Category: Sports News

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It’s still early, but the Nets have had a couple of weeks of data to learn this new team, to see what works and what gets them worked over. 

What they’ve found out the hard way was less Julius Randle iso ball and more dribble handoffs, less watching and more moving. 

“It’s a little bit of both. Earlier in the year, obviously you’re trying to [learn],” Michael Porter Jr. admitted heading into Saturday’s tilt at Memphis. “We didn’t get a chance to play a lot of games with Julius. But Julius doesn’t want to sit around and iso all game, either. So we’ve had conversations in film sessions where we’re just seeing what works, and then we’re trying to use each player to their skill sets.

“I know Day’Ron [Sharpe] can really pass the ball as well. He can, he’s good in the [dribble handoff]. So, him getting more usage out of that is helping him play better as well. So I think that we’re a ball-movement and a player-movement team. And then we have the luxury of having Julius, who can get those tough buckets off the dribble in those iso situations. So it’s a balance.” 

Brooklyn was all kinds of unbalanced to start the season. 

Between poor spacing, a lack of movement — both the ball sticking and players not running to their spots — and a certain amount of natural deferring to the Nets’ only All-Star and their best on-ball scorer since the Kevin Durant-Kyrie Irving era, the offense stagnated. 

Through their first five games, the Nets went winless and looked terrible. Randle was averaging 5.4 isos — granted, often catching so-called grenades as the shot clock wound down. Their Offensive Rating sat at a wretched 104.8, and the fifth-worst Net Rating in the league. 

But they’ve looked much better in splitting the past six games. Randle’s isos have more than halved down to 2.3. Instead, Porter leads the league in DHOs at 5.1; but he’s seen them bump from 4.6 to 5.5, per Clutchpoints. And Sharpe has seen his assists vault from 1.2 in the winless start to 6.5 in the 3-3 run since. 

The Nets have been the beneficiary coming into the Grizzlies game, with the Offensive Rating spiking to 113.4 and their Net Rating vaulting to a more solid 15th. 

“We’ve always been running our offense like that. The first couple games of the season, it was like we got a lot of new players. So we’re trying to figure out each other’s game, especially with Julius,” Sharpe said. “He brings a lot of gravity, so I’m trying to find out how to play off him. We’re all trying to figure out how to play off of him. After film, after talks, we figured out what’s working best for us. And I feel we just keep doing that and keep building towards that.” 

The Nets divide their season into five-game blocks. And it took a winless first section for them to figure out what worked, and what was getting them worked over. 

Brooklyn coach Jordi Fernández said it wasn’t so much a wholesale change of the playbook or what was being run. As the Nets learned each other, they’ve just started running those same plays better, and with more conviction and precision. 

“We run the same plays, but they were not run with the same purpose,” Fernández said. “You see now Julius is finishing at the rim, how decisive he is with his drives, how much [more] active [Porter] has been with his cutting and mixing up his cuts and coming to the ball, and also Day’Ron catching it low and feeling comfortable with assisting or making those passes. 

“So it just speaks of the work that the group is putting in, adjusting who I am in this new group and how can I be better for the group? And all these guys that I’ve mentioned — not just these three — but everybody is trying to do the right things not for themselves but for the group.”

The Miami Heat probably salivated when they saw the injury report and noted the lack of bigs on the Cleveland Cavaliers’ roster. Evan Mobley was announced out on Thursday with a toe injury. Early on, it looked as if they would be able to survive his absence on Friday night. However, as the game progressed in Miami, the issues only compounded.

Despite a decent scoring night from James Harden (20 points) and Donovan Mitchell (25 points), the Cavaliers’ offense was too dependent on outside shooting. The Cavaliers were relying heavily on one big man on the floor throughout the game. Against most teams, this might be a fine approach. However, the Heat boast a lineup with Bam Adebayo and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Heat’s All-Star duo gave the Cavaliers fits all night, running downhill and providing a huge problem that they just didn’t have the personnel to stop. The Cavs were constantly having their smaller wings and guards tossed into switches that would see them in mismatches that resulted in good looks for both Giannis and Bam.

The Cavaliers, without Mobley’s defensive presence, were not up to the task. Bam (37 points on 13-for-19 shooting) and Giannis (37 points on 15-for-20 shooting) heavily contributed to the Heat’s 54 points in the paint. The Cavaliers were not able to generate nearly enough offense inside to match Miami’s output, scoring 40 points in the paint by comparison.

