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Jayson Tatum got a ‘surreal’ first look playing alongside Paul George

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 10: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 10, 2026 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

For the first time in his professional career, Jayson Tatum wasn’t alongside longtime co-star Jaylen Brown.

It was different. Not bad. But different.

Instead of taking the floor with the other half of the Jays, Tatum shared it with 36-year-old Paul George — a future Hall of Famer nearing the final stage of his career. Tatum grew up watching George torch the Eastern Conference during his heyday and welcomed PG-13 with open arms as Boston thrashed the Sixers 144-106 in a preseason win at TD Garden on Saturday night.

“It’s kind of surreal, a little bit,” Tatum told reporters, per CLNS Media.

Change, most times, can be difficult. It can even be uncomfortable. But for Tatum, having George along for the ride this upcoming season is a change the 28-year-old superstar is looking forward to.

While Tatum began molding his identity as a young prospect coming out of Chaminade College Preparatory School in Creve Coeur, Missouri, he watched George closely from afar. By the time Tatum declared for the 2017 NBA Draft coming out of Duke, George’s name was repeatedly floated as a suitable comparison for Tatum.

“I was in high school, kind of modeling my game after him and watching film of him when I was in high school. In college, I remember I had to be the first player in college to wear PG-1s. I remember that. … That was 2016 or early 2017. So, like, I’ve always been a fan of PG and just to be able to be his teammate and learn from him, him to take on the role of being a mentor of assistance to myself and other guys, who’ve obviously watched him play for a long time, it’s cool to be a part of.”

It took a while for George to get going. He missed his first four shot attempts before knocking down an open top-of-the-key 3-pointer, extending Boston’s lead to 18 points late in the second quarter and forcing Philadelphia into a timeout. George immediately crouched down, looking directly at the parquet as if letting out a sigh of relief after finally getting on the board for the first time as a Celtic.

Although he finished with only 3-of-10 shooting for 13 points in 24 minutes, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla already envisions what George will bring to the team this upcoming season.

“He’s got great instincts,” Mazzulla told reporters, per CLNS Media. “Great instincts. Great technique. Great positioning. It’s something he takes pride in, but I do think it’s very contagious.”

George grabbed five rebounds, tallied four assists, and recorded five steals in the win. Meanwhile, Brown joined Sixers teammates Joel Embiid, LeBron James, Anfernee Simons, and Tacko Fall in sitting out the preseason duel and instead watched Boston’s offensive clinic — supposedly from Philadelphia’s locker room — elsewhere.

Before the game, Brown warmed up alongside Tatum, albeit on the opposite side of the court. The scene reinforced what had already become official, marking the beginning of a new chapter in both their respective careers and the next page in the historic Celtics-Sixers rivalry.

It’s not only a challenge for the millions of Celtics fans still mourning Brown’s departure and struggling to bear the sight of him playing alongside LeBron. It’s an adjustment for Tatum, too, who spent years sharing the spotlight with Brown and is now Boston’s undisputed alpha.

For the first time in his NBA career, Tatum will enter a season without Brown by his side. The expectations, however, remain unchanged. They didn’t leave with Brown for Philadelphia.

Tatum is now set to share the floor with a player he grew up idolizing — one he’s eager to learn from as the Celtics enter a new era.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Tatum told reporters.

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MMBets: The Blazers Continue To Confuse

PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 27: Scoot Henderson #00 of the Portland Trail Blazers drives to the basket during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 27, 2026 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

I really don’t have much hope for Portland this year.

That is not because the roster lacks talent. It is almost the opposite.

There might be too many talented players who need to do the same things.

Portland surprised everyone last season by winning 42 games and making the playoffs, and a huge reason why was that they could basically run the offense through Deni Avdija all game. His usage jumped to 28.5 percent, he became an All-Star and the Blazers finally had a clear offensive identity. Now Ja Morant and Damian Lillard are walking into that offense, while Jrue Holiday and Scoot Henderson are still on the roster.

Portland Trail Blazers: Over/Under 41.5 wins

Over: -110
Under: -115
To win NBA Championship: +7000
To win Western Conference: +3500
To win Northwest Division: +3300

Last season: 42-40, eighth in the West, lost in the first round

Key additions: Ja Morant, Damian Lillard returning from injury, Jeremy Sochan, Branden Carlson, Micah Potter
Key losses: Jerami Grant, Kris Murray, Matisse Thybulle, Blake Wesley
Coaching change: Micah Nori replaces Tiago Splitter.

My biggest problem is that I do not understand how the offense is supposed to work.

Morant needs the ball. Lillard has spent his entire career with the ball. Avdija just had the best season of his career because Portland finally gave him the ball. Scoot still needs developmental reps, and Holiday averaged 16.3 points and 6.1 assists last year and is still expecting a real role. Even Portland’s own preseason coverage has centered around how crowded this backcourt is and how many players need touches.

