But Draymond Green still believes the Lakers superstar will never win the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates during the game against the Utah Jazz. NBAE via Getty Images
“Luka Doncic drops his first 50-ball of the season. And you ask yourself the question, is he on an MVP mission this season? I think yes, for sure, that’s his mindset. He’s made that very clear,” Green said on his podcast.
“He put out a letter to the fans and all that. First year not having ‘Bron and it really being his team and organization. And he’s come out and played that way.
“But I will tell you, I still don’t think there’s any chance that he’s going to win MVP. Because the moment he have a few bad games or an injury that costs him a few games, people are gonna flip back on him. Oh, same Luka.
“And that’s just my opinion. I think people get bored with greatness. I think Luka has been doing great things for a very long time now. And I think they’re gonna stay bored with it.”
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball during the game against the LA Clippers. NBAE via Getty Images
Draymond Green doubles down on his belief that Luka Dončić will NEVER win an MVP award
“I still wholeheartedly believe he never wins an MVP… The voters get fatigued seeing you be great over and over again.”
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers shares a laugh with Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, in Los Angeles. Getty Images
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 26: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Chicago Bulls on October 26, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Boston Celtics hosted the Chicago Bulls at TD Garden in their third game of the season Monday night. After dropping their first game, Boston has found it’s groove at home. The Celtics were paced early by Jayson Tatum who had 23 points in 27 minutes, but it was Payton Pritchard who broke the game open in the third quarter with a scoring outburst, he finished the night with 28 points, highlighted by seven triples. Boston roll at home with a 35-point win, 134-99.
Boston started the game with its regular lineup of Jordan Walsh, Derrick White, Jayson Tatum, Paul George, and Mitchell Robinson. For the Bulls, they started Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Caleb Wilson, Matas Buzelis, and Jalen Smith.
Jayson Tatum drove on rookie Caleb Wilson and kicked it out to Paul George, who drained a three-pointer from the 45 for the games’ first score. In his second home game, Paul George drained a second triple as the C’s went up 6-2 to start the game.
Derrick White hit a catch-and-shoot trey as Boston reeled off three straight scores from beyond the arc. Jalen Smith hit a tough three-pointer over Mitchell Robinson in the corner and was fouled on a foul point play.
Mitchell Robinson and Jayson Tatum were showing nice chemistry to start the game, with Mitchell Robinson the beneficiary of some nice passing as Tatum was creating plenty of plays for others early.
Rookie Caleb Wilson skied for a huge chase-down block on Paul George, showing plenty of explosiveness. Wilson followed that up, blocking Jayson Tatum; he had 2 blocks in the first 6 minutes of the game. Norman Powell laced a triple for Chicago; the Celtics’ early lead was shrinking, and they were up by just 4 points, 17-13, midway through the quarter.
Hugo Gonzalez checked into the game and immediately hit the scoreboard, with his first points of the season, as he ducked into the lane to score. Tatum stayed in the contest as Mazzulla rolled with Neemias Queta, Sam Hauser, Hugo Gonzalez, and Payton Pritchard for their first stint of the game.
Pritchard nailed a three-point step back, and Hugo ran the fast break to score another two-pointer as Boston stretched the lead, 24-18, with two minutes to go in the quarter.
Jasyon Tatum found his way into the Chicago key and sprayed a pass to the corner; Hugo swished home his first three-point attempt. Hugo finished the quarter with 7 points in just 5 minutes of action. Tatum had 8 points with 5 assists and 3 boards as he played the entire first quarter. Boston took a twelve-point lead into the second quarter, 33-21.
Baylor Scheierman got the nod to start the second quarter with Jayon Tatum finally getting a rest. Paul George and Mitchell Robinson were back in the game alongside Hauser and Pritchard to start the second. Sam Hauser scored 5 quick points, and Pritchard had 9 points in his first nine minutes for Boston as the bench was providing a scoring kick in the first half of the game.
