INDIANAPOLIS — Right now, every time the young Nets hit adversity, they go awry like a rudderless ship.
That means their stars are going to have to do a better job steering them.
That means Julius Randle and Michael Porter Jr.
“[We’ve] just got to be mentally tougher, understand what’s going on in the game, understand what we’re trying to accomplish, what we can take advantage of, stuff like that,” Randle admitted.
Brooklyn Nets forward Julius Randle shoots during the first quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y., Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. Charles Wenzelberg/NY Post
“But we just have to have better recognition in-game of what’s going on and just be better from there. But we get adversity right now as a group, and it just deflates us as a team. So I have to find a way to keep the group together, and get us out of those ruts when we’re facing those types of situations.”
As the only winless team in the East coming into Sunday’s tilt at Indiana, the Nets have faced those types of situations every game. The result has been slumped shoulders, bad body language and the team coming unraveled.
Granted, they played well at Cleveland and Boston. But more often than not, they haven’t handled adversity well.
And while Randle and Porter are a 1-2 scoring punch, neither is a defender. But for the Nets to compete, they’ll have to be leaders. On a team this green, it’s not enough that they play well. They have to help their young teammates play well — or at least play together.
“It’s easier said than done,” Porter said after Friday’s loss to Detroit. “In the NBA when you lose five straight, it can be tough.
Charlotte Hornets forward Moussa Diabate (14) defends Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. (17) on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026, at Barclays Center in New York. Charles Wenzelberg/NY Post
“But we’ve got to continue to watch film, and do our best to stay connected as a group, do our best to stay positive, to come out next game and do better than we did [the last] game. We took a step forward [in] the Boston game, a couple steps backwards [against Detroit]. We’ve just got to watch it and go from there.”
The Nets have glaring personnel issues that may limit their defensive ceiling, but they’ve underachieved offensively due to a lack of chemistry and cohesion. They’ll need better cutting and spacing.
Granted, Randle has done his job as a floor raiser. The Nets’ plus-22.9 net rating swing with him on and off the floor is the best of any Net that has logged over 30 minutes. But against Detroit, he shot 4-of-13 with three assists, five turnovers and too much ball-pounding. Porter finished a minus-25.
Randle admits it’s on the veterans like himself and Porter to help guide this young team through its growing pains. But how?
“That’s a great question. I don’t know. We’ve just got to find ways to keep making improvements,” Randle said. “We did that, [though] we didn’t get the result we wanted in Boston, we did it. I felt like we were on the path to doing that to start the [Detroit] game, and then we took steps back. So, I won’t accept it, but I understand it.
“Taking bumps and bruises with the season, just gaining experience. But we’ve got to find a way collectively to be better and not let adversity affect us so much as a group. We keep talking about it, but we gotta find a way to come together. And yeah, it probably is on the vets. We gotta bring guys together in the moments of adversity and recognize those situations quicker than what we are right now.”
It’s a tough ask with Porter set for unrestricted free agency and expected by many around the league to be on the market at the trade deadline. Meanwhile, Randle — soon to be 32 — can opt out as well.
Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez speaks with forward Julius Randle during a game against the Detroit Pistons on Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, in New York. Charles Wenzelberg/NY Post
Head coach Jordi Fernández defended both, saying he can’t ask either to step outside their comfort zones leadership-wise.
“I always want them to lead and it’s got to come out of an honest place. I cannot force them to be out of character,” Fernández said. “I think they’re both good people and they both mean well, so whatever they’re comfortable doing I’m very happy they’re trying their best to help the group. And they’ve done it from the beginning, so I’m not concerned about that.”
Guards Egor Dëmin (right leg bone bruise) and Mikel Brown Jr. (back, injury management) are both out for the Nets on Sunday in Indiana.
MLB insider Jim Bowden made an interesting comment about a potential Dodgers trade target during his appearance on the “D-Mac and Reiter Show” on Thursday.
“Absolutely I do,” Bowden said when asked whether he thinks the Reds could consider trading star shortstop Elly De La Cruz this offseason, per an X post from Doug McKain.
“This kind of trade makes sense for both the Dodgers and teams like the Reds and the [Washington] Nationals. The Dodgers need to be thinking about their next superstar player,” Bowden added.
Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly de la Cruz reacts after hitting a two-run double against the New York Mets during a game at Citi Field on May 26, 2026. Jason Szenes for The New York Post
De La Cruz is one of the most electrifying players in baseball and produced a .283 average, an .880 OPS, 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases for Cincinnati last season.