The spacing does not make me feel much better. Morant shot 23.5 percent from three last season. Avdija is much more effective getting downhill than standing around. If you put those two next to Clingan and another non-shooting big or wing, it becomes really easy to picture the same kind of offensive issues Dallas had when it tried to play Anthony Davis with a bunch of wings and limited shooting.

That is why I think Portland went away from what made last season work. Instead of continuing to build around Avdija, Clingan and Camara, they added another ball-dominant guard to a roster that already had too many guards. They may have added talent, but I am not convinced they made themselves a better basketball team.

I do love Nori, and he is probably the thing that gives me the most pause. If he figures out the hierarchy quickly, this could work. But asking a first-time head coach to balance Morant, Lillard, Avdija, Holiday, and Scoot while also maintaining the defense is a lot.

Portland slightly overachieved last season anyway. They went 42-40 despite finishing 20th in offensive rating with a negative net rating, and their expected record was closer to 40-42. I think they are talented enough to hang around the Play-In. I think last year was more their ceiling than the start of a huge jump.

Prediction: Under 41.5 wins (-115)

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Golden Knights take on the Wild following overtime victory

Vegas Golden Knights (5-1, in the Pacific Division) vs. Minnesota Wild (3-1-1, in the Central Division)

Saint Paul, Minnesota; Monday, 8 p.m. EDT

BOTTOM LINE: The Vegas Golden Knights visit the Minnesota Wild after the Golden Knights took down the Los Angeles Kings 2-1 in overtime.

Minnesota has a 1-0-0 record in home games and a 3-1-1 record overall. The Wild have a +six scoring differential, with 15 total goals scored and nine given up.

Vegas is 5-1 overall and 2-0-0 on the road. The Golden Knights have a 4-1-0 record in games their opponents serve more penalty minutes.

The teams meet Monday for the first time this season.

INJURIES: Wild: Filip Gustavsson: out (hip), Nick Foligno: out (upper body), Olli Maatta: day to day (lower body), Zach Bogosian: day to day (lower body), Marcus Foligno: day to day (lower body), Brock Faber: out (skull).

Golden Knights: Ben Hemmerling: out (undisclosed), Lukas Cormier: out (undisclosed), Victor Olofsson: out (undisclosed), Kai Uchacz: out (undisclosed).

___

The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar.

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Rockets vs. Mavs in China, part deux

MACAO, CHINA - OCTOBER 9: Kevin Durant #7 and Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets high five during the game against the Dallas Mavericks as part of 2026 NBA China Games on October 9, 2026 in Macao, China at Venetian Arena. 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 Logan Riely/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

Houston Rockets vs. Dallas Mavericks

October 11, 2026

Location: The Venetian Arena Macao, China

TV:NBA TV and Space City Home Network
Radio:KBME Sports Talk 790 / KLTN 102.9 (en español)

Probable Starting Lineups

Rockets: Fred Vanvleet, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun

Mavericks: Kyrie Irving, Max Christie, Cooper Flag, P.J. Washington Jr. Dereck Lively II

The Rockets looked good in game one. The Mavs looked like, well, the Mavs. Let’s see if it continues.

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Misfits Managed: 3 Observations as Golden Knights Beat Kings in Low-Scoring Anniversary Game

Las Vegas, N.V.– When I spoke to James Neal on Thursday, the original Golden Misfit repeatedly used the word “fun” to describe the Vegas Golden Knights’ inaugural season. In fact, Neal said that season was the most fun year of his hockey career. So, it’s pretty ironic that the game celebrating the ninth anniversary of that 2017-18 team was slow, boring, and not very fun at all.

Actually, maybe it was fitting– this game was a nice callback to the first playoff series that the Golden Knights ever played, which was also against the Los Angeles Kings. There wasn’t much offense to be found in that four-game series; there were only 10 total goals.

On a night celebrating the original Golden Knights team, it didn’t really matter how ugly the game was. What mattered was that in the end, they came out on top. 

“There was a lot of back and forth,” said Shea Theodore following the Golden Knights’ 2-1 overtime win. “You know, I didn’t think there was a ton of action, but it’s good to get the win, especially in overtime.”

1. Big Time Kill

Historically, the Golden Knights aren’t an undisciplined team. Tonight, however, they took two back-to-back penalties in the first period, which gave the Kings a full minute and 31 seconds of 5-on-3. With Nic Dowd and Brayden McNabb– two of the Golden Knights’ best penalty killers– both in the box, things didn’t look great for the home team.

The Kings only managed two shots on goal.

“I liked their compete,” said goaltender Carter Hart following the win. “They got in lanes and tied up sticks, so [the Kings] weren’t getting second opportunities, and got a lot of big clears. Our PK's been solid.”

After LA’s power play expired, the Golden Knights looked like the more inspired team. For the rest of the night, they collectively outshot the Kings 27-19.

