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Recap: Wizards plagued by familiar issues in 120-105 loss to Hawks

WASHINGTON, DC -  NOVEMBER 4: Kyshawn George #18 of the Washington Wizards handles the ball during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on November 4, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Washington Wizards’ 120-105 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at Capital One Arena on Wednesday followed a script similar to the team’s first three defeats this season. The home team was outshot from long range and gave up far too many offensive rebounds.

Anthony Davis got off to a hot start, scoring 6 of the Wizards’ first 8 points. He tweaked his ankle just over a minute into the contest after landing on AJ Dybantsa’s foot on a closeout. But Davis still finished with 10 points through the first 12 minutes.

Despite Washington seemingly playing well, Atlanta stayed ahead with the three-ball. The Hawks hit 8 three-pointers in the first quarter alone to take a 37-32 lead after one.

Dybantsa had a tough night offensively. He looked out of control at times and failed to get a veteran whistle on some of his drives. He took his frustrations out on the rim with a two-handed jam in the second quarter.

A triple from old friend CJ McCollum gave the Hawks a 16-point lead with 2:13 to play. The Wizards closed the half on a 9-0 run to cut the deficit to 68-61. Davis led all scorers with 18 points, along with 6 rebounds and 2 blocks at the break.

Kyshawn George ran point whenever Young was off the floor. He evidently picked up a few things from the All-Star point guard, as he repeatedly found Davis and Deandre Ayton for easy baskets around the rim.

The defense was much improved in the third quarter, but it was the offense that lagged behind. Washington finally built up some momentum late when Trae hit a step-back three that got the team within four points of Atlanta.

Will Riley missed a clean look at a three on the following possession that would have gotten the Wizards to within one. The Hawks made it hurt as another old friend, Corey Kispert, connected on a four-point play on the other end.

George had a huge fourth quarter. He came alive with 12 points in the period but did not have much support from his Wizards teammates as the Hawks pulled away for the 15-point victory.

The Hawks more than tripled (19) the Wizards (6) in three-point makes. Atlanta already had Washington’s three-point total midway through the first quarter. The Wizards also gave up 19 offensive rebounds as Dyson Daniels and Onyeka Okongwu combined to grab 33 boards.

Davis powered through his ankle injury to tally 26 points and 10 rebounds. George flashed more of his star potential with 25 points on 10-of-14 shooting, on top of his 7 assists.

Dybantsa and Tre Johnson both struggled from the field in this one. The No. 1 overall pick had his first poor outing offensively, with 9 points on a 4-of-12 clip. He also badly missed on 3 of his 4 free-throw attempts. Johnson looked rattled after his first few misses. He continued to force his shots through garbage time, making just 1 of his 9 attempts.

The Wizards get an immediate chance to avenge the loss when they head to Atlanta to face the Hawks on Friday for their second NBA Cup game.

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Jalen Brunson's 22 first-quarter points kickstart Knicks' 135-105 smackdown of Bulls

The Knicks took advantage of a floundering Chicago Bulls defense -- ranked 29th of 30 in the league -- Wednesday night, winning their third-straight game and their fourth in the last five with a final score of 135-105.

Here are the takeaways...

-- New York came out of the gate fast, stunning a young Bulls team into a state of near paralysis. Chicago surrendered 10 points off of turnovers through the first 13 minutes of play, while the Knicks, who have struggled in transition so far this season, let up none across the same span. The Bulls also faltered from beyond the arc, missing 20-straight threes in the middle stretch of the first half. Led by Jalen Brunson's 26 first-half points, New York went into the break with a dominating 32-point lead (84-53).

-- After struggling to find the basket through the first few games of the season -- and missing his first three of Wednesday's game --Brunson looked back to peak form in the first quarter, scoring a staggering 22 points in 11 first-quarter minutes. Collectively, the Bulls only scored 21 in the opening frame.

Even with significantly decreased minutes in the back half of the contest, Brunson continued to produce, finishing the night with 33 points, two rebounds, and four assists. 

-- The Knicks went 24-for-26 from the charity stripe in the first half. OG Anunoby contributed nearly half of those points. 

He drew 10 free throws in the first 14 minutes of play -- marking the second-straight game in which he earned eight attempts -- and landed every one for 10 of his 18 first-half points. A third personal foul with 8:48 left in the opening half stifled his run as he sat for the next five minutes, and while he drew two more foul shots before the half wound down, he only hit one. Still, his 11 made free throws tied a career-best mark for most in the first half.

-- Karl-Anthony Towns finished the game with his eighth-consecutive double-double (17 points, 12 rebounds), completing the set less than halfway through the third despite only recording one shot from the field by the end of the first half. He opened the third quarter with two back-to-back threes and only turned up the heat from there.

