PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 16: Jusuf Nurkic #30 of the Utah Jazz arrives to the arena before the game against the Phoenix Suns on October 16, 2026 at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Utah Jazz released their injury report, and it looks similar to opening night.
Jazz Injury Report (as of 10/22)
OUT – Trey Alexander (G League – Two-Way)
OUT – Harrison Ingram (G League – Two-Way)
OUT – Jusuf Nurkic (right foot; 2nd plantar plate tear)
QUESTIONABLE – Tony Bradley (left quadriceps; strain)
It does look like Tony Bradley has a chance to play tomorrow. Or, at least, he’ll be potentially available. Utah struggled with the rebounding battle against the Memphis Grizzlies, and Bradley could provide help with that.
Utah is going to have to be careful with their depth at center at this point because they have a very specific problem. Jaren Jackson Jr. is going to get in foul trouble, it’s just something you should expect at this point. That said, it means the Jazz need all the rebounding and rim-protection help they can get. That’s why they signed Tony Bradley, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see him get minutes at some point, even over Mo Bamba. Utah also needs the entire team to step up their rebounding to fix the issue. Once they do, they’ll likely start clawing their way up the standings.
SAN ANTONIO, TX -MARCH 8: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs reacts during the game against the Houston Rockets in the first half at Frost Bank Center on March 8, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The San Antonio Spurs will do anything to fly under the radar. First, they bribed The Athletic to rank them lower than anyone expected them to finish.
We're not falling for this. The Spurs paid The Athletic so that they could start a "Nobody believes in us" thing.
No rational basketball fan thinks the Spurs are the fifth-best team in the NBA. They are not flying under the radar. We all expect them to win the title. Nice try. https://t.co/gz30HZooio
Then they lost their opening game of the season at home to further throw us off the scent.
The Spurs have grown accustomed to being the snake in the grass. They just hang around until you look up and they’ve consumed all the wild rodents and they’re a juggernaut. That was a strategy that worked to perfection in the aughts and earl ‘10s. They spent all season just mind their own business until the Rodeo Road Trip, where they would go on a run (always against subpar Eastern Conference teams) and ramp up in anticipation of the playoffs.
The problem is that the league wants the Spurs front and center. This isn’t your “Pop never says anything and Tim Duncan makes Sydney Sweeney look like someone who can emote” Spurs. This is Victor Wembanyama! This is Dylan Harper! This is Stephon Castle! They can’t hide because everyone wants to see them.
So no, they are not and cannot fly under the radar. Barring health issues for Wemby, they’re going to be a popular preseason pick to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy for the next ten years. At +300, they’re the second-biggest favorites to win it all this season, at what amounts to a 25% chance. OKC is sitting at just under 30%, for reference. Except the Spurs got better and the Thunder traded away three key pieces. And the Spurs beat OKC last season, including Game 7 in OKC. So anyway, here’s “Wonderwall” they’re my pick to win it all next June.
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 14: Mitchell Robinson #4 of the Boston Celtics is introduced before the game against the Charlotte Hornets on October 14, 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
Remember the good old days of just caring about diamond rings, roughly 70 square feet of fabric and the feelings of Ariel Hukporti? Yeah, me neither. It’s what a loss against the Philadelphia 76ers on Banner Night at Madison Square Garden can do to you. It functions as a stark reminder that the new NBA season is upon us and the Knicks somehow have to find a way to let the past be the past and kick some serious you-know-what in the present. On Friday night in Boston, though, it will once again be hard to keep the nostalgia at bay. Even if Mitchell Robinson is not wearing the orange and blue anymore.
The former longest-tenured Knick has moved on to (not so) greener pastures and now starts for one of New York’s biggest rivals a good 200 miles up north. There’s probably no Knicks fan out there who won’t have some weird feeling in their stomach seeing the “Blockness Monster” in a uniform we’ve all been brought up to hate. And if I had to guess, I’d bet that Mr. Robinson puts in quite an effort on the glass tonight. Maybe Mitch even offers a glimpse of an expanded “bag,” as people like to call it these days. He’ll want to show his former team what they’re missing without him and prove to the Land of the Leprechauns that the $48 million they left for him at the end of the free agency rainbow wasn’t fool’s gold.
Celtics still love their three pointers
In Boston’s season opener, Mitch did not make a great impression on the C’s fanbase. Outside of Paul George, though, few players in green and white did. The Celtics lost at Detroit despite leading by 22 four minutes into the third quarter and by 10 with eight minutes left in the fourth. Somehow, someway, that sounds familiar, doesn’t it? And the Boston Celtics haven’t really changed that much from that incredibly entertaining playoff series they played with your beloved Bockers 17 months ago. Their personnel certainly changed, but in terms of their style of play, it’s still bombs away in Beantown.
Boston’s barrage of threes can overwhelm an opponent, just as it did against the Pistons for roughly three quarters on Tuesday, when the Celtics attempted 42 shots from downtown. Their shooting creates a lot of space to operate, puts a lot of stress on the opposing defense and can turn any game in an instant. That cuts both ways, though, because the Celtics really don’t care if they are up by 20 or down by 20. They just keep shooting, and sometimes they shoot themselves in the foot. They certainly did at Detroit, where they let a shell-shocked Pistons team right back into the game with quick shots, nonexistent floor balance and bad transition defense.
Celtics TV: "What else is in the bag? Are they asking you to expand?"