Dodgers fans would love having De La Cruz in their infield. That is, unless they’re also Lakers fans.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during a game against the Utah Jazz at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
De La Cruz posted multiple clips celebrating the Warriors’ win over the Lakers to his Instagram Story.
Elly De La Cruz’s Instagram Story posts of Steph Curry crossing up Luka Doncic. (Instagram/@la_cocoa_____18).
De La Cruz has been outspoken about his Curry admiration, saying multiple times over the years that Curry is his favorite NBA player.
Cruz even said he sees similarities between his and Curry’s playing styles during an August 2024 interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer.
If De La Cruz ends up being traded to the Dodgers, Los Angeles sports fans will have to reckon with him rooting against the Lakers whenever they face Curry and Golden State.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 17: Kyle Kuzma #18 of the Milwaukee Bucks defends Evan Mobley #4 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the third quarter at Fiserv Forum on March 17, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Patrick McDermott/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!
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 30: Christian Braun #0 of the Denver Nuggets attempts a layup against Collin Gillespie #12 and Devin Booker #15 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half of an Emirates NBA Cup game at Mortgage Matchup Center on October 30, 2026 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. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) | Getty Images
When you find yourself struggling to win basketball games, every mistake is amplified and every possession is overanalyzed. Through four games to start the season, that’s certainly been the case for the Phoenix Suns, who sit at 1–3 and have struggled to play clean basketball.
While the offense has begun showing signs of life, along with some much-needed functionality and responsibility, and the team currently possesses the 10th-best offensive rating in the league, there’s still plenty that needs to be cleaned up. And defensively? The team is an absolute mess. Rotations are being missed, assignments are being blown, and quite frankly, it looks like a group of players who don’t fully trust one another yet.
Why do we consistently see weak-side defenders crashing into the paint whenever an opposing player drives to the basket? Because there’s a lack of trust that the primary defender can handle his assignment, leading teammates to abandon their own responsibilities to provide help. And what happens as a result? Wide-open shooters are left waiting on the perimeter. Perhaps that’s one of the reasons why the Suns are currently allowing (easily) the highest opposing three-point percentage in the league.
The most frustrating aspect of watching this team thus far has been the numerous mental lapses and situational mistakes that you can attribute to poor judgment. But when you start seeing them over and over again, it raises a bigger question about whether this team possesses a high basketball IQ. We witnessed it numerous times from numerous players against Denver, and it’s been a recurring theme throughout the early portion of the season.
Examples? But of course. I’d show the actual plays, but the NBA has decided to negate the ability to share play-by-play videos. Because screw the fans, right? As long as they get their Emerites money, they’re satisfied.
The Suns are down nine points late in the third quarter and Devin Booker misses a wide-open layup. That should’ve been the easiest birthday gift he received yesterday, and somehow, he missed it. How does the team respond? By committing a senseless foul in transition. And of course, Denver is already in the bonus, so the Nuggets head directly to the free-throw line.
Then there’s the Jalen Green possession. After the Suns fight their way back to within five points, Green decides it’s time to put on his superhero cape and drive into the lane rather than surveying the floor and setting up a quality offensive possession. What happens? Marvin Bagley rejects him, Denver takes possession, and the Nuggets promptly knock down a three-pointer on the other end. That’s a five-point swing at a moment when Phoenix had finally generated some momentum.
Dillon Brooks was your primary offensive weapon in the first half, scoring 20 points before getting tossed from the game for a Flagrant 2 after kicking Jamal Murray in the nuts. Now, I don’t agree with the call. I think it was reputation-based (and Tyler Ford hates the Suns…which is factual), and as somebody who’s watched Brooks play for over a season now, I know he routinely kicks his legs out on those turnaround jumpers. I genuinely don’t believe there was any malicious intent.
But part of being a high basketball IQ player is recognizing when you can’t afford to push the envelope, especially when you’ve been as valuable to your team’s offense as Brooks was in that game. You have to understand the situation and the potential consequences of putting yourself in that position. Stupid call? Yes. Stupid to put yourself in that situation? Also yes.
The same goes for the silly delay of game after knocking the ball away from Nikola Jokic following a Devin Booker running layup with the Suns down 7 in the third. You know Tyler Ford is an official who has a tendency to officiate the Suns ridiculously. There is no team in the NBA that he has assessed more personal fouls against per game in his officiating career than the Phoenix Suns. The team he calls the least amount of fouls against? Yeah. The Nuggets. Why give him another opportunity to blow the whistle? It’s an entirely unnecessary play that once again handed Denver another free throw.
