For a significant chunk of Friday night at Crypto.com Arena, it looked like ghosts of the Lakers’ past – in the form of Clippers forward Rui Hachimura and center Brook Lopez – were going to be the reasons for their first loss.
Especially with their superstar guard Luka Doncic struggling to find an offensive rhythm.
But fellow star guard Austin Reaves showed why the franchise invested the big bucks in him over the summer, providing his team with a spark en route to a 125-117 victory to put the Lakers at 2-0 early in the season.
Los Angeles Lakers’ Austin Reaves drives to the basket during a game against the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
With the game tied at 64 at halftime, and the Lakers struggling to create separation, taking a small 73-72 lead early in the third, Reaves took matters into his own hands, sparking a 16-4 run that was the difference in the game.
The run started with Reaves converting a tough, physical layup over Isaiah Jackson before assisting Walker Kessler for an alley-oop dunk and Matisse Thybulle on a corner 3-pointer.
From there, Reaves took over, scoring the game’s next nine points to put the Lakers up 89-76 after a pull-up 3 for the team’s largest lead of the game at the time.
Reaves scored 13 points in the third, in addition to 3 assists, for nearly half of his scoring total (28 points).
The Lakers nearly squandered Reaves’ run, allowing the Clippers to cut their lead to 120-113 late in the fourthm but they never relinquished the lead.
Kessler had 22 points, 8 rebounds, 6 blocked shots, 3 steals and 3 steals.
Walker Kessler, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers high-five during a game against the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Friday, October 23, 2026. NBAE via Getty ImagesAustin Reaves of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a 3-point basket during a game against the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Friday, Oct. 23, 2026. NBAE via Getty Images
Doncic finished with 23 points (8-of-21 shooting), 7 assists, and 6 rebounds.
Reaves was once again ultra-efficient, shooting 10 of 13 from the field (3 of 5 on 3s, 5 of 6 on free throws) to go with 9 assists for the game.
Lopez had 22 points and 4 rebounds off the bench, while Hachimura had 16 points and 6 rebounds against his former team.
Darius Garland led the Clippers with 26 points and 6 assists.
DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 23: Nazem Kadri #91 of the Colorado Avalanche scores a goal during the first period of the game against the Tampa Bay Lightning at Ball Arena on October 23, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Andrew Maclean/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
As the Colorado Avalanche returned home in search of a win, they hosted the always formidable opponent in the Tampa Bay Lightning. It was the hosts who got the scoring started early and often in a 6-3 Avalanche win.
The Game
Opening the game the Lightning had a few dangerous shots in the Avalanche zone but it was the home team who got on the board first. On their first shot on goal, Devon Toews converted for Colorado on a back door feed from Martin Nečas. Jaden Schwartz appeared to get Colorado’s second goal on a deflected rebound he apparently kicked in but it was waived off. Not to worry, the Avalanche got it back minutes later on the power play. TJ Hughes found Nazem Kadri in the slot for the 2-0 lead, and that’s how the first period would end.
That score didn’t last long after the puck dropped on the second period as Fedor Svechkov finished off a rush chance just 24 seconds in to give Colorado a three goal lead. Near the halfway mark of the period, the Lightning finally answered back on a power play goal from Jake Guentzel who found the puck on the backdoor after it bounced off of Brock Nelson. Soon after, Artturi Lehkonen got in on the fun and restored the three goal lead once again. By this point Colorado got into a bit of penalty trouble and Jake Guentzel scored right as the power play expired. Jared Bednar challenged for a high stick but lost and the goal stood as did the 4-2 score at the end of 40 minutes of play.
To start the third period Nathan MacKinnon got his moment to celebrate as his goal put Colorado up 5-2. The Lightning tried to make it interesting on a goal from former Colorado Eagles and Utah Grizzlies defenseman Charle-Edouard D’Astous who was found uncovered in the slot but shortly after Martin Nečas scored into the empty net to get Colorado back on top 6-3. Despite getting outshot 34-24, it was a good bounce back win for the Avalanche who enjoyed the comforts of home to come out on top.
Takeaways
Logan O’Connor entered the lineup and played in first game of the 2026-27 season and played just under 15 minutes. He brought the physicality while getting his game up to speed. Taylor Makar also made his sesson debut for the Avalanche after getting called up this morning. He played eight minutes and took a minor penalty, one of which gave the Lightning five power plays this evening.
While it seemed the top line would take charge on leading in this game, especially after crafting the game’s opening score, but it was the third line of Svechkov, Schwartz and Hughes who left an impression in this much-needed win. They contributed to the goals which broke the game open and have settled in together as a line.
Upcoming
A quick trip to meet with Chris MacFarland’s new-look Nashville Predators on Sunday, October 25th. Puck drop is at 6 p.m. MT.
LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 23: Austin Reaves #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a three point basket during the game against the LA Clippers on October 23, 2026 at Crypto.Com Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
After leading by double digits for much of the second half, the Lakers had to hang on late for a win over the Clippers on Friday, 125-117.
The purple and gold took control of the game in the third period and looked set to cruise to a win before the other team in Los Angeles used its defense to make a run and get back into the contest.
Some timely points from Walker Kessler and Austin Reaves down the stretch helped fend off the visitors as the Lakers picked up their second win of the season.
Both teams got off to a slow start with turnovers and missed shots, until Reaves got the Lakers on the board first with a floater down the lane. Kessler had an impressive sequence in which he stole the ball and took it all the way for a dunk.
Kris Dunn had five of the Clippers’ first seven points.
Everyone in the starting lineup for the Lakers, except for Luka Dončić, scored in the opening minutes. Former Laker Rui Hachimura drained his first triple of the game. It was followed by Reaves knocking down one of his own.
Luka was on the receiving end of an alley-oop and laid it in for his first points of the quarter, forcing a Clippers timeout. Collin Sexton checked in for his first minutes as a Laker. The Clippers ended the first on an 11-3 scoring run, to give them a four-point lead.