Toward the end of the second frame, Towns jumped up to shoot a three but was met by Chicago forward Zach Collins, who knocked the ball out of Towns' hand. On his way down, Collins stepped on Towns' toe and knocked him over, triggering a review for a flagrant foul. However, because Collins' foot landed on top of Towns' rather than below, the move was ruled as a common foul instead, and Towns earned three free throws. He made all three.

-- With Josh Hart sidelined due to ankle soreness, Landry Shamet joined New York's starting five for the first time this season. The shooting guard more than earned the right Monday, lifting the Knicks to a win against the Brooklyn Nets with a game-leading 22 points.

Right off the bat, Shamet landed two buckets, scoring the Knicks' first four points. His production slowed down after that, but he finished with seven points, two rebounds, two assists, and a plus-21 rating.

-- For the second game in a row -- and third in the last week -- New York's bench combined for 40-plus points (53 on Wednesday). This time, Jordan Clarkson and Dalton Knecht led the way.

In his first game as a Knick,Knecht scored 10 points in 13 minutes played. His first points came from a tip-in dunk on a Shamet miss. His second -- a 25-foot step-back jump shot -- put the Knicks at 84 first-half points, tying the franchise record for most points scored in the opening 24 minutes of a game. He also added seven rebounds and an assist.

Clarkson, who also scored 10, went 4-for-9 from the field and 2-for-2 from three. 

Mohammed Diawara, who first subbed in for Anunoby with five minutes left in the first, collected three points, one rebound, and one block in three first-quarter minutes. He finished with eight points, tied with James Wiseman for second-most on the bench.

Late in the third, Miles McBride leapt up for a 24-foot jumper from deep at the play clock buzzer before he was knocked over, drawing a foul and turning the sequence into a four-point play. He finished with seven points.

-- All 14 available Knicks made an appearance. Everyone except Jose Alvarado and Pacome Dadiet played 11 minutes or more. They each played nine.

Game MVP: Jalen Brunson

The star point guard finished 10-for-17 from the field, 5-for-10 from three-point range, and 8-for-9 from the free throw line en route to a season-best 33-point performance. No other Knick surpassed 18 points. 

Highlights

What's next

After a few days of rest, New York will be back in action Saturday night when they take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tip off is scheduled for 8 p.m.

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Celtics survive late stampede from Bucks, win 109-102

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 04: Baylor Scheierman #55 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against Kyle Kuzma #18 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second quarter at TD Garden on November 04, 2026 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. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Celtics led the Bucks by as many as 22 points on Wednesday night before the Bucks made a big comeback and briefly took the lead in the fourth. Thankfully for Boston, Paul George and Derrick White saved the day as the Celtics held on with a 109-102 win.

Jayson Tatum did not play in this game for the Celtics and Boston started Derrick White, Sam Hauser, Paul George, Hugo Gonzalez and Neemias Queta. Devin Carter was still out with mono as well. Meanwhile, the Bucks started Tyler Herro, Brayden Burries, Kyle Kuzma, Jaine Jacquez Jr. and Myles Turner and were only missing two-way player Kam Jones.

The Celtics got off to a quick start, going up 19-8 mid way through the first quarter. After Sam Hauser hit the first two shots of the game, Paul George scored 7 of the next 13 Celtics points.

The Celtics led after the first quarter 28-14. Paul George led the way with 10 points and 3 steals while playing the entire quarter. Mitchell Robinson also had 6 rebounds off of the bench.

Boston got off to a good start in the 2nd quarter as Payton Pritchard had a few baskets. It was good to see Payton Pritchard be aggressive on his first shot as well. However, a pair of Bucks threes leading to a 6-2 run lead to Joe Mazzulla calling his mandatory timeout.

The offense picked up in the 2nd quarter, as Boston led 62-41 at the half. Luka Garza led the way with 11 points and 5 rebounds while Derrick White had 9 points, 4 assists and 3 rebounds.

It was good to see the Celtics three point shooting get going, they were 10/17 in the first half after being 30% in their last 4 games, according to the NBC Sports Boston broadcast.

Boston came out flat in the 2nd half and Milwaukee took advantage. The Bucks went on a 12-5 run to open the 3rd quarter and Joe Mazzulla called a timeout. Jamie Jaquez Jr. had 5 points and Tyler Herro had 4 points during the run for Milwaukee.

The Bucks made 10 of their first 12 shots in the quarter and cut the Celtics led to 7. Back-to-back key Baylor Scheierman threes grew Boston’s lead back to 13 as Milwaukee called timeout.

