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Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg put the NBA on notice: He's not backing down from anyone

SAN FRANCISCO ― Golden State Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg is not backing down from anyone and he's letting everyone know it.

He takes matchups personally. That's just him. Lendeborg plays with a chip on his shoulder and the Warriors need another guy like that.

His name made the rounds for his interaction with Lakers star Luka Doncic in his NBA debut. Maybe you don't like that it's coming from a rookie, but Lendeborg is playing whatever role Golden State needs him to play.

"I’m not supposed to talk to him, something like that," Lendeborg said about the backlash. "Like, I ain’t never been a (expletive). Come on now. He gonna say what he gonna say, I’ma say what I wanna say. I’m not afraid to talk to nobody, man. He’s not Michael Jordan. Come on now. So, I mean, it’s fun trash talk. I feel like I did kinda take it overboard in the media, but I mean, it is what it is."

If he welcomed the Doncic matchup, other rookies should expect the same treatment. Lendeborg looks forward to matchups with members of his draft class. His first one was against the Memphis Grizzlies forward Cameron Boozer.

Boozer got the better of Lendeborg Friday, as his Grizzlies got the win. Boozer even hit the go-ahead field goal with 19.7 seconds left to give Memphis a 108-106 lead. He filled the stat sheet with 25 points and 13 rebounds for consecutive double-doubles to begin his career.

Boozer shot 6-for-13 and was a perfect 9-for-9 on free throws. He went 4-for-7 on 3-point field goals.

Lendeborg, for his part, had a better follow to his debut against the Lakers. The Warriors rookie put up 18 points, 13 rebounds, six assists and three steals. Lendeborg, like Boozer, also had six turnovers. He shot 4-for-11, including 1-for-3 from deep. Lendeborg was aggressive in the paint and got to the line frequently, shooting 9-for-12.

"(Boozer) played a great game today," Lendeborg said Friday. "We were both on the bad end with the turnovers but, I mean, we both ended up with double-doubles. It was a fun matchup. We didn't really get to guard each other too much, but he did take advantage of the matchup when I was on him and did a great job."

Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo knew going into the game that Lendeborg would be a matchup problem.

"He seems like a very NBA-ready rookie. He's got the body. He's got the athleticism. He has the game and seems like a confident enough guy to start playing right away in a major role for them," Iisalo said.

Iisalo isn't necessarily telling Boozer to embrace the matchup, but he knows his rookie is going to show up.

"We're not telling him anything," Iisalo told USA TODAY Sports about the Lendeborg-Boozer rookie matchup. "It's more of the narrative that you guys create. I think the players are here to play team against teams, so whatever individual battles take place there, that's normal. But I think both players are both trying to win."

Lendeborg looks forward to those matchups, though − really to any time he's on the floor competing.

"I always want to have a good game against anybody in my draft class or try to outperform them. (Friday), I didn't," Lendeborg said. "Every game I'm gonna definitely try to take that personal and try to win my matchup, ultimately just win the game for the team."

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr knew the Boozer-Lendeborg matchup would be a good one, going back to their summer league meeting. Lendeborg got the better of Boozer and the Grizzlies over the summer, leading a fourth-quarter comeback with 21 points and 10 rebounds in July. Boozer had 19 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

"Great matchup. Two big, talented young guys, multi-skilled players. Obviously, a good matchup between them in Vegas," Kerr said. "Boozer's a really impressive young guy."

Kerr raved about his rookie and all that Lendeborg brings. His coaching critique is that he wants Lendeborg to run the floor harder on fastbreaks and transition opportunities.

"I love the young guy. I mean, he's really talented. 
I love his competitiveness," Kerr said. "I guess I didn't mind, you know, that stuff the other day, but as Steph (Curry) said, you got to back it up, you know? And that's the thing. We play the Lakers again next week.
So, OK, you know, here you go."

Kerr isn't concerned too much with his rookie taking matchups personally, as much as he is with the overall team performance − especially on the defensive end of things. That was something he couldn't stress enough in a passionate response.

"For us as a staff, it's really more about the small things that most people aren't going to be looking at," Kerr said. "Help-side defense. He did a good job on Luka, one on one, but we got torched by Luka as a team.
I don't care, you know, all those stats that the NBA puts up, like, 'hey, when (Lendeborg) guarded him would he guard him? Who the F cares? Right?"