These are the kinds of mistakes that make winning basketball games considerably more difficult than it needs to be. And we’re not cherry-picking a couple of isolated possessions to manufacture a narrative. We’ve seen these mental lapses repeatedly throughout the first four games of the season, which is precisely why they’re becoming a concern. Side note: stop fouling three-point shooters! Jesus, Mary, and Joseph!
Every team makes mistakes. Every player has moments when their judgment fails them. That’s basketball. But when those mistakes become recurring behaviors rather than occasional lapses, you have to start asking some uncomfortable questions about this team’s decision-making and overall basketball IQ. That’s when the red flags start going up.
The Suns have put themselves in a situation where there’s plenty to clean up. This is a team that relies on hustle as its North Star, but that hustle has to be accompanied by responsibility and intelligent decision-making. They’re not going to overpower opponents physically, and they’re certainly not going to overwhelm anybody with their efficiency. That means they can’t afford to give away free points through careless mistakes and unnecessary fouls.
Playing smart basketball has to become a fundamental part of this team’s identity if the Suns ultimately want to start winning basketball games.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - MAY 15: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves and Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs embrace after the Spurs defeated the Timberwolves 139-109 in Game Six of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Target Center on May 15, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) | Getty Images
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.
It’s an early Western Conference Semifinals rematch tonight in San Antonio, where the Spurs take on the Timberwolves, who will be missing Anthony Edwards for a good part of this season as he needed to get knee surgery shortly after scoring 133 points in his first four games of the season. The Timberwolves are still formidable without his 33 point average, with Lamelo Ball and and Jaden McDaniels picking up a lot of the scoring slack. That worked out well enough last night for the Wolves to rout the Clippers 127-101 and take a 1-0 lead in their NBA Cup group. None of that matters to the Spurs right now, since they’re in a different group and haven’t played a Cup game yet.
This will be the toughest game for the Silver and Black since the season-opening weekend of Thunder/Rockets, so it could be a good measuring stick to see if the team is rounding into shape after playing some desultory basketball in the first 5 games, with enough flashes of brilliance to sport a 3-2 winning record so far. The three guard lineup has gotten mixed reviews, but as some of the PTR writers discussed a few days ago, sometime it takes time for these kinds of things to gel. Tobias Harris still hasn’t made his Spurs debut, and that could end up changing the outlook a bit going forward. My opinion that any NBA game played while there are still pumpkins on the porch is to early to take much from, win or lose, because the teams aren’t anywhere near where they will be in the springtime.
For local viewers, this game is on DAZN only. I had some fun with the last game when my iPad quit showing the Jazz game, but luckily, I was able to get DAZN to load in a web browser and watch it on my computer. The lesson of that is to always have options, and maybe a newer iPad. Let’s GOO Spurs!!
Game Prediction:
After watching Victor Wembanyama hit a couple of three-point shots, Rudy Gobert becomes jealous and decides to match him shot-for-shot. It’s airball city for the big Frenchie (theirs, not ours), but a few of the errant shots fall into his teammates’ hands are are counted as assists.
San Antonio Spurs vs Minnesota Timberwolves October 31, 2026 | 7:00 PM CT Streaming: DAZN, League Pass TV: DAZN Reminder: It is against site policy to post links to illegal streams in the comments.
Each week, the California Post will power rank the NBA’s 30 teams. Records are as of Saturday morning:
1. Houston Rockets (5-1)
The Rockets take the top spot despite suffering their first loss of the season Friday to the Mavericks. Statistically, they have the league’s best offense and are getting contributions from across the board. Seven Rockets are averaging double-digit scoring figures. (Last week, 5th)
Memphis Grizzlies’ Ty Jerome shoots a free throw during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland, Ore., Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
2. Memphis Grizzlies (5-0)
The league’s last undefeated team continues to climb up the rankings after another perfect week. The Grizzlies were the fun preseason pick when asked which team would exceed expectations. And with Ty Jerome and Cameron Boozer leading the way, they’ve done that so far. (Last week, 13th)
LeBron James of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during a game against the New York Knicks at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
3. Philadelphia 76ers (5-1)
Two wins in 10 days over the defending NBA champions? It’s fair to say LeBron James, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid are headed in the right direction and could lead the 76ers to being legitimate NBA title contenders. (Last week, 2nd)