Payton Pritchard left the game with an right eye abrasion and he did not return to the game.

It was Tyler Herro’s quarter, he had 17 points on 6/8 from the field and 2/2 from three in the 3rd quarter.

The Celtics did lead the Bucks at the end of three but what was a 21-point game at halftime was just an 8-point lead entering the fourth. Paul George’s 16 points, 4 assists and 2 steals led the way for Boston.

The Bucks opened the fourth quarter on a 10-4 run and forced Joe Mazzulla to call another timeout.

Milwaukee took their first lead with 6:50 to go in the game but Boston fought back and took a 3 point lead as Taylor Jenkins called timeout.

The Celtics struggled score as they missed Tatum and Pritchard a lot. It felt like Paul George was their only source of offense late in the game.

George then stepped up to the line with under 4 minutes left and missed both free throws in a tie game.

The Celtics were able to go on a 7-0 run thank to 5 points from Derrick White to take a 104-97 lead, which Tyler Herro cut to 104-99 with two made free throws.

Paul George hit a clutch 3 to put the Celtics up 8, Ryan Rollins hit a 3 and the Bucks had a few looks to cut the Celtics lead to 2 with just over 30 seconds to go but they missed both.

Two Derrick White free throws iced it and the Celtics hung on, 109-102. George’s 25 points and White’s 24 points led the way for the Celtics.

Boston shot 41% from the field and 41% from three while Milwaukee shot 41% from the field and 40% from three. The Celtics next game is an NBA Cup game in Charlotte at 7 pm EST on Friday night.

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Warriors’ Steve Kerr compares Steph Curry to NBA GOAT in late stages of career

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr standing on the sideline with his hands on his hips, Image 2 shows Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr talks with guard Steph Curry on the court
Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr compares Steph Curry to Michael Jordan.

From being a part of one of the greatest basketball teams ever in the 1990s as a player with the Bulls to coaching one of the greatest basketball dynasties in the 2010s with the Warriors, Steve Kerr knows what greatness looks like.

The Warriors coach appeared on ESPN’s “NBA Tip-off” and told longtime host Ernie Johnson how coaching Steph Curry at age 38 reminds him of playing alongside Michael Jordan.

Steve Kerr reveals watching Steph Curry during late stages of career reminds him of Michael Jordan. AP Photo/David Zalubowski

“Honestly, it really does remind me of what it was like to play with Michael Jordan back in the day,” Kerr said. “Every single night you just are amazed, and you marvel at what he’s capable of doing no matter what the defense does but also just the longevity of it.”

Last season, Curry appeared in only 43 games for the Warriors after spending most of the season on the team’s bench due to patellofemoral pain syndrome, also known as runner’s knee.

This season, Curry has played in six games and is averaging 28.8 minutes per game and is looking like his regular self.

Known as one of the greatest shooters of this era, Curry is averaging 30 points per game, shooting 42.9% from beyond the arc and 46.8% from the field.

Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr compares Steph Curry to NBA all-time great. NBAE via Getty Images

In his last three games, Curry has averaged more than 30 points, including a 44-point performance against the Timberwolves on Oct. 28.

“To see night after night, defenses doing everything possible to slow Steph down like they did with Michael, and yet the love for the game, the competitiveness, the passion, the desire to put on a show for the fans — there’s such great comparisons to be made there,” Kerr said.

Steve Kerr says watching Steph Curry during the late stages of his career reminds him of Michael Jordan. NBAE via Getty Images

Kerr added, “You get to experience the thrill of seeing them do their thing night in and night out, and it never gets old.”

Kerr has won nine NBA titles, five as a player and four as a coach. Jordan won six NBA crowns as a player.

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Brown puts up 30 as Sixers hang on to avenge lone loss with win over Pistons

DETROIT, MI - NOVEMBER 4: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks the ball during the game against the Detroit Pistons on November 4, 2026 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

It could have been easier, but the Sixers have defeated the Detroit Pistons for the first time since November of 2024, knocking them off 112-106 Wednesday night.

Jaylen Brown set a new season-high 30 points shooting 11-of-19 from the floor, and his biggest play was blocking Cade Cunningham’s three-point attempt with 38 seconds remaining. LeBron James came close to his first triple-double as a Sixer, putting up 13 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists on 5-of-10 shooting.

Tyrese Maxey had his worst shooting performance of the season, put up 17 of his 19 in the second half going 5-of-16 from the floor along with seven assists. Not playing on a minutes restriction this time, Joel Embiid shot 8-of-18 for 26 points and 14 rebounds.