First quarter: Clippers 31, Lakers 27
A rough close to the quarter for the Lakers — they were outscored 11-3. Clips have done a good job stymieing their PnR attack and forcing contested jumpers. They’ve also attacked the paint well. Luka has 6 pts and 5 asts. AR has 6 pts.
Brook Lopez entered double figures with 15 points to start the second period. The Lakers had no answer for him as he scored eight easy points early in the quarter. Kessler was now also in double figures with 10 points.
Quentin Grimes drained two triples, helping the Lakers erupt for an 11-2 scoring run. Ziaire Williams was fouled from behind the arc and converted on all three free throws. After a midrange jumper from Luka, the Lakers were up by one.
Hachimura and Luka had a fun exchange of triples for their teams. The rest of the half was very evenly matched with their offense and turning the ball over.
Darius Garland converted on a jumper for the Clippers early in the third period. Matisse Thybulle responded with a layup on the other end for the Lakers. After Hachimura nailed another triple, the purple and gold exploded with seven straight points, putting them up five.
Reaves was up to 17 points and Kessler now had 14 points. Thybulle drained yet another 3-pointer, pushing his point total to 10 points. The entire Lakers starting lineup was in double figures.
Reaves then proceeded to score four in a row, leading to a Clippers timeout.
Out of the break, the Clippers turned the ball over. On the other end, Reaves scored on a midrange jumper. He also knocked down a triple, giving him 26 points to lead the team in scoring.
Lopez once again helped make the game a close affair, adding to his big night of 22 points. The Lakers, though, still had the upper hand and were leading by 13 at the end of the third.
The final frame began with Gradey Dick scoring on a layup for the Clippers. The Lakers were turning the ball over and struggling to find shots until Sexton scored on a triple. Keaton Wagler started heating up for the Clippers, scoring five points.
Sexton and Kessler then scored a combined four points to put the Lakers up by 15 with 8:12 left. Garland cut into the deficit with five points. After a layup by Derrick Jones Jr., it was an 11-point game.
Both teams struggled with turnovers, the Clippers having 24 and the Lakers 17. The Clippers nearly had an opportunity to cut the deficit to single digits, but they turned the ball over.
At the 4:21 mark, the purple and gold were up by 10.
The Lakers were suddenly in nervous time as the Clippers scored four in a row, inching ever so closer. With 2:36 left, it was a six-point game. The Lakers were on a two-minute scoring drought.
Kessler was fouled and converted on both free throws, putting the team up by eight. Both teams fumbled two possessions before Reaves scored off the backboard for two to snap a long drought.
The Clippers then scored four in a row, making it a six-point game with 53 seconds left. Grimes was fouled and converted on both free throws. The Lakers were able to get enough stops to hold on for the win.
Key Player Stats
Luka finished with 23 points and seven assists. Reaves ended with 28 points and nine assists. Kessler pitched in with 22 points, eight rebounds, three steals and six blocks.
Williams had 14 points with five rebounds. Grimes logged 13 points with eight rebounds and four assists. Sandro Mamukelashvili notched seven points with five rebounds and two assists.
In his Lakers debut, Sexton scored five points, grabbed three steals and dished two dimes. Thybulle ended with 13 points.
The Lakers’ next game will be against the Utah Jazz on Sunday at 2:00 PM PT.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 23: Jackson Chourio #11 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrates after an RBI Single during the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays in game one of the 2026 World Series at American Family Field on October 23, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
After all the pomp and circumstance, after all the anticipation, the Milwaukee Brewers finally hosted a World Series game for the first time in 44 years, and my goodness did it live up to the hype with a 3-2 Brewers victory.
In the first inning, Jacob Misiorowski ran into a little bit of trouble, allowing singles to Jonathan Aranda and Chandler Simpson. The Rays had two on and one out with a big time threat in Junior Caminero at the plate. Caminero ripped a line drive, but it was right at third baseman David Hamilton, who easily caught it and doubled off Aranda at second base.
The crowd erupted on that play and they were able to erupt again in the bottom half of the first. Multiple times.
Jackson Chourio swung at the first pitch he saw from Rays starter Nick Martinez and lined a single to right field. The captain, Christian Yelich, then crushed an 0-2 cutter on the inside corner into the gap in right-center.
Jonny DeLuca came oh-so-close to running that down and making an incredible catch, but he just couldn’t hold on to it. It goes as a triple for Yelich and it gave the Brewers a 1-0 lead.
“It got in on me a little bit, I could kinda tell I backspun it, so it’s not really like hooking or it’s not really diving, so you know it’s gonna kind of hang up there a little bit. Was just hoping that it was fan enough away from him to get down and fortunately it did.” Yelich said.
With Yelich on third, the Rays infield was drawn in for William Contreras. And he took advantage.
Very quickly, the Brewers established a lead for Misiorowski and got to Martinez before he was able to settle into the game.
After that, though, the Brewers offense struggled for a few innings, going three-up and three-down in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th innings.
Meanwhile, the Rays were able to get some traffic against Misiorowski in the 4th. A leadoff walk to Aranda was followed by a scorching double to center just off the outstretched glove off Garrett Mitchell. The ball left the bat at 112.7 MPH. That led to 2nd and 3rd for the Rays and Liam Hicks cashed a run in with a groundout to first on a slow roller.
The Rays had some more traffic in the 5th and 6th innings. They were 11-for-11 on stolen bases in the first two rounds of the postseason. But they hadn’t yet faced William Contreras. Contreras gunned down Victor Mesa Jr at 3rd base in the 5th and then completed a strike-em-out-throw-em-out double play to end the 6th inning.
Contreras literally could not have walked the baseball down there and handed it to Hamilton in a more perfect spot than he did on that throw in the 5th.
It was a 2-1 ballgame after that, typical of the Brewers this postseason. A close, intense matchup, battling out long at-bats and grinding your way through.