He continued: "It's like they scored 128 on us, you know? That stuff's all (expletive). It's our defense, and he knows that. I talked to him about that yesterday. And our defense was not good, regardless of him individually when he guarded the ball, you know, that stuff doesn't matter."

It's all a learning experience for Lendeborg in his first year.

He's got all the tools to make a difference for the Warriors. And he's got pride. You can't teach that.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg put the NBA on notice: He's not backing down from anyone

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World Series Game 2 Thread

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 24: A general view outside of the stadium prior to game two of the 2026 World Series between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on October 24, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Last night, the Milwaukee Brewers began their first World Series appearance in 44 years with a highly-dramatic 3-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1 of the best-of-seven championship series.

Trailing by two runs entering the top of the ninth inning, the Rays pulled within a run against Brewers closer Trevor Megill after Brewers shortstop Cooper Pratt failed to keep his foot on second base on what would have been a game-ending double play. Megill rebounded to strike out the next hitter with the tying run 90 feet away.

These two small-market powerhouses will meet again tonight in Game 2 of the Fall Classic. The Brewers will look to take a 2-0 series lead, while the Rays aim to even the series before heading home.

Rays at Brewers (5:00 PST)

After their late-game rally fell just short yesterday, the Rays will turn to their ace to start Game 2. 31-year-old right-hander Drew Rasmussen (16-5, 2.67 ERA) will face the team that drafted him and gave him his major league debut.

Rasmussen spent 2020 and the beginning of 2021 with Milwaukee before being traded to Tampa Bay in exchange for shortstop Willy Adames. Facing his former team, Rasmussen could have extra motivation this evening. The right-hander enters his fourth start of the postseason with a 2-0 record, a 1.29 ERA, a 0.76 WHIP and 23 strikeouts in 21 innings. He will look to deliver another quality start in a game where runs could be at a premium.

Here’s how the Rays are lining up for this one:

Right-hander Logan Henderson (11-3, 2.47 ERA) will start for the Brew Crew. The 24-year-old’s excellent first full major league season largely flew under the radar due to fellow starter Jacob Misiorowski’s stellar campaign.

Pitching in his first postseason, Henderson has handled the bright lights and national spotlight well. However, in his lone NLCS start, he struggled to make accurate throws to first base, giving the Rays an incentive to lay down some bunts to test his fielding ability. The Brewers have won every game he’s started at American Family Field. Will that streak continue tonight, or will he falter in the biggest start of his young career?

And the Brewers’ starting nine:

One of these teams is going to be a game closer to their first championship. Who takes Game 2 of the World Series tonight?















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Warriors rookie admits he went ‘overboard’ with Luka Doncic trash talk

An image collage containing 3 images, Image 1 shows Yaxel Lendeborg of the Golden State Warriors and Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers on the court during the game, Image 2 shows Golden State Warriors player looking tired on the court, Image 3 shows Yaxel Lendeborg of the Golden State Warriors plays defense against Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers

Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg didn’t hold the trash talk back in his NBA debut.

Lendeborg was tasked with defending Lakers superstar Luka Doncic on Opening Night and the matchup did not disappoint. The Warriors rookie started chirping at Doncic, which continued with back-and-forth banter throughout the game.

Yaxel Lendeborg of the Golden State Warriors and Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the game on October 21, 2026 at Chase Center. NBAE via Getty Images

“I’m not afraid to talk to nobody. He’s not Michael Jordan,” Lendeborg said.

While Lendeborg wasn’t ashamed by his actions, he added: “I feel like I did kinda take it overboard in the media, but it is what it is.”

Lendeborg’s trash talk extended off the court as the forward ranted about Doncic to the media after the Warriors’ season-opening loss.

“Being in there firsthand, just watching all the whining and complaining, I lost all respect, man,” Lendeborg said.

“Like, me getting frustrated, it’s not about the foul getting called. It’s about him complaining the entire game,” Lendeborg added. “Then you get the foul called — congratulations, bro — and you talk to me like you did something great? That’s just weak. It kind of threw me off for a while. Because like I said, I had so much respect for him. Gone, man.”

Yaxel Lendeborg of the Golden State Warriors plays defense on Luka Doncic of the Los Angeles Lakers. NBAE via Getty Images
Yaxel Lendeborg of the Golden State Warriors looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers. NBAE via Getty Images

Lendeborg certainly had his welcome to the NBA moment as Doncic scored a game-high 28 points, seven assists and eight rebounds to give the Lakers a commanding win over Golden State.

