances, as they will now be out without two starters, including a former All-Star in Williams. They still have the reigning two-time MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, to lead their offense and the pieces to have an elite defense, including Defensive Player of the Year runner-up Chet Holmgren, but they can’t be considered the favorite to come out of the West anymore. The front office could try to make an upgrade at the wing in the trade market by using young players and draft picks, but it could seriously complicate their cap situation going forward, since Williams is on a maximum salary and they just extended Wallace for $139 million over five years.
The news doesn’t only affect the Thunder. The Spurs have likely vaulted past them as the projected top team in the Western Conference, but they will probably stay put and not make any big transactions. Other teams, however, could see this as an opportunity to challenge for the top spot. The currently undefeated Rockets have the assets to make a trade. Other franchises that were projected to be on the second tier in the conference, like the Lakers and Nuggets, don’t have a lot of movable pieces but could try to go all in with whatever they have left if they consider this year, with the favorites wounded, to be their best chance at getting out of the West for a while.
While injuries to key players from a direct rival benefit the Spurs, it’s important to always keep in mind that players are people, and basketball is just a game. Hopefully, both Williams and Wallace will have quick and full recoveries.
The Spurs will face the Thunder for their second head-to-head matchup of the season on February 11.
He has the best true shooting percentage by a guard in NBA history at 63.2%, ahead of Steph Curry who’s in second place (62.6%).
Through the first three games of this season, Reaves has a stunning true shooting percentage of 82%.
Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Darryn Peterson of the Utah Jazz during the second half of an NBA basketball game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Getty Images
He’s averaging career-highs in points (26.7), field goal percentage (63.9%), 3-point percentage (61.5%) and assists (6.3).
Reaves signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Lakers this offseason, the richest contract in NBA history for a player who went undrafted.
Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles after the game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
He has helped the Lakers jump to a 3-0 start and is playing like an All-Star.
Said Lakers coach JJ Redick: “AR so far in these three games has just been Mr. Consistency.”
Added Luka Doncic, who made it clear to Lakers’ brass that he wanted to play alongside Reaves this season: “Obviously his efficiency, it’s off the roof. And just to have him next to me, leading this team, it’s awesome.”
Stephen Curry was cooking Monday night, and the Warriors were feasting. He was making every shot, their leads growing to 10 and then 13 and even 15. They led 87-77 when Curry was subbed out with 3:42 remaining the third quarter.
Uh-oh. Time for the historically worrisome non-Steph minutes against the proud Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena, where the Warriors had not won since 2022.
To the rescue came Yaxel Lendeborg. With Curry observing from the bench, the rookie was superb, engineering a response that pushed the lead to 16 at the end of the quarter and clearing the path to a 134-114 win that was Golden State’s first of the 2026-27 NBA season.
“Basically, in all the critical moments of the game, we just put the ball in his hands,” coach Steve Kerr told reporters in Denver. “And for a rookie to be that advanced already, it’s extremely rare.”
Playing in his fourth NBA game, Lendeborg’s performance allowed the Warriors to take flight against a team they struggle to beat, in a building where they rarely succeed.
From the time Curry and Draymond Green went to the bench late in the third quarter, Golden State outscored Denver 47-37. Lendeborg’s third quarter consisted of 12 points, six rebounds and one assist, and the floor generalship of a vet.
“He’s able to impose his will on the game,” Green said. “I don’t care what age you are, it’s the NBA. If you don’t know the NBA game, you’re already at a deficit. He don’t know the game. Not that he don’t know the game of basketball; he don’t know the NBA game. And to be able to have the ability to go out there and still do that, not knowing what the NBA brings on a nightly basis, is special.
“But it’s no different from what I’ve been saying for weeks now. I think he’s a special player.”
Lendeborg produced a career-high 31 points, on 9-of-19 shooting from the field despite being only 1 of 8 from beyond the arc. He added 12 rebounds and six assists, finishing plus-27 over 31 minutes and getting a procession of daps, high-fives and embraces upon being subbed out with the 2:34 left and Warriors leading by 21.
Four games into the season, Lendeborg has been so impressive on offense that the Warriors are living with his defensive lapses. He’s averaging 21.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. His 83 points through four games is the most for any Warriors rookie since Wilt Chamberlain poured in 150 in his first four games.
The quick start is something of a surprise to Lendeborg. Behind his shiny veneer of confidence and fearlessness is a man who realizes he was playing college basketball at the University of Michigan only seven months ago.
“I definitely thought I was going to wet the bed first half of the season,” he told NBCSN. “I definitely didn’t have the best hopes for what I was going to do, but with the confidence that Steph and Draymond are providing me, I’ve been playing with a lot more energy and confidence and just going out and having fun.”
Yaxel Lendeborg gave a hilarious answer on how he envisioned his first NBA games to go! pic.twitter.com/TEcrHpaeqn
Lendeborg’s 12-of-13 shooting from the line left Kerr marveling over the now and comparing him to Jimmy Butler III while visualizing a fantastic future.
“When you get to the line consistently, you can control the game,” Kerr said. “If the other team goes on a run, you go to a guy like Yax or Jimmy, they get fouled, the game slows down and you set your defense. The game just gets a lot easier. Yax having that ability, combined with his passing skills, he’s going to be a guy who’s going to close games like he did tonight.”
To put a finer point on it, Lendeborg’s second-half takeover required only 15 minutes to score 16 points, grab seven rebounds and ring up four assists.
Though Lendeborg closed out the Nuggets, it was Curry who provided a runway for the Warriors during that pivotal third quarter, scoring 17 points on 7-of-7 shooting from the field, including a pair of triples. He posted the second “immaculate” scoring game of his career, totaling 24 points on 8-of-8 shooting, including 3 of 3 from distance.
“I knew at a certain point I had to get some opportunity,” Curry told NBCSN. “I didn’t know it was going to be a perfect night like that, but I’m glad it all came together. “Yaxel played amazing and we were flying around on defense. That’s how we got the win.”
After losing their first three games of the season, including blowing a 12-point lead inside the final four minutes of their home opener last Friday, this was the kind of victory the Warriors needed. One that cleansed the souls of everyone on the payroll.
