DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 09: Anthony Davis #23 of the Washington Wizards gets to the basket next to John Collins #20 of the Detroit Pistons during the first half at Little Caesars Arena on November 09, 2026 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. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Game Info
When: Thursday, November 12th at 7:00 p.m. ET
How to watch: Monumental Sports Network, League Pass
Where: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
Injury Report
Wizards: Jamir Watkins – Out (Knee), Tristan Vukcevic – Out (Hip), Reece Beekman – Out (Shoulder), Justin Champagnie – Out (Foot)
Pistons: Ugonna Onyenso – Game Time Decision (Foot), Isaiah Joe – Out (Hip), Jalen Duren – Out (Hamstring)
Pregame notes
After four games away from Capital One Arena the Wizards return home to host the Detroit Pistons on Thursday night in hopes of snapping a five-game skid. the Pistons contributed a 122-111 loss in Detroit on Monday night despite a season-high 44-point performance from Anthony Davis.
Washington is playing the second game of a back-to-back after falling 114-101 to the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, while the Pistons haven’t played since Monday night in Detroit.
Davis has been the Wizards’ best player through the first 11 games of the season, averaging 25.7 points and 9.7 rebounds — leading the team in both while pacing Washington with 1.3 steals per game.
Trae Young has also provided a consistent presence in Washington’s backcourt, averaging 18.5 points and a team-high 8.7 assists per game. Young has helped establish the Wizards’ offensive identity, creating opportunities for Davis and the rest of Washington’s young core including Kyshawn George who has emerged as another important piece of that group.
The third-year forward is averaging 17.9 points, 4.9 assists and 4.4 rebounds through 11 games. His ability to handle the ball alongside Young, create for teammates and score from all three levels has given Washington another reliable offensive option.
AJ Dybantsa is averaging 16.7 points and 6.1 rebounds in seven appearances. The No. 1 overall pick has continued to show his scoring ability as he adjusts to the NBA, giving Washington another young player capable of making an impact offensively.
Luka Doncic said he’s “good” after suffering an injury scare in the Lakers’ 123-112 win over the Bucks on Wednesday.
Doncic fell to the floor and was clutching his right ankle after Kyle Kuzma closed out against him as he made a 23-foot jump shot with 4:25 left in the road victory. Doncic sat on the ground holding his ankle for a few seconds before getting up and making a free throw.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic (77) shoots against Milwaukee Bucks’ Jaime Jaquez Jr. during an NBA game Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, in Milwaukee. AP Photo/Aaron Gash
The Lakers then called a timeout and subbed Doncic out of the game. Doncic immediately walked toward the locker room.
“I’m good,” said Doncic, who had 32 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals in 32 minutes on Wednesday. “Obviously it’s painful a little bit, but I’ll be fine.”
Lakers coach JJ Redick echoed Doncic.
“Luka I think is fine,” Redick said. “Just a light tweak.”
That’s good news for the Lakers, considering Doncic has had an MVP-caliber start to the season.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Luka Doncic throws the ball off Milwaukee Bucks’ Ousmane Dieng during an NBA game Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, in Milwaukee. AP Photo/Aaron Gash
The Lakers had a few more injury scares against the Bucks.
Austin Reaves suffered a left heel injury during a dunk attempt midway through the third quarter. He subbed himself out with 5:20 left in the period and did not return to the game.
“His X-rays were negative,” Redick said. “We’ll get imaging tomorrow. Probably no update besides that.”
Collin Sexton received sutures in his temple after he and Ryan Hollins collided heads in the fourth quarter.
DALLAS, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 8: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates a three point basket against the Brooklyn Nets during the first half at American Airlines Center on November 8, 2026 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. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After completing a season series sweep of the Indiana Pacers on Monday, the Dallas Mavericks (7-4) hit the road once more to start a weekend road trip. That trip starts Thursday, as Dallas visits the Minnesota Timberwolves (8-3). Dallas has won three contests in a row since suffering back-to-back losses against the Kings and Spurs. Meanwhile, the Wolves have been resting since Sunday, when they beat the Utah Jazz at home. Minnesota has won four consecutive contests.
Someone’s streak will come to an end Thursday night. Before the game tips off, here are a few things to know.
Ball-in
The Wolves have been without Anthony Edwards since he underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on October 29th. You might think that has slowed the Wolves down a bit, but in fact has not. Minnesota has won five of six without their franchise cornerstone, with four of the five wins being by double digits. Edwards averaged over 33 points per contest this season, and the Wolves have made up for it in a collective manner.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – NOVEMBER 02: LaMelo Ball #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrates his three-point basket against the Milwaukee Bucks in the first quarter at Target Center on November 02, 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
Some days it’s Lamelo Ball, who is averaging 18 points and six assists per game. Other days, it’s Jaden McDaniels, who is averaging a career best 17 points per game. Other nights, it’s Ayo Dosunmu, who has excelled in his new starting role by averaging 18.1 points per game on nearly 47% shooting from deep. That doesn’t even include defensive stalwart Rudy Gobert, former Warrior Jonathan Kuminga, or bench scorers in Terrence Shannon Jr. or Bones Hyland. Suffice to say, even without their all-world star, these Wolves can still hunt.
Cooper’s conquests
DALLAS, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 8: Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks celebrates his three-point basket during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at American Airlines Center on November 8, 2026 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. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There isn’t a ton that hasn’t already been said about Cooper Flagg. The guy is an unbelievable player already, and there are still levels to go. One of the things that kept flagging (pun intended) during the two-game skid Dallas endured recently was Cooper’s willingness, or lack thereof, to really trust his shot and let it fly from deep. Well, don’t look now, but Cooper has gone six for his last eleven from long range over the last two games. In both of those games, Flagg shot over 60% from the floor. The outside shot opens up so much more inside the arc for him to operate and get downhill. It’ll be worth watching Flagg in this one, as the Wolves have the length on the perimeter and Gobert in the middle to potentially fluster Flagg.