“[The 5-on-3 kill] energized us,” said head coach Ryan Craig. “I thought the building got alive after that. Our guys did a real good job, and our game kind of took off there. I liked our start; we just ended up getting a couple penalties. But Carter came up big when we needed him to make a save.

“I liked our pressure,” Craig continued. “I liked how those guys that were on the ice closed and didn’t allow them to reset the puck. So for me, it was a huge moment of the game and gave us a chance for our power play to take advantage.”

2. If You’re a Goaltender…

It’s still early in the season, but so far the Golden Knights have enjoyed solid performances in net from both goaltenders. Tonight, goaltender Carter Hart earned third star of the game after stopping 26 of the 27 shots he faced.

“It’s our expectation with both of [our goaltenders],” said head coach Ryan Craig. “Tonight, Carter, right from the start, including during the 5-on-3 kill, was consistent. I thought he saw the puck well. He let the game come to him. They didn’t have much there in the 2nd period, and sometimes you can get chasing the game, looking to get involved. He was ready when we needed him in the third.”

You can tell when a team isn’t confident playing in front of their goaltender. For the Golden Knights, that couldn’t be further from the truth. 

“We have so much confidence in our goalies,” said Mitch Marner following the win. “And they have so much confidence in themselves, no matter what happens in small moments.”

3. KillaTrav? Nah, KillaTrev

Not many 20-year-old rookies find themselves on the top power play unit with only six NHL games under their belt. But with Victor Olofsson sidelined with an injury, Trevor Connelly is getting the opportunity of a lifetime on the top power play unit. 

​​“It’s a shooter spot because of how our power play is set up,” said head coach Ryan Craig. “You can’t defer in that spot. Trevor can make plays— we’ve seen it a few times. That’s what we wanted to continue to do. Those four guys support him 100% with what he’s doing there. 

“He can’t just be a shooter,” Craig continued. “We have to recover pucks and look to attack. 
Yes, it’s all most likely going to run through Jack as we start a power play, Jack and Mitch. But where it goes from there, and off puck recovery, your second-chance opportunities… Trevor’s got to attack, right? 
From the weak side, we don’t necessarily just need to reset it back to the other side. We can attack, and he can make plays off that side.”

Two nights ago, Toronto Maple Leafs goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky sprawled out to deny Connelly his first NHL power play goal. Tonight, Connelly converted on a very similar play.

“I loved [seeing] it,” said Mitch Marner following the 2-1 win. “I’ve really enjoyed hanging out with him. Super great kid. He loves the game and has so much fun out there… He’s a great hockey player. You see his hockey sense out there. He just reads the plays so well. He makes so many great offensive plays, and he’s really building his defensive game as well.

“It’s been great to see, and he’s only going to get better,” Marner finished. “If he’s got questions to ask, I’ll answer them, and always try to help him out.”

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Takeaways from the Ducks 4-2 Win over the Flames

To wrap up their brief early-season Canadian road trip, the Anaheim Ducks were hosted by the Calgary Flames on Saturday evening in Calgary. 

The Ducks entered Saturday with a 3-1-0 record and a day removed from defeating the previously undefeated Winnipeg Jets on Friday by a score of 5-1.

Their opponent in this game entered having lost all four of their games to open the season in regulation by a combined score of 23-6.

Takeaways from the Ducks 5-1 Win over the Jets

Takeaways from the Ducks 5-2 Loss to the Oilers

Having made seemingly successful wholesale changes to his depth chart ahead of their game against the Jets, Joel Quenneville only made one change in this game: inserting Frank Vatrano onto the listed third line in place of AJ Greer. 

Here’s how the Ducks lined up to start this game: 

Sennecke-Carlsson-Colangelo

Nesterenko-Granlund-Gauthier

Vatrano-Poehling-Killorn

Malott-Washe-Caulfield

LaCombe-Warren

Mintyukov-Mitchell

Hinds-Luneau

Ville Husso got his first start of the year. His first action of the year came in relief in the third period of the Ducks’ loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday, where he stopped both shots he faced. In this one, he saved 27 of 29 shots. Opposing Husso in Calgary’s crease was Dustin Wolf, who stopped 24 of 28. 

This was a costly two points for the Ducks, who had to play without star forward Cutter Gauthier for the final 50 minutes of the hockey game, after he left for the locker room with an upper-body injury. 

Center Ryan Poehling scored the game-winning goal, shorthanded, with 14:25 remaining in the game, but after the puck went into the net, he was tripped, and he crashed into the post, right leg first. He was helped off the ice by the training staff and did not return. 

Game Notes

The Ducks played the majority of this game with 11 forwards and the last 14 minutes with ten. Jackson LaCombe was seemingly benched for the final ten minutes of the second period, so for that stretch, they relied on just five defensemen. 

Calgary was by far the fresher and hungrier team of the two, as they were physical from puck-drop, orchestrated lengthy offensive zone sequences, and generated scoring chances off Anaheim’s mistakes. Fortunately for the Ducks, their talent won out, and Ville Husso made numerous difficult saves when the Flames were pressing.