There were some bright spots for the Cavaliers. Tyrese Proctor (22 points), Meleek Thomas (12 points), and Jaylon Tyson (16 points) all contributed with timely buckets and reliable shooting on a night where the Cavaliers were playing catch-up for the whole second half.

A loss like this stings. It felt like they were generating positive momentum and turning the page from the early season struggles after their big win against the New York Knicks. However, losing Mobley and facing an imposing frontcourt like Miami’s halted any forward progress.

The Cavaliers look to turn the page when they face the Dallas Mavericks Saturday night in Cleveland.

The Atlanta Hawks were in action on Friday night to face the Chicago Bulls in an NBA Cup game. The Hawks came in 1-0 in group play, defeating the Washington Wizards, while the Bulls are 0-1 after losing to the Boston Celtics two weeks ago.

The Bulls are coming in with some big injury news, as Caleb Wilson is set to miss several weeks after having hand surgery. The good news for them is that Normal Powell returned to the lineup after dealing with an injury. For the Hawks, Kingston Flemings was available after being listed as questionable with a lumbar spasm.

Jalen Johnson got things rolling for the Hawks to start the game.

Outside of Johnson and Dyson Daniels, the other Hawks’ starters couldn’t find much offense in the quarter, and that came with several rough turnovers. As for the Bulls, they were efficient, which led to them taking an early double digit lead.

The bench was able to come in and put some points on the board, and of course, it was Aaron Wiggins who led the group.

The Hawks were able to cut into their deficit just a little, but it was obvious that Powell was going to be a problem in this one, finishing the quarter with 10 points. Going into the second, the Hawks trailed 33-24.

The Bulls extended their lead to start the second, but CJ McCollum tried to combat it with an easy floater in the lane.

Unfortunately, that didn’t last for long, as the Bulls continued their hot shooting from the 3-point line, and they extended their lead to as large as 18 points.

The Hawks were able to once again cut into the deficit, and they did it by pushing the pace and getting out in transition. It’s how Johnson got this easy dunk.

Johnson crashed the board hard in the first half as well, which led to him getting this and-one opportunity.

The Bulls came back down to earth late in the quarter, and it allowed the Hawks to get their deficit down to single digits once again. Going into halftime, the Hawks trailed 60-53.

Nickeil Alexander-Walker found some life on both sides of the ball to start the quarter, turning defense into offense.

The Hawks followed his lead, and they were able to get several more stops to keep cutting into their deficit. The ball was moving better in the second half as well without many turnovers. Alexander-Walker found Johnson for this easy layup.

It was more defense turning into offense for the Hawks, and this time it was Lu Dort who joined the fun.

Later on, Dort extended his range beyond the 3-point line to get the Hawks within one point.

It was more of Dort down the stretch of the game, as he got another steal to tie the game.

The Hawks weren’t able to take the lead in the quarter, but they did trail 84-83 going into the fourth.

As much as it felt like the Hawks had life to start the fourth, the Bulls went on an 11-2 run to bring their lead back to double digits. That forced the Hawks to have to fight back again. Johnson took over for the Hawks, willing his way to the paint for easy looks.

McCollum got it going for the Hawks as well, and he was able to tie the game.

It felt like every time the Hawks were in striking distance, the Bulls would hit a big shot, and that’s what they did, going on a 7-0 run. That didn’t bother the Hawks, more specifically Johnson, who once again put his imprint on the game. He found Okongwu for this 3-pointer, the got some points of his own in transition to tie the game.

With less than a minute remaining, the Hawks got a good shot from Alexander-Walker in transition, but he missed. That gave the Bulls an opportunity to take the lead, but they also missed on their chance.

With 4.0 seconds, the Hawks got another good look, but Wiggins fumbled the ball, and it went out of bounds. That gave the Bulls another chance, but they didn’t capitalize, and the game went to overtime.

The Hawks were able to attack first, but that was all they had as Powell took over for the Bulls. Unfortunately, the Hawks couldn’t match their energy, and they walked out with a loss.

Johnson finished the game with 27 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, McCollum finished with 20 points, an Alexander-Walker finished with 16 points.