Breaking habit
As I was sitting down to write this preview, I was thinking to myself that Dallas hasn’t beaten Minnesota in a while. What I failed to realize is just how long it’s been. The Mavericks haven’t beaten the Wolves since this game.
As the great man Drake once famously wrote, Nothing was the Same. For the Mavs, yes, old friend Luka Doncic was still around the last time Dallas won a game against Minnesota. Kind of illustrates just how drastically different directions these franchises took since their Western Conference Finals meeting in the summer of 2024. Perhaps these Mavericks can find their winning ways once again against the Wolves.
How to watch
KFAA Channel 29 or your Mavs TV app will have you covered locally for this one. Outside of Dallas, NBA TV will have the broadcast. The radio broadcast will be on KRLD 105.3 The Fan. Tipoff is scheduled for just after 7:00 p.m. CT from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
MILWAUKEE, WI - NOVEMBER 11: Nate Ament #15 of the Milwaukee Bucks dunks the ball during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 11, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks put up an early fight against the Los Angeles Lakers but ultimately fell short, losing 123-112. Tyler Herro led all Bucks scorers with 27 points and seven assists, while Jaime Jaquez Jr.—coming off the bench for the first time this year—dropped 25 points. Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 30 points, while Sandro Mamukelashvili led the Lakers’ second unit with 23 off the bench.
Earlier in the day, it was announced that Myles Turner would rest, Kel’el Ware would start, Nate Ament would start at SF, and Tyler Herro would be available. That lineup got off to a hot start, with Herro hitting a mid-range floater before Brayden Burries showed incredible body control, scoring over Walker Kessler with a tricky little finger roll. Of course, Luka Doncic needed just four minutes to score nine points—and he hardly broke a sweat—as the Lakers pulled out a 14-7 lead. Jenkins began rotating through the bench early, and tried several lineups and looks that kept LA on their toes. One of these rotations was Jaime Jaquez Jr., who seemed to have a respawn point under the hoop and, almost at Luka speed, scored eight points to keep the game within one possession for the rest of the first. Bucks down 30-28 after one.
Milwaukee stayed aggressive on defense to open the second, which helped keep the Lakers within striking distance. After LA built their lead back to eight, came the highlight of the night: Nate Ament posterizing Kessler on the fast break to snap the cold streak. Whew. Jaquez continued his effective play, matching Herro through the middle of the second with 13 points to lead the team in scoring. However, Milwaukee then hit their usual cold stretch, allowing the Lakers to piece together a 7-0 run that pushed their lead back to nine before the half. Accordingly, Herro had to check back in to quell the run, matching Luka’s 19-point half with 18 of his own. The Lakers would not slow down, though, and the Bucks went into the locker room down 50-61. Despite the hot-and-cold shooting, there was a lot to like from the first half, including the Bucks almost matching the Lakers’ shot total (44 to 46) and matching the assist total with 14.
Both teams got off to a slow start in the third because of disruptive wing defence. The Bucks, however, were less effective at closing out on defensive possessions, which allowed the Lakers to get multiple shots per possession and turn the tide. Their lead grew to 17 by the 5:20 mark, and as Milwaukee announcer Marques Johnson alluded to, the Bucks were trying to hold on tight to a rope that kept gradually being pulled away. And yeah, that is what it felt like: Milwaukee didn’t exactly give the game away, but they didn’t help themselves either, with too many defensive rebounds slipping away. Other than Herro and Jaquez Jr., no other Bucks player reached double figures by the end of the third, and the Bucks were now well behind at 73-94.
Former Buck Sandro Mamukelashvili opened the fourth quarter with a driving layup to bring his point total to 23, proving to be a real difference-maker. Milwaukee just couldn’t find its groove, shooting 2/11 through the first six minutes, with the deficit still hovering around 20. By then, the Bucks had scored just six second-chance points for the game (!) to the Lakers’ 31, illustrating their lack of front-court presence. During garbage time, however, Milwaukee stitched together a 13-0 run, which at least showed some continued hustle from a young team, but it ultimately masked another blowout loss.
Stat That Stood Out
Nine: The number of first-quarter assists for the Bucks. For the rest of the game, the Bucks notched just 16.
Obscene Overreaction
The Bucks need a primary playmaker, and while the recent returns haven’t been stellar, Milwaukee should consider starting Jakucionis to see if he can set the table and help others find their shots. There really isn’t a single player who would not benefit from the Bucks having a primary playmaker; someone who can help control the tempo and distribute the ball. This year will be all about development, and the Bucks need to see if Jakucionis can fill a reliable true point guard role.
MILWAUKEE, WI - NOVEMBER 11: Sandro Mamukelashvili #54 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots the ball during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 11, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images
The start of this game had all the makings of a game in Milwaukee amidst a November road trip.
The Lakers entered the game with Quentin Grimes (right finger sprain) being the only player unavailable but left it with Luka Dončić rolling his ankle, Austin Reaves tweaking his left heel and Collin Sexton bloodied after an incidental headbutt with Ryan Rollins.
Despite the start and the injuries, Los Angeles took care of business and carries a six-game win streak into Phoenix to close out its first extended road trip of the season.
So, let’s dive into the win. As always, grades are based on expectations for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
The box score didn’t treat LaRavia the best this game, but his impact continues to defy counting stats. Fifty-fifty balls, defense, running in transition, all factors in the Lakers being a plus-14 while LaRavia was on the floor.
I thought Kessler started this game a bit too passive around the rim defensively and it set the tone for the rest of his game. Nonetheless, he was yet again a crucial conduit between the Lakers’ defensive and offensive production.
It took Thybulle a half to really make his impact felt, but he continues to be a steady producer on both sides of the ball. Steals, deflections and threes have defined his impact this season and it was the same tonight.
Luka makes it nine straight 30-point games but tweaked his ankle with around four minutes left in the game and the Lakers up by 20. Dončić was good, again, but started this game with a questionable shot diet and committed some lousy turnovers.