The Brewers finally broke through again in the 7th inning. Cooper Pratt got things started with a leadoff walk. Sal Frelick then flew out and David Hamilton grounded out, but the grounder allowed Pratt to reach second base. That would prove important for the two out rally as the Brewers had their most clutch hitter due up in Jackson Chourio.
Chourio has said he was born for those moments. Once again, he proved that he was.
Swinging at the first pitch, Chourio delivered a single past a diving Jonathan Aranda that brought home Pratt and made it a 3-1 Brewers lead.
“The way I’ve always looked at it is it’s important to start with a good foot ahead. So if I have the opportunity to do that, I’m going to take advantage.” Chourio said.
“He’s special. He’s got special ability to compete at the big time. He’s poised. The last AB is the last AB. He’s ready every time. The kid is continuing to do this (indicating up), and it’s scary.” Pat Murphy said.
The Brewers bullpen was once again spectacular. Abner Uribe went 1.1 scoreless IP. He turned it over to Aaron Ashby, who again, delivered a perfect outing, retiring each of the five batters he faced and striking out three of them. Then it was on to Trevor Megill to close things out in the 9th.
Megill retired Yandy Diaz on a grounder to third. Jonathan Aranda reached base for the fourth time with a single to left. Then Chandler Simpson lined a single to center and Junior Caminero drew a walk. That loaded the bases for Liam Hicks.
Hicks hit a grounder to Turang’s left, forcing a tough turn and fire to second base to attempt the double play. Initially, it was a double play, the game was over, the fireworks went off, the TV postgame show set was being wheeled onto the field, fire up Glory Days, it’s a big Brewers win.
But hold on. Hold everything. The Rays challenge and upon review, Cooper Pratt’s foot left second base just a little bit early. That meant the Brewers had to lock back in, there was still one more out to get. A run had scored, so it was a 3-2 Brewers lead now. Tying run is on third, the go-ahead run is on second.
Megill, unphased, comes back to strike out Jonny DeLuca to end this game for good this time.
“Just freaking get after it. Gotta go for a strikeout there.” Megill said on his mentality after the overturn.
The Brewers got four impressive innings from their bullpen in support of Jacob Misiorowski. Misiorowski hasn’t had the strikeout stuff he had during the regular season, tallying just three punchouts in his five innings. But he still kept barrels off the ball, and he kept the lead for the Brewers and the bullpen to hold.
Yelich struck first, Contreras added on, and Chourio came through with what ended up being the winning run in front of a crowd of 43,250.
The Brewers have taken a 1-0 series lead over the Rays. They are three wins away from immortality. Logan Henderson gets the start for Game 2 while the Rays will have Drew Rasmussen.
SAN ANTONIO, TX -OCTOBER 23: Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs passes over Amen Thompsonm#1 and Alperen Sengun #28 of the Houston Rockets in the first half at Moody Center on October 23, 2026 in Austin, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Spurs looked better in their second game of the regular season than they did in the first, but it was still not good enough against a Houston Rockets club that is whole and healthy again. It was a physical game with a playoff atmosphere throughout. The Rockets led by as much as 11 while the Spurs stayed close but never could go on any kind of game-changing run or make their free throws. Despite only leading by one a few times and usually ceding it on the next possession on their way to a 110-114 loss, they still had a chance to tie or send it to overtime, but Amen Thompson blocked Victor Wembanyama’s game-tying attempt to end any hope.
Wemby had a decent bounce-back game with 25 points and 13 rebounds on 9-21 from the field, but he can still be much better. All four other staters scored in double figures for the Spurs, led by 20 points from Dylan Harper and 19 from De’Aaron Fox. Alperen Sengun was a force down low on his way to 29 points, and Kevin Durant and Thompson added 20 apiece.
Observations
If you visited the Game Thread you saw this already, but I’m not a fan of one of the Austin games being against an in-state rival. It feels like lost revenue for a surefire sellout at home, a homecoming of sorts for Kevin Durant, and an invitation for something closer to a neutral crowd. Sure enough, when Sengun hit the first bucket of the game, the roar was relatively loud for the “away” team. Not as loud as the home crowd, obviously, but louder than it probably would have been in San Antonio.
Another game, another scuffle involving Fox, although this time he did nothing to warrant it. In the first quarter, he went flying by and fouled Durant to prevent a lay-up. Durant held his face before getting up and angrily walking towards Fox, but replay showed nothing malicious. If anything touched Durant’s face, it was the ball as Fox blocked it. Ultimately nothing happened — no techs, no video review, just normal free throws — but Durant may look back and realize he overreacted.
It didn’t take long for Wemby to double his total number of field goals from Game 1, hitting 2-3 in his first stint on the floor: an alley-oop from Stephon Castle and a tip-in dunk. He also hit two of his first four threes. He admitted after the season opener that he was thinking and trying too hard, and he looked looser in this game.
The Spurs almost never led in the first half and appeared headed towards another second quarter meltdown when they quickly got down by 11 points with the Rockets owning all the momentum, but the defense kept them in it while the offense recomposed itself and gradually chipped away at the lead. A flurry from Wemby got them their first lead of the quarter on an and-one alley-oop with 23 seconds left, but a VanVleet buzzer-beater three gave it back to the Rockets at halftime, 61-59.
The entire game was physical, but the Spurs started growing visibly frustrated with the officiating in the second and third quarters, as the refs seemed to be allowing a lot more contract from the Rockets defense than the Spurs’. But that wasn’t why the Spurs briefly found themselves down by double digits again in the third. Turnovers were a problem, especially for Fox, who had two of his five getting stripped at the top of the key for open Rockets lay-ups.
The non-Wemby minutes were mostly rough, especially with Luke Kornet struggling to contain Sengun, but the Spurs still managed to go on a run with him resting midway through the fourth quarter to briefly retake the lead riding the momentum of Castle. Wemby re-entered with 4:30 left and the Rockets up 2, and by then Sengun had found a rhythm and was pounding inside for buckets and fouls no matter who was guarding him. He even managed to draw a foul on Wemby by heading him in the mouth (it’s always amusing when the bleeding player is the one who committed the foul, but the Spurs were out of challenges).