Mitchell Robinson: "Yeah…they have me kind of far away from the basket, I'm like 'OK maybe I can show a little something here & there,' so that's what we've been working on––touches, shots, all kind of stuff" pic.twitter.com/SGfrSUsBZ2
The latter part of that contest was especially ugly for Boston, as they allowed 39 points in the final quarter. Their lone remaining superstar, Jayson Tatum, had an awful shooting performance and could not steady his teammates. He missed 17 of his 23 shots and did not provide the much-needed dimension his isolation scoring usually gives Boston from the top of the key. After Jaylen Brown was traded to Philadelphia, the Celtics really do not have that many guys who are comfortable creating their own shot. If Tatum isn’t performing at the All-NBA level he reached before his gruesome Achilles injury, it could become a problem all season long.
First road test for the reigning champions
The one big bright spot for Boston was the play of Paul George, who looked like he wanted to turn back the clock to his old Pacer days. His 38 points were the most ever scored by a Celtic in his debut, and he only needed 21 shots to do it. Not many Bostonians were especially excited to subscribe to the Podcast P experience, but this performance eased at least a few of their worries. Joe Mazzulla’s shot-happy system should suit George quite a bit, and maybe he surprises a lot of people with a solid year.
Besides their two big-name wings, Boston will look to Derrick White and Payton Pritchard to provide most of the scoring. White struggled from the floor in Boston’s first-round playoff loss last season, shooting 32.1 percent, while Pritchard remains one of the elite bench energizers in the entire league. The rest of the Celtics’ rotation includes their three centers, Mitch, Luka Garza and Neemias Queta; a bevy of scrappy younger guys like Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Scheierman and Jordan Walsh; and elite marksman Sam Hauser. Rookie big Chris Cenac, Mike Conley (yes, he’s still around) and Ron Harper Jr. did not see any action versus Detroit.
Not exactly the scariest bunch on paper, right? Make no mistake, Boston has made a habit of getting consistent results from Mazzulla’s system. They run a professional organization, have a system that more often than not works like a well-oiled machine and have a clear plan for beating their opponent. Tatum is one of the best players in the NBA and surely wants to remind Boston fans that he was the right All-Star wing to build around. So expect a big effort out of him, Mitch and the rest of the Celtics.
For New York, defending the arc and finishing possessions on the glass will be essential, especially with Mitch hunting second chances. Boston’s collapse in Detroit also showed why the Knicks should look to push after misses and take advantage before the Celtics can set their defense. Whatever they throw at New York on Friday won’t surprise our veteran-laden Knickerbockers. But walking into Boston for its home opener and handing the Celtics a second consecutive loss will still be a tall order.
Of course, that’s exactly what we hope to remember from this game. So let’s go Knicks!
Game Details
Who: New York Knicks (0-1) at Boston Celtics (0-1) Date: Friday, October 23, 2026 Time: 7:00 PM ET Place: TD Garden, Boston, MA TV: Prime Video Follow: @ptknicksblog (X) and @postingandtoasting (BlueSky)
Injury Report
Devin Carter will miss the game for the Celtics with mononucleosis. As of this writing, nothing of note for the Knicks.
LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 20 Los Angeles Lakers forward/guard Luka Doncic (77) dribbles the ball on Los Angeles Clippers guard Kris Dunn (8) during the Los Angeles Lakers vs Los Angeles Clippers game on December 20, 2025, at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
After kicking off the season with a dominant victory against the Golden State Warriors, the Lakers (1-0) will take on the L.A. Clippers (1-0) on Friday. The Clippers are coming off their own strong win over the Sacramento Kings.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. L.A. Clippers
When: 7 p.m. PT, Oct 23
Where: Crypto.com Arena
Watch: Spectrum Sportsnet
The purple and gold couldn’t have asked for a better way to begin the new season.
Luka Dončić was dominant, Austin Reaves picked up where he left and, oh my goodness, Walker Kessler was incredible. The Lakers delivered commendable two-way basketball most of the night, with their role players stepping up and fitting seamlessly into the mix.
The best part about the team’s first win is that they have so much to build on and improve. Can we highlight how often and easily everyone was at getting to the rim? The Lakers scored 66 points inside the paint compared to the Warriors’ 56. They may have shot just 22.2% from the 3-point line and nabbed seven fewer rebounds, but they beat them in transition as well.
Granted, the Warriors were down two starters, but that win offered plenty of reasons for optimism and should give the Lakers added confidence heading into their matchup against their crosstown rivals.
A new era for the Clippers
Like the Lakers, the Clippers ushered in a new era this offseason without Kawhi Leonard. They technically can’t be considered a rebuilding team because they simply don’t have incentive to tank. What they’ve put together this offseason can be considered a competitive team on paper but even that offers little optimism for their future.
The Clippers, as we speak, also have multiple injuries. Brandon Ingram is dealing with a partially torn right Achilles tendon, Max Strus with the plantar fascia in his right foot and Bradley Beal with an inflamed knee. So as of right now, the Clippers’ best player is Darius Garland, who is coming off a great 30-point outing against the Kings.
A different kind of matchup
This Clippers team will be a tougher matchup for the Lakers than the Warriors because they’re more complete at every position. With Isaiah Jackson and Brook Lopez anchoring their frontcourt, it’ll be interesting to see how Kessler handles this matchup.
Not to mention, former Laker Rui Hachimura will be on the other side as well and, knowing the 6’8” ft forward, he’s going to be extra energized for this one.
Rui Hachimura says he's looking forward to play the Lakers on Friday and that it'll be a special game to see some old faces and fans. pic.twitter.com/g5sOYU8QkJ
That said, the Lakers still have a good chance of winning this matchup just because they’re the more talented team. It’s difficult to envision a team lacking the necessary defensive personnel containing Dončić, Reaves, and Kessler all at once. With a more talented supporting cast, the purple and gold should be well-equipped to maintain their level of play.
A Ty Lue-coached team will always bring it against the Lakers and it’ll up to the latter to rise to the challenge and bring that same energy. Let’s see if the Lakers can carry the momentum from their season-opening win into Friday’s first Battle of L.A.