Chicago was putting up plenty of three-point attempts to start the game, clearly a point of emphasis for new head coach Thiago Splitter. The Bulls outscored Boston to start the second quarter as things were getting sloppy for the home team with ten turnovers.
Jayson Tatum returned to the game to steady the C’s as Chicago cut the lead to just 6 points. Hugo Gonzalez found Neemias Queta for a loud alley-oop jam, the Spaniard peeling off a point and rolling with excellent court vision.
Jayson Tatum rose up for three-pointer over Jalen Smith for his fourteenth point of the game with just under a minute left in the half. Hugo Gonzalez had the defensive play of the first half, coming from behind on the taller Jalen Smith to block his two-handed dunk attempt.
Tatum laced a second three-pointer of the game as time expired in the first half, Boston up by 12 points, 66-54. JT had 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists in the first half, leading all scorers.
BOSTON, MA – OCTOBER 26: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket during the game against the Chicago Bulls on October 26, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Boston were scoreless in the first 2 and a half minutes of the second half, Mitchell Robinson the unlikely scorer, breaking the drought from the foul line splitting a pair. Payton Pritchard and Paul George scored back-to-back buckets for Boston on a pair of jumpers. The C’s would need to find play making outlet as Jayson Tatum drew his fourth foul and had to take an early seat on the bench.
Boston ratcheted up the pressure midway through the third quarter, with a full court trap, Jordan Walsh stole the ball to find Payton Pritchard, who was wide open on a three-pointer, his fifteenth point on the night.
The Celtics stay ready crew alongside Paul George were getting stops down one end and making buckets down the other. Boston extending the home lead to 19 points with Jayson Tatum on the bench.
In a wild stretch for Boston, they broke the game wide open. First, Sammy Hauser splashed a triple from the TD Garden logo, Payton Pritchard matched him with a pair of deep threes of his own, the C’s were rolling in the third quarter, up big time, 101-73.
Mike Conley got his first minutes for Boston to start the fourth quarter. The veteran journeyman would get an extended run with the bench unit to help finish things off. Conley would be joined by Luka Garza, Ron Harper Jr., Scheierman and Hugo Gonzalez as Joe Mazzulla was clearly mindful of tomorrow night’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. No player would log greater than 27 minutes in this game for the home squad.
Gino Time was in effect at the Garden at the four-minute mark, Chris Cenac Jr. checked into the game and scored his first points in the NBA with a three-pointer.
The Brooklyn Nets visit the Garden to take on the Boston Celtics tomorrow night, tip-off is 7:30 pm EST.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - OCTOBER 26: Donovan Mitchell #45 listens to head coach Kenny Atkinson of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Rocket Arena on October 26, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Cleveland Cavaliers won a 127-125 thriller over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Donovan Mitchell carried them home with a heroic performance in the fourth quarter and overtime.
This was always going to be a tough test for the Cavs. Minnesota entered tonight 3-0 with a revamped offense that’s spearheaded by one of the most electric backcourts in the league. LaMelo Ball showed his influence right away, delivering an alley-oop from above the three-point line to a cutting Jonathan Kuminga.
Rookie Meleek Thomas made his NBA debut and scored his first career points by leaking out for a layup after a Minnesota basket. He followed this up with a pair of catch-and-shoot triples and a strong defensive possession in which he forced LaMelo Ball into an awkward travel.
Thomas led the Cavs in scoring during the first half with 10 points on 4-of-6 shooting. Donovan Mitchell was right behind him with 9 points.
Cleveland found themselves trailing by double digits at halftime as Anthony Edwards lit them up for 20 points.
It was a slow start for James Harden, who began the game 1-for-7 and couldn’t find his rhythym. But he snapped to life in the second half, fueling Cleveland’s comeback and putting them in the lead with an extra effort on the offensive glass.