Jackson LaCombe: As mentioned, LaCombe sat for ten minutes to end the second period. He carried the highest percentage of responsibility on Calgary’s first goal, finding himself too aggressive and deep in the offensive zone when the Flames had clear possession, moving up ice. A lackadaisical effort led to a second puck crossing the Ducks’ goal line, but it was called back, and the play was ruled offside. 

He notched his first goal of the season early in this game, but the Ducks will need a more dogged effort from their No.1 defenseman when they’re facing adversity and up against stiffer competition. 

Breakouts: After seemingly solving their d-zone exit issues during their last game against Winnipeg, the Ducks again struggled to get pucks into neutral ice from their end. Defensemen did well to draw forecheckers low before sending pucks to their outlets, but those second touches out of the zone were often bobbled or turned over, leading to several extended cycle sequences. 

Frank Vatrano: Vatrano was reinserted into the Ducks lineup and put forth an effortful performance, highlighted by a significant goal late in the first period to give his club a 2-1 lead. He was impactful on the forecheck, finished his hits, and, as displayed by his tally, he battled hard in the small, dangerous areas of the ice. 

Due to the injuries sustained, his ice time was limited as he was often the odd-man out of the 11-forward rotation. However, he was rewarded with three big shifts in the final five minutes of the game when Calgary was pushing to tie. 

Tristan Luneau: With LaCombe sitting for so long, Luneau was the Ducks’ de facto top defenseman in this game, as he led the team in TOI (23:42) and received heavy defensive minutes, not starting a single shift in the offensive zone. Though there were a few instances of hurried retrievals and outlets, he did well to dictate play from the backend and handled his assignments well in the defensive zone. 

The Ducks will travel home to Southern California, where they’ll host this same Flames team on Tuesday at 6:45 pm PST. 

What's the Plan for Ducks Rookie Nikita Klepov?

Takeaways from the Ducks 3-2 OT Win over the Panthers

Takeaways from the Ducks 4-3 Win over the Golden Knights

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Jazz Fan Hatewatch Rankings for 2026

NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 8: AJ Dybantsa #4 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket during the game against the New York Knicks during a 2026 NBA Preseason game on October 8, 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

“ Hate” is a strong word and doesn’t quite fit here, but “teams that you root against the most” doesn’t have a great ring to it. This isn’t real hate, just sports hate. That said, the season is long, and if you’re an NBA head with a League Pass subscription, you sometimes need something to watch on nights the Jazz aren’t on. Here are the top five teams to hate-watch, or root against, this season. Some are for standings/playoff-race reasons, and some are for petty reasons, but both are valid.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves

I know, I know. This isn’t a team Jazz fans find easy to hate. Most Jazz fans root for Rudy Gobert, and now they can root for Cody Williams too. While those players are fun to root for, there are real reasons to hope this team loses. In the upcoming draft, Utah gets the second-best pick of Utah, Cleveland, and Minnesota. This means that Jazz fans should root against all these teams because the worse they do, the better it is for Utah come draft night in 2027. So, even though it’s fun to root for Rudy Gobert, who still has strong roots in Utah, it helps the Jazz in a small way each time they lose. This includes next year, when Utah will still be receiving picks from the Rudy Gobert trade.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder

This is for purely petty reasons. I have no problem admitting that I am a hater. I remember last season when the Oklahoma City Thunder tried to ruin the Jazz’s tank to keep their pick. Instead of letting other teams do the same, Sam Presti and the Oklahoma City Thunder tried to meddle, nay, snitch, on the Jazz for what they were doing. You can absolutely attribute the fine the Jazz received to the Thunder and the outside pressure not to continue the tank. That pressure might have folded lesser, weaker-minded front offices like the Kings or Pelicans, but the Jazz held strong, and it worked. Now, Sam Presti has to watch as the Jazz turned the pick that could have been his into Darryn Peterson, who will start competing for the playoffs and beyond for years to come. For that disrespect and act of war, I will enjoy every Thunder loss. Every time the cheap-o Thunder ownership forces the front office to trade off players to save a little cap, I’ll enjoy it. Every time the Thunder fall short, I’ll be there, absorbing the Presti tears like a hate-plant needing water.

3. Cleveland Cavaliers

Yes, Donovan Mitchell quit on the Jazz in the Dallas Mavericks series to force a trade he was pushing for behind closed doors. Yes, every time he loses a playoff series, it validates the trades made four years ago. Those are reasons alone to hate-watch the Cavaliers. But on top of that, the Jazz still have 1st-round picks and swaps from the Cavs for the Donovan Mitchell trade. Every loss helps the Utah Jazz in a real way. This upcoming season, Utah has the second-most favorable of the three picks in the UTA/MIN/CLE group. They have a first-round swap in 2028, plus the two most favorable picks in the UTA/MIN/CLE group in 2029. So, hate-away Jazz fans, because the Cavs losing helps Utah a lot.