The Spurs still had a chance to win or send it to overtime with the ball out of a timeout with 5 seconds left. Whether by design or otherwise, Fox faked the fadeaway three before heaving it Wemby near the basket, but with his momentum taking him low and away from the basket, his attempt was blocked by Thompson, and VanVleet hit two free throws to seal it for good with 0.6 sec left. Free throws were ultimately the Spurs’ downfall in this game, with the Rockets hitting 28-31 compared to their 18-25.
The Spurs drop to 0-2 to start the season, but at least they’re joined by the defending champions. When was the last time the two finalists started the next season 0-2? (I tried asking Google, and it called it “rare”, which to me implies it has happened before, but it only gave 2026 as an example, and it’s too late for me to care enough to dig deeper.)
Up next: Saturday at Dallas Mavericks, 7:00 PM CT
(It doesn’t feel right having a back-to-back with travel with tip-off times less than 23 hours apart no matter how close the games technically are to each other.)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 15: Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets in action during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center on October 15, 2026 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. (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images) | Getty Images
When the Rockets started the game with consecutive three-point makes from Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson, it felt like a good omen.
As it turned out, it was, as the Houston Rockets squeaked out a 113-110 victory over the San Antonio Spurs.
The Rockets led for most of this contest, but it got hairy in the fourth quarter. Luckily, they found their way out of the woods:
And Alperen Sengun led the charge.
One thing is clear: This man is not afraid of Victor Wembanyama. Sengun was hyper-aggressive down the stretch, looking to score inside whenever he could, against whoever was there, and found tremendous success. He finished the game with 29 points on 10/20 shooting, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds.
Oh, and he hit 50.0% (2/4) of his threes, as did Amen Thompson (1/2). Chip Engelland’s deal with the devil continues to pay earthly dividends.
Speaking of Thompson…
Yes, he had 20 points and 10 rebounds. More importantly, he blocked the soul out of Wembanyama’s body to secure the win on the last play of the game.
One of the highlights of this game was Kevin Durant’s (relative) inactivity. The less Houston relies on him in the regular season, the better. He had a modest 20 points on 5/10 shooting from the field, although one of those shots was a massive triple in the closing moments that defined the game’s outcome.
What else? Tari Eason was great in his first (real) game of the season with 12 points, six boards and four steals, although he should probably dump off a pass or flush it with two hands instead of going for The Chocolate-Thunder-Flying, Glass-Flying, Robinzine-Crying, Babies-Crying, Glass-Still-Flying, Cats-Crying, Rump-Roasting, Bun-Toasting, Thank You-Wham-Bam-I-Am-Jam in a two-on-one fast break.
Another quirk in this game that’s maybe a non-sequitur here (if this is at all poorly written, please note that it is 1:50 AM and I have been up since 6:00 AM): It felt like Wembanyama was unstoppable at the rim. So many lobs, right? I wrote a whole paragraph about how Houston couldn’t stop him at the rim, but he was 9/21 in the game, so that couldn’t be true.
Ultimately, this was a game that was decided in the clutch. The team stats are nearly identical across the board. Sengun’s relentless inside scoring, Durant’s big triple, and perhaps the best play of Amen Thompson’s young career were the whole story. The Rockets improved to 2-0:
In mere hours, they’ll see if they can stay perfect against a talented Atlanta Hawks squad.
MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 23: Victor Mesa Jr. #25 of the Tampa Bay Rays looks on during Game One of the 2026 World Series presented by Capital One between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on Friday, October 23, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Aaron Gash/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Tampa Bay Rays had a World Series Game 1 win on the line multiple times. They just could not reel it in.
Tampa Bay dropped Game 1 of the World Series 3-2 to the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday night. A ninth-inning rally, kept alive by a replay review, ended with the tying run on third base when Jonny DeLuca struck out against Trevor Megill. Between a ball that popped out of a glove and two double plays that caught two runners stealing, the Rays had their hands on this one several times. The Brewers lead the series 1-0, and if the rest of the series is anything like this one, everybody is in for a ride.
The first near miss came three batters in. Jonathan Aranda and Chandler Simpson singled, but Junior Caminero lined a ball right at third baseman David Hamilton, who doubled Aranda off second.
The bottom half was where the first opportunity slipped free. After Jackson Chourio led off with a single against Nick Martinez, Christian Yelich drove one to deep center, where it bounced out of DeLuca’s glove. Instead of a long out, it was an RBI triple. William Contreras followed with a single that caromed off shortstop Taylor Walls into left, and Milwaukee led 2-0 before the Rays could settle in.
Martinez ultimately settled in. He struck out Brice Turang and Garrett Mitchell to end the first, stranded Sal Frelick at third in the second, and retired eight straight at one point. His final line: five innings, two runs, five hits, no walks and five strikeouts.
Jacob Misiorowski, the majors’ ERA leader at 1.80 during the regular season, threw triple-digit heat, topping out at 103.5 mph on the first pitch of the game. The Rays finally started making a dent on him in the fourth. Aranda walked, Caminero scorched a double to center, and Liam Hicks grounded out to bring Aranda home. DeLuca flew out, leaving Caminero at third, and it was 2-1.
Then the basepaths started taking bites out of the line.
Victor Mesa Jr. singled to open the fifth and moved to second, only to be thrown out by Contreras trying to steal third with two outs. Mesa got some payback in the bottom half, starting a relay that nailed Hamilton at third after a double to right.
In the sixth, Aranda singled off reliever Abner Uribe and was cut down stealing second on the same pitch Simpson struck out on. Normally that’s a hit-and-run you can count on like the sun rising but tonight it did not work according to plan. That made three Rays runners erased on the bases in six innings in what ultimately would be a one-run game.
Milwaukee needed only one extra-base hit. Steven Matz wiggled out of two two-out walks in the sixth but walked Cooper Pratt to lead off the seventh. Pratt reached second with two outs, and Kevin Kelly came on to face Chourio, who grounded a single into right. 3-1.