Notes and Updates
Speaking of what we hope to see, remember, Clippers guard Kris Dunn and Luka have had their fair share of spats over the years. Perhaps Dunn can pull a Yaxel Lendeborg because a riled-up and feisty Luka is always fun to watch.
The Lakers are facing another Pacific Division team, which means this game becomes a little more important. It’s worth keeping track of throughout the season because division wins come in handy when playoff seedings shake out.
For the Lakers’ injury report, Cameron Carr (right oblique strain) and Adou Thiero (left knee effusion) remain out. Jake LaRavia (right ankle sprain) is questionable.
Meanwhile, the Clippers list Bradley Beal (right knee management), Brandon Ingram (right heel surgery), Jordan Miller (left rotator cuff surgery) and Max Strus (right plantar fascia tear) and Yanic Konan Niederhauser (right lisfranc surgery) as out.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 22: Tyrese Maxey #0 and LeBron James #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers react during the fourth quarter of a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Regular Season Bell Ringer Standings: Tyrese Maxey – 1
Following a first half that saw the Philadelphia 76ers turn the ball over 14 times and trail Cleveland by as many as 29 points, the Sixers team we dreamed about all summer re-emerged in the second half. The Sixers ratcheted up the defensive intensity four or five notches, and were flying all over the court, scoring 14 fast break points in the third quarter alone as part of a 37-point frame. They kept up the intensity in the fourth and hit a number of clutch shots down the stretch to keep the Cavaliers at arms-length for a 114-106 win. The 29-point comeback was the largest for the Sixers in the play-by-play era, the worst lead blown by the Cavaliers during the same time period, and the biggest comeback of LeBron James’ career (which has been going on for quite some time in case you’re just checking in). The Sixers move to 2-0 and that second half provided us with a glimpse of what sort of ceiling is possible with this squad.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 22: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives around Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the fourth quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
You can make a very credible argument that Tyrese Maxey was the best player on both ends of the court tonight. Tyrese was once again the most consistent scoring threat for the Sixers, flying up and down the floor, sometimes stopping and popping from three, but more often streaking all the way to the cup for crafty finishes around the rim. Philadelphia is running so many of their actions through him as the clear focal point of the offense. But the defensive end was probably where he changed the game even more. In the second half, Maxey started pressuring James Harden full-court, completely taking the Beard out of the game and disrupting Cleveland’s offensive rhythm. Harden got so frustrated that there was a sequence at one point where the former close teammates exchanged some shoves, leading to a bit of a scuffle between the two sides. It’s amazing that Tyrese has the juice to go full pedal to the metal on both sides of the ball for over 40 minutes.
Looking back on it this was a bold reject from Tyrese Maxey and a tough bucket pic.twitter.com/r3GHkU38ym
Joel Embiid: 24 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 turnover
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 22: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 22, 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
Like many of the Sixers, Joel had a shaky first half of action. But he found his offensive rhythm after halftime, scoring 15 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field and 5-of-7 from the foul line. With the Sixers within striking distance in the fourth quarter but trying to do the always difficult thing of getting over the top following a long comeback, it was Joel who took over the game. Embiid went on a personal 7-0 run in a little over a minute, turning a six-point deficit into the Sixers’ first lead of the game at 96-95. He later hit a tough fadeaway over Jarrett Allen in crunch time to extend the lead to six points, capping off what was a scoring exhibition in the fourth.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 22: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For the second straight game, I was impressed with Brown’s defensive intensity. He is taking on tough assignments, and you can see the effort he’s providing and how locked in he is on that end. One play I loved that won’t end up in the box score was Jaylen helping off his man to try and wrestle the ball away from Jarrett Allen around the nail, forcing a jump ball. Then, Brown also had a sequence where he took over the game offensively, taking the baton from Embiid during that fourth-quarter surge. He scored buckets on three consecutive possessions as part of the overall 15-0 Sixers run. It was reminiscent of Jimmy time back when Butler was with the team, where the Sixers could give it to the strong wing in isolation and let him handle the rest in the guts of the game.
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 22: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 22, 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
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ 2025-26 season effectively ended when they squandered a double-digit fourth-quarter lead to the eventual champions. Fittingly, they started this season by blowing a 29-point lead to a Philadelphia 76ers team that could become the eventual champions.
Three stars of the game
First star: Tyrese Maxey
32 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals
The Sixers came out flat and struggled to establish any kind of momentum after an emotional victory on Tuesday against the New York Knicks. They could’ve rolled over after they fell behind by 29 points, but their best player kept fighting.
Maxey’s energy and effort in the first half kept the game somewhat manageable. Then, his shot-making in the third and fourth quarters helped close the gap and get them over the hump.
LeBron James’s decision to go to Philadelphia was a bet on Maxey being ready to take the next step forward and become a top-tier star in this league. Through two games, he has to feel good about that gamble.
Second star: LeBron James
17 points, 5 assists, 10 rebounds, 3 steals
James wasn’t spectacular on the court. The days of him single-handedly taking over games are long behind him — yet few players influence winning more than he does.
LeBron used to control the game with the ball in his hands. He would dictate the matchup he wanted and bend his opponent to his will. Now, he does the same thing by being a chess master behind each move, without being the one actually making every play.
Here, James deferred to his teammates when he needed to, he told the defense where to go to take away Cleveland’s bigs, and he picked his spots to score when they were there.
The Sixers needed a steadying presence when things got tight. James provided that with consistent high-IQ plays on both ends. And in the process, he also showed why this Cavs team desperately needed James to choose them last summer.
Third star: Donovan Mitchell
32 points, 3 assists, 10 rebounds, 2 steals
Mitchell was phenomenal this game. He’s a world-class scorer who proved that once again in a showcase game. Thirty-two points on 19 shot attempts is impressive work, especially when you only take four three-pointers.
