LeBron James was as still as a statue during the national anthem before Thursday’s game between the 76ers and Cavaliers.
Video from the Philadelphia Inquirer showed James straight-faced with his arms behind his back while the anthem played at Wells Fargo Arena, a stark contrast to his movements before Philadelphia’s season-opener against the Knicks.
President Donald Trump posted a video on his Truth Social platform on Thursday criticizing Sixers forward LeBron James for pregame stretching during the national anthem before Tuesday’s Sixers-Knicks season opener.
During the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” on Tuesday, video spread on social media of James swinging his arms and mimicking shooting motions.
President Donald Trump caught wind of the viral video and slammed the 22-time All-Star’s antics, saying that he should apologize for disrespecting the United States.
“While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country!” Trump said in a scathing post on Truth Social Thursday afternoon. “I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE.
“LeBron James should apologize to all of those Great American Warriors and Heroes who died for the American Flag, and all that our Country stands for!”
James, 41, has yet to publicly comment on Trump’s comments or why he was performing different movements during the national anthem.
The situation also comes while the WNBA is facing heat for players on the Dream and Valkyries jogging off the court before the anthem during the Finals, with Vice President JD Vance calling the action “disgraceful.”
LeBron James standing for the anthem before the 76ers game against the Cavaliers on Oct. 22, 2026 at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“I think that you should not express some criticism of a public policy of a given politician by disrespecting the country writ large,” Vance said during an interview on the “Arroyo Grande” podcast Wednesday. “I mean, those women who play for the WNBA, think of the public safety, think of the incredible wealth and privilege, the amazing jobs that they have.”
Both teams, however, say that it’s a part of their routine before the game, claiming that they have left the court for the anthem all season.
President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before walking to board Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on Oct. 22, 2026. AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite
“We’ve been doing that,” Valkyries guard Veronica Burton told reporters before Game 2. “That’s just our pregame routine.
The Minnesota Wild will be without forward Maxim Shabanov for Thursday night's game due to an upper-body injury.
Wild head coach John Hynes indicated following Thursday's morning skate that the team had one game-time decision among its forwards. That player turned out to be Shabanov, who will not suit up tonight.
The 26-year-old Russian winger has appeared in all 10 games for Minnesota this season, recording two goals and four assists for six points while averaging 14:57 of ice time per game.
Shabanov has been a productive contributor for the Wild early in the 2026-27 season, ranking fifth among Minnesota players in points.
Over his last five games, Shabanov has recorded one goal and two assists for three points. He scored against the Vegas Golden Knights on Oct. 12 before registering assists in consecutive games against the St. Louis Blues and Columbus Blue Jackets.
He was held off the scoresheet in Minnesota's 4-3 overtime loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday.
Shabanov is in his second NHL season after joining the Wild from Russia. Through 54 career NHL games, the 5-foot-9 winger has recorded seven goals and 17 assists for 24 points.
His absence leaves Minnesota without another offensive contributor as the Wild continue to navigate injuries throughout their lineup.
The severity of Shabanov's injury and whether he will miss additional time beyond Thursday's game remain unclear.
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Backup guard Collin Sexton was taken off of the team’s injury report and is expected to be available for Friday’s home game against the Clippers after dealing with a strained right soleus (calf).
Sexton sat out of Wednesday’s season-opening win over the Warriors and the entire preseason with the injury.
The Lakers’ backcourt is about to get a lot healthier. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
He was a full participant in practice for the first time on Monday, but sat out against the Warriors.
“No setback, no setback,” coach JJ Redick said Wednesday. “Collaborative decision with performance, everyone involved. I always say this, with soft tissue injuries, the athlete has to have confidence and full confidence.”
Sexton’s debut will give the Lakers another reliable ball-handler behind superstar guard Luka Doncic and star guard Austin Reaves.
With the rotation being shortened, Quentin Grimes was used as a reserve on Wednesday and last Friday’s preseason finale loss to the Nuggets to give the Lakers another backcourt ball-handler off the bench.