Cunningham led the Pistons with 26, who were once again without Jalen Durn who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury, as well as Isaiah Joe who injured his hip when these two teams last met on Oct. 25.

Here are some thoughts at the buzzer.

First Quarter

  • It was tough sledding early for Embiid and Maxey, each missing their first three field goals of the night despite some good looks. Embiid missed his 12th straight three-pointer dating back four games now, but he was able to help the offense flow in spite of that. He found a cutting Brown for the first points of the game and got his first field goal on a backdoor cut on his own.
  • Paul Reed had quite a start against his old club. He stayed in front of Maxey on a drive and blocked his layup attempt, and made his first two shots of the night attempting some fancy footwork. Getting one slam called back for a travel didn’t sway his confidence in trying to spin around Embiid.
  • LeBron settled in as he began to run the offense more after the Sixers’ first subs. After finding Embiid on that cut, he got aggressive with their pick-and-roll, getting each of them to the free throw line during this stretch. A steal caused by Dean Wade ending in a Dean Wade layup capped off a 10-0 Sixers run.
  • Brown and Maxey finished the quarter strong as the Sixers flipped the stagger with a couple minutes to go. Maxey’s scoop layup were only his first points of the night, but Brown was good in all nine of his minutes. He got the basket off the dribble for an and-1 then became the latest Sixer to hit an end-of-quarter heave, putting the Sixers up eight after one.

Second Quarter

  • They went right back to Brown on their first possession of the quarter and he got right to his spot in the midrange for another jumper. LeBron got an assist for that, but his impressive dimes came on his consecutive assists to Adem Bona. He waited just long enough for Reed to slide over for a quick bounce bass on the first, and the second was a left-handed laser from half court to reward Bona for getting down the floor ahead of the defense.
  • Cunningham started this game 2-of-8 from the floor. He also got hit in the midsection in the first quarter. Detroit’s offense struggled as their head of the snake did and the Sixers were able to take advantage. James got to the basket a couple more times, becoming the first player in history to reach 16,000 career field goals in the process. Brown drilled two more threes to cap off his heater. After intercepting a pass he had a wide open layup to himself but smoked it after an uneasy takeoff. Brown said the other day he’s waiting for a bit more burst to come back so hopefully this is just a blip on the radar.
  • A couple of turnovers to follow up that layup helped the game slowly swing the Pistons’ way for the first time. After a cutting layup, Duncan Robinson drilled his third and Detroit’s fourth three of the night. Maxey checked back into the game to get the offense back up and running but was subbed right back out after picking up his third foul of the night in just 10 seconds.
  • Embiid put back a missed layup and drew a foul in the process to end a 9-0 Sixers run, but picked up a technical foul after really getting into with reserve center Tolu Smith. It just seemed like an odd escalation from typical dead ball shooting from both parties.
  • That foul occurred when Brown was due for two at the line, drilling both to help offset the technical. After forcing a turnover Embiid got himself to the line getting Smith to bite on a rip through. Brown got to the line one more time and split a pair to give the Sixers a 14-point lead at halftime.

Third Quarter

  • The Sixers gave Cunningham too much space as he dribbled around a screen, helping him step into an open three to start the half. He also read an Embiid outlet very well for a pick-six moments later. Edgecombe had answered with a pull-up jumper and a cutting dunk, but as Cunningham started to draw doubles, the Sixers left John Collins wide open for lobs, prompting a timeout from Nick Nurse.
  • Nurse went back to his hot hand coming out of the timeout and Brown drilled a contested turnaround midrange jumper. LeBron drilled a three off the catch, as did Maxey for just his second field goal of the night on the following possession. Cunningham responded by getting to the line, then taking advantage of a collapsed defense to find Robinson for another three.
  • As he has all year, Edgecombe was doing a great job filling the lanes and was rewarded with plenty of open dunks for doing so. He also swooped in to grab a missed Embiid layup for a big putback basket. A couple possessions later he grabbed a big rebound on the defensive end and took the ball to the hoop to help the Sixers withstand Robinson’s heater.
  • Maxey checked back in and hit a sidestep three, a much welcomed sight after his first half. Despite the Pistons getting a pair of free throws on the ensuing possession the Sixers got up the floor quickly and found Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the corner for a three. Brown split another pair at the line and hit another midrange J to set a new season-high for this young season. Despite some good ball pressure that led to a turnover, Edgecombe wasn’t able to finish a fastbreak layup, keeping the Sixers at a 16-point lead.