Peyton Watson also found his stride as the Cavs made an effort to get him going as a creator in this game. He was bringing the ball up the court throughout the second and third quarters, seemingly shaking off his jitters and easing into a comfort zone.
The final quarter was a back-and-forth affair. Edwards continued to make big shots as the Cavs struggled to contain him in pin-down actions. Mitchell responded with buckets of his own, while Mobley buried multiple second-half three-pointers to keep the Cavs in the fight.
A clutch floater from Harden tied the game at 113, and a block from Watson on Edwards kept it that way to send the game into overtime.
Mobley opened the extra period with his third three-pointer of the game, while Jaden McDaniels fouled out and gifted the Cavs with a technical free throw along the way.
Mitchell then snaked around a pick-and-roll to convert a crafty layup over Rudy Gobert to extend Cleveland’s lead to three. Edwards erased that with a three-pointer, before Mitchell responded with a jumper of his own to regain the lead.
It was a masterful battle between two of the league’s best scorers. Edwards finished with 47 points while Mitchell scored 12 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter and overtime.
CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 26: Anthony Davis #23 of the Washington Wizards shoots a three point basket during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on October 26, 2026 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Darren Carroll/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Washington Wizards lost to the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night, 110-103.
Despite winning in the field goal percentage battle, the Hornets outrebounded the Wizards, 54-41 which helped Charlotte to a 3-1 start for their 2026-27 season. The Wizards are currently 2-2.
Anthony Davis led Washington with 29 points while Brandon Miller led Charlotte with 39 points. It’s a disappointing loss, especially with AJ Dybantsa missing tonight’s game due to an ankle sprain from the preseason. However, he will ultimately be ready. And that’s the Dybantsa we’re waiting for, not for one game but for this season and beyond.
The Wizards’ next game is on Wednesday when they play the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tip off is at 7 p.m. ET. See you then.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Ziaire Williams is the team’s first player to be fined during the 2026-27 season. NBAE via Getty Images
The incident occured at the 4:44 mark of the fourth quarter of the Lakers’ comeback win over the Jazz on Sunday at Delta Center when Williams, with the Lakers down 114-113, exaggerated contact from Keyonte George during the Jazz guard’s drive to the basket.
George attempted a pull-up midrange shot that would’ve put the Jazz up by three points.
Ziaire Williams will have to pay a $2,000 fine for flopping during Sunday’s win over the Jazz. NBAE via Getty Images
Instead, the former Baylor Bear was called for an offensive foul, with the Lakers getting possession of the ball.
The Lakers didn’t score on the ensuing possession.
And the Jazz did eventually take a 116-113 lead after Lauri Markkanen made a pair of free throws with 4:17 remaining.
But Luka Doncic took over the game from there, knocking down a trio of 3-pointers and making four free throws late in the game for the league’s first 50-point game of the season (Doncic finished with 52 points).
Ziaire Williams finished with 11 points in the win over the Jazz. NBAE via Getty Images
Flopping is one of the league’s points of emphasis to start the season.
While Williams is the first Lakers play to be fined this season for any reason, he’s the third player to be assessed a postgame flopping fine just one week into the regular season.
Boston’s Paul George and Milwaukee’s Kasparas Jakučionis (twice) have also been fined for flopping this season.
PORTLAND, OR - JANUARY 17: Jrue Holiday #5 of the Portland Trail Blazers dribbles the ball as Jake Laravia #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers plays defense during the game on January 17, 2026 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Soobum Im/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Lakers (3-0) are back home where they will host the Portland Trail Blazers (2-0) on Tuesday. This will be the first night of a back-to-back for the purple and gold.
Start time and TV schedule
Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers
When: 8 p.m. PT, Oct 27
Where: Crypto.com Arena
Watch: NBC, Spectrum Sportsnet
The Lakers’ third win of the season felt very different from their first two. Not only did they survive a slow start on the road, but also an underwhelming showing from Walker Kessler, who the Utah Jazz contained very well. Led by Luka Dončić’s mesmerizing 52-point game, it was Los Angeles’ first time performing in the clutch.