Backup guard Collin Sexton was taken off of the team’s injury report and is expected to be available for Friday’s home game against the Clippers after dealing with a strained right soleus (calf). NBAE via Getty Images
“I definitely feel like when I’m watching the games, I’m more eager to get out there,” Sexton said earlier in the week. “I’m super excited to get out there, and I can see where I can fit in pretty easily. Even just on the defensive side, bringing that energy, bringing that juice and trying to disrupt. Not always turning the ball over and get someone to turn it over for just disrupt and bring the clock down.
“And then offensively, getting to the paint. That’s something that I’ve done really well in my career. And then spacing, making sure I’m spacing for the guys like Luka, AR, even just when Walker [Kessler] gets in the pocket, being ready to shoot on the back side. So, just finding ways that I can help the team, when I’m watching the game, and even just watching, I watched a few of the games after that just to see as well.”
More encouraging news came on the injury report with Jake LaRavia being listed as questionable because of a sprained right ankle he suffered during the fourth quarter of Wednesday’s win.
Jake LaRavia could play against the Clippers after a scary injury against the Warriors. NBAE via Getty Images
NEW YORK - CIRCA 1979: Ron Duguay #10 of the New York Rangers skates against the New York Islanders during an NHL Hockey game circa 1979 at Madison Square Garden in the Manhattan borough of New York City. Duguay’s playing career went from 1977-99. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Getty Images
NEW YORK (AP) — Ron Duguay, whose long, wavy hair made him stick out on the ice during an era when helmets were not mandatory in hockey and who played nearly 1,000 games in the NHL from the late 1970s through the ’80s, has died of cancer. He was 69.
Duguay for several years has been dating Alaska governor and 2008 Republican U.S. vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin, who announced his death after being by his side throughout the illness. A spokesperson for the New York Rangers also confirmed Thursday that Duguay’s family informed the team of his passing.
“It’s with a shattered heart but also deep peace knowing Ron is with Jesus now,” Palin posted on social media. “He fought so hard. Love never ends.”
Duguay’s first six seasons came as a fan favorite with the Rangers, including an appearance in the 1979 Stanley Cup Final, after they selected him with the 13th pick in the ’77 draft.
The Sudbury, Ontario, native was an All-Star as a point-a-game producer in 1981-82.
A series of trades led him to spend time with the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins and Los Angeles Kings with another Rangers stint, as well. Duguay finished his career in the league with 673 points in the regular season and playoffs, then played in Germany and the minors.
“The New York Rangers organization mourns the loss of Ron Duguay, one of the most popular players in franchise history,” the club said in a statement. “Ron’s signature skating style — with his hair flowing as he moved down the ice — captivated the (Madison Square) Garden faithful, and his skill, tenacity and charisma earned him the admiration of all New Yorkers. We join the hockey community in sending our condolences to Ron’s friends, family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Palin and Duguay’s daughter, Shay Thomas, posted several times over the past several months asking for prayers for him. His family started a GoFundMe earlier this year to offset the costs of travel and treatments.
The NHL Alumni Association in a post memorializing Duguay called his dedication and passion for hockey unwavering.
“It was a part of who he was, a lifelong love that he carried with pride and shared so generously with others,” the NHLAA said. “He will be remembered not only for the player he was, but for the extraordinary person he was.”
Long after his playing days, Duguay was known to another generation of Rangers fans for his role on broadcasts from 2007-18.
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Florida Panthers goalie Cooper Black skated onto the PPG Paints Arena ice alone during pregame warmups on Thursday night, a time-honored hockey tradition given to rookies everywhere.
It took Black fewer strides to make the memorable lap than most.
Call it one of the upsides of being 6-foot-9.
Black made NHL history in his first career start when he became the tallest goaltender to ever appear in a regular-season game. Black is listed as two inches taller than Ben Bishop, Ivan Fedotov, Mads Sogaard and Mikko Koskinen, all 6-foot-7.
The 25-year-old from Alpen, Michigan, who started playing when he was 8 and had a 5-inch growth spurt between his junior and senior years in high school when he shot up from 6-0 to 6-5 and kept right on going, was excellent in his first period.