4. Detroit Pistons (5-1)
The Pistons have hardly missed a beat since All-NBA center Jalen Duren suffered a right hamstring strain that’ll sideline him for at least another week. Superstar guard Cade Cunningham leads a Pistons roster that’s getting contributions from all over as they look to build off a 60-win season last year. (Last week, 9th)
5. Boston Celtics (4-1)
The Celtics have bounced back after dropping their season opener to the Pistons, rattling off four straight wins. Paul George has been a great fit, and Jayson Tatum is getting back to looking like his pre-Achilles injury self. (Last week, 10th)
6. Oklahoma City Thunder (4-1)
The week went from bad to worse for the 2025 NBA champions. Three starters (Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace) suffered injuries that’ll sideline them for various periods. And the Thunder lost their first game after opening the season with four straight victories. (Last week, 1st)
7. San Antonio Spurs (3-2)
The Spurs have bounced back from a slow start to the season with three straight wins. Victor Wembanyama is back to playing like the two-way force the Spurs need him to be to build off their 2026 NBA Finals appearance. (Last week, 4th)
8. Portland Trail Blazers (3-1)
The Trail Blazers started off hot, winning their first three games of the season before losing to the Grizzlies. But now, they face an uncertain immediate future with Ja Morant sidelined for at least the next month because of a strained left hamstring. (Last week, 12th)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic smiles during the second half of an NBA Cup basketball game against the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco, Oct. 30, 2026. AP Photo/Justine Willard
9. Los Angeles Lakers (4-2)
The Lakers enter the weekend with the taste of their blown 25-point lead during the loss to the Warriors still fresh in their mouths. Luka Doncic (league-leading 36.2 points per game) is having an MVP-caliber start to the season, but this past week exposed some flaws. (Last week, 6th)
10. Minnesota Timberwolves (4-2)
The Timberwolves were as hot as any team to start the season, but Anthony Edwards having a procedure on his right knee that could sideline him for a couple of months cooled them off. (Last week, 7th)
11. Dallas Mavericks (4-2)
The Mavericks rattled off three straight wins this past week, and 2025-26 Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg is looking like he’s taken a leap. Flagg is averaging 26.8 points, 6.6 assists, 6 rebounds, 2.6 steals and 1.2 blocked shots. (Last week, 15th)
12. Toronto Raptors (3-2)
The Raptors only got two games from Kawhi Leonard before swelling in his left knee sidelined the star forward. Scottie Barnes is poised to lead the Raptors while Leonard is out. (Last week, 8th)
13. Cleveland Cavaliers (3-2)
The Cavaliers’ losses came against teams expected to be in the playoff race. They’re performing at their expected level but need more from James Harden to be a true contender in the East. (Last week, 14th)
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry celebrates during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Denver Nuggets on Monday, Oct. 26, 2026, in Denver. AP Photo/David Zalubowski
14. Golden State Warriors (3-3)
Three straight wins over potential playoff teams, including the epic comeback against the Lakers, have the Warriors climbing back up the rankings after a slow start. Steph Curry’s third in the league in scoring (29.2 points). (Last week, 26th)
15. Denver Nuggets (3-2)
You can only play the teams in front of you, but the Nuggets’ victories have come against the lowly Pelicans and a Suns team that came out of the gates slowly. They need Nikola Jokic to get back to his MVP form. (Last week, 11th)
16. Atlanta Hawks (3-3)
Nickeil Alexander-Walker is proving that last season’s breakout year wasn’t a fluke as the Hawks ended the week with a victory over the Cavaliers. (Last week, 18th)
17. New York Knicks (2-4)
The defending champions haven’t looked like it, with an 0-3 start turning into a disappointing October. There will be several opportunities to get back on track and stack wins throughout November. (Last week, 3rd)
18. Washington Wizards (3-3)
Anthony Davis (22.3 points, 9.2 rebounds) and Trae Young (20.7 points, 10.2 assists) have led the Wizards to a respectable record and standing throughout the league so far. (Last week, 23rd)
19. Charlotte Hornets (3-3)
It may not be the most efficient brand of basketball, but Brandon Miller is keeping the Hornets afloat as they wait for Coby White and Kon Knueppel to make their season debuts. (Last week, 19th)
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Miami Heat dribbles against the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter of an NBA game in Miami on Oct. 30, 2026. Getty Images
20. Miami Heat (2-4)
Giannis Antetokounmpo continued to stuff the stat sheet (28.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists), and the Heat finally picked up their first wins of the season against the Hawks and Pacers to close out the week ahead of an early West Coast swing. (Last week, 17th)
21. Orlando Magic (2-3)
Road wins over the Knicks and Raptors this past week put the Magic in as good of a spot as possible despite an early-season ankle injury for Paolo Banchero. (Last week, 20th)
22. Indiana Pacers (2-4)