The Hawks will be back in action on Sunday against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Daltong called it. “I’m sure Indiana will look like an all star team tonight.” The Hoosiers may have entered the game 4–8 overall and 1–4 at home, but even while weathering the absence of Tyrese Haliburton, they have another gear available to them. For instance, on Veterans Day, when they ripped open the fourth quarter with 14 unanswered points. Or tonight, when they outscored the Knicks (6–6) by 13 early in the final frame and held on for a 106–104 win.

Tonight’s tilt at Gainbridge Fieldhouse was another Group B game in the NBA Cup tourney. The Knicks were favored because they’re the more talented team on paper, but their effort showed up too late to steal the win. They were simply out-hustled for most of the game. In the positive column, Karl-Anthony Towns registered his twelfth straight double-double (23 PTS, 15 RBS), breaking Willis Reed’s franchise record for consecutive double-doubles to start a season. And Mikal Bridges took 12 shots! For 18 points! On the less positive side, Josh Hart went scoreless on four shots, the Knicks lost the paint by 20 and second-chance points by nine, and yet again they attempted double-digit fewer free throws than their opponent (IND 18-of-25, NYK 10-of-13).

Shield your eyes from all this yellow . . . looks a little like a filthy urinal.

The game started inelegantly, with Andrew Nembhard (12 PTS, 4-14 FG, 6 AST, 6 TO) taking the opening tip in for an easy layup. At the other end, Hart thought KAT was going to cut. Instead, KAT crowded Jalen Brunson (33 PTS, 11-22 FG, 11 AST, +8) along the arc, and Nembhard deflected Hart’s pass out of bounds. That kind of confusion is predictable this early in the season, especially with Hart having missed a few games already. So is KAT’s ability to steamroll Ivica Zubac (12 PTS, 13 RBS) for snacks at the cup.

OG Anunoby (11 PTS, 4-13 FG, +8) laced an early triple when Hart noticed that Pascal Siakam (19 PTS, 5-13 FG) was napping in transition. OG and Pascal have a history, and they made each other’s jobs difficult for most of the night. (After that three, OG would make one of his next seven attempts.)

The Knicks took control with a 9–0 run that turned a 9–9 tie into an 18–9 lead. Towns scored seven of those nine and finished the quarter with 12 points and three rebounds. The oft-maligned Bridges chipped in six points and a steal (welcome back!), and Hart had four boards and three dimes. Brunson scored just two points but set up three baskets before picking up his second foul, an offensive foul, and heading to the bench.

Jay Huff brought Indiana back with eight quick points off the bench, including two threes and an alley-oop from that pest T.J. McConnell. Miles McBride answered with a longball, but the Knicks went more than three minutes without scoring after that. Deuce missed his next three attempts, Shamet bricked a couple, and Huff blocked Andre Drummond at the rim. Indiana went on a 15–5 run, taking a 24–23 lead on an OAKAAKUYOAK Obi Toppin bank shot. Towns returned and restored the lead with a driving and-one. The good guys were up 27–26 at the horn.

If you enjoyed the stanky shooting and one-and-dones of the first quarter, the Knicks cordially invited you to more of the same in the second. OG tied it at 31 on another Towns-as-hub laser, then Indy rattled off a 13–4 run. Toppin laced a three and finished a fast break, while Zubac elbowed his way to three O-boards on one possession before putting it in. No Diawara tonight, but Pacôme Dadiet made a brief (as in one minute) appearance in the second.

Yet again, free throws were the biggest bugaboo. In their last game, the Knicks shot 14 fewer free throws than Cleveland. In tonight’s second quarter, Indiana went 13-of-17 while New York shot . . . 1-of-2. Call the vet! These zebras have rabies!

Brunson scored half of the team’s 22 second-quarter points. Towns grabbed six rebounds but scored just two points, and Josh Hart, Landry Shamet, and Miles McBride all fired blanks. Aaron Nesmith scored six straight, the last on a technical free throw after Mike Brown drew a tech, to stretch Indiana’s lead to 14. Brunson hit a turnaround and fed Tyler Kolek for a late three to regain some ground. Indy led 58–49 at the break.

Through the first half, our heroes were dishing the ball fine, with seven more assists than the Hoosiers. Rebounds and points in the paint were basically a dead heat. The voodoo was in the fouls. The Knicks had committed twice as many as the Pacers (14–7). And somehow Rick Carlisle found it necessary to complain about the calls.