Black, called up from Florida's AHL affiliate in Charlotte recently after Jacob Markstrom went down with a shoulder injury, stopped Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang with his blocker pad on a wrist shot about two minutes in. He also turned aside a breakaway opportunity by Penguins forward Rickard Rakell before giving up a goal to Nick Robertson, who beat Black to the glove side.
Panthers head coach Paul Maurice praised Black's development in recent years. Florida signed Black as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2024. Black blossomed last season in Charlotte, posting a 25-13-4 record with a 2.47 goals against average and a .903 save percentage.
“A man that size, it takes a long time to grow into that body,” Maurice said before adding with a laugh, “I think he’s done.”
The Dodgers won the trade deadline with the acquisition of Tarik Skubal — but that doesn’t mean they ultimately prevailed.
The Brewers were reportedly in the mix to land Skubal in a blockbuster trade, but Milwaukee managed to sweep the Dodgers despite losing out on the two-time American League Cy Young Award winner.
“This team was built, not bought. It’s critical to look at how we got here, and because I want to have sustained success, we had to do that by being careful about how many prospects we gave up,” Attanasio said.
Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) reacts during the fifth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers in game one of the NLCS for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
“I thought a lot about it. If we had not won that Game 4, we would’ve seen Skubal and [Yoshinobu Yamamoto] again, and we could’ve been looking at Game 7.”
Milwaukee Brewers Chairman and Principal Owner Mark Attanasio speaks at a press conference before a workout session prior to the World Series, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Dodgers had the highest payroll of MLB’s final four teams, but were eliminated in four games by Milwaukee.
Attanasio’s comments ring true, the Brewers have taken years to build a winning team and it appears the squad has a strong chance of hoisting the Commissioner’s Trophy. But many of the Dodgers’ biggest critics tend to overlook the team’s top farm system.
While money is no object for the Dodgers, the team wouldn’t have won back-to-back World Series if the organization didn’t have the ability to make blockbuster trades because of its top prospects.
Milwaukee Brewers players react to winning NLCS Game 4 against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026. Carlin Stiehl for CA Post
Skubal didn’t guarantee the Dodgers another ring, but it certainly improved their chances.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts after being called for a foul during the first quarter of a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden in New York, Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026.
Karl-Anthony Towns provided a reminder of one of comedy’s greatest lessons.
“I feel like all jokes,” Towns said after Knicks practice Thursday, “have some truth to [them], right?”
Karl-Anthony Towns reacts after being called for a foul during the first quarter of the Knicks’ season-opening loss to the 76ers at Madison Square Garden. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
This joke once again has become a Knicks reality.
Towns got into early foul trouble during the season-opening 106-100 loss to the 76ers on Tuesday night at Madison Square Garden. It limited him to just 23 minutes — and only six in the first half.
It was a recurring flaw last season. Towns, due to foul trouble, only played 23 minutes and had just two points in the Knicks’ championship-clinching win in Game 5 of the NBA Finals.
Most maddening is that often Towns’ fouls aren’t preventing layups or making an opponent earn it at the line. He is picking up cheap, avoidable ones on the offensive end.
Head coach Mike Brown believes he’s too good to be doing that.
“This is known because we talk about it, and he got better [last season], to his credit,” Brown said Thursday. “He got better as the year went along. This is a new year, new team, new challenges, but I don’t want him to take 10 steps backwards. But if he takes a couple steps backward, and we gotta figure it out, I’m OK with it.
Karl-Anthony Towns looks to make a move as Joel Embiid defends during the Knicks’ season-opening loss to the 76ers. NBAE via Getty Images
“And where I’m going with it is, the 3-pointer that he shot with [Tyrese] Maxey closing out to him, he did [commit a foul]. He stuck his leg out, trying to [draw a foul]. He’s a good enough player to where he doesn’t need to look for and/or try to draw the foul; just make the basket. Some guys say, you’re like, ‘Hey man, try to get fouled here when you’re doing it.’ No, no, no, KAT, you’re a freaking perennial All-Star. So just make the bucket, and if he happens to foul you, then great.”
Andre Drummond filled in admirably in the first half Tuesday with Towns forced to the bench.
But that expanded workload is not ideal for the 33-year-old Drummond, who Brown said looked fatigued in the second half.