Speaking of Luka, can we take a moment to just appreciate his performance? The reigning scoring champion cooked up the first 50-burger of the young NBA season. This is one of the cleanest shot charts we’re ever going to see.
Dončić was superb, but so was Austin Reaves, who had 29 points. The Lakers’ performance wasn’t perfect. They gave up 52 rebounds, 20 of which were offensive boards. The Jazz also scored 34 points off second opportunities and produced 58 points inside the paint. The purple and gold’s defense left a lot to be desired but that’s something that can be worked on. After all, there’s so much basketball to be played.
The goal for the Lakers at this time of the season is to stack as many wins as possible while continuously getting better and they’ve been doing just that thus far.
On Tuesday, Los Angeles will stumble upon a Blazers team that’s also had a strong start to its season. They’re a team that’s aiming to turn last season’s unexpected playoff breakthrough into something sustainable, headlined by their dynamic backcourt in Damian Lillard and Ja Morant.
Lillard is showing encouraging signs after an Achilles injury while Morant looks healthy and determined to be great this season. On top of that, they also have Deni Avdija, who is the team’s No. 1 option. Avdija is averaging 22 points, 8.5 rebounds and 5 assists across two games.
Coming off four days of rest, the Blazers should be ready to go. After opening the season with a dominant 41-point win over the Phoenix Suns before grinding out a clutch victory against the Sacramento Kings, Portland will look to keep its momentum rolling. They can really score the ball, so the Lakers’ defense has to be significantly better in this one.
The Blazers will likely assign Jrue Holiday and Toumani Camara — two of the best defensive players in the game — to Dončić and Reaves. How the Lakers navigate Portland’s elite perimeter defense will be worth watching. Ideally, with opposing defenses keying in on Dončić and Reaves, a bounce-back game from Kessler and a collective effort from the role players would go a long way.
The victory over Utah provided solid preparation for the Lakers’ upcoming clash with Portland. The Blazers figure to be a tougher matchup, but Los Angeles’ early-season record suggests that they can hold their own against any opponent.
Let’s see if the Lakers remain undefeated against the Blazers on Tuesday.
Notes and Updates
For the Lakers’ injury report, Cameron Carr (right oblique strain), Adou Thiero (left knee effusion) are out.
As for the Blazers, Shaedon Sharpe (right meniscus surgery) is out. Branden Carlson (concussion protocol) and Scoot Henderson (left ankle soreness) are questionable.
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 16: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors hugs Stephen Curry #30 before their game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Chase Center on October 16, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It’s time for Game No. 4 of the Golden State Warriors season … and hopefully, Win No. 1. It won’t be easy, though, as the Dubs are taking on superstar Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets, on the road.
There’s good news, though: the Dubs are getting some reinforcements. After not playing Steph Curry, Draymond Green, Brandin Podziemski, or Al Horford in Saturday’s loss to the Phoenix Suns, all four of those players are off the injury report in this one.
Here’s the full injury report for both squads:
Warriors
Out — Kristaps Porziņģis(not with team)
No news is emphatically not good news in the case of Kristaps Porziņģis. It does feel like we’ve seen the last of him wearing a Warriors jersey, but that might be pessimistic of me. We’re still waiting for an update … any update.
Out — Jimmy Butler III (right ACL repair surgery) Out — Moses Moody (left patellar tendon repair surgery)
Nothing new for either of these two. They’ll be out for a few more months, at the minimum.
Available — Gui Santos (left knee tendinitis) Available — Charles Bassey (right patellar tendinopathy) Available — Brandon Williams (left low back soreness)
Santos, Bassey, and Williams all played on Saturday, and Bassey and Williams in particular player quite well. They’re not 100%, but they’re good to go for this game.