Of course you take the good with the bad, but Dončić’s start of the game held him back from this being another all-around great game.
Before leaving the game with his injury, Reaves was the ying to Dončić’s yang, providing the Lakers with balance, a steady shot diet and conservative ball handling. If it weren’t for the injury, Reaves was well on his way to yet another efficient 20-plus-point outing.
Mamu is stringing together some of the best games of his Lakers tenure. His connectivity was on full display tonight, draining threes and seemingly switching onto everyone on defense. His ability to relieve stress both in transition and in the half-court on offense remains invaluable.
Should Reaves or Dončić miss time, having someone like Mamu is a luxury.
Speaking of continued production, Williams remained a consistent bench player tonight. His defensive intensity, especially on Tyler Herro leading to a scuffle, is an important aspect in keeping an otherwise below-average group above water. It also helps when he makes his threes.
It’s been an up-and-down season for Sexton thus far, but he continues to show improved poise when handling the ball in the non-Luka minutes. However, it still feels like he takes up a little too much of the usage when sharing the floor with Reaves.
This road trip was good for the rookie, who got some real minutes in a couple of games. Tonight was evidence that Carr is still getting his footing and adjusting to the pace of the game. Aside from diving on the floor for a ball he lost, I feel we’re still yet to really see how much of an impact he can have on the floor.
Grade: B-
Jarred Vanderbilt
Vando played just nine minutes, but each of them was impactful. He brought instant energy in his first shift and continues to show improved aggression around the rim. He’s had four points.
Bronny James, Jaden Hardy, Kevon Looney
James, Hardy and Looney each played four minutes of garbage time after Dončić rolled his ankle and, yet again, almost blew a lead. Each of them was a minus-13 in their shift. Hardy has the greenest light in the NBA, James remains passive and susceptible to pressure and Looney took the floor for the first time in weeks (give him some grace).
JJ Redick
Redick admitted that tonight could have easily been a trap game given how the team started. Many will also dock him for keeping Dončić in the game with four minutes left while up 20 when he eventually tweaked his ankle, but his explanation that the star wouldn’t have been out there if Sexton didn’t go down was reasonable.
JJ Redick told reporters that had Collin Sexton not exited the game early, he would've been on the floor instead of Luka Doncic when Doncic suffered his ankle injury late in the game.
Brooklyn Nets center Moritz Wagner (13) reacts after making a basket during an NBA basketball game in New Orleans, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026.
NEW ORLEANS — The Nets came to New Orleans desperate for a bounce-back win. And they made it look easy in the Big Easy.
What Brooklyn got was a bounce-back beating, pounding the pitiful Pelicans 145-111 before 15,043 at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night.
In a matchup of slumping teams coming off humbling losses, the Nets were the ones who showed some steel.
They lost to the Mavericks by 37, while the Pelicans were stinging from the worst regular-season defeat in their history, a 51-point humiliation to Golden State.
Moritz Wagner (13) celebrates after making a basket during the Nets’ 145-111 blowout win over the Pelicans on Nov. 11, 2026, in New Orleans. AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman
On Wednesday, a Brooklyn team that looked in disarray in Dallas put up their highest-scoring first half in years, led by as many as 41 points and welcomed back Egor Dëmin with a resounding rout.
It was a rare laugher for the Nets (3-8), a complete team victory. Even without point guards Nolan Traore and Mikel Brown Jr., the Nets handed out 30 assists to just 15 turnovers. They shot 57 percent and 20 of 41 from deep.
And Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle looked like the veteran leaders they’re being paid to be. Not because they were good, but because they made others better.
The former had a team-high tying 22 points, while the latter was a plus-38, tying Stephon Marbury for the best in franchise history for a road game.
“I just told Ju, me and him [are] going to have to take it on ourselves to get us organized and be in the right place, be involved in the offense,” Porter said. “So we were just trying to communicate more, make quicker decisions and get into things quicker.”
“We’ve got a lot of capable guys. I don’t know how many people are in double figures. It seemed like a lot, though. So we got capable dudes. And when we share the ball like that, everyone gets to have fun, feel like they’re in a rhythm. We can be pretty good offensively.”
It was eight in double figures, but six with at least 15 points — Dëmin, Porter Jr., Randle, Day’Ron Sharpe and backups Moritz Wagner and Noah Clowney — to tie a franchise record.
For a bench that has struggled, that kind of balance was key.
Julius Randle drives to the basket during the Nets’ blowout win over the Pelicans. NBAE via Getty Images
Brooklyn came out of the blocks quickly, with Danny Wolf — who had another double-double — giving them a 12-5 lead.
It was 39-25 by the end of the opening period, their second-highest scoring first quarter of the last two years. It got better in the second half.
For much of the early part of this season, the Nets bench has struggled. On Wednesday night, they didn’t just hold their own, but were additive. And that’s even without their pair of 20-year-old point guards.
Wagner had seven points in the first quarter and 13 by the break.
He had a ferocious dunk on Jordan Poole for an and-one that put the Nets up 31-19, and followed with a nice drive and a flex afterward.
Brooklyn took an 83-66 cushion into intermission when Randle found Terance Mann for a last-second 3. It was their highest-scoring half since Dec. 21, 2022 (when they had 91 against Golden State).
Danny Wolf rises up for a layup during the Nets’ blowout win over the Pelicans. NBAE via Getty Images
“We executed really well offensively in the first half, and when everybody touches the ball, everybody sees the ball go through the net, it’s a lot more fun. You play with a lot of effort,” Wagner said. “We’ve got to find a way to do it in games where the ball doesn’t go through the rim as much, but of course that was an 80-point half and I think that was a lot of fun for everybody.”
It became an outright laugher in the second.
A putback dunk by Noah Clowney (who had a bounce-back 16-point night) padded it to 104-77 with 3:36 left in the third.
And unlike Atlanta to start this trip — when they blew a 17-point lead and fell to the Hawks — this time the Nets actually built on it, padding it to 41.