Anything bought from the links helps support Fear the Sword. You can buy the Browns throwback shirt HERE. You can also shop all of Homage’s Cleveland gear HERE.
Dud of the game
James Harden
16 points, 5 assists, 3 rebounds, 6 turnovers
Talent hasn’t been an issue for the Cavs — a lack of composure in big moments has. The same thing could be said about Harden’s career.
The Cavs needed their point guard to settle the storm in the second half, yet he couldn’t. Harden turned it over four times in the final two quarters, and wasn’t an impactful scorer. On top of that, he wasn’t able to get the bigs involved at all after both Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley had tremendous first halves before disappearing from the offense. The blame for that falls squarely on the point guard.
One regular season game shouldn’t be a referendum on Harden or this team, but it’s difficult to ignore the pattern that’s been developing for years now.
Cavalier that deserves a shoutout
Mario Hezonja
10 points, 2 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals
Hezonja showed how useful he could be. He created mismatches in the post, leading to easy baskets whenever he got a smaller guard matched onto him. That opened up what was at times a stagnant offense.
On top of that, he held up well defensively as he used his frame to stay in front of opponents in space.
This was a solid debut for a player the Cavs hope can provide consistent bench contributions like this.
Play of the game
We have someone else that can recognize an early pin in transition and deliver a clean look?! pic.twitter.com/bPxQlar41r
In the first half, the Cavs did a great job of recognizing mismatches and then continually exploiting them whenever they could. This was seen most in how they hunted Joel Embiid in the pick-and-roll, but it also came through in their insistence on getting the ball to their forwards when they had a mismatch in the post.
Here, Peyton Watson sees that Allen has a shorter Jaylen Brown on him and gets the ball to him quickly before Embiid can get back into the play.
On it’s on, this play isn’t spectacular, but it could be emblematic of an overall shift the Cavs are trying to implement. If you see a mismatch, exploit it.
Quote of the day
“We were anticipating and excited [to land James] and then you have that [news]. Having gone through free agency a lot, when you’re expecting something to happen and it doesn’t happen, that first day or two, you’re just like, you’re depressed, quite honestly. That’s the emontions of it.”
The result of this game was also pretty depressing for the Cavs.
Stat of the game
Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley combined for 18 shot attempts and 29 points in the first half. In the second half, they combined for just five shot attempts and three points.
Allen and Mobley were one of the main reasons the Cavs were up by double digits throughout the first half. Philadelphia didn’t have an answer for them inside, and the guards were consistently looking to get them the ball whenever they had an opening. And then in the second half, the guards seemed to forget that the bigs existed.
The Cavs have consistently been at their best when they’re forcing the ball inside to their bigs. Their three-point shooting and entire offense flow from playing inside out. When that goes away — as it consistently has late in big games — things can become far too stagnant offensively.
There’s no excuse for this team forgetting about the Allen and Mobley this far into this core’s time together.
This game will be remembered for the blown lead
The Cavs had a chance to make an emphatic statement against a Sixers team that should be a title contender. They also had an opportunity to prove to LeBron that he made the wrong choice by going to Philadelphia instead of heading back home.
For two quarters, it looked like they were going to deliver both fronts. They jumped out to a 29-point lead, showing everyone the immense talent that they have. Then, they confirmed why the national media didn’t take them seriously in the run-up to the season.
The Cavs can’t be trusted with leads in big moments. They showed us a preview of that last Christmas against the Knicks before repeating it in Game 1 of the Conference Finals. And now, they’re starting this campaign exactly where they left off the last one.
This isn’t a contrived narrative. It’s a reality the Cavs have created for themselves, and only they can change that.
Losing on opening night means very little in the grand scheme of things. However, how they lost does. Every time they drop a big game like this, it becomes that much easier to lose the next one.
PORTLAND, OREGON - OCTOBER 21: Dillon Brooks #3 of the Phoenix Suns talks with Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half at Moda Center on October 21, 2026 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. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) | Getty Images
We all witnessed a basketball atrocity in the Suns’ season opener.
Portland scored the first 21 points of the game. The Suns lost before they even scored a single point. Phoenix didn’t get on the board until Devin Booker went to the free-throw line with 5:54 left in the first quarter, and the Suns didn’t make a field goal until Oso Ighodaro dunked with 4:27 to go. After 12 minutes, it was 43-12.
The final at Moda Center on Wednesday night was 124-83. A 41-point loss to open the 2026-27 season, with the Suns trailing by as many as 52.
Phoenix finished at 35.7% from the field and 6-of-31 from three. Damian Lillard, playing his first regular-season game for Portland in 1,310 days, dropped 25 and matched the Suns’ team three-point total alone with 6 of his own. It was rare territory we entered. Just how rare, you ask?
So here’s the question every Suns fan is asking this morning. Has a team ever lost its season opener by more than 40 and still made the playoffs? The answer is yes. Exactly once.
According to Basketball Reference, over the past 50-plus seasons, only six teams in NBA history have lost their own season opener by more than 40 points, and two of them joined the list on Wednesday night.
The Miami Heat are the only team that made the playoffs after a 40+ point loss in their opener. And it was actually on their ring ceremony night, which is an incredible nugget I found looking this up. That Heat team ended up getting swept by that same Bulls team that spanked them on opening night in the 1st round of the playoffs that year.
The Chicago Bulls joined Phoenix in the club last night, after getting smacked by 43 points to the Raptors in their season-opener.
Now, this is a verysmall sample size of teams, but the fact that it’s that short a list tells you everything you need to know about how rare it is. Blowouts like this happen in the NBA, but rarely ever on opening night. To people saying it’s just one game, it is. But it was one of the worst “one games” in NBA history given the context of the season opener.