Nuggets
Out — Julian Strawther (left knee sprain)
Strawther, who was taken 29th overall in 2023, figures to play a huge role on Denver’s team this year. Unfortunately, he suffered a knee injury in camp, and will likely be out until sometime around early December.
Out — Spencer Jones (bilateral hamstring injury management)
Jones, who went undrafted out of Stanford, had a breakout second season a year ago. He’s yet to make his season debut this year, but should be back on the court soon.
Out — Alpha Diallo (right wrist sprain/personal reasons)
Not often you see the injury/personal reasons combo. Hopefully everything is okay with Diallo, a 29-year old rookie.
Doubtful — Cameron Johnson (right ankle sprain)
Johnson hasn’t been as good with the Nuggets as he was before being traded by the Brooklyn Nets, but he’s still a quality shooter, and one of Denver’s starting five. It will be a hit for the Nuggets if he’s unable to play.
Enjoy the game, everyone. It tips off at 7:00 p.m. PT on NBC Sports Bay Area.
Sadly, those hopes just took a major blow less than a full week into the season.
Thunder GM Sam Presti announced on Monday that Wallace has suffered a torn labrum and will require surgery.
With a long recovery timetable, a return this season looks bleak for the former Kentucky Wildcats standout.
Wallace has become a core player for the Thunder alongside SGA in the backcourt. Already winning one title, it seems this team’s window is still wide open with how many draft picks they have accrued over the next several seasons.
However, it will take a lot for them to make another deep run this season, especially with teammate Jalen Williams also being sidelined for most, if not the entire season due to a dislocated ankle and fractured fibula.
Here’s to hoping both of these guys are able to fully heal and return at some point this season.
BREAKING: Oklahoma City's Jalen Williams has a dislocated left ankle and fractured fibula; Cason Wallace has a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Both will undergo surgery and be sidelined for several months — most, if not the entire season. pic.twitter.com/62OxZtIGRc
The Thunder’s worst fears around Jalen Williams’ injury were realized.
The All-Star wing dislocated his left ankle and has a fractured fibula after taking a nasty fall on a drive to the basket late in the fourth quarter Sunday night, Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti announced during his media availability Monday.
Fourth-year guard Cason Wallace, an All-Defensive Second Team selection a year ago, also has a torn left labrum.
Both will undergo surgery and will miss most of and potentially the entire regular season, according to ESPN. Presti did not offer up a return timetable.
“He’s as tough as they come. He’s an elite competitor,” Presti said of Williams. “Even last night, just miraculous in terms of his outlook in the way he’s looking forward to attacking this. And, you know, we’re going to be with him the entire way.”
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams (8) lies on the floor after getting injured on a play against the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
It’s a rough blow for a Thunder team looking to win a second NBA championship in three years after losing to the Spurs in last season’s Western Conference finals.
Williams, who was averaging 13.7 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists in three games, injured himself when he was sandwiched between two Clippers players on a drive.
He landed with his left leg getting caught underneath him as he fell hard to the court. Williams, 25, was taken off on a stretcher after being immediately attended to by medical personnel.
Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was emotional when asked during his on-court postgame interview what was going through his mind watching Williams’ injury during the 108-101 win that moved the team to 3-0 on he season.
“I don’t even know,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I just feel bad for him. Nothing more than that.”
Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace (22) falls to the floor holding his shoulder during a play against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
He knows the team has a much taller task ahead of it now without his co-star, but he is confident the team can work through it. Williams also missed time last season after wrist surgeries and dealt with multiple hamstring strains.
“It’s obviously going to be tough without a player like that,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “But he’s not gone forever. He’ll be back better than ever, and we know it. We’ve just got to hold the fort down until he comes back.”
Wallace tried to fight through a screen early in the game against the Clippers and immediately grabbed near his shoulder.