That run looked like a minor detail at the time. It wasn’t.
The Rays bullpen kept the door shut. In the eighth, Garrett Cleavinger and Cole Sulser stranded runners at the corners, with Caminero handling three plays at third, including a bunt he caught on a line. Aaron Ashby, meanwhile, set down all five Rays he saw for Milwaukee.
That set up the ninth, and the closest the Rays came to reeling it in. Díaz grounded out, but Aranda singled for his third hit and Simpson followed with another. Jorge Mateo ran for Aranda, the two pulled off a double steal, and Caminero walked to load the bases.
Suddenly, a game that felt just out of reach felt like a comeback was moving from possible to probable.
Hicks hit a hard grounder to Turang that was initially called a game-ending double play. Tampa Bay challenged the call at second, and it was overturned because Pratt’s foot was off the base, and suddenly the game was still breathing. Mateo scored as a result; Simpson was on third with the tying run, and Caminero was at second with the go-ahead run. Hicks had driven in both Rays runs without a hit. If the Rays pulled off the win, it would have been one of the most impactful replay reviews in history.
Was Cooper Pratt's foot off the bag on this potential game-ending double play? pic.twitter.com/8JpspjM3HY
DeLuca, though, struck out swinging, and the tension in the game and proverbial fishing line went slack.
The Brewers are now 5-0 at home this postseason. The Rays get another chance in Game 2 on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET, with Drew Rasmussen starting opposite Logan Henderson.
DENVER (AP) — Nathan MacKinnon had a goal and three assists, Nazem Kadri scored his first goal of the season and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Tampa Bay Lightning 6-3 on Friday night.
Devon Toews, Fedor Svechkov, Artturi Lehkonen and Martin Necas also scored as Colorado rebounded from back-to-back road losses. Mackenzie Blackwood made 31 saves.
Jake Guentzel scored twice and Charle-Edouard D’Astous added another for the Lightning, who saw their three-game winning streak halted. Nikita Kucherov was held in check and remains a goal or assist away from becoming the franchise’s career points leader. He has 1,137 points and is tied with Steven Stamkos.
Andrei Vasilevskiy stopped 18 of 23 shots, including one off the mask on MacKinnon’s liner.
Guentzel’s goal with 42.7 seconds left in the second period made it 4-2. The Avalanche unsuccessfully challenged the play for a missed stoppage. The Lightning went on the power play but couldn’t score. They struggled on the power play all evening.
MacKinnon’s goal with 15:42 remaining gave Colorado a 5-2 cushion. Necas sealed it with a late empty-net tally.
Logan O’Connor returned to the lineup after missing the start of the season with a lower-body injury. He recently lost his father, Myles, a former NHL defenseman, at age 59.
The game featured the league’s currently longest-tenured coaches in Jon Cooper and Jared Bednar. Cooper took over the Lightning in March 2013 and has won two Stanley Cups. Bednar was hired by Colorado in August 2016 and captured one Cup — in 2022 over the Lightning.
CANADIENS 4, BLACKHAWKS 1
CHICAGO (AP) — Jake Evans scored twice and assisted on Kaiden Guhle’s goal and Montreal beat Chicago.
Evans’ third point, a feed to Guhle with 1:34 left in the second period, matched his career high. Montreal is 4-1-1 in its last six games, while Chicago has dropped two straight and four of its last six.
A wide-open game tightened up late in the first period, which worked to Montreal’s advantage. Chicago opened the scoring on Connor Bedard’s second goal of the season 4:23 in, but the Canadiens began to control the play, and by mid-period were limiting Chicago’s chances.
Jacob Fowler, who made 20 saves, was lightly tested the rest of the game despite five Chicago power plays, and needed to make only three saves in the final period.
Evans’ first goal of the game and season tied it with 2:31 left in the first. His second, a wrist shot over goalie Spencer Knight’s stick side with the Canadiens skating short-handed, gave Montreal a 2-1 lead 7:51 into the second period.
Guhle also beat Knight on the stick side, his shot from the left point screened by Josh Anderson.
Mike Matheson added an empty-net goal with 2:38 remaining.
In a game where no Timberwolf scored more than 15 points and collectively shot 43% from the field, Minnesota routed the Orlando Magic with second efforts that stymied any attempts to close the gap. From the start, the Wolves were determined to pester the Magic. They forced turnovers, gang rebounded, and looked to pass the ball to teammates in transition. It was so impressive even older brothers were doling out compliments to their younger siblings.
This the most I’ve ever seen Melo defend lol noticing
Through two games, the Timberwolves showed that, make or miss, they are playing for each other. If one part of a player’s game isn’t working, they redouble their efforts on defense, rebounding or looking to pass. Despite their opponent’s rough and sometimes flagrant attempts to unsettle them, they kept their cool.
Speaking of the Orlando Magic. They boast a big, talented, and brutish team that lopes toward the basket with dribble penetration and some crafty pivots when they can get a one-on-one matchup. When they do kick it out for a three-point shot, prayers fill the Kia Center that the shot variance gods are in their favor.
Tonight, they were not.
Goldfish Mentality
In the midst of the first half, the Magic attempted to close the gap. Paolo Banchero hit a number of free throw line turn-around jumpers and chewed away at the Wolves lead. No Minnesota player hung their head for a moment. The inbounders quickly took the ball out of the net to go the other way, giving the Magic less time to breath, less time to set their defense, and less time to feel a sense of confidence grow.
The roiling sea of moodiness the Wolves navigated last year has calmed and it is reflective in their next play mentality. They play so fast that there is no option but to bring a constant energy. I don’t know if head coach Chris Finch got around to watching Ted Lasso, but Minnesota is playing with the ten second memory that allows them to brush off an opposing make.
In the fourth quarter, amidst a small surge from Orlando, the Wolves got creative. They beat the Magic’s full court press with a series of hit-ahead passes that created opportunities at the rim. Orlando soon gave up that approach.