“We’ve got to bring the same energy, same focus to every game,” Sharpe said. “No matter the score, no matter what’s happening, no matter who’s out, we all got to approach the game the same way.”
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 11: James Harden #1 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on November 11, 2026 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Few players in NBA history have been able to single-handedly raise an offense’s floor and ceiling like Harden. His ability to score from anywhere, manipulate defenders with his body, and make every pass made him nearly unguardable in his prime — while also allowing him to remain effective into his late 30s. However, that offensive consistency hasn’t been there yet for the Cavs at the start of the season.
Harden needs his scoring and playmaking to work in concert with each other if he’s going to elevate an offense. When he’s scoring well, he draws the attention of the entire defense, which leaves teammates open for easy shots. But when he isn’t able to create space off the dribble or connect on the outside shot, defenders can stay home with their assignments. And when they are staying home, those openings for Harden to set up teammates just aren’t there. Everything is based on his scoring.
Over the last handful of games, we saw just how bad things can look when Harden isn’t scoring. Defenses don’t have to respect him and send multiple players his way. Things then become stagnant, and the entire offense suffers because of it. Against the Knicks, we witnessed the inverse.
The difference in this one was shotmaking. Harden found a scoring rhythm in the second quarter with his outside shot. This caused his defender to guard him much closer on the perimeter, making it easier for him to get inside the paint. The Knicks chose not to send multiple defenders his way, which allowed him to continue his effective scoring and close this game out with nine clutch fourth-quarter points.
It’s not too much of a stretch to say that the success of the entire team depends on Harden. Everything offensively rises and falls with his play. The Cavs need to see this version of Harden much more often than they have.
Second star: Karl-Anthony Towns
21 points on 7-of-11 shoooting, 11 rebounds, 8 assists
Towns is playing the best basketball of his career. His unique skill set allows him to affect the game in so many different ways. He proved that again here with his outside shooting, playmaking, and rebounding.
The Cavs bigs tried to contain Towns — his offense was just better than their defense.
Mitchell provided timely scoring while also being a good decision-maker. He correctly got the ball out of his hands and to his teammates when New York threw doubles at him. And his teammates rewarded him for doing so with the win.
Cleveland also did much better at controlling the glass. Head coach Kenny Atkinson has talked about rebounding being something everyone on the court needs to be involved in. Mitchell chipping in went a long way in making sure rebounding wasn’t an issue.
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Duds of the game
New York’s wings: OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart
The Knicks’ incredible championship run was partially fueled by phenomenal play from their three starting wings. Likewise, their inability to show up to this game is a big reason why the Cavs were able to come away with a win.
Anunoby was helpful defensively, but couldn’t find the range from the field, going 3-for-9. Bridges played just 17 minutes and was benched down the stretch due to being a complete non-factor. And Hart couldn’t find his shot and wasn’t an impactful rebounder.
Swing players often decide games against two high-powered teams like this. In this contest, New York’s supporting pieces just didn’t show up.
We’ve yet to encounter a moment that was too big for Thomas. He played with a confidence that’s rare to see in a rookie making his debut at MSG against the defending champions.
Thomas is first and foremost a scorer. We saw that again as he was able to create off the dribble and knock down open threes when the ball swung to him on the perimeter.
Atkinson has been able to continue putting Thomas in the rotation because of how he can positively influence the game in areas besides scoring. Defensively, he did a good job of guarding his man, didn’t get lost off-ball, and forced two steals. Thomas was also effective at attacking the offensive glass as he came away with three offensive rebounds.
Thomas is scoring, but he’s also doing a lot of the little things right that you need to in order to be a rotation player. This was another good outing for a rookie who has made nights like this feel routine.
Tyrese Proctor
15 points on 6-of-12 shooting, 3 rebounds, 1 assist
Proctor showed the wide array of skills that he has. He initiated the offense as a secondary ball-handler, knocked down outside shots when the ball swung to him, and was helpful defensively.
This was exactly what you want to see from someone who’s trying to prove that he should stay in the rotation when Sam Merril and Nae’Qwan Tomlin return from injury.
Watson’s defensive effort made up for his poor shooting. He was seemingly everywhere on defense and secured the victory with a chase-down block on Deuce McBride.
The Cavs controlled the glass, won the possession battle, and ultimately won the game.
Main takeaway from this game: Talent isn’t the issue for the Cavs
This game doesn’t fix all that has been wrong with the Cavaliers at the start of the season. Nor does it show that they’re going to put the pieces together and become the team they have the potential to be. It does, however, demonstrate that the Cavs have the talent to beat anyone.
The Cavs were impressive on both ends of the floor. Offensively, their two elite guards controlled the game while still making way for role players like Proctor and Thomas to make meaningful contributions.
Defensively, Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley made it difficult to score inside and kept the Knicks off the free-throw line. Watson also made a sizeable impact as a point-of-attack defender and weak-side rim protector. This resulted in New York becoming more of an outside-shooting team than they would’ve liked.
In short, this was a complete performance.
The Cavs have had other impressive wins this season, but they haven’t been able to back any of them up with anything substantive. At this point, we don’t know what team we’ll see on a nightly basis, and there’s no evidence that they’re creating sustainable habits that will help them in the postseason. This win will only be different if they can actually build off it from a process and results standpoint.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 10: Devin Booker #15 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Kris Dunn #8 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center on November 10, 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
There are three guarantees in life. Death, taxes, and Devin Booker trade rumors, and we’ve got another rumor today. Amid an underwhelming 4-6 start for the Phoenix Suns that saw Booker have one of the worst games of his career, talks about the franchise’s all-time leading scorer’s future once again arose, and NBA Insider Mike Scotto put a nip in the bud about him going anywhere.
"He still wants to be a Sun for life"@MikeAScotto tells @iamBenLyons what the future might hold for Devin Booker in Phoenix
With stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard getting traded from the organizations that they spent the first decade-plus with, many start to question players in similar spots’ futures, especially when they don’t appear to be title contenders like the Suns don’t project to be anytime soon.