Fourth Quarter

  • Once again the Sixers started their quarter going to Brown and once again he was able to rise up and knock one down inside the arc. With Embiid having played 24 minutes and Jabari Walker at the scorer’s table it wasn’t clear if Embiid’s night was over, and Detroit was picking up momentum going to the basket. After four possessions ended in three layups, Nurse called a timeout and put Embiid back in the game. Bona didn’t just sub out but went to the locker room after taking a hit to the head during his shift.
  • Kevin Huerter drilled a three coming out of that timeout continuing the pursuit, but Embiid was able to knockdown a jumper to settle things down. Maxey drove his way to the line and LeBron was able to find KCP near the hoop for a basket. They surrendered a fast break that led to another Pistons three, but Reed picking up his fifth foul of the night for a thin Detroit backcourt and Maxey being left alone for another three on the left wing put the Sixers in a good spot with four and a half to go.
  • After missing a three badly at the end of the shotclock, Maxey appeared to make up for it running out after a miss, but he smoked the fast break layup as well. Brown fouled Robinson attempting a three on the following possession for a big swing.
  • Robinson made two of the three after a timeout. The Sixers went to the Maxey/Embiid two-man game and a pocket pass set the big fella up for a much needed midrange jumper, but they couldn’t keep Robinson down for too long as he buried another three coming off a screen. LeBron had Edgecombe set up for a rolling layup down the lane but Edgecombe fumbled the pass, giving up another easy open basket at the rim for Philadelphia.
  • Capping off a messy night of officiating, Cunningham got a pair at the line on a play he either should have had an and-1 or the foul be on the floor. Regardless, he cut the lead to six. LeBron followed it with a poor jumper behind the block that didn’t go and Cunningham got right back to the basket to cut it to a four-point game.
  • The Sixers dribbled out their next possession and the ball swung to Embiid behind the perimeter with the shotclock winding down, but he was unable to bust out of his long range slump. It was fitting that Brown made the biggest play of the night, blocking Cunningham’s pull-up three-point attempt on the next trip down the floor. It set the Sixers up to win the game from the free throw line and summed up in one play why the Sixers beat the Pistons for the first time in their last eight tries.
  • The Sixers were able to win the game at the line, but they might have picked up a considerable bump or bruise to worry about. As he was trying to avoid turning the ball over, Maxey came up favoring his right hand as Detroit was fouling him. He’s dealt with finger injuries on that hand in each of the last two seasons. Maxey was at least able to hit four straight free throws to help the Sixers pull out the win.
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Payton Pritchard exits game vs Bucks: injury update

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 04: Payton Pritchard #11 of the Boston Celtics dribbles downcourt against Kasparas Jakucionis #25 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first quarter at TD Garden on November 04, 2026 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. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) | Getty Images

BOSTON — Payton Pritchard exited in the third quarter of Tuesday’s game against Milwaukee with a right eye abrasion.

Pritchard tallied 10 points and 5 rebounds in 18 minutes off the bench before taking a hit to the face and heading to the locker room with trainer Drew Moore. The 28-year-old guard was previously listed as questionable to play with a right shoulder contusion, but was upgraded to available before tip-off. The Celtics outscored the Bucks by 7 points in his minutes.

The Celtics were otherwise fully healthy on Wednesday night. Jayson Tatum, however, missed his first game of the season to rest. Two-way player Devin Carter remains sidelined as he recovers from an illness he contracted during the preseason.

Payton Pritchard has struggled so far this season

Pritchard has averaged 13.4 points and 3.4 assists per game, shooting 40.3% from the field and 31% from three. He had his two best games against the Chicago Bulls; otherwise, he’s scored double-digit points only once more this season, with 17 against the Detroit Pistons.

After the Celtics’ 109-102 win over the Bucks, Joe Mazzulla provided a brief update on Pritchard.

“He’s okay,” he said. “I don’t know exactly what it is, but he got hit in the eye, hit in the head. Seems to be okay.”

This story will be updated as more information is available.

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Hawks defeat Wizards 120-105 in Kingston Flemings’ first career start

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 4: Kingston Flemings #4 of the Atlanta Hawks drives to the basket during the game against the Washington Wizards on November 4, 2026 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 Kenny Giarla/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Atlanta Hawks were in Washington on Wednesday evening to face the Wizards. This was the first of two matchups in three days against these two teams, and there were some big headlines coming into this one. First, it was Trae Young’s first game against his former team since getting traded in January. Young played his first eight seasons in the league with the Hawks, so this was a big moment for the point guard.

A surprising move that happened an hour before the game was Kingston Flemings being inserted into the starting lineup, with CJ McCollum coming off the bench. It seemed like a move that McCollum suggested, which shows how much of a veteran and team player he is.

Jalen Johnson remained out for his second straight game, and Lu Dort once again started in his place.