Tyrese Haliburton’s hamstring injury, which is expected to sideline him for two weeks, took the energy out of the start of the season. The Pacers entered the weekend having lost their previous three games. (Last week, 16th)
23. Phoenix Suns (1-3)
The Suns went from a gritty, tough style of play last season to having the league’s worst defense this year. They have to address the less glamorous end of the floor to get back on track. (Last week, 22nd)
24. Los Angeles Clippers (1-4)
The injuries continue to stack up for the Clippers, who signed Blake Wesley on a 10-day hardship deal in light of who they don’t have available. (Last week, 25th)
25. New Orleans Pelicans (1-4)
The Pelicans picked up their first win with their victory over the Kings on Thursday, but they still remain without a clear direction. (Last week, 27th)
26. Utah Jazz (1-4)
Injuries that’ve zapped their frontcourt depth (Jaren Jackson Jr., Jusuf Nurkić) have slowed down what could’ve been a promising start to the season. (Last week, 21st)
27. Chicago Bulls (1-5)
Prioritizing the development of young players typically comes at a cost, even when it’s the right direction for a franchise. The Bulls continue to learn this lesson. (Last week, 24th)
28. Milwaukee Bucks (1-4)
The Bucks are feeling the growing pains after trading Antetokounmpo. (Last week, 30th)
29. New Jersey Nets (0-5)
At least the Nets have been competitive in a couple of their games so far. (Last week, 29th)
30. Sacramento Kings (0-5)
Meanwhile, the Kings are getting blown out regularly. (Last week, 28th)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 30: Jalen Smith #25 of the Chicago Bulls and Mitchell Robinson #4 of the Boston Celtics battle for position during a free throw in the second half at the TD Garden on October 30, 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 Brian Fluharty/Getty Images) | Getty Images
BOSTON — Mitchell Robinson is on the injury report ahead of the Celtics’ Sunday afternoon game against the Orlando Magic. Robinson, who hasn’t missed a game this season, is listed as questionable with rest. Outside of Robinson, the only other Celtic on the injury report is Devin Carter, who continues to recover from illness but has rejoined the team.
Injury Report for tomorrow vs. Orlando:
Devin Carter – Illness – OUT Mitchell Robinson – Rest – QUESTIONABLE
The Celtics are on the front end of a back-to-back, so Robinson could miss Sunday’s game but lace up on Monday against the Houston Rockets. When the Celtics had their first back-to-back of the season — a Monday game against the Chicago Bulls and a Tuesday game against the Brooklyn Nets — everyone played in both games, though Joe Mazzulla noted that might not always be the case.
“It just depends,” he said. “We trust the sports science team that we have; we trust the competition of those guys. At the same time, our locker room has built on 1-15, 16, or 17 being able to impact winning. It’s just a combination of all those things. At the end of the day, we have to do what gives us the best chance to win. At the same time, keep those guys healthy and validate the whole locker room by putting guys in situations where they gotta win games for us.”
Mitchell Robinson has had a slow start to the Celtics season
So far this season, Robinson has averaged 6.6 points and 4.6 rebounds in 20 minutes per game. He’s started all five games for the Celtics, but has played as many minutes as Neemias Queta, the team’s backup center. But Robinson’s rebounding is substantially down from last season, when he averaged 8.8 rebounds in similar minutes. In Robinson’s minutes so far, the team has been outscored by 26 points. Conversely, in Queta’s minutes, the Celtics have outscored opponents by 52 points, the second-best mark on the team.
Robinson was hard on himself after the season opener, a loss to the Detroit Pistons.
“I played like ass,” he said.
And though his play has improved from that opening game, he’s yet to have quite the impact he had on the New York Knicks. Whether he continues to acclimate and improve his play remains to be seen.
DALLAS, TX - OCTOBER 30: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets handles the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks during the Emirates NBA Cup on October 30, 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Houston Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
October 31, 2026
Location: Toyota Center — Houston, Texas
Time: 7:30 PM CST
TV: NBA TV, Space City Home Network
Radio:KBME Sports Talk 790 / KLTN 102.9 (en español)
Probable starting lineups
Rockets: Marcus Smart, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun
ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 25: Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream, Dearica Hamby #5 of the Los Angeles Sparks and Brody Malone pose for a photo during the game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Atlanta Hawks on October 25, 2024 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 2024 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
This combined game thread is for all the marbles — at least for the Atlanta Dream.
The Atlanta Dream (3-3) and the Golden State Valkyries are knotted in the first ever WNBA finals to go seven games. A champion will be crowned tonight.
Just before that, however, the Hawks (3-3) travel to New Orleans to take on the Pelicans (1-4).