But the Suns or Booker have left no tea leaves to indicate a split is on the rise. In fact, they’ve stayed loyal to each other.
Signing an extension last offseason, Booker and the organization have expressed their admiration and commitment towards each other numerous times, and team owner Mat Ishbia has been on record multiple times in 2026 saying he’s staying in Phoenix.
Mat Ishbia SHUTS DOWN someone asking if he’d trade Devin Booker to the Detroit Pistons 🗣️
Suns owner Mat Ishbia: “I’ll ride into a fire with Devin Booker, and I’ll do it proudly… Devin Booker is not getting traded. Devin Booker is our franchise player. We’re going to win a championship here with Devin Booker. I’m excited to do it and be next to him when we do that.” pic.twitter.com/CtyNXnLehp
Leading the team in scoring and assists, Booker’s efficiency and scoring are up since the start of November, and the team has won three of their last four, including their first win over the Houston Rockets in nearly 1400 days, but if the team doesn’t climb up the standings amid a wounded Western Conference and heightened expectations after a surprising playoff berth a season ago, the noise will get noisier about the star’s long-term future.
MILWAUKEE, WI - NOVEMBER 11: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a free throw during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on November 11, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images
During the third quarter, Reaves went up for a dunk and landed awkwardly. After trying to run it out for a few minutes, Reaves eventually asked for a sub and went to the locker room. He was eventually ruled out for the game.
Update from the Lakers: Austin Reaves won't return tonight with a left heel injury.
Austin Reaves subbed himself out and limped back to the locker room with team personnel. He motioned to the bench for a sub during this play: pic.twitter.com/TH1MttlcWR
After the game, head coach JJ Redick shared a minor update, noting that X-rays were negative and they’d get imaging on his heel Thursday. Redick also said that there was no worry of an Achilles injury.
JJ Redick says x-rays were negative on Austin Reaves’ heel. He’ll get imaging tomorrow.
The Lakers will be off until Sunday when they take on the Suns and it’s a break that couldn’t come at a better time. Not only did Reaves leave with an injury in the second half, but both Collin Sexton and Luka Dončić did too, though with more minor ailments.
Sexton took a blow to the face and received sutures. Luka twisted his ankle on the foot of Kyle Kuzma while shooting a 3-pointer. He stayed in the game to shoot the free throw before leaving.
Redick did not seem particularly concerned about any of the injuries and said Austin was the typical Austin postgame, so early signs are positive. Fortunately, the Lakers now have their longest break so far this season to rest and heal back up.
Charles Barkley speaks about a broadcaster who compared Austin Reaves to Larry Bird.
Charles Barkley admits he loves Austin Reaves, but made it clear to never again compare him to NBA legend, Larry Bird.
On Wednesday night, the Hall of Famer went off on an expletive-filled rant after he saw a clip from the Pistons broadcast team, comparing Reaves to Bird after he made an impressive shot during the Lakers’ 121-116 victory on Sunday night.
“I was watching the Detroit Pistons against the Lakers the other night, and some idiot, or some fool, or jackass, thought it would be appropriate to compare Austin Reaves to Larry Bird,” Barkley said. “Y’all put together a team and said, ‘Who does Austin Reaves remind me of?’ and y’all put together a video clip of Austin Reaves.”
Charles Barkley sounds off on a comparison made between Larry Bird and Austin Reaves pic.twitter.com/jncekzVDHB
Aside from yelling at a Pistons fan’s face, Reaves put together a 43-point performance, where he was 4-for-6 from the three-point line, shot 51.9% from the field, and 11-for-11 from the free-throw line.
Austin Reaves notches a layup in Sunday’s game against the Pistons. Getty Images
Aside from scoring in abundance, Reaves also had five rebounds and four assists.
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 11: Julius Randle #30 of the Brooklyn Nets shoots a three point basket during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on November 11, 2026 at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After their hardest hitting loss of the season, the Big Easy was the perfect place for the Brooklyn Nets to go next on their road trip. The Nets obliterated the New Orleans Pelicans this evening at the Smoothie King Center. Few wins have been more necessary, and even fewer more deserved.
However, the contest wasn’t advertised as the breakaway layup it turned into.
The Pelicans were at home, and with a Zion Williamson coming off three days of rest. Meanwhile, Brooklyn’s young guards had just taken a spin on the injury carousel. Before the game, the Nets announced that Egor Dëmin, who hasn’t played in two weeks due to a bone bruise, would return tonight. However, the team also said that Nolan Traoré, who hadn’t missed a game yet, would sit with right calf soreness. They also ruled out Mikel Brown Jr. due to an illness.
So, ball-handling was at a premium in the bayou. Dëmin and Danny Wolf made up the starting back court, with usual suspects Michael Porter Jr., Julius Randle, and Day’Ron Sharpe filling in behind them. Call it big ball. Indeed, it may have the first starting line-up ever featuring five players 6’9” or taller.
With the aforementioned injuries, Jordi Fernández didn’t have many choices when putting together his starting five, but still made the right ones. With the Pelicans giving up more opponent points in the paint than anyone so far this year, beginning with the jumbo lineup made sense, and it showed on the court, with the Nets outscoring New Orleans 24-10 inside during the first period. The most they had in an opening frame all season before that was 18.
Mo Wagner scores in isolation on Jordan Poole. Shook him hard with the spin move. pic.twitter.com/zWOdqj0jeD
Evidenced by the above, Brooklyn’s reserves got in on the action all the same. Noah Clowney, fresh off a game where he fouled out in just over seven minutes of play, knew he had to take advantage and acted accordingly, putting up six points with a block and a steal in the opening period. Wagner also added seven points, Wolf had five, and Porter Jr. led with nine. The Nets also led after one, up 39-25, giving them their largest advantage after a first quarter since April 2024.