Towns’ foul woes are a big reason the depth behind him at center was such a talking point this past offseason.
“Obviously, I never want to put my team in that kind of position,” Towns said. “So I have to do a better job, not only in the regular season but in the postseason, to make sure I’m available for my team.”
Todd Benzinger of the Cincinnati Reds plays during the 1990 World Series against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum in Oakland, Calif.
Todd Benzinger, a key member of the Reds’ 1990 World Series championship team, died on Wednesday, the team announced.
He was 63.
“Todd will forever be remembered by Reds fans for catching the final out of the 1990 World Series, but those of us who had the privilege of knowing him will remember so much more,” Rick Walls, executive director of the Reds Hall of Fame Museum, said in a statement.
“Todd remained close to the Cincinnati community and was a tremendous friend to the Reds Hall of Fame and Museum, generously participating in our events and sharing his time with fans. We will miss his friendship, his kindness and his presence in our community.”
Cincinnati Reds’ Todd Benzinger in action at first base. Sporting News via Getty Images
The first baseman’s cause of death has yet to be announced, but Hall of Fame shortstop Barry Larkin, a Reds teammate of Benzinger, said that his death came as a “shock.”
“I saw him at an event this past summer in Cincinnati and he looked good. It’s kind of a shock out of nowhere,” Larkin told MLB.com. “I know he’s got some young kids, so I feel really bad for his family.”
A Cincinnati-area native, Benzinger was drafted by the Red Sox out of high school in 1981 and spent two MLB seasons in Boston before being traded to his hometown Reds during the 1988 offseason.
Benzinger spent parts of three seasons with the Reds before they dealt him to the Royals midway through the 1991 season.
His most famous moment in Cincinnati was catching the final out in Game 4 of the 1990 World Series to seal the Reds’ most recent championship.
Oakland Athletics’ Jose Canseco is almost picked off by Boston Red Sox first baseman Todd Benzinger during the first inning of a baseball game in Oakland, Calif. AP Photo/PAUL SAKUMA
Across his nine-year MLB career, Benzinger put up a slash line of .257/.301/.386 with 733 hits and 376 RBIs in 924 games.
After retiring in 1995, Benzinger maintained a close relationship with the Reds and was a regular at select events and team camps.
He also managed the Dayton Dragons, Cincinnati’s High-A affiliate, from 2009-10.
“He was a super nice guy,” Larkin said. “He was always a hard worker, not real loud. Just about doing his business. He was just a steady, consistent contributor. There was no craziness about him. He fit in well with the team.
SAN DIEGO, CA - OCTOBER 06: Xander Bogaerts #2 of the San Diego Padres celebrates after defeating the Milwaukee Brewers in Game Three of the National League Division Series presented by Booking.com at Petco Park on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
Welcome to our series grading every member of the San Diego Padres’ 40-man roster. The roster being evaluated is current as of Oct. 18, prior to the end of the World Series. Because of that, it will include players who will be free agents once the postseason concludes. Each player will be graded on their performance in the 2026 season, including the playoffs. That performance will be weighted based on how much time the player spent with the team (availability is the best ability).
The Veteran Shortstop
When Xander Bogaerts was signed to an 11-year, $280 million contract prior to the 2023 season (wow, that’s still insane to think about), he was expected to man shortstop for the next several years for San Diego. He’s done so faithfully and has been available for the majority of his tenure thus far. Bogaerts has played in 130-plus games in three of four seasons with the Padres. However, he has yet to perform better than his first year in San Diego (4.2 Wins Above Replacement).
Overall Grade: C+
Bogaerts’ production has continued to decline year by year. This season was no different, with the shortstop posting a .231/.332/.344 slash line and 13 home runs. The homer total was an increase from the last two seasons, but his batting average took a sharp downturn. Bogaerts’ bat was downright anemic apart from certain portions of the year.
That being said, Bogaerts ended the season batting .315 in September and slashed .286/.348/.476 with a home run in the playoffs. His defense took a step back from his stellar performance in 2025 (+6 Fielding Run Value, +7 Outs Above Average), but he was still solid at the position with +4 FRV and +3 OAA. Bogaerts manned shortstop faithfully for the Friars, playing in 151 games for San Diego.