But the Warriors rookie is seemingly unfazed by the results.

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Mario Hezonja waiving off Donovan Mitchell shows why the Cavs signed him: ‘I’m here to help you’

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 13: Mario Hezonja #33 of the Cleveland Cavaliers smiles during the game against the Orlando Magic on October 13, 2026 at Kia Center in Orlando, 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

CLEVELAND — Mario Hezonja doesn’t lack confidence. He showed that in his first NBA game in six years when he waived off Donovan Mitchell and backed his opponent down from the three-point line for a much-needed basket at the end of the third quarter.

On the surface, a bench player waiving off the superstar for an isolation might seem outlandish, but that is exactly what Hezonja was brought to do in Cleveland.

“I told him [Mitchell] you’re not supposed to bring the ball up under pressure because we need you in the last quarter,” Hezonja said on Saturday. “We need you in the playoffs. We need you in game 80, game 60. Having somebody like me that can help. As I said on the first day, I’m here to help you. … As much pressure that I can take off of him, and James [Harden], Evan [Mobley], and Jarrett [Allen], players we need a lot, is just going to be so beneficial for the group.”

There’s incredible value in having a veteran that can recognize what the situation needs, and isn’t afraid to call his own number if that’s what the defense is daring him to do.

“I waived JT (Jaylon Tyson) so he creates space for me to go one-on-one against my mismatch,” Hezonja said. “I spoke to James [Harden] and Donovan; there’s five of us on the court, and you need to read those mismatch situations.”

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Reading mismatches and exploiting them has been an issue at times for the Cavs. In high-leverage situations, teams have been able to get away with putting smaller defenders on bigs like Mobley and Allen. Sometimes the Cavs have exploited that — like Game 7 of last year’s first-round series against the Toronto Raptors — and sometimes they haven’t.

Hezonja is only one game into his return to the NBA after a six-year hiatus, but the early results have been encouraging. His game fits into exactly what you want to see from a supporting player. It’s why head coach Kenny Atkinson called Hezonja’s play “one of the positives” from Thursday’s loss.

Hezonja thought he’d be nervous for his first NBA game after spending the last six years in Europe. And maybe he would’ve, if it wasn’t for how welcoming his new team has been. They’re putting him in a position to be the best version of himself.

“It’s much easier than I thought, thanks to my teammates, to the staff, and pretty much everybody in the organization, from the top to the last person, really since day one, they embraced me with open arms,” Hezonja said when asked about his return.

“They know the basketball player that I am, but they also got to know the person that I am, so it’s definitely been super great, very welcoming. I hope that the comfort zone I’m feeling, people can see it’s thanks to them.”

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Game Preview #3: Wolves at Raptors Game Thread

Mar 5, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) holds the ball as Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) plays defense in the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

It has been half a decade since the Wolves won their first two regular season games to start the season. That was Chris Finch’s first full season as Minnesota’s coach. He led that team through the play-in and into a spirited six game series against the number two seeded Memphis Grizzlies. Since then, the Timberwolves have had their best stretch of basketball of their existence while also wrestling with their identity through its myriad iterations.

Thus far, there has been little wrestling. The Wolves have stepped into the season knowing who they are, and what they are, is fun.

Game Info

Some Numbers

SSS (small sample size) Alert, but these undefeated teams are incredibly similar in what they’ve done well and where they’ve let up. They are both rebounding the ball well. They are both limiting their opponents to just under 100 points per game. They are both averaging north of 120 points a game. And both teams generate the same amount of turnovers. Minnesota forces turnovers less with steals, and more with consistent pressure that forces their opponents into mistakes. Toronto gets more takeaways with traditional box score stats.

That said, the Raptors wins have come against the rebuilding Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards (who are going in a direction, I am not sure what direction, but they are not standing still). The Wolves made mincemeat of the Heat and the Magic, both teams I would rank higher than the slate of Eastern Conference teams the Raptors have dispatched.

What to Watch For

Kawhi and the Wings

The Toronto Raptors were reunited with their 2019 NBA Finals MVP Kawhi Leonard in the off-season after a drawn out process. Essentially, Clippers learned from from the Timberwolves as they took over the crown for Worst Instance of Cap Circumvention. In each of the two games the Wolves ran into Leonard last season, he scored over 40 points. He is quite simply, a problem. The Raptors will rely heavily on the Klaw’s self-creation if the Wolves force them into a halfcourt offense. As Leonard is working into game shape and yet to play over 28 minutes this season, Toronto has All-Defensive forward Scottie Barnes to pair alongside Kawhi. Barnes has grown into a two-way force himself.