On to the third. Cap was cooking, with 16 points and four dimes. The Knicks needed it all and then some. Brunson led an 8–0 run that brought New York within five, but the comeback stalled before they could get back to black. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Nesmith each scored seven in the period, Zubac added six points and five boards, and the hosts were up by 14 again.

From there, the Knicks closed on a 15–2 run to get within a point. McBride hit two bombs, Shamet added one, and Drummond grabbed three defensive boards and a steal. Deuce and Anunoby both missed chances to take the lead in the final eight seconds, so the Knicks went into the fourth trailing 85–84.

From there, two scenarios were possible. Either the Champs would maintain their momentum and turn back those pesky Pacers, or Indy would do what they did against the Wiz on Wednesday and go on some crazy run. ’Twas the latter, fans. After Anunoby tied it at 87, the hosts answered with a 15–2 run. Nembhard scored six points in the quarter, Oubre added five points and two steals, and Zubac finished with nine offensive boards. The Knicks kept fumbling and bumbling the ball away. This time Captain Clutch couldn’t save them either, managing only four points in the fourth after scoring 16 in the third.

Behold the bumbling and fumbling of which I wrote:

New York still had a shot to tie it in the final minute. Brunson’s layup with 26 seconds left cut the deficit to four, and after Siakam missed both free throws, Bridges (!) hit a pull-up to make it 106–104. Anunoby picked off Siakam’s pass with three seconds left, but Towns missed a 15-foot turnaround and the Pacers held on. Ballgame.

If you’re feeling testy after another loss, so is Jose Alvarado. Evidently, he and Quenton Jackson have prior history of physical scrapes (including an altercation when Alvarado was still with the Pelicans). Jackson not only taunted Jalen Brunson tonight, but in the third quarter he jawed at Rick Brunson, too. Jose might be out of the rotation, but the big dawg is always ready to defend his captain!

Up Next

Up to Toronto our heroes go to play the Raps on Sunday. This is your recap, chaps. Safe travels, Knickerbockers.

Entering the 2026-27 NBA season, the narrative surrounding the Warriors was Steph Curry’s final years were being wasted on a team that couldn’t compete.

Then, Yaxel Lendeborg arrived. While the Warriors rookie has taken the NBA by storm, he wants his performance to be justified via his first All-Star selection.

As a 24-year-old, Lendeborg believes he would be shamed for winning or losing the Rookie of the Year award. He’d rather be an All-Star in February.

“The award would be nice, but I’m trying to be an All-Star this year,” Lendeborg told Amazon Prime NBA crew’s Taylor Rooks.

Golden State has relied on Lendeborg to assist Curry in carrying the offensive load this season, but the rookie has been thrust into a leadership role in the veteran’s absence. Curry is expected to miss significant time with an oblique injury.

Lendeborg didn’t expect to earn a starting role when he was selected with the No. 11 overall pick by the Warriors in this year’s NBA draft, but a few weeks into the season and the team is turning to the rookie to keep the team afloat in a competitive Western Conference.

“When I got drafted, I just expected to be the guy that sits in the corner and waits for his turn,” Lendeborg said.

As for his legacy, Lendeborg hopes to be remembered as the youthful spark that helped Curry enjoy the final years of his storied NBA career.

“I want to try to be somebody that brought life back into [Curry],” he said.

“I want to be my best for him because he’s done so much for the Warriors, and I feel like I owe a lot to the Warriors.”

Entering the 2026-27 NBA season, the narrative surrounding the Warriors was Steph Curry’s final years were being wasted on a team that couldn’t compete.

Then, Yaxel Lendeborg arrived. While the Warriors rookie has taken the NBA by storm, he wants his performance to be justified via his first All-Star selection.

As a 24-year-old, Lendeborg believes he would be shamed for winning or losing the Rookie of the Year award. He’d rather be an All-Star in February.

“The award would be nice, but I’m trying to be an All-Star this year,” Lendeborg told Amazon Prime NBA crew’s Taylor Rooks.

Golden State has relied on Lendeborg to assist Curry in carrying the offensive load this season, but the rookie has been thrust into a leadership role in the veteran’s absence. Curry is expected to miss significant time with an oblique injury.