The biggest question for Bogaerts is whether his offense can return to form. Since joining San Diego, he has yet to prove he can make a difference with his bat apart from a solid 2023 campaign. That being said, Bogaerts was somewhat unlucky in 2026. The veteran shortstop batted .231 with an expected batting average of .248. That’s not a great deal better, but it’s certainly an improvement.
James Harden got a very Philly welcome in his first game of the 2026-27 NBA season.
Philadelphia 76ers fans booed loudly at tipoff on Thursday, Oct. 22 when the 11-time All-Star started the game with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His teammate, Jarrett Allen, tipped the ball back to Harden and Harden dribbled the ball forward for the first possession of the game as the jeers rained down from the rafters at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
He was booed again when he took his place at the free throw line at the 9:19 mark after he was fouled by VJ Edgecombe. Harden missed the first free throw, but made the second to make the score 7-5 for the Cavaliers.
At the end of the first quarter, Cleveland was up 35-18.
HOUSTON, TX - OCTOBER 21: Kevin Durant #7 of the Houston Rockets and Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks look on during the game on October 21, 2026 at the Toyota Center in Houston, 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
The Houston Rockets opened their 2026-27 campaign against a familiar foe on Wednesday. The Rockets welcomed the Dallas Mavericks to Toyota Center to open the season after facing the same team twice in China to open the preseason. The Rockets split those two games, with both teams resting starters, so little can be taken from them.
Ime Udoka spoke to the media before the game and gave an update on Steven Adams, stating he was a game-time decision as he was dealing with a sore calf that first appeared after Tuesday’s practice. Udoka also stated to SB Nation that the double big lineup the Rockets have implemented the past two seasons will be more matchup-based this season, but that he still feels confident in that lineup and will use it throughout the season.
Adams was eventually ruled out right before game time, with the hope that he would return for either Friday’s game against the San Antonio Spurs or Sunday’s game vs. the Atlanta Hawks. The Rockets went with their preseason starting lineup as Fred VanVleet made his first start in over a year. The Rockets were hoping to get off to a fast start in Wednesday’s game as they kicked off a very important season.
Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks
The Rockets didn’t get off to the best start, falling behind 0-4 before making three straight baskets, including back-to-back 3-pointers from Alperen Sengun and Fred VanVleet. Both teams eventually found their footing as the lead went back and forth early. There were also early fireworks as Tari Eason shoved PJ Washington, which led to a flagrant-two foul and an ejection for Eason only three minutes into his 2026-27 season.
A couple of areas stuck out early in the game. Kevin Durant seemed to be able to get a lot of easier shots now that he doesn’t have to initiate so much of the offense. Also, the Rockets seem to get whatever shot they want in the first quarter.
The Rockets were able to pull away slightly at the end of the quarter as Durant took over late in the quarter, scoring 13 points in the first quarter. The Rockets shot 52 percent, scoring 32 points and leading 32-26 after one quarter.
Rockets started to break the game open in the second quarter as they continued to push the pace, led by Jabari Smith and Kevin Durant. The Rockets went up 17 points after a Smith dunk, which gave him a game-high 16 points. Rockets continue to apply pressure as the Mavericks start to cool off, but the Rockets continue their hot shooting. Rockets led by 32 points, 70-38, after one half of play
The second half was more of the same as the Rockets continued to dominate on both sides of the court. The Mavericks had a brief moment of hope as they cut the Rockets’ lead down to 17, but that is the closest they would get as the Rockets cruised in the fourth quarter winning 128-110 The Rockets were led by a couple of 30-point games from Jabari Smith and Kevin Durant. Alperen Sengun also finished with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
Postgame
After the game as expected the Rockets were in a good mood as Ime Udoka, Fred VanVleet, Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith all spoke to the media. Udoka talked about the Rockets playing at a faster pace finishing with 29 fast break points something he has spoken on ofted leading up to the season.
The biggest story was the return of VanVleet after missing all of last season and everyone said how happy they were to have him back in the lineup. Durant especially spoke on how much of a calming force VanVleet is for the entire team.