Toronto may choose to put neither wing on the Wolves backcourt of LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards, but that doesn’t mean they are any less effective. The passing lanes that the Wolves have used so effectively in the past two wins might look free, almost serene, like an open field of grass. When suddenly the ball is swiped from the air.

The Wolves will need to take care of the ball and not let the Raptors find a rhythm in transition.

Protecting the Paint

The Raptors don’t shoot a lot of threes. The ones that they do shoot, they tend not to make. Toronto has made just 11 of their 70 attempts thus far (15.7%). Instead the Raptors get theirs in the midrange and at the rim. Whoever guards Kawhi, be it Jaden McDaniels, Jonathan Kuminga, or Terrance Shannon Jr. will need to need be patient, weathering his physicality and cleanly contesting. Like with Paolo Banchero and Giannis Antetokounmpo, it will not be about shutting the star down, it will be about making them work for their shots and preventing anyone else from getting going. Conversely, the Wolves have lost the points in the paint battle, but made up for it with gang rebounding on the misses they do force to generate second chance looks.

Rudy Gobert should match up well against Jakob Poeltl and this might be a game for the Wolves to attack the basket more with a traditional pick-and-roll attack. The Wolves most protected passes will likely be lobs, and with 14-feet of French center to put them in the hoop, they can limit the defensive disruption of RJ Barrett, Collin Murray-Boyles, Barnes, and Leonard.

Energy Off The Bench

The Wolves bench will need to bring the same pop that they did in Orlando. The matchup between Joan Beringer and Murray-Boyles will be one I am specifically watching. It could be a battle of energizer bunnies looking to make plays for their team through sheer effort. Super Sixth Man Ayo Dosunmu is head and shoulders better than the Toronto’s bench guards in Jamal Shead and Ja’Kobe Walter, and if Terrance Shannon Jr.‘s three-ball continues to fall, he should be able to break down any Raptor defense when only one of Leonard, Barnes, or CMB is on the court.

Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković has balanced his starters minutes which is much easier to do when blowing Chicago out by 40. Like they have done thus far, Minnesota needs to push off of rebounds, turnovers, and especially after Toronto makes. Should the Wolves turn this game into a track meet against the older Raptors, they will find a recipe for success.

Prediction

The first quarter will be a back-and-forth affair as both starting lineups will trade buckets. The Wolves from outside as Melo and Rudy chip away at the defense with pick-and-rolls, while the Raptors rely on Kawhi’s lethal jumper. As the teams go to the bench, Toronto’s high effort style that kept them in games last year will have a Spider-Man meme moment, as the Wolves match the effort with more talented players.

The Raptors will take small bites into the Wolves lead, but never be able to finish the whole meal as Minnesota serves up an all you can eat buffet of three-pointers.

Our blogging buddies are Raptors HQ. Be kind to our Canadian neighbors!

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Wizards at Bulls Discussion

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - OCTOBER 30: Isaiah Joe #11 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots a three point basket during the game against the Washington Wizards on October 30, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 2025 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Washington Wizards hit the road to play the Chicago Bulls at the United Center. The game starts at 8:00 p.m. tonight. Watch the game on Monumental Sports Network.

Go Wizards!

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World Series Game 2 discussion thread

MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 21: Mascot Bernie Brewer of the Milwaukee Brewers poses for a photo during the 2026 World Series photoshoot at American Family Field on Wednesday, October 21, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Tonight is Game 2 of the World Series.

It will be played in Milwaukee. The Brewers won the first game.

Drew Rasmussen of the Rays goes up against Logan Henderson of the Brew Crew.

It is a 7:00 p.m. Central start time on Fox. Talk about it here.

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2026 World Series Game 2: Rays at Brewers, 7 p.m. CT

The Brewers put their ace on the mound to start Game 1 and still had to survive a replay review in the ninth inning going against them to hold on to a one-run win.

I still look for this to be a competitive series, especially with the Rays throwing their ace this evening.

7 p.m. CT: Rays at Brewers (Brewers lead series 1-0)

TV: Fox-TV, Fox One (streaming). Announcers: Joe Davis, John Smoltz, Ken Rosenthal and Tom Verducci.