Especially after we heard about continuity, how the team was in the gym together all summer, etc., all offseason and on Media Day.
You’ll notice the Suns are on this list twice, with both games coming against the Blazers. I was in the building for that one, unfortunately.
The Suns got humbled. Plain and simple. Now, it’s about how they respond. We will learn a lot about this team on Saturday night based on how they respond.
The energy needs to be better. The effort needs to be better. The ball movement. The shot selection. The defense. The communication. All of it needs to be better.
They have two full days off before hosting the Golden State Warriors in Phoenix on Saturday night. Which version of the Suns will we get? Either way, it will tell us a lot.
The Clippers kicked off the 2026-27 season with an Opening Night victory.
Head coach Tyronn Lue dedicated the Clippers’ 121-96 win over the Kings to owner Steve Ballmer, who is currently serving a one-year suspension for violating the NBA’s salary cap circumvention rules.
“That win was for Mr. Ballmer,” Lue said. “Just want to say thank you for everything. We’re still fighting for him.”
Head coach Tyronn Lue of the Los Angeles Clippers speaks to the media during a press conference before the game against the Sacramento Kings at Intuit Dome. Getty Images
Since the NBA handed out its punishment to the Clippers, the organization has attempted to rebuild trust with the fanbase. Their effort began at media day, where interim president of basketball operations Trent Redden issued an apology to fans.
Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer celebrates after guard Chris Paul hit a last second basket during the second half of Game 7 in a first-round NBA basketball playoff series against the San Antonio Spurs. APLos Angeles Clippers guard Darius Garland waits to enter the game during the second half an NBA basketball game against the Sacramento Kings. AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 22: Joel Embiid #21 and Jaylen Brown #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers defend a shot from guard Peyton Watson #8 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
As much as things change, they stay the same. The Cleveland Cavaliers opened the new season with a performance that was eerily similar (and equally as deflating) to their Game 1 loss to the New York Knicks in May.
Let’s unpack this.
As always, grades are based on our usual expectations for each player.
Player of the game
Mario Hezonja
10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals
If there is a single thing I can leave this game feeling encouraged about — it was Mario Hezonja.
Hezonja looks like he belongs. His added strength allows him to be a mismatch-beater in the post, putting Philly into a bind anytime they switched a smaller player onto him. Hezonja is a skilled finisher and a crafty playmaker. This makes him a great option to have on their bench.
Defensively, Hezonja kept up with Philly’s pace (until the wheels came off around him). His isolation defense on Jaylen Brown was a highlight. So was this pick-six.
He also had a pair of surgical post-ups to end the third quarter that gave me life.
Grade: B+
Passed the Class
Donovan Mitchell
32 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 turnovers
There was a lot to like about Mitchell’s first half. He scored 22 points and only missed two shots. His dynamic scoring gave Cleveland a massive lead that should have been enough to coast to victory.
It wasn’t. And Mitchell’s turnovers (5) didn’t help the Cavs hold on as the lead was slipping.
Still, I think Mitchell is the only other player who did enough to keep a passing grade. I’m not saying he passed with flying colors — but an efficient 32 points and 10 rebounds is hard to knock. I don’t think he was the most guilty party in this meltdown.
Grade: C+
Missed the mark
Peyton Watson
8 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 5 turnovers
This was not a good showing for Watson. The biggest concern you could have had (his effect on the floor spacing) was a factor right away.
Philly began ignoring Watson in the second half. Leaving him open and packing the paint. He responded by clanking an open three-pointer and barreling into traffic. Watson shot 0-3 from downtown and had 5 turnovers.
We can see where Watson fits defensively, and it’s beautiful. But they’ll need much more from him offensively to justify this.
Grade: F
Jarrett Allen
14 points, 7 rebounds
Allen was electric to start this game. His 14 points in the first half felt massive as the 76ers simply couldn’t contain him.
It turns out, the Cavs would help Philly turn the tide in that regard.
Allen didn’t score in the second half. He only attempted one shot.
Much of this came from the aforementioned floor-spacing issues. You can’t pass the ball into the paint if there are five bodies there.
Still, how many times have the Cavs soared to a massive lead by riding the backs of their bigs, only to ignore them down the stretch?
I don’t get paid to solve the problem… but I can confidently say the Cavs need to figure this out!
Grade: D+
Evan Mobley
18 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists
I could repeat almost everything I said about Allen here.
Mobley was fantastic in the first half, particularly in the second quarter when his outside shot made it feel pointless for the Sixers to even try.
But those results were diminishing, and Mobley struggled to hit perimeter shots and create a bucket when given a runway. I’m placing this more on Mobley than anyone else. He has to find a way to avoid scenarios like this if the Cavs are going to be taken as serious threats.
Grade: F
James Harden
16 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 turnovers
Harden was playing fast and loose for most of the night. There was a sequence in the first half where he turned it over on consecutive possessions, topping it off with an airball on the third.
He was far from their biggest problem. In fact, his shot-making gave them a fighting chance in the final minutes. But still, your starting point guard can’t have more turnovers than made field goals if you want to win a game.
LeBron James is living up to the hype with his new team.
In his debut in the City of Brotherly Love as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers, the NBA's all-time leading scorer led a 29-point comeback to boost his team to a 114-106 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Philadelphia went on a 15-0 run in the fourth quarter Thursday at Xfinity Mobile Arena, powered by three straight buckets from Jaylen Brown. The 76ers went up by as many as nine points with 4:06 left in the game.
In the final minute, Tyrese Maxey and Brown each had a basket to secure the win. Maxey led the team with 32 points, six assists and three rebounds. Joel Embiid added 24 points and seven rebounds while Brown had 21 points and eight boards.