Effective and easy-to-follow, Brooklyn had no reason to abandon its game plan in the subsequent period. The Nets got eight of their first 11 points in the second inside, and after MPJ topped that off with a three from the top of the key, Brooklyn had gone up by 17 with 7:29 to go in the second.
Holding it down from deep while everyone else went to work inside, that wasn’t even Porter Jr.’ best hit from downtown. With a little under four to go in the first, he also dethroned Derik Queen with this diagonal step-back…
And, knowing full well how harmful poor paint defense can be, the Nets were careful not to give up what their opponents had so frivolously surrendered. Sharpe was especially quick tonight fading back to provide extra defense around the rim, even as Zion Williamson continued to try and rummage his way in. New Orleans scored only twice inside in the second.
Saddiq Bey did threaten Brooklyn with another ugly end to a quarter. Hustling down after a Porter Jr. turnover offered up spacing in transition, Bey netted a triple that quickly brought it back to an 11 point game with roughly two and a half minutes left in the half.
The Nets didn’t take it lightly. They responded with a 13-7 jolt that involved two threes from Terance Mann, one as a direct response to Bey’s and another just before the horn. Brooklyn ended up going into the half up 83-66. It was the most points the Nets had scored a first half since putting up 91 on the Golden State Warriors in 2022. It’s the third most points they’ve ever put up in a first half in team history.
Another look at Terance Mann's buzzer beater. Big response from him hitting the triple after Bey cut it to 11 with about two and a half to go in the period as well. pic.twitter.com/pXN2N9i865
By that point, Brooklyn’s paint scoring advantage had swelled 40-24. They also carried a +9 advantage on the boards, along with five rejections.
So, after a period of complete interior dominance, that meant one thing one: it was time for Day’Ron Sharpe to begin shooting threes. No, I’m not kidding. And no, it didn’t cost them the game. In fact, it had an opposite effect.
The Brooklyn big man hit two triples in the third’s opening five minutes to give his team’s lead a quick buff once play resumed. Sharpe also dished one to Egor Dëmin, who was only starting to find his groove at that point, but more on that later.
The Nets weren’t just scoring from inside anymore. They were scoring from everywhere, and the Pelicans couldn’t do so from anywhere, everywhere, all at once. Not before long, the home team had a look on their face Brooklyn knows all too well: one of discouragement. They stopped boxing out, closing out, and just seemed like they wanted out. The Pelicans only put up 15 points in the period.
And the Nets? Like Bill Murray in the mid 2000s, they were eager to play a new, more serious role. After Noah Clowney scooped and slammed a missed three from Mann, Brooklyn earned their largest lead of the game, going up 104-77 with about three and a half left in the third.
“He impacted the game,” Fernández said of Clowney, who he said had things to “figure out” after the Dallas game. “You have size in him. He can guard multiple positions. He’s switchable. He’s been rebounding very well. And the efficiency, the taking good shots to get to the free throw line. Very happy with him, and we just got to keep taking positive steps here.”
In the fourth, it got to a point where you almost wanted the Nets to cut it out, irrationally afraid they were burning through all their makes before the end of the road trip. Keon Ellis and Wagner added back-to-back threes to begin the final frame, getting the team to a 16-34 mark from deep by that point. They’d finish 20-41 from beyond the arc.
The Nets have long used fourth quarter blowouts to give their young players real game reps. Tonight, they got to do so from the other side of the scoreboard. Not long after the Ellis and Wagner threes, Dëmin added his own pair of triples, looking more comfortable on the floor than he has all season. The Nets seemed to run a number of the actions they normally reserve for MPJ, asking him to duck and dive around screens off ball before rising up for a catch-and-shoot three. Like his mentor, he did so each time with confidence…
Egor drains back-to-back threes to extend the Nets' lead to 37. He's up to 18 points on 5/8 from the field and 4/6 from three. pic.twitter.com/pxkgZQIpst
Coming in like Mariano Rivera in a game where the Yankees were already up seven or eight runs, Dëmin added 12 points in the fourth to bring his total for the game to 22 on 5-of-8 shooting from the field and 4-of-6 shooting from deep.
“What impressed me? Nothing,” Dëmin said of the team’s overall performance. “I think that’s what we’re working on every day, and it’s not a surprise for me how you we could sustain the energy and effort throughout the whole game, which we really need to do from night to night. Obviously it’s hard to do, but it’s nothing new about what we’re trying to accomplish every single game.”
Porter Jr. also finished with 22 points while shooting 7-of-14 from the field and 4-10 from three. He also dished three assists, grabbed a steal, and garnered six rebounds. Randle had 17 points, five assists, and four rebounds after shooting 6-of-16 from the field. Sharpe had 15 points, five assists, four rebounds, and four blocks, shooting 5-of-6 from the field and 2-of-3 from deep.
Off the bench, both Wagner and Clowney had 16 points each. Wagner added four assists while shooting 6-of=8 from the field. Clowney shot 5-of-7 from the field and 2-of-3 from three, also grabbing two steals, a block, and three rebounds. Ellis had 11 points, four rebounds, three assists, and a steal. Wolf reached 10 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks.
“We’ve been practicing very well and working very well, and it’s good to see that you play how you practice,” Fernández said. “So, happy for the group, proud of the guys. I mean, you see everybody. Mike was composed the whole time and talked to his teammates. Julius is +38 in 29 minutes. Egor huge minutes. Mo scoring. Terrence two huge winning plays. Everybody was a big part of the win.”
“Just getting into our actions, getting organized, and just having some structure,” Randle added. “We were all on the same page, and we’ve been working at it, so it’s good to see.”
It sure is.
Final: Brooklyn Nets 145, New Orleans Pelicans 111
Milestone Watch
Day’Ron Sharpe scored 15 points with four rebounds, five assists and a career-high-tying four blocks tonight in New Orleans. It is his fourth consecutive game with at least five assists, which establishes a franchise-record streak of games with 5+ AST by a center.