If there is a thing that every Wolf always remembers, it is to celebrate any three-point make in front of the opposing bench.
Kuminga Up to the Challenge
Jonathan Kuminga has been given the most difficult defensive assignment in the past two games. In both, he has performed as well as any could have hoped. Despite Banchero injuring his ankle early in the third quarter, returning for a short stint before exiting for the night, Kuminga largely contained the All-Star when he was on the court. More than that, by taking the toughest challenge, he is allowing Jaden McDaniels to spread his wings more. While soaring to new heights, Slim is finding a few more rebounds a game. In the second game in a row against the bigger opponent, the Wolves ended the night with a +24 rebounding advantage.
Kuminga is feeling the full force of a team that believes in him and he is using it to make aggressive plays. In transition, Kuminga has been so forceful on the attack he was able to drive into Wendell Carter Jr., miss his shot, and get his own rebound as his drive sent WCJ reeling back into the basket stanchion. He connected with Ayo Dosunmu on a fast break and laid in a finger roll alley-oop.
Moments later he stole the ball and was fouled on his missed breakaway dunk attempt. Upset at the missed highlight, he slammed his fist against the stanchion. McDaniels was there right away to praise the steal and maybe to impart wisdom about punching inanimate objects.
Dos Unit
Led by Ayo Dosunmu, the Wolves bench ran rampant over any Magic player in front of them. Every bench player with double-digit minutes ended the game with a double-digit positive +/- numbers. Ayo, or Dos as he’s known by, filled up the stat sheet with a little bit of everything; 14 points, seven boards, nine assists, two stocks, and no turnovers. He was quick to run the break and brought the rest of the pack with him, getting the Wolves into early offense. The Magic closed out hard on Ayo on the perimeter, allowing him to drive into the paint, collapse the defense, and open up shooters. Again and again number 13 made the right play.
The rest of the bench followed that energy to extend the Wolves lead. Terrance Shannon Jr. hit above the break threes and drove with his usual panache, seeming to relish the Magic’s aggressive defense. After a rough game against two of the best bigs in the league, Joan Beringer found his place in the chaotic scrum under the basket. At the mere head fake of a shot, he quickly found someone to box out. He had one ferocious dunk and got a few more off of under the basket feeds and offensive rebounds (Seven!). Even Trey Lyles found ways to contribute on the glass, dishing out an assist to Rudy, and hitting a few threes of his own.
Ant Out of Rhythm
It wasn’t all good. After his 45-point explosion over Miami, Anthony Edwards’ shot appeared to abandon him. Attempt after attempt from outside clanked off the rim. When he tried to get to the basket, he met a well set wall of Magic players who nudged him off his spot and into a miss. He was at his worst when LaMelo Ball was off the court, falling back into old habits of iso-ball while his teammates sat waiting for a grenade should Ant’s attempt at finding his shot fail.
Edwards did find other ways to contribute, though. He snagged four steals and impressively outjumped WCJ. for a jump ball. As he chirped at the big man down the court, he buried a shot and scored again on the next possession. If there is a beef to be had on the court, then Ant will eat.
Free Points Left Behind
You got to make your free throws. The Wolves cannot afford to have a team free throw percentage worse than Rudy Gobert’s career average (63.3%). Minnesota left 13 free ones out to dry on 30 trips to the line. It’s a sign of respect for an opposing team to circle the matchup against you on the calendar. It’s a warning sign when fans circle the day after their team plays Minnesota for a free lunch courtesy of the Wolves missing both in the fourth.
Game Highlights
Next Up
The Timberwolves return home to Minnesota for their home opener. They take on their Neighbors to the North (technically south) in the Toronto Raptors. Catch the game on Sunday, October 25th at 6:00 PM CT on DAZN-MIN.
Emotions ran high at the Pacers’ home opener in an unexpected way.
The 2025 Eastern Conference champions, who welcomed back Tyrese Haliburton for his first home game since he tore his Achilles during Game 7 of the NBA Finals 16 months ago, found themselves on the receiving end of a dominant Mavericks performance.
But during the contest, as the Mavericks, who won 121-105, continued building a monstrous lead, Pacers wing Aaron Nesmith delivered a hard foul to rising star Cooper Flagg on a dunk attempt shortly before halftime.
Cooper Flagg is fouled on a drive by Indiana swingman Aarom Nesmith during the Mavericks’ 121-105 win over the Pacers on Oct. 23, 2026 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. NBAE via Getty Images
Things immediately got chippy after the hard foul as Flagg subsequently went to the locker room with a shoulder injury.
Nesmith was tagged with a flagrant foul, and he also received a double technical foul for his involvement in the subsequent skirmish, as did Mavericks wing Naji Marshall, who inserted himself into the action in defense of his injured teammate.
PACERS-MAVS GET CHIPPY AFTER A FLAGRANT FOUL ON COOPER FLAGG
Two Mavericks players also appeared to leave the bench though Mavericks head coach Dusty May said he thought both went to check on Flagg, perhaps avoiding any disciplinary action from the league.
“Look, Nesmith is a great guy, a heck of a player. I’ve known him since he was in high school,” said May, who reached two NCAA Final Fours and won last year’s national championship just a few blocks away from Gainbridge Fieldhouse. “Obviously, an unfortunate play. Hopefully, Coop’s fine.”
Flagg continued to nurse his injured shoulder as he walked to the locker room area before the end of the first half and did not return.
May later said Flagg would be evaluated over the next couple of days.
“Cooper has left shoulder soreness, he’ll be evaluated in the next couple of days,” May said before addressing whether Flagg needed an MRI exam. “I really don’t know. I saw him in the locker room, he’s in good spirits. We’ll know in the next couple days what’s next.”
Cooper Flagg holds his shoulder after being fouled during the second quarter of the Mavericks’ win over the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Getty Images
Flagg did not speak to reporters following the game.
With the win, the Mavericks improved to 1-1, dropping Indiana to the same record.