Here KD talks about how it was being on the court with Fred for the first time.
VanVleet finished with a game high 11 assist with zero turnovers which is the type of point guard play the Rockets missed all last season. However VanVleet also did well as he has his entire career as a screener especially with Alperen Sengun in the inverted pick and roll. SB Nation asked VanVleet about his chemistry with Sengun.
The Rockets ran a inverted pick and roll a few times tonight with Fred and AlP that led to points.
I asked Fred about the chemistry between him and Sengun.
“It really was natural from the first time we did it. Its some chemistry that yo have with players where it doesn't take… pic.twitter.com/733SegmCyd
The Rockets had 32 assist in their win over the Mavericks and SB Nation asked Durant how much easier does it make it when the ball is moving around the court and everyone is touching the basketball.
The Rockets had 32 assists tonight and I asked KD how much easier does it make it on everyone when the ball is moving like that.
Wednesday’s season open win was the Rockets’ first since their 2017-18 win over the defending champions, the Golden State Warriors, which was led, of course, by Stephen Curry and current Rocket Kevin Durant. The Rockets are back in action Friday as they travel to Austin to take on the San Antonio Spurs as they look to start the season 2-0.
The Knicks are signing free agent forward Dalton Knecht to a two-way deal.
To make room on the roster for Knecht, New York is waiving Kevin McCullar Jr., reports SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley.
Knecht, 25, was waived by the Los Angeles Lakers before the season.
The 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Knecht appeared in 54 games with the Lakers last season, averaging 4.2 points on 45.5 percent shooting (34.2 percent from three) with 1.4 rebounds in 10.2 minutes per game.
Knecht saw much more time in his rookie campaign, with 78 appearances (16 starts) as he averaged 9.1 points on 46.1 percent from the floor (37.6 percent from three on 4.4 attempts) with 2.8 rebounds in 19.2 minutes per game.
New York's other two-way players are Tyler Nickel and Jaden Akins.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 21: Luka Doncic #77 of the Los Angeles Lakers shares a laugh with Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during the second half of a game at Crypto.com Arena on October 21, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Before I get started, I know I gotta drop the health disclaimers
The Golden State Warriors walked into Crypto.com Arena on Wednesday without their starting small forward, their starting center, their starting shooting guard, and the backup behind him. Jimmy Butler is still rehabbing the ACL, Kristaps Porzingis is out with an injury that none of my buddies can explain, Brandin Podziemski’s back flared up, and Moses Moody is months away after patellar tendon repair. Steph Curry even played on a sprained right ankle.
But there was still plenty to glean from that opening game, and that 127-105 final provides some clues about what the Lakers are capable of. For most of the last decade, they were the franchise standing outside GSW’s party, pressing their face against the glass. Wednesday night felt like the first time they looked back through it at the Dubs, with a vengeance.
The big man Walker Kessler kicked in the door in his first game with the Lake Show, going 12-for-12 from the field for 26 points and nine rebounds in his Lakers debut. The only Laker with a cleaner night was Wilt Chamberlain going 14-for-14 in 1969. The highlight to take away from him last night was Luka lobbing it up and Kessler slamming it home with the Warriors spending the rest of the night watching the sequel and the director’s cut.
Every time a Lakers guard turned the corner, the Warriors had to choose between stopping the ball and staying home on the big man. With Porzingis in street clothes there was no seven-footer back there to make that choice easier. Too often they got caught in between, and Kessler spent the night catching lobs like Randy Moss.
Then there’s Luka Doncic giving Yaxel Lendeborg a taste of professional basketball, combining shotmaking and foulbaiting to a degree that drove the rookie mad. Luka finished with 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, was a plus-31 in 29 minutes. When a star player gets to eat popcorn for the final minutes of opening night, you got whooped.
It’d be a shame not to mention the impact from Luka’s backcourt mate Austin Reaves, who put up 23 points and six assists and went 10-for-10 from the line on just 11 field goal attempts. That’s what happens when a defense gets stretched two ways at once. The Warriors were sending help at Luka, Kessler’s rolls dragged the back line into the paint, and Reaves kept attacking with somebody’s hip half a step late. Reaves is the reason you can’t load up on Luka, and Kessler is the reason you can’t load up on Reaves.