Julius Randle recorded a +38 plus/minus tonight in New Orleans, which tied Stephon Marbury (4/16/99 at Seattle) as the highest plus/minus by a Net in a road game in franchise history. It tied the seventh-highest in any game by a Net.
Danny Wolf recorded a career-high 11 rebounds tonight in New Orleans to go with 10 points, four assists and two blocks. It is his second double-double of the season and fourth of his career.
Six Nets scored 15+ PTS tonight at NOP: Porter Jr., Randle, Sharpe, Dëmin, Wagner and Clowney. It ties the franchise record (15th instance) and is their second such game of the season (10/27 at BOS). This is the fourth season in franchise history with multiple such games.
Brooklyn’s 83 first-half points tonight vs. New Orleans were the team’s most in a first half since scoring 91 on 12/21/2022 vs. Golden State. Their 39 points in the first quarter tonight at New Orleans were their most in an opening frame this season and second most in the last two seasons, trailing only their 46 points on 2/7/26 vs. Washington.
Bonus Reading
This morning, veteran NBA writer James Herbert published a story for The Ringer on our very own Net Income. In it, you can hear from Pooch, Lucas, Sean Marks, and the countless others who’ve gotten close with the man behind Nets Daily over the years. I encourage all of you to check it out, and throw James a follow, who is as talented of a story teller as you’ll find.
Next Up
Brooklyn concludes its roadtrip on Saturday evening with a bout against the Memphis Grizzlies in Grind City. At the time of writing, the Grizz are 7-3. Isn’t it cool when the lottery decides to bless you instead flip you upside down, tar and feather you? This one tips off at 8:00 p.m. EST.
Austin Reaves drives to the basket against Milwaukee's Ryan Rollins in the first half. (Aaron Gash / Associated Press)
The Lakers won their seventh straight game. They could lose something bigger.
Star guard Austin Reaves left Wednesday’s 123-112 win over the Milwaukee Bucks with a left heel injury and did not return.
Reaves, who scored 18 points with five assists and three steals, landed awkwardly on a blocked dunk attempt during the third quarter but stayed in the game despite appearing to be in discomfort on the bench during an ensuing timeout. He remained in the game for three minutes before appearing to aggravate the injury on a drive toward the basket. He asked to sub himself out on the next possession.
Reaves’ initial X-rays were negative, Lakers coach JJ Redick said, and the guard, averaging a career-best 23.5 points on 50.8% shooting, will undergo further imaging. Initial tests have ruled out any potential Achilles injury, Redick said.
The Lakers finished their first extended trip of the season unscathed in the standings, improving to 11-2 and still the best record in the league, but had to limp across the finish line Wednesday after injuries struck.
Guard Collin Sexton received an eyebrow’s worth of stitches over his right eye after knocking heads with Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins with 6:51 remaining in the fourth quarter. Sexton’s sudden departure forced Luka Doncic to re-enter a 20-point game.
Two-and-a-half minutes later, Doncic turned his ankle while getting fouled by Kyle Kuzma on a long two-point jumper.
Doncic, who led the Lakers with 32 points, five assists, five rebounds and three steals, grabbed at his right ankle immediately. Lakers staff members tended to him while Kuzma’s foul was reviewed for a potential flagrant, but Doncic stayed in the game to shoot the free throw. He got subbed out right after.
Doncic said after the game he felt fine. Now he just has to wait for news on his backcourt running mate.
“We just gotta have next-man-up mentality,” Doncic said of the potential of playing without Reaves. “Obviously we lose a very, very good player. Hopefully ... it’s nothing. We gotta have next-man-up mentality.”
Reaves just signed a maximum contract extension this summer and was off to a career year. He is the 15th-leading scorer in the NBA, and he and Doncic (38.6 points per game) form the highest-scoring pair of teammates in the league. Reaves is also averaging 3.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists while shooting a career-best 41.3% from three-point range.
Reaves, who played almost an entire game on what turned into a Grade 2 oblique strain suffered last April against Oklahoma City, had missed the Lakers’ previous game against the Atlanta Hawks because of illness.
Guard Quentin Grimes missed his second consecutive game Wednesday with a sprained finger on his right hand. Grimes was questionable for Wednesday’s game, but still had swelling, Redick said, which could have affected the right-handed guard’s shooting.
Forward Sandro Mamukelashvili delivered for the shorthanded Lakers both nights, scoring 23 points of the bench for the second consecutive game Wednesday. The Georgian forward went 11 for 35 from three-point range during the first 11 games of the season and suddenly found his shooting stroke with consecutive five-of-eight nights against the Hawks and Bucks.
Mamukelashvili helped lift the Lakers through a five-day stretch that Redick said felt more like three weeks. Last Friday, the Lakers played the Portland Trail Blazers at home in an NBA Cup game and have since climbed to the top of the NBA standings, won two games against teams in the top half of the Eastern Conference and watched both of their star guards leave a game with injuries.
“We’re all ready to go home,” said center Walker Kessler, who had 10 points and 11 rebounds for his seventh double-double in eight games. “I’ll just say that.”
Battered and bruised from a tiring rip, the Lakers return home for a brief respite. The Lakers will have multiple days of rest before their next game Sunday at Phoenix. They don’t face a team with a winning record until Nov. 27. The road game in San Antonio figures to be a marquee showdown between Western Conference title contenders.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - NOVEMBER 11: Luka Dončić #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against Kyle Kuzma #18 of the Milwaukee Bucks in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum on November 11, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Lakers used a big run in the third quarter to blow out the Bucks on Wednesday, 123-112.
LA led for most of the game, but the Bucks remained feisty for much of the contest. It wasn’t until the third quarter when the Lakers blew the game open and fully took control.
Milwaukee showed how woeful they are, turning the ball over 19 times, leading to 28 points. LA’s bench was strong again, scoring 55 points.