The 22-year-old, who is averaging 6.3 points and 2.3 rebounds this year, signed a five-year, $135 million contract with the team before the season started.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - JUNE 22: Jalen Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts late in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers in Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals at Paycom Center on June 22, 2025 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) | Getty Images
In devastating news for Thunder fans and basketball aficionados everywhere, Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace could both miss the rest of the season after being scheduled to undergo surgery for serious injuries, the team announced.
Williams suffered a gruesome injury during the Thunder’s matchup against the Clippers on Sunday, and while there was no official announcement at the time, it was clear for anyone watching that he would be sidelined for a long time. Now, General Manager Sam Presti has revealed that he suffered a dislocated ankle and a fractured fibula. It’s a similar injury to the one Gordon Hayward suffered back in 2017 (Hayward dislocated his ankle and broke his tibia), and the forward was sidelined for a year after that. It’s very likely Williams, who missed most of last year, won’t return this season.
In somewhat more surprising news, Cason Wallace also suffered a serious injury in the same game that will require surgery and could sideline him for several months. The up-and-coming guard has a torn labrum in his left shoulder, an injury similar to the one that sidelined Ja Morant for six months in 2024 (Morant’s tear was on his right shoulder). He could return at some point this season, but he’s out indefinitely.
The injuries represent a huge blow to Oklahoma City’s title chances, as they will now be out without two starters, including a former All-Star in Williams. They still have the reigning two-time MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, to lead their offense and the pieces to have an elite defense, including Defensive Player of the Year runner-up Chet Holmgren, but they can’t be considered the favorite to come out of the West anymore. The front office could try to make an upgrade at the wing in the trade market by using young players and draft picks, but it could seriously complicate their cap situation going forward, since Williams is on a maximum salary and they just extended Wallace for $139 million over five years.
The news doesn’t only affect the Thunder. The Spurs have likely vaulted past them as the projected top team in the Western Conference, but they will probably stay put and not make any big transactions. Other teams, however, could see this as an opportunity to challenge for the top spot. The currently undefeated Rockets have the assets to make a trade. Other franchises that were projected to be on the second tier in the conference, like the Lakers and Nuggets, don’t have a lot of movable pieces but could try to go all in with whatever they have left if they consider this year, with the favorites wounded, to be their best chance at getting out of the West for a while.
While injuries to key players from a direct rival benefit the Spurs, it’s important to always keep in mind that players are people, and basketball is just a game. Hopefully, both Williams and Wallace will have quick and full recoveries.
The Spurs will face the Thunder for their second head-to-head matchup of the season on February 11.
He has the best true shooting percentage by a guard in NBA history at 63.2%, ahead of Steph Curry who’s in second place (62.6%).
Through the first three games of this season, Reaves has a stunning true shooting percentage of 82%.
Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Darryn Peterson of the Utah Jazz during the second half of an NBA basketball game at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. Getty Images
He’s averaging career-highs in points (26.7), field goal percentage (63.9%), 3-point percentage (61.5%) and assists (6.3).
Reaves signed a four-year, $180 million deal with the Lakers this offseason, the richest contract in NBA history for a player who went undrafted.
Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles after the game against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
He has helped the Lakers jump to a 3-0 start and is playing like an All-Star.
Said Lakers coach JJ Redick: “AR so far in these three games has just been Mr. Consistency.”
Added Luka Doncic, who made it clear to Lakers’ brass that he wanted to play alongside Reaves this season: “Obviously his efficiency, it’s off the roof. And just to have him next to me, leading this team, it’s awesome.”
Stephen Curry was cooking Monday night, and the Warriors were feasting. He was making every shot, their leads growing to 10 and then 13 and even 15. They led 87-77 when Curry was subbed out with 3:42 remaining the third quarter.
Uh-oh. Time for the historically worrisome non-Steph minutes against the proud Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena, where the Warriors had not won since 2022.
To the rescue came Yaxel Lendeborg. With Curry observing from the bench, the rookie was superb, engineering a response that pushed the lead to 16 at the end of the quarter and clearing the path to a 134-114 win that was Golden State’s first of the 2026-27 NBA season.