Flemings was able to start things off for the Hawks with a 3-pointer.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker had a strong shooting night against the Pacers on Monday, and he continued that coming into this game, knocking down a few 3-pointers in the quarter.

The Wizards were able to keep things close with the Hawks, as Anthony Davis was hard to stop in the paint. The Hawks countered by getting in transition, and Flemings used his speed to beat the defense.

McCollum came off the bench and was instant offense for the Hawks, and got this and-1 to go. Later on in the quarter, he knocked down a deep 3-pointer.

The Hawks were able to create a little separation as the quarter went on, and before heading into the second, Asa Newell got this put back to go to give them a 37-32 lead.

Zuby Ejiofor got things started for the Hawks in the second with this big dunk in transition.

Flemings continued to make an impact in his new role, and Aaron Wiggins found the rookie for a wide-open 3-pointer. The Hawks were able to get a double-digit lead in the second, getting stops on defense and getting out in transition on the other end.

McCollum did more than just score the ball, and he found Onyeka Okongwu for an easy layup.

The Hawks let go of the gas a little bit toward the end of the second, and the Wizards were able to cut into their deficit. Going into halftime, the Hawks still led 68-61.

Coming into the third, the Hawks kept shooting threes, and they kept going in.

The Wizards were able to cut into the Hawks’ lead a little more, and they got it down to as low as four points. The Hawks still tried to keep the pressure on in the quarter, and Flemings attacked the bigs of the Wizards.

Alexander-Walker continued his hot shooting.

Corey Kispert was able to bait Young into a foul for a four-point play.

Ejiofor got up for a monster dunk over two defenders late in the quarter.

Every time the Wizards made a run in the third, the Hawks had an answer for it. Going into the fourth, the Hawks led 93-85.

The Hawks ran up their lead to start the fourth, and it was Kispert who got another and-1 to go.

Flemings was breaking the paint all game for the Hawks, and this time it led to an open 3-pointer for Dort.

The Hawks finished with 30+ assists again, and it was because of plays like this.

The Hawks were able to keep their double-digit lead throughout the fourth, and they walked away with the win.

Alexander-Walker finished with 26 points, Okongwu finished with 14 points and 16 rebounds, Daniels finished with eight points, 17 rebounds and eight assists, and Flemings finished with 14 points.

The Hawks will be back in action on Friday to face the Wizards again.

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It’s time for Basketball: San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks

DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 24: Dylan Harper #2 of the San Antonio Spurs drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 24, 2026 at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Welcome to the Game Thread. Veterans of the Game Thread know how we do things around here, but for all you newbies we have a few rules. Our community guidelines apply and basically say be cool, no personal attacks, don’t troll and don’t swear too much.

The Spurs are on a five game winning streak, and face the game that they beat 122-106 on October 24 to start the streak, the Dallas Mavericks. This time around is expected to be a bit tougher, as the Mavs were missing their two best players in that game, and they are a different team when Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving are in the lineup. Spanish sensation Sergio de Larrea (out tonight) led Dallas’s scoring that night with 15, and the Silver and Black would be extremely happy if they could hold either or both of the Mav superstars to that level or lower.

The Spurs are coming off of a 22 point blowout win over the Jazz on Monday which was nowhere as close as the final score as the Utahn’s could not put together much of an offense on the road against Victor Wembanyama’s zone of denial, and the talented trio of guards provided plenty of points to clinch the contest. Victor had a bit of an off night on the offensive end as the Jazz sold out to keep him out of the paint, but his teammates picked up the slack and made the game a little boring to watch at the end, unless you like blowouts. (I DO!!)

Tonight is a chance to extend their win streak to six, and to test themselves against one of the more talented squads in the Western Conference. This might be the toughest test of November for the Spurs, and if they can keep piling up the wins, it bodes well for the team who are looking for a redemption tour in this season’s playoffs.

Game Prediction:

Victor Wembanyama and Zacharie Risacher get into an argument over whether the music of Daft Punk or Edith Piaf is more important to French heritage, and we are left to wonder which player favored which band. The argument is broken up when Harrison Barnes leads them both in a rousing rendition of La Marseillaise.

San Antonio Spurs vs Dallas Mavericks
November 4, 2026 | 8:30 PM CT
Streaming: DAZN, League Pass
TV: ESPN, CW35, DAZN
Reminder: It is against site policy to post links to illegal streams in the comments.

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Joel Embiid hit with technical foul for altercation in 76ers-Pistons

As far as NBA altercations go, this certainly wasn’t the most intense. But Philadelphia 76ers star center Joel Embiid drew a technical foul for it, either way.