Lendeborg didn’t expect to earn a starting role when he was selected with the No. 11 overall pick by the Warriors in this year’s NBA draft, but a few weeks into the season and the team is turning to the rookie to keep the team afloat in a competitive Western Conference.

“When I got drafted, I just expected to be the guy that sits in the corner and waits for his turn,” Lendeborg said.

As for his legacy, Lendeborg hopes to be remembered as the youthful spark that helped Curry enjoy the final years of his storied NBA career.

“I want to try to be somebody that brought life back into [Curry],” he said.

“I want to be my best for him because he’s done so much for the Warriors, and I feel like I owe a lot to the Warriors.”

After getting completely debacled on Thursday in a near 40-point loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Dallas Mavericks (7-5) hit the road once more to continue their weekend road trip. This time, Dallas visits the Cleveland Cavaliers. Dallas, having won three contests in a row prior to their loss to Minnesota, looks to regain momentum against one of the East’s best. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers are in action Friday night in NBA Cup play against the Miami Heat.

For various reasons, there’s a lot that is up in the air before this contest. Before the game tips off, here are a few things to know.

Ground stop

Well, if you’ve been hiding under a rock on Friday, first I’d say congratulations and I’m jealous. But afterwards, I’d inform you that air travel is quite the issue at the moment! For what it’s worth, according to the Dallas Morning News, the Mavericks have arrived in Cleveland and have no issue playing Saturday night. However, the home team is in Miami Friday night for an NBA Cup bout against the Heat. And, well, flying on Friday night is seemingly impossible! So, if Cleveland isn’t able to get back home until midday Saturday, you wonder if they’d push tipoff back a bit to accommodate. However, Dallas plays in Boston on Sunday evening, so there’s not much wiggle room. We’ll see how the league handles a very abnormal situation.

Flight delayed

On the basketball side of things, the Mavericks got absolutely demolished on Thursday evening in Minnesota. Even without Anthony Edwards, Minnesota is a better team than Dallas. But getting smoked like that? That was a really disheartening result. Dallas should be a prideful bunch, as Flagg, Irving and the leaders for this group are not known to be losers, but it will be in desperate need against a very good Cavs team on Saturday night.

Rescheduling

How does Dallas get back on track? The defense needs to rebound from what it was on Thursday. The Mavericks were bombarded from three point range against the Wolves, but also seemingly allowed wide open lanes to the rim at the same time. From the end of the first quarter onward, the Mavericks had absolutely no interest whatsoever in defending, well, anything. It starts at the top with Cooper Flagg, who simply has to be better on the defensive end for this team to have a chance. From there, everyone else needs to fall in line and take a little pride in what they’re doing. If the defense holds up, the offense will get that many more chances to push the pace and run.

How to watch

KFAA Channel 29 or your Mavs TV app will have you covered locally for this one. Outside of Dallas, NBA League Pass will have the broadcast. On the radio side, 105.3 The Fan will have you covered. Tipoff is scheduled for just after 6:30 p.m. CT from the Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio.

INDIANAPOLIS — About a year prior, Jalen Brunson nailed a stepback, game-winning 3-pointer in the final seconds against the Pacers. 

On Friday night inside the same Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a nearly identical situation presented itself, but coach Mike Brown instead called on Karl-Anthony Towns. Captain Clutch was a decoy on the other side of the court. The result was a fadeaway miss off the rim from KAT, a 106-104 Knicks defeat and probable end to New York’s NBA Cup defense. 

“I thought it was a great shot. I was excited for the opportunity,” Towns told The Post. “I got to make a quick decision. It’s either OG is open on the rip screen and he has an open layup or I get to take the shot. I just was ready for the opportunity. … I’m happy with the follow through. I was happy with the technique. It just wasn’t my day.” 

The Knicks launched an improbable comeback to reach that dramatic conclusion, recovering from an eight-point deficit in the final 90 seconds because Indiana kept coughing up possessions. 

With 2.8 seconds remaining, the Pacers threw away an inbounds pass — largely because of Mikal Bridges’ hounding defense — which set up KAT’s opportunity. 

“We needed a 2-pointer. We had executed something like that in practice,” Brown said. “We thought we would gain an advantage with a little rip screen. KAT got a great look. Probably a shot that he makes nine out of 10 times. So I’m okay with it. 

“Karl-Anthony Towns’ big chance bounced off the rim.” 