2. Washington Wizards

This is for the most unhinged haters. We have nothing against the Wizards, really. The Jazz and Wizards are in two different conferences. Both have been seeking a cornerstone star, and both likely have one now. But because of the rumors this summer that the Wizards front office tried to stir up (the ones pushing Ace Bailey and the Jazz’s pick for the #1 pick), and because they drafted AJ Dybantsa regardless, it’s enough to create a real hate watch. Also, for some reason, as fans, you just want to see your pick play better than theirs. I don’t know why, I don’t understand it, but there’s been a lot of animosity between the Wizards and Jazz fanbases. Both want to say their player is better. On top of that, the BYU connection has created some fans internally who have rooted for AJ to somehow prove the Jazz should have traded up for him. All this adds up to me watching a lot of Wizards games and enjoying it when things don’t go well.

1. Los Angeles Lakers

The easiest choice of these. First off, it’s the Lakers. That is immediately a valid reason to have him the Lakers near the top. It’s in the Jazz fan charter or something. On top of that, they traded for a player who didn’t want to be here. Walker Kessler didn’t accept any offers from the Jazz that would have kept him here and made him a core part of this exciting Jazz core. The offers were more than fair and would have made him one of the highest-paid non-all-stars in the league, and at a position that typically doesn’t get overpaid. This is probably my own theory, but I’m guessing Kessler kept turning down Jazz offers until he knew the Jazz’s limit, then leveraged a move to the Lakers because Luka Doncic wanted him on the team. Once again, good on the Jazz for fleeceing the Lakers in the deal. Sure, you can be happy for Kessler getting paid, but I’m a real Utah Jazz fan and will happily root against the Lakers and any player who chose to move to that team. Aside from the Jazz winning, nothing would give me more satisfaction than a dissapointing Lakers and Walker Kessler season.

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Will Shohei Ohtani decide Dodgers' fate in NLCS?

Shohei Ohtani and the Los Angeles Dodgers are back in the National League Championship Series for a third consecutive season.

The Dodgers will be tasked with beating the Milwaukee Brewers, who produced the best record in the league this season. This is the second consecutive season the two teams have met in the NLCS.

Los Angeles managed to sweep Milwaukee in 2025, holding the Brewers' offense to just one run in each game. Ohtani was named the series MVP, having delivered a strong two-way performance.

The Dodgers’ superstar closed out last year's NLCS by pitching six shutout innings while striking out 10. He also hit three home runs in the game.

Will Shohei Ohtani need another strong performance for Dodgers to win?

Ohtani has not been healthy for a good portion of the 2026 season.

He was limited as a pitcher, and hasn’t pitched at all since July 3 due to his injuries. It is unlikely that he will pitch during the postseason.

Ohtani will remain available as a designated hitter, despite dealing with knee inflammation and biceps discomfort. 

The lack of pitching from Ohtani will not diminish Los Angeles' chances of making the World Series. Ohtani did not pitch during his first season with the Dodgers in 2024, but the team captured the World Series title anyway.

He spent the entire 2024 season recovering from right elbow surgery he underwent in September 2023. The four-time MVP reached several career milestones that year and created the 50-50 club after producing 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases.

Shohei Ohtani's NLDS stats

Ohtani produced just two hits and a run in four games against the Atlanta Braves in the 2026 National League Division Series. He did not hit a home run but did steal a base. He was walked twice and struck out four times.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Will Shohei Ohtani decide Dodgers' fate in NLCS?

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Game Recap: The Suns take down Wemby, Spurs, 102-98

Oct 10, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) shoots over San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes (40) in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

On a rainy October night in Downtown Phoenix, the Suns locked in and played one of their most complete games of the preseason.

The Suns are now 1-2 and have two more preseason games left on the schedule before their season opener on October 21st. Phoenix was without Devin Booker and Miles Bridges in this one.

Luke Kennard led all scorers with 20 points on 8-of-15 shooting, including 4-of-10 shooting from deep. He also chipped in with 5 rebounds and 4 assists in 25 minutes. Jalen Green scored 18 points, and Dillon Brooks added 15. Overall, it was another strong showing from the starting unit, even if it was a different starting five this time.

Khaman Maluach got his first start of the preseason, and certainly took advantage of it. He finished with 10 points, 15 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal on 4-for-9 shooting in 23 minutes. Man Man finished plus-14.

Game Flow

First Half

The Suns decided to start Luke Kennard and Ryan Dunn in place of Devin Booker and Miles Bridges. The original plan was for guys not to play in all 5 games, so this was the game off for those two, per Jordan Ott.

Khaman Maluach also drew his first start of the preseason with the Suns going up against Wembanyama’s length. He pulled in 10 boards in his first 11 minutes of action, making the most of his time on the glass.