Embiid and Detroit Pistons forward Tolu Smith engaged in a brief dustup late in the first half of a Wednesday, Nov. 4 game between the two teams.

The play happened with 1:25 left to go in the second quarter, when the 76ers had the ball. Sixers forward Jaylen Brown was driving to the basket when Smith was jostling with Embiid for positioning below the basket. Smith shoved Embiid, who took exception to the move after the play was blown dead.

Embiid then gave Smith a little shove with his right elbow. The contact was minor, but it led to a quick back and forth between the two. It escalated with light shoving, and players eventually had to step in to separate Embiid and Smith, who were shouting and trying to square off.

Eventually, officials reviewed the sequence and levied a technical foul against Embiid for being the one to initiate the action with the elbow.

The Pistons crowd at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit immediately booed Embiid. Pistons All-Star guard Cade Cunningham converted the technical free throw. Embiid was seen encouraging the boos.

The 76ers took a 56-42 lead into halftime.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Joel Embiid hit with technical foul for altercation in 76ers-Pistons

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Mavericks vs Spurs Preview and Injury Report: You again?

SAN ANTONIO, TX - NOVEMBER 4: An overall view of the San Antonio Spurs City Edition Court logo before the game against the Dallas Mavericks on November 4, 2026 at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photos by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Dallas Mavericks (4-3) head south to face an in-state rival in the San Antonio Spurs (5-2) on the late ESPN game on Wednesday night. Dallas is coming off their most pathetic performance of the season, losing to the then-winless Sacramento Kings. After losing their first two, the Spurs are riding a five-game win streak. Here are the main things you need to know:

  • WHO: Dallas Mavericks vs San Antonio Spurs
  • WHAT: Nationally televised game!
  • WHERE: Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, Texas
  • WHEN: 8:30 pm CST
  • HOW: ESPN

It’s a fairly reasonable injury report for the Mavericks. Santi Aldama was ruled out again, but that’s been the case. Max Christie will miss this one with whatever hip injury he developed on Monday. Sergio De Larrea remains out with the knee sprain. Tarik and Lively are out too, but you knew that. On the Spurs side of things, Tobias Harris is out.

This is one of those games that, on paper, Dallas should get waxed. They are 12.5 point underdogs and Dallas lost the last match up by 16. But that matchup didn’t feature Cooper Flagg or Kyrie Irving, so it stands to reason this game could be closer. Of course, Dallas did pretty well through the first half and most of the third quarter before getting blown of the court by the superior Spurs squad. I’m mainly hoping for a good game. An 8:30 (so like 8:50) start time stinks.

Since you’re here checking out this post, it’s for one of two reasons.

  • Injury report news
  • Discussion and comment thread

If you’re part of the former, please consider signing up for an account. You get way fewer ads, and you can comment! If you’re part of the latter group: GO GET THE APP. I’m serious. The app has some real-time features specifically for game threads like this one and you can comment and get notified really, really easily. It’s part of what’s keeping this whole series of sites going. So go do it for us and in doing so, you’ll see why the experience is simply better.

Consider joining me on Pod Ma

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Lakers rookie in awe of franchise superstar’s scoring ability

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic reacts on the court, Image 2 shows Cameron Carr of the Los Angeles Lakers on the court during a game against the Toronto Raptors, Image 3 shows Los Angeles Lakers' Cameron Carr waits on the sideline before a game

SACRAMENTO — Heat superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo made his feelings on Luka Dončić clear when he referred to the Lakers superstar as possibly the greatest scorer in NBA history.

And consider the Lakers’ youngest player just as impressed with how his teammate has opened the 2026-27 season. 

Lakers rookie Cameron Carr is in awe of what he’s observed from Luka Dončić. NBAE via Getty Images

Cameron Carr watched Dončić dominate the NBA during his combined three years in college at Tennessee and Baylor. 

Now, as teammates, he’s getting a firsthand look at what makes the Slovenian star special, with the 6-foot-5 wing calling the pace Dončić plays at “unique.”

Luka Dončić plays at a “unique” pace in Cameron Carr’s eyes. AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea

“I’ve said it since college, he moves in slow motion, but it just works,” Carr said ahead of the Lakers’ road game against the Kings on Wednesday. “I don’t know how it works, but it works. He plays at his own pace; he doesn’t get sped up. It’s impossible to take the ball from him — I don’t know how it works.”

The last part of what the Lakers rookie said is an understatement.

Dončić entered Wednesday averaging a league-high 38.3 points per game to go with 8.1 assists, eight rebounds and 1.9 steals. 

His 1.072 points per minute entering the matchup against the Kings would be an all-time league record, besting Wilt Chamberlain’s record of 1.038 points per minute in 1961-62, if sustained for the season. 