Drew Rasmussen, RHP vs. Logan Henderson, RHP

MLB.com Gameday

Baseball-reference.com preview

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Nets rookie Mikel Brown Jr. gets high praise from mentor Donovan Mitchell as two face off for first time

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows Mikel Brown Jr. of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles the ball during a game against the Charlotte Hornets, Image 2 shows Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives past Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers during an NBA game

CLEVELAND — Donovan Mitchell once likened speaking with a then-teenage Mikel Brown Jr. to talking hoops with James Harden, marveling at his protege’s maturity and basketball IQ. 

Saturday night, Brown got his first chance to suit up for real against both Mitchell and Harden. The Nets rookie finally got to play against his mentor in a game that mattered — and got to face the future Hall of Famer Harden for good measure in the Nets game at Cleveland. 

“Shoot, it’s great,” Brown, 20, said beforehand. “They’re obviously coming off a loss as well, just as we are, so they’re going to come in hungry. But to be able to play against Don was kind of crazy. The time went by. Three years ago I literally just met him in high school, and to be able to share the same court as him now and compete against him is great.” 

The Nets overtly tanked the last two seasons to get back-to-back lottery picks that became first Egor Dëmin and now Brown. 

While they had the joint-best odds of landing the top overall pick, they slid all the way to sixth. But the silver lining is that in a deep class they still ended up with Brown, whom Mitchell has said is hardly a consolation prize. 

“Not many high school kids pay attention to the details. I’m having conversations with [Brown] like I’m talking to James Harden,” Mitchell said recently. “He’s going to do amazing things in Brooklyn. Nets fans should be really excited, because they got one.” 

Years ago, when they were on a different timeline, the Nets eyed Mitchell. A local who was born in Elmsford — and played AAU basketball for both the Riverside Hawks and The City — he would’ve made an All-Star centerpiece in Brooklyn. 

Mikel Brown Jr. of the Brooklyn Nets dribbles during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center in the Brooklyn borough of New York City on Oct. 21, 2026. Getty Images

Now they can only hope that Brown can someday become that. 

Brown was one-and-done at Louisville, where Mitchell was All-ACC in 2017. The latter took him under his wing, and is helping him right up until today. 

“Yeah, really just use what he [taught] … I get to use against him now, so it’s great. I’m just ready to compete at a high level,” Brown said. “I’ve been talking to him saying I’m gonna see him soon. So, the time is now. So, it’s gonna be good to compete out there. 

“He talked to me after my first game about some stuff. We talked about some things. But other than that, we both know what it is.” 

Donovan Mitchell (45) of the Cleveland Cavaliers drives around Tyrese Maxey (0) of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia on Oct. 22, 2026. Getty Images

Brown had 15 points with three assists, two steals and just one turnover in his debut, a season-opening loss to Charlotte. This despite a recent ankle injury that had him limited to under 20 minutes and could see him rested Sunday vs. the Pacers. 

Following the debut performance, Mitchell checked in on his protege with some advice. 

“Just the things that I’ve already kind of fixed on my own. Going back and watching the film, there’s definitely a lot of things that I could have fixed. And me and him are basically on the same page on what I need to do better. So, yeah, that’s great,” said Brown, who was prepared to be trash-talked by his mentor Saturday. 

“A little bit. A little bit. You know, not too much, but I know he’s gonna say something tonight. So I’m ready to bump. … I might [trash-talk back] a little bit. I know he’s probably gonna do it, so I’m up for it.” 

Brown rolled his ankle the week before camp and missed the first three preseason games before debuting in the finale. He also missed the second half of his lone Louisville campaign with a back injury. Both may factor into the minutes limit. 

He was coy about whether the performance team has ruled him out for the tail end of this back-to-back at home Sunday vs. visiting Indiana. 

“As of right now, I don’t know. I’m just kind of just going with the flow at this point,” Brown said. “I’m ready to hoop regardless. If they call my name, I’m ready to hoop.”

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LIVE DISCUSSION: Brooklyn Nets at Cleveland Cavaliers, 7:30 PM ET

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 21: Head coach Jordi Fernandez of the Brooklyn Nets talks with Julius Randle #30 during the first half against the Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center on October 21, 2026 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Opening Night was great until it wasn’t for the Nets. The best part about basketball? There’s always a next one.