Technically, the Knicks aren’t eliminated from the NBA Cup with an 0-2 record. It’s still theoretically possible to win the group or a wild-card spot with a 2-2 record. But in the NBA Cup’s three-year history, no team has advanced with anything less than a 3-1 mark in the group phase. 

The Knicks are the lone squad in their five-team group without a win. 

There’s still much more time to defend their bigger championship, but the Knicks (6-6) hardly have looked like the juggernaut of their magical run of May and June. 

They missed 30 3-pointers and gave up 17 offensive rebounds in Indiana, the place of several Knicks heartbreaks over the past few years.

Brunson dropped 33 points with 11 assists — including a powerful third-quarter burst after being motivated by taunts from Pacers defender Quenton Jackson — but Captain Clutch went cold in the fourth quarter and wasn’t involved in the final play. 

Towns finished with 23 points and 15 rebounds, breaking a 56-year franchise record with his 12th double-double to start a season. He eclipsed Willis Reed’s mark from 1970 and then came up just a little short with an opportunity to extend New York’s NBA Cup hopes. 

“That play was something we liked, and we went to it. But I’ll say this: That play did not cost us the game,” Brown said. “We were lucky a little bit, and our guys did fight to give us a chance down the stretch. But I don’t care who you play, it’s going to be hard to win a game on the road when you lose the possession game like we did, if we get blown by on defense as bad as we did, if you let your opponent win the physicality battle like we did. It’s all a recipe for a loss. And that’s where I’m disappointed.”

INDIANAPOLIS — About a year prior, Jalen Brunson nailed a stepback, game-winning 3-pointer in the final seconds against the Pacers. 

On Friday night inside the same Gainbridge Fieldhouse, a nearly identical situation presented itself, but coach Mike Brown instead called on Karl-Anthony Towns. Captain Clutch was a decoy on the other side of the court. The result was a fadeaway miss off the rim from KAT, a 106-104 Knicks defeat and probable end to New York’s NBA Cup defense. 

“I thought it was a great shot. I was excited for the opportunity,” Towns told The Post. “I got to make a quick decision. It’s either OG is open on the rip screen and he has an open layup or I get to take the shot. I just was ready for the opportunity. … I’m happy with the follow through. I was happy with the technique. It just wasn’t my day.” 

The Knicks launched an improbable comeback to reach that dramatic conclusion, recovering from an eight-point deficit in the final 90 seconds because Indiana kept coughing up possessions. 

With 2.8 seconds remaining, the Pacers threw away an inbounds pass — largely because of Mikal Bridges’ hounding defense — which set up KAT’s opportunity. 

“We needed a 2-pointer. We had executed something like that in practice,” Brown said. “We thought we would gain an advantage with a little rip screen. KAT got a great look. Probably a shot that he makes nine out of 10 times. So I’m okay with it. 

“Karl-Anthony Towns’ big chance bounced off the rim.” 

Technically, the Knicks aren’t eliminated from the NBA Cup with an 0-2 record. It’s still theoretically possible to win the group or a wild-card spot with a 2-2 record. But in the NBA Cup’s three-year history, no team has advanced with anything less than a 3-1 mark in the group phase. 

The Knicks are the lone squad in their five-team group without a win. 

There’s still much more time to defend their bigger championship, but the Knicks (6-6) hardly have looked like the juggernaut of their magical run of May and June. 

They missed 30 3-pointers and gave up 17 offensive rebounds in Indiana, the place of several Knicks heartbreaks over the past few years.

Brunson dropped 33 points with 11 assists — including a powerful third-quarter burst after being motivated by taunts from Pacers defender Quenton Jackson — but Captain Clutch went cold in the fourth quarter and wasn’t involved in the final play. 

Towns finished with 23 points and 15 rebounds, breaking a 56-year franchise record with his 12th double-double to start a season. He eclipsed Willis Reed’s mark from 1970 and then came up just a little short with an opportunity to extend New York’s NBA Cup hopes. 

“That play was something we liked, and we went to it. But I’ll say this: That play did not cost us the game,” Brown said. “We were lucky a little bit, and our guys did fight to give us a chance down the stretch. But I don’t care who you play, it’s going to be hard to win a game on the road when you lose the possession game like we did, if we get blown by on defense as bad as we did, if you let your opponent win the physicality battle like we did. It’s all a recipe for a loss. And that’s where I’m disappointed.”