Hawks starting lineup:
G CJ McCollum
G Nickeil Alexander-Walker
F Dyson Daniels
F Jalen Johnson
C Onyeka Okongwu
Dream starting lineup:
G Jordin Canada
G Allisha Gray
G Rhyne Howard
F Naz Hillmon
F Angel Reese
Please join in the comments below as you follow along.
Where, When, and How to Watch and Listen
Hawks info:
Location: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, LA
Start Time: 7:00 PM EDT
TV: Peachtree TV (WPCH), Atlanta News First (WANF)
Radio: Sports Radio 92.9 the Game (WZGC-FM)
Streaming:Amazon Prime, NBA League Pass (out of market), Youtube TV (NBA League Pass out of market)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 31: Darryn Peterson #22 of the Utah Jazz looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 31, 2026 at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Melissa Majchrzak/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The Jazz desperately needed a shining light in the pit of darkness they’d fallen into. Sure, they went toe to toe with LA, Memphis and San Antonio, but they couldn’t capitalise on early leads they had no business having in the first place.
But on these Halloween festivities, the only ‘trick’ is Jazz fans having the hope of the team turning things around in just one year—at least through the first six games this season. The Jazz were completely overwhelmed in the Delta Center in a troubling 112-90 finish.
It took 2:10 minutes for the Jazz to take the lid off the basket by the way of a Darryn Peterson triple. Blazers missed their first three shots; the Jazz missed their first two, with both teams collecting a turnover each. Shooting woes continued, which the Blazers took advantage of to take a 17-0 run. Toumani Camara was able to terrorize whichever Jazz player was bringing the ball up, contributing to six turnovers at the end of the first quarter. Though there was some silver lining in seeing the Jazz close with their own mini 11-4 run on 100% shooting. Between Keyonte and Peterson, there was always at least one starter on the floor.
Then the Blazers regained a 16-point cushion after the Jazz gave away yet another 16-8 run on 3-for-3 shooting. There was no synergy at all; players were taking low-percentage shots and couldn’t recover on the defensive end. The Jazz made no effort to fight back; they didn’t push back on half-court defense, and Portland got what it wanted inside. After Utah crept within 12, Deni Avdija burst with a late seven points to restore a 17-point lead at the half; 19 points in total. For the Jazz, DP led all players with an 11-point double-digit performance. Hardy seemed to believe in his performance, considering he also led all Jazz players with 17 first-half minutes.
The lead just kept extending in the second half. Holiday and Avdja both hit consecutive three-pointers to help build a 25-point lead for Portland. There were yet another eight turnovers in the third quarter for the Jazz, who also shot 35% from the field. The fourth quarter was all the indicator of a blowout loss as soon as Will Hardy waved the white flag.
Ultimately, this was a game that showed how much the Jazz need to improve if they want to hang with the teams at a Playoff level. The lack of synergy, bench talent or even decent roster construction has been this team’s shortcoming.
Obviously, having Jusuf Nurkic back would help, unlocking pathways in the offense that currently can’t be run with Hayes, nor Bamba. But there are a million other little tidbits I notice from this team every night that have me in a cold sweat of peril.
Darryn Peterson’s usage was a perfect dose
The rook was active on both ends of the floor. Peterson was zipping back and forth through all of Utah’s shortcomings tonight. He ended up finishing with 16 points on 6-15 shooting.
Without the hot hand from The Jazz’s top two scorers, the youngest player on the roster lived up to the occasion. We’re hoping that’s a mainstay moving forward
Old habits die hard
The turnover margin for this team is a handicap that will never allow this team to get in the win column, at least with the way they’re playing right now. That issue persisted, with 19 turnovers tonight, resulting in 20points for the Blazers.
You can make excuses, like how a Toumani-Camara-led defense that consistently pesters opposing ball handlers is bound to result in unforced errors, but the Jazz are already a bottom-10 team when it comes to taking care of the ball. Just completing the first month of the basketball season, there’s little leeway for this group to give in to habits when they were tanking.
The woes of the Finnisher
This is certainly one of the worst starts for Lauri Markkanen, at least that I can remember. Even before the wrist sprain, Markkanen was shooting 39/35/88 shooting splits, barely able to get over the 16 PPG hump. Tonight, he was only able to record 13 points on 3-for-15 shooting and 2-for-11 from downtown.
Up Next
Utah drops to 1-5 with this loss, and lines up their next matchup in San Antonio on Monday night.
On Saturday, ESPN’s Baxter Holmes reported that Jeanie Buss has accused her siblings of conspiring against her in a “cloak and dagger” campaign.