Brooklyn opened its 60th season with a 110-103 loss to the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday. The Hornets scored 48 points inside the paint, shot 17-of-22 at the rim, and added 20 second-chance points, exposing some of the concerns surrounding the Nets’ positional-size approach. Mikel Brown Jr. remains on a minutes restriction on Saturday and then he’ll sit on Sunday.

Opening Night was great until it wasn’t for the Cleveland Cavaliers. They blew a 29-point lead to the Philadelphia 76ers 0n national television. Don’t be surprised if they’re fired up in front of their home crowd.

Game Info & Broadcast Details

  • Who: Brooklyn Nets (0-1) at Cleveland Cavaliers (0-1)
  • Time: 7:30 PM ET
  • TV/Streaming: YES Network and DAZN
  • Location: Rocket Arena, Cleveland, Ohio

Injury Report: Who’s Out?

Brooklyn Nets:
  • Tyler Bilodeau: OUT (right shoulder sprain)
Cleveland Cavaliers:
  • Khalifa Diop: OUT (left knee)
  • Nae’Qwan Tomlin: OUT (lower back)

Game Preview

“Finishing at the rim against this team is a tall task, and [Julius] Randle will have to find his way to the cup. Philadelphia punished the Cavs in transition to spur the comeback, and it would help the Nets immensely if they could get out and run early and often.

Of course, the big story at least for fans is when will we see Mikel Brown Jr., without minutes restrictions. MBJ looked good in his 19 minute debut vs. the Hornets but Jordi Fernandez offered no firm timeline on when the restrictions would be ended.” – Brian Fleurantin

💬 Discussion

Share your thoughts and react, but please be respectful. NetsDaily prides itself on being a safe space for Nets and basketball fans alike to have healthy conversation. Reach out to Anthony Puccio or Net Income with any issues.

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World Series Game 2 – Tampa Bay Rays at Milwaukee Brewers

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 23: (L-R) Cooper Pratt #12 and Christian Yelich #22 of the Milwaukee Brewers celebrate after defeating 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 Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Former Cincinnati Reds pitcher Nick Martinez turned in an excellent outing for the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night at American Family Field against the juggernaut Milwaukee Brewers and fireballer Jacob Misiorowski. It’s just that the Brewers got to him a little too much right off the bat and the rest of the elite Brewers relief corps was good enough to hold on for a 3-2 win in a Game 1 that had everyone on the edge of their seats.

On Saturday night, the Beers will roll out righty Logan Henderson in an attempt at seizing a commanding 2-0 lead while Tampa will counter with veteran righty Drew Rasmussen, who has been virtually unhittable so far in the postseason (21.0 IP, 1.76 ERA, 0.76 WHIP).

Gametime is slated for just after 8:00 PM ET once again in the confines formerly known as Miller Park, and FOX once again has their C- broadcast crew on-scene.

Here’s how both clubs will line up to begin things:

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World Series Game 2 discussion

Drew Rasmussen poses for World Series promo photos
MILWAUKEE, WI - OCTOBER 22: Drew Rasmussen of the Tampa Bay Rays poses for a photo during the 2026 World Series photoshoot at American Family Field on Thursday, October 22, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Mary DeCicco/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

The Brewers managed to hang on for a thrilling Game 1 victory, but now they will ask Logan Henderson to match up with the Rays’ ace, Drew Rasmussen. The Brewers haven’t lost a home start with Henderson on the mound in a long while, but the Rays have got to be heavily incentivized to make sure they’re not heading back to St. Petersburg with a 2-0 deficit to overcome.

Lineups

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Devils cap off perfect homestand with 3-1 win over Kings

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — Brett Pesce scored the go-ahead goal and Jake Allen made 12 saves as the Devils beat the Los Angeles Kings, 3-1, on Saturday for their third-straight win.

Anthony Mantha and Artemy Gritsyuk also scored for the Devils, who also beat Colorado and Anaheim on their current homestand. New Jersey has won five of six. Allen improved to 5-2-0 this season.

Scott Laughton scored for Los Angeles, which saw its two-game winning streak snapped. Anton Forsberg made 23 saves.

Pesce beat Forsberg at 8:08 of the third period after the defenseman found a clear lane through traffic in the Los Angeles zone. Luke Evangelista and Gritsyuk assisted on Pesce’s first goal this season.