James had a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds to go with five assists and three steals.
Also for the Cavaliers, Evan Mobley contributed 18 points and eight rebounds while James Harden added 16 points, three rebounds and five assists. Harden was greeted by boos at tipoff in his return to Philadelphia, where he played from 2021 to 2023.
The 76ers were down by as many as 29 points in the first half (69-40) and went into the halftime break down 69-45.
Per ESPN, the comeback is the largest James has been a part of in his record 24 NBA seasons. Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press adds that it is the biggest comeback for the 76ers and blown lead for the Cavaliers in the play-by-play era, which started in 1996. Teams across the NBA had won 466 straight regular season games in which they were leading by 29 points, Reynolds added. The New York Knicks came back from a 29-point deficit in Game 4 of the NBA Finals this summer en route to their first championship in 53 years.
The 76ers' win comes after they beat the Knicks 106-100 in Madison Square Garden after their ring ceremony on the NBA's opening night.
The comeback was another chapter in James' career against his hometown team, which he was drafted by and won the 2016 NBA Finals with.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 22: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives around Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 22, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It was a tale of two halves…
The Cleveland Cavaliers nearly kicked the 2026-27 season off with a bang, sending a first-half message straight to the King with a 29-point lead.
Then the second half happened.
Everything the Cavs did right in the first went out the window. They had begun the game forcing 15 turnovers. Now they were the ones being stripped and taken the other way. Their presence in the paint dissipated as the Sixers took full control.
A few factors spun this the wrong way for Cleveland.
Those 15 turnovers from Philly in the first half amounted to nothing. The Sixers only turned it over once in the second half — and finished with fewer turnovers than the Cavaliers. Philly’s speed in transition was enough to narrow the gap almost immediately.
On offense, the Cavs faced a shrunk floor as Joel Embiid was moved into the paint to play free safety. He no longer worried about Evan Mobley or Peyton Watson from downtown. Those are shots the Sixers were willing to concede. In effect, the paint was now swarmed with length and athleticism to make life difficult for the Cavs.
It’s hard to feed the bigs when the paint is packed. Cleveland’s frontcourt combined for 29 points in the first half. They only scored 3 points in the second. That’s a story we’ve heard too many times with this team.
Bad turned to worse, and the Cavs found themselves on the wrong end of a massive comeback.
I’ll leave you with one positive.
Mario Hezonja had a triumphant return to the NBA despite the final score. He showed his growth by attacking a mismatch in the post before taking a steal and going coast-to-coast for a slam. Hezonja also held up defensively and steadied the ship momentarily with his post-scoring.
The Cavs can at least find solace in knowing they have a legit talent in Hezonja.
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 22: LeBron James #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on October 22, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
This team might just have some juice.
The Sixers erased a 29-point deficit to win their home opener 114-106 over the Cleveland Cavaliers Thursday night.
Tyrese Maxey put together the most complete game, leading the Sixers with 32 points with six assists. Joel Embiid quietly came alive, putting up 24 points and seven rebounds.
LeBron James had a very similar game to his Sixers debut, finishing with 17 points on 13 shots along with 10 rebounds and five assists. Jaylen Brown didn’t find his footing until the fourth quarter, but hit some big late baskets to finish with 21 points and eight rebounds. Donovan Mitchell led Cleveland with 32.
Dean Wade, out again with an ankle injury, is still yet to make his Sixers debut despite coming into the night questionable.
Here are some thoughts at the buzzer.
First Quarter
Lost in all the excitement for the night was the fact that this was Embiid’s first time playing against James Harden since they were teammates over three years ago now. Whether the crowd was totally aware of that or not, Harden got a healthy amount of boos during player introductions as well as when the ball was in his hands.
LeBron got the crowd amped early, knocking down a three on his first shot of the night before hitting a cutting Edgecombe with a slick bounce pass. After a couple of baskets inside from Jarrett Allen, Embiid backed him down in the post for his first points of the game. There were still some choppy moments offensively with five turnovers in as many minutes. That included fumbling away a fast break opportunity and a five-second call trying to inbound the ball.
Anfernee Simons and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope were once again the first subs of the night for Maxey and Brown. Simons had his first jumper attempt of the night swatted by Peyton Watson. It was a short stagger as Maxey and Brown checked back in a minute later while LeBron, Embiid and Edgecombe went to the bench.
The Sixers’ offense stagnated, going scoreless for nearly three minutes and the Cavs were able to get out to a double-digit lead. Brown went to the basket to try to end it but his contested layup was no good, but Adem Bona was able to time up this rebound and put it back.
As they’ve been able to for a couple seasons now, Cleveland did a really good job preventing the Sixers from getting into the paint in the quarter. Brown settled for a couple contested jumpers before finally getting on the board with a layup 11 minutes into the game. Unfortunately for the Sixers, that was sandwiched between two more turnovers. Mitchell hit a nasty stepback three at the buzzer to give the Cavs a 17-point lead after the first.
Second Quarter
Brown looked to have a drive that would get him in rhythm, but his forearm got called for an offensive foul. It’s so unfair they waited until he wasn’t on the Celtics to make that a point of emphasis. On the next possession he sailed a pass intended for KCP, drawing this team’s first rain of boos from their home fans.
Similar to the Knicks game, Nick Nurse brought Jabari Walker in after a rough start from Bona, but against a team this tall, he brought Embiid back on the court with him. Embiid backed down Mobley for a layup and Walker grabbed a putback layup, but the struggling Sixers were unable to give the Cavs any resistance. Mitchell seemed to be getting by defenders with ease while they didn’t have a physical match for Evan Mobley.