“Basically, in all the critical moments of the game, we just put the ball in his hands,” coach Steve Kerr told reporters in Denver. “And for a rookie to be that advanced already, it’s extremely rare.”
Playing in his fourth NBA game, Lendeborg’s performance allowed the Warriors to take flight against a team they struggle to beat, in a building where they rarely succeed.
From the time Curry and Draymond Green went to the bench late in the third quarter, Golden State outscored Denver 47-37. Lendeborg’s third quarter consisted of 12 points, six rebounds and one assist, and the floor generalship of a vet.
“He’s able to impose his will on the game,” Green said. “I don’t care what age you are, it’s the NBA. If you don’t know the NBA game, you’re already at a deficit. He don’t know the game. Not that he don’t know the game of basketball; he don’t know the NBA game. And to be able to have the ability to go out there and still do that, not knowing what the NBA brings on a nightly basis, is special.
“But it’s no different from what I’ve been saying for weeks now. I think he’s a special player.”
Lendeborg produced a career-high 31 points, on 9-of-19 shooting from the field despite being only 1 of 8 from beyond the arc. He added 12 rebounds and six assists, finishing plus-27 over 31 minutes and getting a procession of daps, high-fives and embraces upon being subbed out with the 2:34 left and Warriors leading by 21.
Four games into the season, Lendeborg has been so impressive on offense that the Warriors are living with his defensive lapses. He’s averaging 21.8 points, 9.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game. His 83 points through four games is the most for any Warriors rookie since Wilt Chamberlain poured in 150 in his first four games.
The quick start is something of a surprise to Lendeborg. Behind his shiny veneer of confidence and fearlessness is a man who realizes he was playing college basketball at the University of Michigan only seven months ago.
“I definitely thought I was going to wet the bed first half of the season,” he told NBCSN. “I definitely didn’t have the best hopes for what I was going to do, but with the confidence that Steph and Draymond are providing me, I’ve been playing with a lot more energy and confidence and just going out and having fun.”
Yaxel Lendeborg gave a hilarious answer on how he envisioned his first NBA games to go! pic.twitter.com/TEcrHpaeqn
Lendeborg’s 12-of-13 shooting from the line left Kerr marveling over the now and comparing him to Jimmy Butler III while visualizing a fantastic future.
“When you get to the line consistently, you can control the game,” Kerr said. “If the other team goes on a run, you go to a guy like Yax or Jimmy, they get fouled, the game slows down and you set your defense. The game just gets a lot easier. Yax having that ability, combined with his passing skills, he’s going to be a guy who’s going to close games like he did tonight.”
To put a finer point on it, Lendeborg’s second-half takeover required only 15 minutes to score 16 points, grab seven rebounds and ring up four assists.
Though Lendeborg closed out the Nuggets, it was Curry who provided a runway for the Warriors during that pivotal third quarter, scoring 17 points on 7-of-7 shooting from the field, including a pair of triples. He posted the second “immaculate” scoring game of his career, totaling 24 points on 8-of-8 shooting, including 3 of 3 from distance.
“I knew at a certain point I had to get some opportunity,” Curry told NBCSN. “I didn’t know it was going to be a perfect night like that, but I’m glad it all came together. “Yaxel played amazing and we were flying around on defense. That’s how we got the win.”
After losing their first three games of the season, including blowing a 12-point lead inside the final four minutes of their home opener last Friday, this was the kind of victory the Warriors needed. One that cleansed the souls of everyone on the payroll.
Jalen Williams suffered a dislocated left ankle and fractured fibula from a horrific fall in Sunday's win over the Clippers, Thunder General Manager Sam Presti said Monday in a media briefing. While Presti wouldn't discuss a return timeline, Williams will miss most — and more likely all — of the remainder of this season.