Jalen Green was aggressive early, hunting for his shot and making plays for others. He has looked really encouraging off the bounce this preseason.

The Suns jumped out to a 22-11 start, led by blistering shooting from Jalen Green, Luke Kennard, Jordan Goodwin, and Dillon Brooks.

Suns started 6-of-8 from three on their opening eight attempts. Jalen Green led the way with a dozen points in the opening quarter.

Luke Kennard let it fly early and often, and showed that he is indeed far more than just a shooter. He was drilling threes, but also attacking closeouts, getting to his spots and cutting without the ball.

Phoenix led after the opening quarter, 35-25. The Suns were actually getting “out-tempoed” in fastbreak points, with the Spurs scoring 15 compared to their 4 in fastbreak points. But it did not feel like it, because they were scoring off turnovers and generating plenty of second-chance points.

The Suns led by as many as 15, but the Spurs fought back to close out the half and trim it to single digits.

Phoenix entered the half leading 58-51. Jalen Green led all scorers with 16 points, and Dylan Harper led the Spurs with 13.

Luke Kennard certainly took the “shoot it more” to heart in this one, as he aggressively looked to get his shot both off the dribble

Second Half

Wembanyama did not start the second half initially, but checked in one minute and four seconds into the quarter.

Maluach had a nice offensive board over Wemby and a put-back two. The very next possession, after he ripped down his 12th rebound of the game, he finished at the rim, going right at Wemby… again! Then he drained a three.

It was the Khaman Maluach show to open the third. The Suns outscored the Spurs by five in the 3rd quarter to extend their lead to 12 points.

Brooks and Green each went for about 9 minutes of action before heading to the bench for the remainder of the game, handing the rest to the bench crew.

After three, Phoenix led 85-73.

In the fourth quarter, there was a whole lot of Jamaree Bouyea, Haywood Highsmith, and Rasheer Fleming. We even got a Koby Brea and Koa Peat sighting!

Then it got to the sloppy “garbage time” part of preseason, even by preseason standards. The Suns held on despite a late-game run from the Spurs to cut the lead down to four with 12 seconds left.

Up Next

Phoenix will travel to San Antonio to face this same Spurs squad for Game 4 of the preseason on Wednesday. We shall see you all then!

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Darcy Kuemper's Heroics Wasted In Kings Overtime Loss

Los Angeles Kings goaltender Darcy Kuemper, back on the crease, delivered one of his best games in a long time, posting his best season performance with several big saves against the Vegas Golden Knights and easing pressure on the Kings' defense. 

The 36-year-old posted 30 saves on 32 shots on Saturday night, anchoring LA's defense on the road against a Western Conference opponent. But it still wasn't enough to give the Kings their first road win of the season in a tough environment. 

The Kings have now started the season off 0-2-2 for the first time in franchise history. Somehow, though, even though they played arguably their best against a quality team, this loss feels much harder to swallow given how close the match came down.

By all means, this was a very winnable game for the visiting team; despite never leading, the Kings were in position to take the lead, especially with Kuemper's crease play giving the offense plenty of chances to take over.  

The game was tied 1-1 after 40 minutes, thanks to Kuemper's strong goaltending, and Artemi Panarin tied the score with a power-play goal in the second period. 

The final period mirrored the opening, with both teams struggling to score and their defenses tightening to stretch the game as long as possible. LA was doing a solid job on the rush, especially on the 3-on-2 break-up, with Drew Doughty stopping a dangerous situation. 

Neither team could control the game or take the lead in the third period to break the tie. For the second time this season, the Kings were headed to extra periods in T-Mobile Arena. 

In overtime, back-to-back plays by Adrian Kempe and Quinton Byfeild looked like they would lead to a game-winning goal and head home, but a big save by Knights goaltender Carter Hart kept the home team alive. 

All those chances, the door was left open for the home team to convert, and they did. Off the faceoff, Mitch Marner spotted the traffic and nailed a shot down the middle, converting on the Knights' power play and finishing 2/3. 

After the game, winner Kuemper, who left it all on the ice, walked off, disappointed, shrugging in disbelief after his best game of the season. 

“We hate losing. We want to win. We've got to use that feeling the right way, find that extra level to be difference makers to find wins, Kuemper said after another close loss.’’

A disappointing season last year and an ugly start to this one, despite playing better tonight, have turned up the volume about ownership and whether this team should move towards rebuilding rather than staying in the middle for the last 10 years already.

Despite the defense playing its best this season, holding Vegas to a season-low two goals, the Kings' offense let them down, especially in the final period, after the defense made quality saves and stops; they failed to capitalize. 

While the Kings played another close one and looked like they wanted it more, the box score didn't show it. They once again struggled on the power play, finishing 1-for-3 and scoring just one goal in their second straight game. 

The positive takeaway from this game was that Kuemper looked excellent on the road against the Knights. If he continues this play, all LA needs to do is work on their offense, and the team will be fine. 