Flagg, who began the season with 32 points in 33 minutes in Houston, finished his two quarters in Indiana with 14 points, six assists, five rebounds and three steals in just 17 minutes.
Aaron Nesmith (23) and Dallas’ Naji Marshall (3) exchange words during the second quarter of the Mavericks’ win over the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Getty ImagesAaron Nesmith (23) and Dallas’ Naji Marshall (3) get into it after a foul in the first half of the Mavericks’ win over the Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Mavericks fly to Dallas and will play the second of a back-to-back on Saturday against the defending Western Conference champion Spurs.
The Pacers head to Brooklyn to take on the Nets on Sunday.
PORTLAND, OR - OCTOBER 21: Oso Ighodaro #11 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on October 21, 2026 at the Moda Center 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 Jaden Coleman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
Over the last few days, as fans awaited the NBA season’s tip-off (which we are all trying to forget), the Phoenix Suns tweaked their roster to ensure they were ready for Wednesday Saturday night. This included an extension for a solid centerpiece of their bench, along with minor moves on the edges to fill out the roster from top to bottom. With these recent moves, the front office has once again signaled that it’s willing to adjust on the fly and push for the best chance to win on the court.
We saw this last year with some late roster moves, and it truly paid off for this team. Claiming Jordan Goodwin off waivers was the first swing, and it paid off tremendously for the team, as he proved to be a spark off the bench and earned himself a nice payday because of it. They also added Jamaree Bouyea to a two-way spot when the Milwaukee Bucks waived him in the first half of the season. Bouyea proved his worth in that two-way spot, showing he could contribute with injuries at the guard position. This earned him a roster spot and kept him on the roster through the end of the season, a sign of their belief in him.
Coming into this season, the Suns did the same thing I mentioned above, and it really looks like these moves, even if minor, set them up for a better-than-expected outcome. First off, let’s discuss the biggest news, and probably the most impactful: extending homegrown talent Oso Ighodaro. They gave him a three-year, $29 million extension, which is a solid deal. For starters, an average annual value (AAV) under $10 million for someone who’s been a key piece is great. Then you add that it doesn’t kick in until the 2028-29 season, which makes it even better. That means Ighodaro is still on his rookie-scale deal for two more seasons (this and next) before the Suns have to shell out that money, giving them financial flexibility leading up to the 28-29 season. Ighodaro also makes only $2 million on his rookie contract, which will be well worth it for the team given his expertise.
Under 10M AAV for my backup big of the future, someone let Gregory and co know they got a demon ready to unleash https://t.co/8esM2hvtHj
By the time this extension kicks in, he will be on a scam contract, in my eyes, because he will be worth more than what he will be paid then. For the skeptics out there, this deal will be cheaper than many backup bigs, including one of Neemias Queta or Mitchell Robinson on the Celtics, Robert Williams III, Daniel Gafford, John Collins, Daniel Gafford, and Wendell Carter Jr. Now, some of these guys may not be backups now or in their roles play similar to the Suns with two startable bigs but not a true number one center.
Personally, I think he has a chance to be better than all these players by the 2028-29 season, proving he can be the best-valued backup center in the association if he can keep up the pace. That is some good company to be in, and this contract extension reminds me of the one that Payton Pritchard took a few seasons back, when he was making around $7 million annually.
These later moves are all smaller, but they still affect the team’s direction. Sadly, the Suns waived Haywood Highsmith again, cutting their roster from 15 to 14 players. This is now allowed under the new CBA, giving teams ultimate flexibility at the trade deadline to take in more players in a deal, depending on which apron the team you trade with is under.
Highsmith was waived earlier in the offseason and brought back to a non-guaranteed deal. Unfortunately for him, with the Suns seeing some brightness from Ryan Dunn in preseason and drafting two forwards, Rasheer Fleming and Koa Peat, in back-to-back drafts, he has very little opportunity in Phoenix. The Phoenix front office knew he wouldn’t contribute and had to make the most sensible business decision. For Highsmith, a solid veteran wing who can contribute off the bench, I hope he finds a spot by the end of the year.
Then the Suns adjusted their two-way room: they waived both Koby Brea and C.J. Huntley and brought in two new faces, Drew Timme and Duop Reath. By losing Huntley and Brea, the Suns signaled they would rather go with veteran-ready guys over developmental pieces. The Suns brought both in last year: they drafted Brea in the second round and signed Huntley as an undrafted prospect. They had opportunities with the Valley Suns last year, as neither saw much burn with the main squad. At this point, neither has signed with a new team, so both could return to the Valley Suns to develop in the G League, or be plucked by other G League squads.
Woah, was not expecting this one
That’s now two available two-way spots now for Phoenix
Expecting Reath to get one but who else could be joining Pat Spencer? Only time will tell https://t.co/KWLqUubRyX
Brea was one who confused me, as the Suns seemed to value his shooting ability highly, and it felt weird to give up on a second-year player. Unfortunately for him, the Summer League was not his best showing this year, and the preseason did not help, as he did not get much opportunity. With Huntley, he had been waived off a two-way roster before (for Bouyea), so I expected that.
Interesting to see this, kinda expected it with Reath most likely being converted to a two-way spot
Brea was someone I liked coming out of college but could never find his rhythm with the Suns
Now, for the new faces, this explains why they were brought in. Reath signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the team to play in training camp and compete for a spot. With Mark Williams suffering a shoulder injury, the Suns’ center room is already thin, with just Ighodaro and Maluach, so that some insurance would be nice, and that is what Reath is. He’d be the third big man who can shoot and add utility the team has lacked. Reath has been someone I have had my eye on for this team, so I am intrigued to see how he fits and whether he can work his way to a contract spot by the end of the season.