"This is an injury that generally we see more in football players," Presti said, adding that the former All-Star was in good spirits. "I spent a lot of time speaking to different doctors and his agents, us, his family, and it's a surgical situation."
In that same game, starting guard Cason Wallace left with a shoulder injury which turns out to be a torn labrum in his left shoulder, Presti said. That also is going to require surgery and, while again Presti would not give a timeline, Wallace is likely out for the season.
"I think everybody knows he's a total warrior and probably would have gone back in the game if we let him," Presti said of Wallace. "So obviously tough night last night. There's no way to paint that differently."
Through three games, Williams has averaged 13.7 points and 4.7 rebounds a game. While he's struggled with his shot (38.5% so far this season), he's stepped up in clutch moments. When Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had an off night against Denver, Williams stepped up with 21 points. Just having him out there as a secondary shot creator and threat took a lot of pressure off SGA.
Wallace took on a major defensive role for the Thunder to start the season, but his offense was still coming around, averaging 6.3 points per game and shooting 30% from 3-point range.
Both players were starters and played key roles in the Thunder's 3-0 start. When asked whether these injuries might push the Thunder to make a trade to help fill out the roster, Presti said he hasn't thought about it yet.
"For me, the last not even 24 hours, whatever it's been, it's all about people," Presti said. "I know you got to ask the question... but I really haven't given a lot of thought to that. Right now, it's about those two guys, their families."
Oklahoma City can and very likely will file for a disabled player exception for both Williams and Wallace, which would give them some financial flexibility to bring in another player (Williams' salary would let them bring in a player being paid up to $15 million). However, that does not open up a roster spot.
Presti also talked up Oklahoma City and the Thunder culture.
"I'm not going to sit up here and say this is exactly where we want to be, or this is how we'd like to have it. But at the same time, we're extremely optimistic about the recovery for both the players," Presti said. "Most importantly, you know, things could have been a lot worse. And I think in these types of situations, it's important to kind of take stock, take a step back, realize we're dealing with people, realize we're dealing with the greatest athletes in the world. They're going to be back out there. They'll be playing for our team. They'll be representing our city and our state in short order...
"We're, as an organization, and also as a city and a community, this is what we're built for. This is the kind of thing that gets thrown at you here, and you just plow right through it. You walk through punches, and you step over roadblocks. And I think our guys are ready to do that. But it's certainly disappointing. I don't want to sugarcoat that for anybody."
Luka Doncic (77) of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles while talking to the media during a game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026.
Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome and 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey have been named the NBA Western and Eastern Conference Players of the Week for the opening week of the season.
The other nominees in the Western Conference included Lakers’ Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, as well as Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Rockets’ Amen Thompson.
Luka Doncic (77) of the Los Angeles Lakers smiles while talking to the media during a game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
Doncic is coming off a thrilling 52-point performance on Sunday afternoon against the Utah Jazz. Interestingly though, he did not play particularly well in the season’s first two games.
Meanwhile, Reaves has looked incredibly steady to start the season. He is averaging 26.7 points, 6.3 assists, and is shooting a whopping 63% from the field over the Lakers’ first three games.
In the Eastern Conference, the nominees included Pistons’ Cade Cunningham, Hawks’ Dyson Daniels and Jalen Johnson and Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam.
Jerome, who’s in his second season with the Grizzlies, is leading the league in scoring with 34.7 points a game, ahead of Doncic who’s No. 2 with 34.3 points a game.
Both Jerome and Doncic have led their respective teams to 3-0 starts.
Maxey is averaging 28.8 points, 4 rebounds, 4.8 assists and two steals for the 76ers, who opened the season with a 3-1 record, including wins over the reigning champion Knicks, Cavaliers and Bucks. The 76ers fell to the Pistons on Sunday, 106-93.
CLEVELAND, OHIO - JANUARY 10: Center Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives to the basket around center Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter at Rocket Arena on January 10, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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!