The Lakers shot 57% percent and held Golden State to 8-of-36 from three. Steph scored 23 on a bad ankle, but the Lakers’s double-digit margin ballooned after three quarters, and the rest was waste management time. This was a statement game from a reimagined Lakers squad built around that aforementioned Big 3. For most of the GSW dynasty, the Lakers were the team the Warriors used as target practice. And although L.A. won the 2020 bubble title, GSW’s 2022 ring made it feel like a footnote. Yes, LeBron and AD bounced Golden State in the 2023 second round, but Denver swept them right after, and that era never climbed back to the top.
Now LeBron is in Philadelphia, and what L.A. built in his place looks younger and meaner. Luka is 27, Reaves is in his prime, and Kessler is the anchor they never had around Luka. And they’re rising right as Steph and Draymond stare at the back nine of their careers. Round two comes October 30 in an NBA Cup game, and I already know Lendeborg has that date circled. I just hope Steve Kerr has somebody circling Walker Kessler.
Two diehard Knicks fans have gone viral for reportedly naming their newborn after the team’s unforgettable championship run.
Yvonne Gonzalez-Bradford and Vance Bradford welcomed their first son, “Knickson Fyve Bradford,” on Aug. 8 after New York’s historic NBA Finals victory over the San Antonio Spurs this summer, the couple told Today this week.
Knickson Fyve Bradford was born on Aug. 8, 2026. Instagram/@ygb.nyc
The idea for the name came after the Bradfords opened the windows of their Long Island City high-rise apartment and heard elated revelers chanting “Knicks in five!”– after the team clinched their first title in 53 years, the outlet reported.
The next day, Bradford recalled his wife looking at him and asking, “What if we give our son a name for a champion? What about Knickson?”
Gonzalez-Bradford, who was 7 months pregnant at the time, later suggested Fyve as Knickson’s middle name.
“Five is also an indivisible number. So he’s our indivisible champion,” the mom said. “You can hear him cooing in the background right now.”
The idea for the legendary name came after the Bradfords opened the windows of their Long Island City high-rise apartment and heard elated revelers chanting “Knicks in five!” Instagram/@ygb.nyc
Bradford’s late mother, Sydell Johnson, was the scorekeeper for the team during their last championship in 1973. She passed away unexpectedly last year, making Knickson’s arrival all the more significant for the family.
“I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh, Ma, you went up there and you sent us one,’” he said. “She sent down a Knicks championship!”
The little champion has since gone viral on Instagram, racking up hundreds of thousands of views and a repost from Spike Lee of pictures of him swaddled in Knicks gear with a plush basketball by his side.
“If he turns out to be a Celtics fan or a Sixers fan, again he’s still Knickson Bradford, who is in the boardroom,” the dad said.
“We wanted to have a very strong and firm name that would lead to a cool life. Knickson Fyve is definitely our motto. Knickson Fyve forever!”
After seven games, Nottingham Forest’s record is eerily similar to last season: five points, five goals scored. A year ago Forest’s eighth game was a 3-0 home loss to Chelsea that marked the end for Ange Postecoglou, the second of four managers to occupy the dugout last term. There is no suggestion that Oliver Glasner is under similar scrutiny yet, but the Austrian needs to find solutions for the league’s lowest scorers. Morgan Gibbs-White is available after missing the narrow defeat by Arsenal, while Liam Delap may benefit from a return to familiar surroundings – 12 of his 14 career Premier League goals were scored for Ipswich, six of them at Portman Road. “What we need to improve is getting [Delap] into more positions where he can score,” Glasner said before Friday evening’s game. “He’s one of our best finishers.” Gary O’Neil also lacks a standout scorer, but he is squeezing goals out of his side. Eight different Ipswich players have scored in seven games; only Brighton and Brentford can better that total this season. Niall McVeigh
Ipswich v Nottingham Forest, Friday 8pm BST
Aston Villa v Manchester City, Saturday 12.30pm BST