The concern coming out of the game was a variety of injuries. Austin Reaves left in the third quarter with a heel injury and Collin Sexton took a blow to the face. Luka Dončić twisted his ankle after a hard closeout and left the game after shooting the subsequent free throw.
Brayden Burries gave the Bucks an early lead, but Luka and Austin started to cook, scoring a combined 14 points to put Los Angeles ahead. The Lakers were on a 12-0 scoring run.
Luka continued his dominant play and, as we are used to seeing every game, was already in double figures with 14 points.
Kyle Kuzma and Tyler Herro added 12 points to help keep Milwaukee close. The Lakers were up six with 3:27 left.
LA allowed Jaime Jacquez Jr. to start heating up. He scored eight points that cut Los Angeles’ lead down to two at the end of the first.
First quarter: Lakers 30, Bucks 28
Luka has 16 points on 5-9 FGs. Austin Reaves has 7 points. Some solid bench minutes from Mamu, Vando and Ziaire. The Lakers have been shaky on the defensive glass (6 offensive rebounds for MIL) and in transition. Bucks generating some good…
Walker Kessler got on the board early in the second period with a layup for LA. Sandro Mamukelashvili picked up right where he left off last game, providing an excellent spark off the bench with five points. Collin Sexton also pitched in with four points.
The Bucks were sticking around, though, cutting a 10-point Lakers lead to four, led by Jacquez Jr and Herro.
Milwaukee was playing scrappy and keeping pace with LA. The Bucks were shooting 50% from the field and Los Angeles was at 42%.
The Lakers offense woke back up as they went on a quick 7-0 run on the shoulders of Sexton and Luka.
Milwaukee was on a three-minute scoring drought until Herro scored. It seemed the Bucks were inching closer again, but Mamu and Reaves combined for nine points to help give the purple and gold an 11-point lead at halftime.
Reaves drained a triple to start the third period for Los Angeles. Luka also knocked down one of his own. Burries scored on a triple for the Bucks. LA kept their double-digit lead, despite shooting 3-9 in the quarter.
Los Angeles then blew the game open, extending its lead to 17 as Thybulle and Kessler combined for five points.
The concerning moment came in the middle of the middle of the quarter when Austin suffered his heel injury on his landing after attempting a dunk. He left shortly after and did not return.
The rest of the quarter was Mamu continuing his incredible play off the bench, pushing his point total to 21 for the night. Luka ended the third by converting on a three-point play that gave the purple and gold a 21-point lead.
LA maintained their big lead well into the final frame. Mamu, Kessler, Williams and Sexton each contributed offensively. Herro and Jacquez hadn’t scored a field goal, but converted on six free throws.
Sexton suffered his injury in the final frame, taking a shot to the face while on defense and being forced to leave with an apparent cut.
At the 5:30 mark, Los Angeles was up 22.
Luka had scored six points before being subbed out after appearing to injure his ankle. The Lakers then subbed in their bench at the 4:25 mark.
Key Player Stats
Luka finished with 32 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals. Reaves ended with 18 points and five assists before leaving with an injury. Kessler logged 10 points with 11 rebounds and three assists.
Mamu pitched in with 23 points off the bench. Sexton had 10 points. Thybulle scored eight points with five rebounds. Ziaire Williams and Jarred Vanderbilt combined for 13 points and six assists.
The Lakers’ next game will be against the Phoenix Suns on Sunday at 1:00 PM PT.
Austin Reaves exited the game in the third quarter and did not return with a left heel injury. Collin Sexton later went into the locker room himself after taking a headbutt in the fourth, and then Luka Dončić appeared to roll his right ankle with just over four minutes to go.
Dončić hit a stepback 3 (later overturned to a long 2-pointer) over Kyle Kuzma, but his ankle twisted as soon as it landed on the ground and sent the two-time scoring champion crashing to the floor, where he grabbed at his leg and scooted over to the scorer's table to take a minute.
Dončić was able to get up and walk around, and made a free throw to convert the and-1 before head coach JJ Redick mass subbed the entire lineup with the Lakers up 24 points at the 4:25 mark. He finished the game with 32 points, five rebounds and five assists, continuing his red-hot start to the season.
Luka Doncic appeared to injure his ankle on this and-one bucket after a foul by Kyle Kuzma.
Redick told reporters postgame that he believes Dončić appears to be fine. Dončić echoed those sentiments after the game.
"I'm good, obviously it's painful a little bit but I'll be fine," Dončić said.
He wouldn't have even been in the game at that point, Redick added, had Sexton not bumped his head. Sexton received stitches in his temple area and X-Rays on Reaves came back negative, though he will undergo further testing on Thursday.
They'll all have more time to recover than they've been used to; the Lakers have three days off for the first time this season before finishing their four-game road trip on Sunday against the Phoenix Suns.
"It does feel long, I got to be honest with you," Redick told reporters. "It's three games in four nights, and we played Portland on Friday in the Cup game at home, and that feels like it was three weeks ago."
The Lakers’ Walker Kessler grabbed his 2,000th rebound against the Bucks on Wednesday, becoming the 11th-fastest player in NBA history to reach 2,000-plus points, 2,000-plus rebounds and 500-plus blocks.
Kessler is the third-fastest active player to reach that line, trailing only Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Davis.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Walker Kessler dunks during an NBA basketball game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, in Milwaukee. AP Photo/Aaron Gash
Kessler is averaging 14.9 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.3 blocks for the Lakers, who entered Wednesday’s game with the league’s best record (10-2).
Los Angeles Lakers center Walker Kessler (14) shoots against Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu (17) in an NBA basketball game, Monday, Nov. 9, 2026, in Atlanta. AP Photo/Mike Stewart
The Lakers acquired Kessler in July in a sign-and-trade from the Jazz for two first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps on top of a four-year, $130 million deal.
The 25-year-old Kessler only played five games last season after suffering a torn labrum in his left shoulder that required surgery.
He entered Wednesday’s game leading the NBA in contested shots (140) and has been their defensive anchor, finishing with a double-double in six of his last seven contests.