The Phoenix Suns plan to convert Duop Reath to a two-way contract, league sources told @hoopshype. Reath averaged 6.2 points in three seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers. pic.twitter.com/d8hMA7MnTp
Lastly, but certainly not least, is the newest name and the one that came as the biggest surprise to most: the addition of Drew Timme. Timme, who has spent time with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers, looks like the newest splash and adds some versatility. The forward will add more size to this frontcourt, something they could use with Williams’s injury and Peat as a rookie. Then you see he can also shoot the ball pretty solidly, something the team lacks at forward without Royce O’Neale. With the Lakers, he shot 44% from three, which is a definite boost they can add. Not to mention that, once again, he was claimed from the Lakers, just like Goodwin was last year. Could this be another steal the Suns get off the Lakers? I think so, especially when you compare who was in his spot before.
No offense to Brea or Huntely, but Reath and Timme have more NBA experience and seem more ready for that action. The Suns have made that abundantly clear with their two-way room, especially after adding Pat Spencer earlier in the season. They want to use the two-way to potentially contract growth, build around the edges, and define their culture. A smart move for a front office that has found success with this in the previous two years and still hopes it can work for a third straight year.
Lopez came off the bench for eight minutes in the first half, producing 15 points on 6-for-6 shooting while hitting down both of his 3-point attempts. He also went 1-for-2 from the free-throw line.
Lopez was enthusiastic about the season ahead, speaking highly of his team after the Clippers’ season-opening victory over the Sacramento Kings.
The 38-year-old began his 19th season in the NBA with a double-double off the bench in that win over the Kings, recording 17 points with 10 of his 11 rebounds coming on the defense end.
“I was just trying to change the game like I always do,” Lopez said after the season-opener on Oct. 21. “I was excited for the home opener, obviously, with great energy, but we are just trying to take it one game at a time and help my team win.”
Lopez is not the only former Laker to have a productive first half against his former team Friday.
Rui Hachimura added 12 points on 4-for-8 shooting from the field. The Lakers and Clippers were tied at 64 after two quarters of play.
MILWAUKEE — Trevor Megill struck out Jonny DeLuca with runners on second and third to wiggle out of a ninth-inning jam as the Milwaukee Brewers escaped with a 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the World Series on Friday night.
DeLuca’s strikeout came after Tampa Bay’s Liam Hicks had hit into an apparent game-ending double play that was overturned after a replay review. The review determined that Brewers shortstop Cooper Pratt’s right foot was slightly off the bag when he caught a throw from second baseman Brice Turang.
Jacob Misiorowski allowed one run over five innings to earn the win.
Christian Yelich hit an RBI triple to spark a two-run rally in the first inning that put the Brewers ahead for good and delighted a sellout crowd reveling in Milwaukee’s first World Series game since 1982. Jackson Chourio and William Contreras provided two hits each, and Contreras also threw out two potential base stealers.
This marks the first World Series featuring two potential first-time champions since 1980, when the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Kansas City Royals in six games. The only other major league teams without a World Series title are the Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners.
The Game 1 winner has gone on to win the World Series 62.8% of the time.
CHICAGO - The Chicago Blackhawks returned to the ice for game action on Friday night for the first time in 6 days. This long time spent idle gave the Blackhawks time to practice and rest in preparation for the rest of the long season.
In their black alternate sweaters for the first time in 2026-27, the Hawks played host to the Montreal Canadiens. Right off the bat, the Blackhawks looked like the team that had lots of rest going in. After getting through the first shift of the game, where Montreal controlled the puck, the Blackhawks started to take control for a while.
At 4:23 of the first period, Connor Bedard scored to give Chicago a 1-0 lead. Patrick Kane made a heads-up play in the neutral zone to feed Bedard for a rush. The Blackhawks' captain didn't miss with a snipe.
Between the Hawks being off for 6 days and them being shut out by the Dallas Stars in their most recent game, that was the first goal they scored in over a week of real time.
Later in the first period, Jake Evans scored to tie the game at 1. Former Blackhawks 3rd overall pick Kirby Dach made the play to set up the tying goal, Evans' first of the season. That 1-1 tie made its way into the first intermission.
In the second period, the Blackhawks had a couple of power-play chances early. They've been using 5 forwards with the man advantage with Bowen Byram out, and it hasn't been working. Without a defenseman out there, they are prone to giving up shorthanded opportunities.
One of those short-handed chances came back to bite them, as Jake Evans scored his second of the game after the Hawks allowed another odd-man rush. This goal gave the Habs a 2-1 lead - their first of the game.
In the third period, there were chances for both sides, but the only goal scored was an empty-netter for Montreal. The 4-1 score held as the final, as the Blackhawks skated off with another lackluster loss to a better team.
Spencer Knight made 24 saves on 27 shots. He would always say that he should have every save, but that is far from true. Between short-handed chances galore and lackluster effort at even strength in the second half of the game, it would be hard for any goalie to win. If the Blackhawks want to keep this two-game losing streak from getting ugly, they must be better at protecting the house.
The Chicago Blackhawks will welcome the Florida Panthers on Sunday for their 11th game of the season. This will be Chicago's 5th game out of 7 straight at home.
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ST. LOUIS -- The St. Louis Blues recalled defenseman Quinton Burns from Springfield of the American Hockey League late Friday night.
The 21-year-old, a third-round pick in the 2023 NHL Draft, played in seven games for the Thunderbirds this season and had one assist and 29 penalty minutes.
After Theo Lindstein was sent down to Springfield on Thursday night, the Blues were left with six healthy defensemen, and although it is not likely that Burns makes his NHL debut on Saturday against the Carolina Hurricanes, it gives the team an extra blue liner while in the midst of a five-game homestand, and it will be Burns' first taste of NHL life during the season.
The Smiths Falls, Ontario native has six assists and 121 penalty minutes in 38 AHL regular-season games.
Lindstein played for the Thunderbirds on Friday in their 3-2 loss to Charlotte.
"He’s a big part of what we want to do and we have guys playing really well," Blues coach Jim Montgomery said about Lindstein. "So this is an opportunity for him to go get some game action so when he gets back up here, it hasn’t been a week like it was the last game he played. He’s just going to come back in here and get in the lineup and take someone’s job."
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