Los Angeles returns to Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday against the Edmonton Oilers beginning their two-game homestand at 7:30 PM PT. 

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Braves News: Tarik Skubal rumor, ALCS matchup, more

The Braves reportedly refused to consider trading Didier Fuentes to the Tigers in a potential package for Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline. While some fans may be disappointed at the lack of prioritization of the immediate term, its not hard to understand the reluctance to trade a 21 year old pitcher who just posted absurd numbers over 73.1 innings in his first full major league season and who possesses bullpen ace and electric starter potential. Nevertheless, this reinforces how high the Braves are on Fuentes and how much they view him as a part of their future. It will be interesting to see how they approach Didier’s role going into next season after such a successful season out of the bullpen, but the tantalizing potential for a 22 year old Fuentes to take another step up into a starting pitcher with electric stuff, particularly given the question-marks in the Atlanta rotation.

Braves News

The Braves were reportedly unwilling to part with Didier Fuentes in a package for Tarik Skubal at the trade deadline.

MLB News

The Guardians came back from a 2-0 deficit in the ALDS to defeat the White Sox 2-0 in game 5 behind a brilliant outing from Gavin Williams and an absurd Jose Ramirez homer.

Phillies’ executive Sam Fuld declined an offer to become the A’s President of Baseball Operations.

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Williams, Ramírez lead Guardians over White Sox 2-0 to cap comeback in five-game AL Division Series

CLEVELAND — Gavin Williams had 12 of a record 21 strikeouts by Cleveland pitchers, José Ramírez hit a go-ahead home run on a pitch just above home plate and the Guardians beat the Chicago White Sox 2-0 Saturday night to complete a comeback from an 0-2 deficit in their best-of-five AL Division Series.

Cleveland opens the AL Championship Series at Tampa Bay on Monday night, seeking its first World Series trip since 2016. The Guardians/Indians franchise hasn’t won the title since 1948, the longest drought among MLB teams.

Guardians pitchers set a record for strikeouts in a nine-inning postseason game and the most in any regular or postseason game since at least 1900. The White Sox got just three hits, put only nine balls in play and finished the series with 75 strikeouts and a .185 batting average.

“It was less about chase and more about being attacked in the zone and swing and miss in the zone,” White Sox manager Will Venable said. “Just didn’t have what it would have took to move some balls forward there.”

Cleveland became just the 11th team to win a best-of-five series among the 96 that fell behind 0-2, the first since the 2017 New York Yankees against the Indians and only the fourth to achieve the feat after losing the first two games at home.

Two days after saving Game 4, Williams became just the third pitcher in postseason history to get the last out of a game and start the following game when his team faced elimination in both.

He didn’t allow a hit until Kyle Teel looped a knuckle-curve into right field with two outs in the sixth, two innings after Ramírez homered for the second straight game, a two-run drive off Sean Burke.

After a walk loaded the bases, Erik Sabrowski relieved and struck out Munetaka Murakami on a foul tip, the pitcher letting out a yell.

Williams’ 12 strikeouts tied Cleveland’s record for a postseason game. He got 22 swings and misses, and his 24 strikeouts over three games were one shy of the mark for best-of-five postseason series.

“That was big-boy stuff today,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. “We’ve seen other performances like that in the postseason, but to do it in this stage and these types of games facing three straight elimination and you have one of your starters say I will pitch whenever you need me to, super impressive.”

Hunter Gaddis followed Sabrowski and got four outs, and Cade Smith finished for his first career five-out save, striking out the side in the ninth. He blew a fastball by Tristan Peters for the final out, setting off a celebration at Progressive Field.

Chicago, the first team to reach the playoffs after three straight 100-loss seasons, has not won the World Series since 2005.

Ramírez homered on a knuckle-curve 0.74 feet above ground, the lowest pitch hit for a postseason home run since tracking started in 2008, according to MLB Statcast, and the lowest hit by Ramirez in his 14-year big league career.

Steven Kwan had singled leading off the fourth ahead of Ramírez’s sixth postseason homer, which went just over the wall near the right-field line.

Murakami and Andrew Benintendi struck out four times each, and Teel and Chase Meidroth three times apiece.

Up next

Tampa Bay went 5-1 against the Guardians, including three shutouts. It will be the third postseason meeting of the teams following the Rays’ win in the 2013 wild card game and the Guardians’ sweep in the 2022 Wild Card Series.

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Marvin Harrison Jr. wasn't present for Cardinals team meetings on Saturday night

It's not clear where receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. will be playing as of next week. It's becoming more and more clear he won't be playing for the Cardinals.

Via Josh Weinfuss of ESPN, Harrison was not present for team meetings on Saturday night.

Harrison reportedly has been told he won't be active for Sunday's game against the Lions, as a trade is finalized.

Some in league circles believe he'll be traded to the Texans. Some think the Raiders could be lurking. Sunday's games could shake things up, based on injuries that could happen in the various games.