Los Angeles Lakers president Jeanie Buss sits in the stands before an NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics in Los Angeles, Friday, March 3, 2017. AP
Holmes wrote that in addition to this campaign waged through the media, Buss said her siblings “were jealous that their father picked her over them to govern the Los Angeles Lakers and asked a judge to block her siblings’ attempt to sell the family’s shares in the team, which would end her run as the Lakers’ governor.”
Dan Cohen, left, and Jeanie Buss attend a news conference announcing a distribution agreement at Circa Resort & Casino in Las Vegas on Oct. 6, 2021. Getty Images
Jeanie Buss is still the Lakers’ governor and is trying to prevent her siblings from selling the family’s remaining 17.8% ownership stake in the franchise.
The Los Angeles Lakers logo is displayed outside Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. Getty Images
NBA governorship requires at least a 15% ownership stake. Therefore, if the Buss family sold its 17.8% shares in the Lakers, it would mean Jeanie’s removal from that governor role.
These court filings on both sides will come to a head Dec. 8, when there will be a court hearing that can determine whether Jeanie will be able to block her siblings from selling their remaining Lakers shares and sustain her role in the iconic franchise.
Tyrese Maxey’s 38-point performance helped the Sixers pull out a Halloween win in Charlotte.
Playing on the second night of a back-to-back, the Sixers earned a 109-104 victory over the Hornets.
Along with Maxey, the Sixers’ double-figure scorers were Anfernee Simons (19 points), Jaylen Brown (16 points), Jabari Walker (12) and VJ Edgecombe (10).
Grayson Allen scored 27 points for the Hornets and Brandon Miller added 24.
Next on the 6-1 Sixers’ schedule is a matchup with the Bulls on Monday night in Philadelphia. Here are observations on their win over the Hornets:
Maxey attacks early, keeps the points flowing
Adem Bona started for the first time this season, replacing Embiid. Brown and Dean Wade were the Sixers’ starting forwards with James out.
Edgecombe posted the game’s first points with a three that narrowly beat the shot clock. Maxey scored the Sixers’ next seven and put his team up 10-5 with a smooth step-back jumper.
He made his first four field goals and immediately hurt Charlotte in both the half court and transition. With all of his experience in undermanned situations over the years, Maxey has zero trouble tweaking his approach depending on who the Sixers have available. He was a tad more attack-minded than usual in the early going.
Maxey reached 15 points when he zoomed in for a layup late in the first quarter. He’s been ultra-consistent to start the season, recording at least 26 points in all seven of the Sixers’ games so far.
Rough start for Brown in return
Walker and Brown each came back from left knee injuries. Brown was well below his best out of the gates.
He started 0 for 5 from the floor and also missed his first free throw. The five-time All-Star managed minimal separation off the dribble and had multiple shots blocked in the first quarter.
Brown became the focal point of the Sixers’ offense when Maxey subbed out. The Hornets surged into the lead. Following an air-balled Brown three, Ryan Kalkbrenner slammed home a dunk. Charlotte took a 23-15 advantage with a 13-0 run.
The Hornets’ bench racked up 20 points in the first quarter. Allen was red-hot in the first half, shooting 5 for 6 from long distance.
On the Sixers’ side, the team concluded its back-to-back by using a 10-man rotation. Justin Edwards received meaningful minutes for the first time this regular season, getting a short run in the second quarter. Walker served as the Sixers’ main backup center behind Bona. Tacko Fall was available as additional big man depth but did not play.
The Sixers made a bright start to the second quarter and Walker played a key part, scoring twice inside. Labaron Philon Jr. also gave the Sixers a handy stint as an aggressive, shot-creating guard. The rookie knocked down a three and a tough bucket near the rim. The Sixers pushed back in front and took a 57-54 edge into halftime.
Simons helps Sixers bring it home
Brown’s second half was a bit better than his first.
The Sixers did again grow more deliberate when Maxey exited and Brown assumed the No. 1 option job. However, Brown focused more on hitting the paint and had greater success as a driver.
The Hornets’ defense was determined to slow Maxey and held him to four points on 1-for-4 shooting in the third quarter. Maxey air-balled a long three on the Sixers’ final possession of the third and his team entered the fourth facing a six-point deficit.
Playing alongside Bona at the start of the fourth quarter, Walker kept up his confident, productive, high-energy night. He converted a second-chance three and a put-back bucket early in the fourth quarter. A Maxey mid-range jumper brought the Hornets’ lead down to 89-86.
The Sixers then conceded a jumper to Allen on an after-timeout play. Bona missed a rare corner three attempt and picked up his fifth foul with 6:46 left. The Sixers want Bona to lean into his shot-blocking strength, but the 23-year-old’s foul trouble tends to be more damaging in Embiid-less games. He fouled excessively in his first two NBA seasons and hasn’t yet shown significant improvement in that area.