It didn’t seem like the Sixers were prepared for or adjusted to how aggressive Cleveland was defending the perimeter. By the time they had gotten into an action the Cavs had sent two guys wherever the ball was going. It looked so hard for them to get easy baskets and that reflected in their poor field goal percentage for the half.
Cleveland’s offense didn’t allow the Sixers many transition opportunities, but the Sixers threw away the few ones they did get. There’s been plenty of mistimed passes on fast breaks so far that look like guys figuring each other out. There were also plenty of Sixers passes in the first half that were just trying to cross the court over too many defenders. The Sixers turned it over 15 times in the first half, more than any half from last season. Maxey, the only Sixer to play remotely well in the half, kicked to Embiid for a corner three that cut the Cavs led to 24 at the half.
Third Quarter
The second half started in a very similar fashion — this time it was Brown knocking down the corner triple assisted by Maxey. They ran quickly off the ensuing Cavs’ miss, allowing LeBron to find a cutting Edgecombe under the basket for an and-1. Maxey closed a strong defensive possession with a steal and hit James for another transition layup, drawing a foul and prompting a timeout from Kenny Atkinson 51 seconds into the third.
LeBron made the free throw and the Sixers got another stop coming out of the timeout. That led to Embiid sealing Allen for another post bucket. Maxey and Brown turned the ball over trying to get to the hoop on consecutive possessions, helping the Cavs stop the bleeding. Brown made up for that with a whirling dervish of a layup followed by another LeBron transition basket. They were still down 13, but the building had come to life.
It was a similar recipe to opening night that helped the Sixers get turnovers: get smaller with their big matchups to let Embiid roam off Watson. Fittingly, it was a Watson missed three that allowed the Sixers to once again push the ball up the floor to a Maxey three that finally cut the lead under double digits and got Atkinson to call another timeout.
Embiid missing two at the line halted things a bit, but Allen missed two on the next trip down the floor to give everyone chicken. LeBron got fouled in the process of trying to grab that rebound, but he also inadvertently hit Edgecombe in the head on the way up. Edgecombe used the infectious disease control timeout to make sure the crowd stayed hype.
Nurse obviously rode the starters a lot longer into the third as the run continued, but they had to take Embiid out of the gate at some point, which meant more Bona minutes. He picked up a goaltend and a foul, but also blocked a shot that sprung all the way out for Maxey to grab it for a transition layup. It was at least a better shift than his first. Cleveland banked in a couple baskets to push their lead back up to eight to close the quarter.
Fourth Quarter
Embiid and James checked back in to start the quarter, signaling another heavy workload for the starters. They started the fourth well, with KCP knocking the inbounds pass off a Cav to force a turnover, leading to a Maxey basket. Cleveland responded with a bucket, but Embiid was able to kick to an open KCP for a three and LeBron got to the line. After missing a three that would have tied it, LeBron missed a gamble on a backcourt steal, allowing Harden to walk into an open three to push the lead back to six.
Coming out of the timeout, Embiid drew an and-1 from a post up. He got another bucket in the post getting Harden switched onto him, then Maxey hit him with a pocket pass for a jumper that gave the Sixers their first lead of the night. Nurse used the dead ball stoppage to get Bona in there to give Embiid a quick breather.
This was a heated game, but it was still surprising to see Maxey and Harden push and shove each other around a little bit. The two have spoken glowingly about each other since no longer being teammates, but they got heated at each other in this one.
Something the Sixers haven’t really seen so far in the regular season is Brown taking over for stretches of a time, but he did just that once Embiid checked out of the game. He gave them three straight baskets to push the lead to seven with the big fella on the bench.
Coming out of the timeout, Brown continued the intensity, ripping the ball away from Allen enough to force a jump ball. The Cavs won it, but Mitchell’s three went in and out. An errant pass on their next possession allowed Maxey to run out for a fast break layup. The Cavs got that basket back before the Sixers called timeout to bring Embiid and James back into the game with three and a half to go.
A great challenge by Nurse late, even if Embiid and James talked him into it, to get Embiid’s fifth foul taken off the board with just over three minutes left. The Sixers next possession ended with a great pass from LeBron to Edgecombe for three, but he missed as the jumper is the one thing Edgecombe has struggled with so far this year. Harden was able to get downhill and draw a foul on the following possession to make it a four-point game.
Edgecombe made a great offensive rebound on the following possession and might have been fouled on his unsuccessful putback, but didn’t get the call. Mitchell got down the floor quick and got to the line as well, but missed the pair, upgrading everyone’s chicken. Maxey drove for a floater to push it back to six. Brown poked the ball loose from Harden, the ball spun out to LeBron who got it up the floor for a fast break eventually finished by Brown himself, putting the finishing touches on an incredible comeback.
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 21: Head coach Dusty May of the Dallas Mavericks shakes hands with Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks during the second half of the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on October 21, 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 Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks will try to notch their first win of the season as they travel to Indianapolis to take on the Indiana Pacers Friday night. Opening night didn’t go the Mavericks’ way, as they lost to the Rockets in Houston Wednesday night. The Pacers, meanwhile, opened the season with a win against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Dallas faces a gauntlet in the first month of the season, which could make for a rough record early on. They have the second-strongest schedule in the first month of the season based on winning percentages from last season. It’s jumping straight in the deep end for new head coach Dusty May.
Here are three things to think about before the game:
Dusty May’s rotations
It’s a long season, and mid-October is super early, but May had some curious rotations in the first half of the Rockets game. May played 10 players in the first quarter alone in game one, and the combinations he used seemed to indicate he was feeling out which groups worked together. There’s nothing particularly wrong with that; again, it’s early. But personally, I’d prefer some outline of a rotation be worked out in the preseason, and then adjust from there.
This season has pretty low stakes, and May probably has some method to the rotation madness. My concern is also probably a reaction to former head coach Jason Kidd using the first two months of the season to play mad scientist with the lineups instead of finding something consistent. But it’s something worth keeping an eye on.