Regardless, it's hard to imagine Harrison staying with the Cardinals given these developments. At this point, it's just a matter of the Cardinals getting the best return they can for the fourth overall pick in the 2024 draft.

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Wolves 125, Heat 124: Keep Your Secrets!

MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 10: Bones Hyland #8 of the Minnesota Timberwolves moves the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on October 10, 2026 at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. 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 Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

With the Minnesota Timberwolves and Miami Heat tipping off their regular season against one another in just eleven days, Chris Finch and Erik Spoelstra decided that revealing their cards by playing their main rotation players was too big of a risk. So instead of Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball vs Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo, we got Joan Beringer and Bones Hyland vs Pelle Larsson and Simone Fontecchio. And you know what? It turned out to be a pretty fun game!

For the Wolves, this meant a night off for their starting group and Ayo Dosunmo. With the rest bench crew getting some extra run tonight, it was a great chance for players fighting for minutes to make an extra impression on the coaches. Who was able to do it? Well, read on!

Two Stats That Defined The Game:

  1. +75: This was the combined plus/minus stat from the starting group. Hyland (+16), Shannon (+17), Clark (+17), Lyles (+9) and Beringer (+16) all put together some solid performances. Considering those are the projected next five on the rotation, that matters a lot more than the deeper bench struggles that let Miami back in the game before Antonion Reeves’ eventual game winner with 2.3 left on the clock.
  2. +9: Fast break point advantage for the Wolves. A lot of the other counting stats ended up falling close together (not surprising in a one point game), but fast break points are going to be a stat that is worth keeping a close eye on all season as this team’s identity continues to form into a more up-pace unit.

Game Awards

Big Ticket Award: Joan Beringer

The Big Ticket Award is named after the franchise GOAT and is given the best player on the floor for the night. Tonight Beringer flashed all of those skills that make him such a tantalizing prospect. Dunks, monster blocks, running and finishing in transition, and even some work driving from the top of the key and drawing contact. He finished the night with a stuffed stat line:

10 points on 5/6 shooting
7 rebounds (2 offensive)
1 assist
5 stocks (4 blocks)

Even though it was backups for both teams, there was still requisite NBA talent on the floor and Beringer, quite literally, leapt off the screen with his play on both ends. While the Miami broadcast crew may have struggled mightily with his name (yes, more on that later), they couldn’t help but gush as he began to stack impact play after impact play. If Beringer can continue to bottle those moments while limiting the cheap fouls, there will be a whole lot more gushing from opposing broadcast teams as they begin to get to know the young Frenchman.

The “Quick! To the Well!” Award: Bones Hyland

Cause he’s a bucket. Get it?

Bones could have easily taken home the Big Ticket award tonight as he was absolutely lights out tonight shooting, finishing the night with 23 points on 6-9, including a scorching 5-6 from deep. Performances like this are going to put a lot of pressure on the coaching staff to find regular rotation minutes for him as it’s an interesting push and pull with TJ Shannon presumably taking more of the backup point-of-attack duties.

What was clear tonight is that Bones is a player that knows his game and has full confidence. And while I don’t want to read too much into a game against backups and fringe NBA guys, his defense was noticeably solid tonight. He moved his feet and stayed in front of his man, never overreacting to quick moves or hesitation dribbles like so many do with less experience.

The “I Miss You So Much It Hurts Sometimes” Award: Timberwolves Broadcast Crew

That’s right – an award give to people who were across the country! Look, it’s a preseason game on an opposing team’s broadcast – there are going to be mistakes. But between the “Berh-Ann-Gee”s and “Jaden Clark”s, this was just another broadcast crew that is a reminder about how good we as Wolves fans have it. One of the best parts of the transition to the regular season will be to get to hear Jim Pete and (insert partner of the night) voices again.

Empty the notebook:

  • Most interesting to me about TJ Shannon’s night was his shooting a couple of midrange jumpers with Miami defenders hanging a bit deeper off screens. Considering the… let’s say consistency… of his hard drives to the left, that midrange (and 3-point) shooting is going to be an important counterpunch. Finished with a nice 19-6-4 stat line on 8/16 shooting.
  • After a couple encouraging preseason performances, Cody Williams had his worst night of this young season with a 1-7, -17 performance.
  • Isaiah Evans flashed some good! A couple nice hustle defensive plays (a weak side block and tip away in transition) and knocking down three triples.
  • Isaiah Evans flashed some bad! Blown by a handful of times on defense and turned the ball over under increased ball pressure. Such is the life of a rookie.
  • Zyon Pullin continues to impress. He was the go-to guy down the stretch, finishing the game with 22 points on 7-9 shooting.
  • Antonio Reeves! A game-winning floater just like Chris Finch drew up.

Up Next:

The Wolves hop on a plane and fly north to the concrete jungle to visit Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks on Monday, 10/12 at 6:30pm CT. The game will be on NBA TV.