Before the game, the Devils introduced newly-acquired goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. The 33-year-old Hellebuyck won 345 games in 11 seasons with Winnipeg and is a three-time winner of the Vezina Trophy.

New Jersey included goaltender Nico Daws, who won against Anaheim on Thursday, in the trade for Hellebuyck on Friday. Remi Poirier, who has yet to play an NHL game, dressed as Allen’s backup on Saturday.

Laughton scored at 15:57 of the second, driving the puck past Allen for his second goal.

Mantha tied the game about three minutes later with his third goal.

Gritsyuk scored his team-leading sixth goal into an empty net at 18:55.

The Kings had a power-play chance when New Jersey’s Timo Meier was called for tripping at 12:59 of the third but were unable to tie the game.

Los Angeles was coming off road wins over Washington and the New York Islanders to start its four-game trip after losing its first six games.

Up next

Kings: At the New York Rangers on Monday.

Devils: At Dallas on Tuesday.

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Penguins Place Girard On IR, Recall Hayes

The injury woes of the Pittsburgh Penguins continue to pile on only 11 games into the 2026-27 regular season.

And, this time, it's affecting their blue line.

With defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk already on injured reserve (IR), the Penguins added to the list Saturday, placing the left-shot Samuel Girard on IR with an upper-body injury. He was injured during the Penguins' 6-2 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights on Oct. 17 and has not appeared in a game since.

The placement of Girard on IR gives the Penguins three forwards and three defensemen officially on the IR shelf, with forward Egor Chinakhov also designated as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury. In addition, forward Evgeni Malkin will miss Saturday's game against the Nashville Predators with an illness. 

In a corresponding move to Girard, the Penguins recalled forward Avery Hayes from Wilkes-Barre/Scranton (WBS), and he is expected to be in the lineup Saturday.

The 24-year-old forward has five goals and nine points in nine AHL games to start the season, and he registered five goals in 16 games at the NHL level last season. The 5-foot-10, 189-pound native of Westland, Mi. is in the final year of his two-year entry-level contract and has yet to play an NHL game in 2026-27. 

Including Hayes, the Penguins - without Malkin and Chinakhov - have just 12 healthy forwards and one extra defenseman, as they recalled right-shot blueliner Chase Pietila from WBS Thursday.

Pittsburgh Penguins V. Nashville Predators Preview: Lineups, Where To WatchPittsburgh Penguins V. Nashville Predators Preview: Lineups, Where To WatchThe Penguins are 7-0-2 in their last nine games against the Predators.

Bookmark THN - Pittsburgh Penguins on your Google News tab to follow the latest Penguins news, roster moves, player features, and more!   

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Who is Logan Henderson? Brewers rookie sensation starts World Series Game 2

Five years ago, Logan Henderson was pitching at McLennan Community College in Texas. Now, he's starting Game 2 of the World Series against the Tampa Bay Rays at American Family Field.

The Milwaukee Brewers' right-hander has earned the start. He went 11-3 this season with a 2.47 ERA and 110 strikeouts in 98 1/3 innings. Hitters managed just 0.84 walks and hits per inning against him.

Even better for Milwaukee fans, Henderson has never lost a start at American Family Field and the Brewers have never lost a game he has started there. He is 8-0 in 10 starts at home. The Brewers are 10-0 in his starts there in the regular season and 2-0 in the postseason.

Henderson, 24, has battled injuries through his short career. He had right elbow inflammation that shut him down in August of last season. A strained lower back cost him most of June this season.

The Brewers have been careful with him in October. He threw 72 pitches over five innings against San Diego in the National League Division Series and 64 pitches over four against the Dodgers in the NL Championship Series. Milwaukee won both games.

Now he gets the Rays, who are down 1-0 in the best-of-seven-games series. Drew Rasmussen starts for Tampa Bay.

Logan Henderson stats

  • 2026 regular season stats: 18 games (18 starts), 11–3 , 2.47 ERA, 98.1 IP, 110 SO, 0.84 WHIP.
  • 2026 postseason stats: 2 games (2 starts), 0–0, 3.00 ERA, 9.0 IP, 6 SO, 1.11 WHIP.

Where to watch Brewers-Rays World Series

  • Time: 8:08 p.m. ET
  • TV channel: Fox
  • Live stream: Fubo

Watch World Series on Fubo

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who is Logan Henderson? Brewers rookie sensation starts World Series Game 2

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