Mavericks have to get back on defense
The Pacers came into this season ready to run. Indiana outscored New Orleans 27-10 on fastbreak points on Wednesday. The Mavericks were outscored 29-17 by the Rockets. Dallas will need to focus on getting back on defense if they don’t want to be torched by Indiana.
One thing Dallas can do to cut down the fastbreak points allowed is by taking better care of the ball. The Mavericks turned the ball over 21 times against the Rockets, which led to 32 points allowed off turnovers. If they’re careless with the rock against the Pacers, it could produce live ball turnovers which will lead to easy fastbreak points.
Side-eye the shooting
Coming into the season, everyone expected the Mavericks to struggle to shoot the ball. The first game of the season didn’t do anything to assuage those doubts. Dallas shot 11-of-37 from behind the arc, and 17-of-26 from the charity stripe. It’s simplistic, but they have to get better outside shooting if they want to be competitive this season. They don’t have to be a great shooting team. That’s probably expecting too much from their personnel. But they do need to be around league average if they want to push to the higher range of their season’s success. One game isn’t enough of a sample size to be truly concerned, but it’s worth keeping an eye on.
How to watch
The game tips off at 6 p.m. CDT on KFAA-TV Channel 29, Mavs TV, and NBA League Pass.
With 3:59 on the clock in the third quarter, LeBron James leaped up for a rebound after Jarrett Allen missed a free throw and smacked his teammate, VJ Edgecombe, in the nose with his elbow. Edgecombe immediately grabbed his face and blood dripped onto his hand.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope helped direct Edgecombe to the sideline, where a trainer took a white towel and held it up to Edgecombe's nose. Edgecombe stood patiently with his hands on his hips as the trainer continued to treat him. He walked back onto the court with a swab of cotton shoved up his right nostril and clapped as the crowd welcomed him back.
VJ Edgecombe Just Took An Elbow From LeBron James To The Nose.
James was fouled on the play by Donovan Mitchell and made both free throws to cut down the 76ers' deficit to 80-77. Philadelphia was down by as many as 29 points in the first half.
The game was another chapter in James' career against his hometown team, which he was drafted by and won the 2016 NBA Finals with.
Josh Hart spent five years going at it with Mitchell Robinson in practice. Now, they’re about to do it in a real game, on opposing teams.
Friday night against the Celtics in Boston will be the first time the Knicks face Robinson since he left in free agency.
He signed a three-year, $47.4 million deal — a number the Knicks couldn’t come close to matching under the edict from owner James Dolan to stay under the second apron — to be a new addition to Boston’s starting lineup.
Hart, who knows the Celtics like to have their center guard the opposing team’s worst shooter — a treatment he’s become accustomed to — is particularly excited for one facet of the matchup.
“They crossmatch a lot, so I’m sure he’ll be guarding me,” Hart said. “When I make a couple, I’m gonna let him know.”
“It’s bittersweet,” Karl-Anthony Towns said Thursday, “because you love Mitch. We’ve done so much historical things together here. To not see him in a Knicks jersey anymore, obviously, for all of us, we’re a family unit. You guys are around us every day; you know how much we care about each other, each other’s families, and to not be able to have him with us on this journey after that amazing journey we went through is obviously bittersweet. But it’s gonna be amazing to be able to see our brother, to hug him, be able to show him some love and to obviously compete playing basketball, like we love to do.”
Robinson’s impact extended off the court for the Knicks. He was one of the biggest personalities in the locker room.
“It’s definitely different [without him],” Hart said. “Obviously, that’s someone who’s had a big presence here, big presence in the locker room. It’s different. No one else listens to country [music] but me, so that’s tough in the weight room. The lack of his presence is obviously felt a little bit. That’s why it’s a new team.”
Former Knick Mitchell Robinson shoots a free throw during the Celtics’ season-opening loss to the Pistons. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
For his own part, Robinson did not exactly wax poetic about facing the Knicks.
“It doesn’t matter that I’m playing my former team,” Robinson said. “It’s more so trying to bounce back from what happened two nights ago. At the end of the day, it’s basketball; it’s a business. You gotta play the team just like you play any other team.”
Robinson struggled in the Celtics’ season-opening loss to the Pistons on Tuesday, recording four points and three rebounds in 18 minutes.
Josh Hart reacts after hitting a 3-pointer during the Knicks’ season-opening loss to the 76ers. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
“I played like ass,” Robinson said. “It’s kind of just straightforward.”
He was too fed up with his performance to watch the Knicks’ championship ceremony.
“I was still stuck in my head from last game,” Robinson said. “I’m proud of those guys, obviously; I was a part of it. I just didn’t really want to watch it.”
Robinson is expected to receive his ring, accompanied by a tribute video, when he returns to MSG for the Knicks-Celtics game on March 14.
The Knicks certainly know better than anyone else what to expect from Robinson, with his offensive rebounding prowess and ability to guard all positions on the court. The same goes, of course, for his brutal free-throw shooting, which became a recurring storyline in recent years. Opposing teams, particularly in the playoffs, often utilized Hack-a-Mitch to exploit his weakness.
Will the Knicks now flip the script and use it on him?
“Maybe,” head coach Mike Brown said. “I think that’s more, just me personally, I’ve always leaned more to do that come playoff time or later in the [regular] season where you’re really trying to game plan and get certain games. Right now, I want to see if we can defend these guys with what we do staple-wise, with what our foundation is.”
It will be weird for Knicks fans to root against Robinson after all the ups and, for most of the beginning of his career, downs he went through with the team.
“At the end of the day,” Brown said, “we want to kick his ass like he probably wants to kick ours.”