To their considerable credit, the Sixers hung around and didn’t view the night as a lost cause.
They tightened their defense, preventing the Hornets from a cruise to the final buzzer. Simons played a valuable role offensively, ensuring Maxey didn’t have to win it with a solo show. He’s been great the last three games, averaging 20 points off the bench and draining 16 of 27 threes (59.3 percent).
Simons canned a late jumper and made a fast-break layup. Two Maxey free throws gave the Sixers a 102-101 lead.
Yet again, Edgecombe was happy to fire a giant shot in the clutch. He nailed a step-back three over Allen with 35.4 seconds to go and the Sixers’ bench poured out on the floor in celebration. On the final night of October, the Sixers snagged their sixth win.
Luka Dončić doesn’t need any reminders about what Steph Curry did to win during Friday night’s game.
The Lakers star guard had his ankles broken by Curry at one point in the Warriors’ comeback 112-95 win. Curry drained the ensuing 3-pointer, adding further insult to what was already an embarrassing moment for Dončić.
Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers falls while guarding Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors in San Francisco, Friday, Oct. 30, 2026. Getty Images
The Warriors included several slow-motion clips of Curry breaking Doncic’s ankles in an Instagram post after Friday’s night’s game, which was captioned, “Tonight’s Warriors win marks the largest margin of victory (17) by any NBA team after trailing by 25+ since 1997-98, when play-by-play was officially recorded.”
Ayesha Curry reposting a video of Steph Curry hyping up Golden State Warriors fans to her Instagram Story. (Instagram/@ayeshacurry).
To be fair, Ayesha didn’t repost the actual clip of Steph breaking Luka’s ankles, instead posting another video of Steph hyping up his home crowd.
But that is still enough to say Dončić caught another stray from the Curry family on Friday night.
Luka Doncic (77) of the Los Angeles Lakers stands for the national anthem before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
These teams don’t play each other again until Jan. 27, which means Dončić has a lot of time to think about what Curry did to him before matching up again.
Stephen Curry, left, and Ayesha Curry watch Carlos Alcaraz play Jannik Sinner in the US Open men’s finals in Flushing, Queens, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2025. Larry Marano
Yesterday afternoon, Adam Spolane reported that the Houston Rockets had picked up Reed Sheppard’s fourth-year option. This means for the 2027-2028 season, Sheppard will be making just above $14 million before he is eligible for a rookie contract extension. It could be seen as an odd move for the Rockets, who had some questions about where Sheppard would fit into the rotation throughout this season, but it does seem like they want to keep him around for at least this year and next year before potentially extending him in free agency after the 2027 season.
Sheppard is the 10th first-round pick the Rockets have selected from 2021-24. He is the sixth of 10 players to have his fourth-year option picked up by the team. The previous five, Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason and Amen Thompson, all inked contract extensions with Houston. After a rough debut year, Sheppard has become a fixture in the Rockets’ rotation. He moved into being Fred VanVleet’s backup at point guard from sliding completely out of the rotation. He also played three games for the Rockets’ G League team in Rio Grande Valley in January 2025 to get more playing time.
The Rockets feel Sheppard still can play point guard at an NBA level, but with VanVleet returning and Marcus Smart joining the team as a free agent, he’s been playing largely off the ball through four games this season.
“He’s a guy that has to get better at pick and roll,” Rockets head coach Ime Udoka stated on media day. “He’s played off-ball his whole life, and you know he’s really good at it.
Numbers-wise, Sheppard does seem to have the ability to contribute as a scorer, playmaker and at times on the perimeter defensively, but he does need to figure out a way to be able to be a lot more efficient with his shooting from the field and from three.
Sheppard is definitely capable of improving his efficiency this year if he can play more off-ball and take advantage of playmakers like Fred VanVleet and Alperen Sengun, who can both set up Sheppard with great catch-and-shoot situations to create more separation from the defense when coming off screens and cuts. Sheppard might also develop as a shooter, just by acquiring more confidence over the season.
It should also be noted that Sheppard has had some injuries this season, including a left knee issue that helped him out against the San Antonio Spurs on October 23, and a back injury that kept him out of the lineup against the Dallas Mavericks.
The injuries Sheppard has suffered so far this year don’t appear to be severe, but they are crucial to keep in mind in case it is impacting his play on the court when he is available.
It is clear that the front office has belief in Reed Sheppard, and time will tell to see how he develops this season and beyond.
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 26: The shoes of Paul George #13 of the Boston Celtics during the second half at TD Garden on October 26, 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