“Just to be able to be in his presence and see how his mind works every day and what he’s thinking about … it sharpens his game but also sharpens people around him,” Carr said. “I don’t think he realizes how much impact he has on dudes like me. I’m here every day, just soaking things up. He’s the best scorer in the NBA. That’s big-time.”

The Lakers’ Cameron Carr averaged 18.9 points during his lone season with Baylor. AP Photo/Jayne Kamin-Oncea

Carr debated whether he can refer to himself as a scorer considering he just made his NBA debut during Sunday’s home win over the Raptors and has played two minutes in the league. 

But when he was in college, that’s exactly what he was, with the former Baylor Bear averaging 18.9 points during his lone season with the program.

So he has a deeper appreciation for Dončić’s scoring outburst early in games.

Dončić entered Wednesday averaging a league-high first-quarter 15 points and 22.9 first-half points.   

“When you look up in the first quarter and he has 20, 22 points, you’re like, ‘Wow, how did he get there so fast?’ That’s the only question you can really ask,” Carr said. “Like, he’s about to make something ridiculous. Oh, he banked in a [3-pointer against the Raptors]. I ask him every game like, ‘Did you mean to do that?’ He like, ‘Don’t even ask — you know I did.'”

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Game Thread: Suns vs. Trail Blazers

PORTLAND, OR - OCTOBER 21: Devin Booker #15 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 21, 2026 at the Moda Center 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 Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

With seven straight games at home, the Suns have an opportunity to get their season back on track.

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Cavs at Thunder game thread

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - FEBRUARY 22: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 22, 2026 at Paycom Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Cleveland Cavaliers will try to get back into the win column as they take on the Oklahoma City Thunder for the second time this week.

Share your thoughts as the game unfolds. If you aren’t a member of the community, sign up so you can talk to your fellow Cavalier fans and make your voice heard!

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Longtime Celtic gets first start of the season in Jayson Tatum’s absence

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 26: Jayson Tatum #0 high fives Sam Hauser #30 of the Boston Celtics during the second half of game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 26, 2026 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. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Celtics will start Derrick White, Paul George, Hugo Gonzalez, Sam Hauser, and Neemias Queta when they face the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night.

That’s in the absence of Jayson Tatum, who will miss his first game of the season due to rest. Payton Pritchard, listed as questionable with a right shoulder contusion, is available.

Tatum has played in all 7 of the Celtics’ games so far, including both back-to-backs. But, against a struggling Milwaukee team, he’ll get the night off. Tatum is averaging 27 points, 7.9 assists, and 6 rebounds per game so far this season.

Sam Hauser gets his first start of the season

It will be Hauser’s first start of the year, though he’s averaged the 6th-most minutes per game on the team so far. Hauser, who started 49 games for the Celtics last year, is averaging 7.1 points and 3 rebounds per game, while shooting 41.2% from three.

Hugo Gonzalez will start his third straight game for the Celtics; Jordan Walsh started the first five games of the season. So far in his second year, Gonzalez is averaging 3.7 points and 2.3 rebounds in 12.6 minutes per game. Walsh is averaging 4.4 points and 3.7 rebounds in 16 minutes per game.

Of note, when Paul George sat on Sunday, it was Baylor Scheierman who got the starting nod. Scheierman tallied 11 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists, shooting 4-9 from the field. Against the Bucks, it’s Hauser who gets the starting opportunity.

The Bucks will start Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kyle Kuzma, Brayden Burries, and Myles Turner.

The Celtics are 5-2 entering the game; the Bucks are 1-7.

Celtics-Bucks tips off at 7:30pm ET.

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Game Discussion Thread: Knicks vs. Bulls, November 4, 2026

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 28: Tyler Kolek #13 of the New York Knicks dribbles down the court against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on October 28, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Jessie Alcheh/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Knicks (3–4) host the Chicago Bulls (1–6) tonight at Madison Square Garden. A win would bring New York .500 and give them two wins over Chicago in eight days. As of this writing, Josh Hart (ankle) is ruled out and Bulls center Nic Claxton (hamstring) is questionable. The Knicks are double-digit favorites against a Bulls team that’s dropped five straight and gives up a league-worst 128.9 points per game.

Fun fact: Ten years ago tonight, Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah returned to Chicago as Knicks and beat the Bulls 117–104 on the day of the Cubs’ World Series parade. Tip-off is 7:30 pm EST on MSG and NBA League Pass. This is your game thread. This is Blog a Bull. Please don’t post large photos, GIFs, or links to illegal streams in the thread. Mind yo’ manners. Go Knicks!