Maybe not the start the Golden State Warriors hoped for in their first game without Steph Curry, but probably the one that was most likely.

The San Antonio Spurs raced out on a team record 18-0 run to begin Friday's NBA Cup Group C game, the Dubs' worst start in the play-by-play era. Golden State was held scoreless over the first six minutes until a Gui Santos layup finally got them on the board. Their previous worst start came on Jan. 28, 2005 against the Seattle SuperSonics.

The Spurs' big run out the gates was sparked by Stephon Castle, who leads the game with 13 points, two assists and a rebound and is a perfect 3-of-3 from long range. Victor Wembanyama has four points, three rebounds and three assists as San Antonio has built a 38-15 lead through the first quarter.

LJ Cryer was able to muster some offense for Golden State with two 3s to get a quick six points off the bench. The Spurs are looking for their 11th straight win.

The Spurs kept rolling and went on to a 123-85 win.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Spurs ambush Warriors in first quarter of first game since Steph Curry injury

The Milwaukee Bucks fall to 0/2 in the NBA Cup and 1-12 overall, losing to the Orlando Magic 107-99 in a game that was at least competitive. Jaime Jaquez Jr. led the Bucks yet again with 22 points off the bench on 8/15 shooting and 5/7 from three. Franz Wagner starred for the Magic, dropping a near triple-double of 35 points, 12 assists, and nine rebounds (at one point it was a triple-double, but they apparently retracted a rebound).

NBA.com Box Score

Game Recap

With Ousmane Dieng getting the surprise start, the Bucks began slowly, with Myles Turner turning the ball over twice in the first two possessions and the team going 1/5 from the field and 1/4 from the charity stripe as the Magic led 12-4 at the seven-minute mark. Milwaukee responded, however, with a 10-3 run, thanks in large part to Kel’el Ware, who impacted early with a put-back slam and a corner triple. We even got treated to first-quarter Gary Trent Jr. minutes, but his elite defence couldn’t stop Franz Wagner, who carved up the visitors in the pick-and-roll as the Magic took a 23-15 lead into the first major break.

Wagner continued to kill the Bucks early in the second, nailing two threes to extend Orlando’s lead to 13 just over two minutes in as Milwaukee’s shooting woes continued. Thankfully, a select few Bucks were shooting well, including Myles Turner, who nailed his third three of the night to cut the deficit to 10 with seven minutes to play. After starting 0/5, Tyler Herro began to cook as the second wore on, hitting a three, a floater, and a few free throws as the Bucks inched closer, down 34-28 halfway through the period. Unfortunately, the Magic closed on an 18-8 run as their balanced attack dominated the Bucks on both ends, leading 52-36 at the half.

Coach Jenkins started Nate Ament in Dieng’s place to start the third, and the rookie paid that faith off, opening the quarter with a corner three after going 1/6 in the first half. In general, the Bucks looked much more fluid on offence, but they couldn’t get stops as Desmond Bane punished them twice from deep to give his side a 65-45 edge four minutes in. The visitors wouldn’t give in, though; they knuckled down on defence, which allowed them to play more in transition and go on a 10-0 run. That said, the Bucks had major free throw issues, making just 7/15 (!) midway through the third. That’s when Bane really started to cook, knocking in a three plus the foul, then another three on the next possession as the margin blew back out to 16. Jaime Jaquez Jr. was huge to close the quarter, though, nailing multiple bombs and a mid-range shot to keep the Bucks within shouting distance, down 84-72 after three.

It was a frantic start to the fourth, with Milwaukee giving up plenty of open looks but the Magic failing to hit any; as a result, the visitors kept their deficit around 10 as they lived at the line. The Magic’s lead stayed around that margin for the next four minutes as the Bucks’ parade to the charity stripe continued (though they kept missing when they got there). In fact, Milwaukee didn’t hit a field goal for over six minutes, but remarkably, they remained (somewhat) in the game. In the end, though, Wagner was too much, leading his side to their first home victory of the season.

Stat That Stood Out

The Bucks were atrocious from the free throw line, making just 18 of 31 attempts in a game they lost by eight. Kyle Kuzma shot a staggering 7/15 on his own!

Obscene Overreaction

I physically cannot watch Kuzma-ball anymore, man. It’s buyout time (even though I get that he has no incentive to want that).