In the wake of a tremendous number of untimely injuries, the Philadelphia Flyers were forced to turn to their young prospects to fill the void, and they have delivered more than their fair share during this three-game win streak.
Rookie forward Cole Knuble was the latest to make his mark for the Flyers, depositing the first two goals of his young NHL career in a 3-1 win over the Buffalo Sabres on Wednesday night, scoring both times in close proximity to the net.
To open the scoring in the first period, Knuble advanced the puck into the zone, taking on two defenders before losing the puck at the right circle. Linemate Denver Barkey was nearby in support, though, and recovered the puck and quickly sent it to Oliver Bonk at the point.
Bonk's clapper left a big rebound, and Knuble, after getting up from the ice, chased down the puck and supplied a composed finish on his backhand for his first NHL goal, sneaking behind the Buffalo defense.
In the third period, Knuble gave the Flyers a 3-1 lead by fooling Sabres goalie Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen, who aggressively and incorrectly assumed the Flyers rookie would take a simple, downhill shot from the right circle.
Instead, the 21-year-old Knuble showcased his patience and poise, circling an out-of-position Luukkonen before banking the puck into the net off the unsuspecting netminder's leg from below the goal line.
And, it wasn't just the offensive aspect of the game that shone for Knuble on Wednesday.
The 2023 fourth-round pick also made a heads-up defensive play late in the game, helping the Flyers defend a 6-on-5 with the Sabres pulling Luukkonen for an extra attacker down two goals.
Winning the race to a 50-50 puck along the right wall in the defensive zone, Knuble absorbed a massive hit from Rasmus Dahlin, but still managed to chip the puck out to center ice, clearing the defensive zone at the end of his shift.
Knuble, who is listed at a fairly diminutive 5-foot-10, 184 pounds, has taken a good amount of heavy shots from opponents in his two NHL games thus far, but it hasn't deterred him or stopped him from doing what is necessary to play winning hockey. The Flyers have to be encouraged by that.
Hunter McDonald looks ready
Oct 21, 2026; Buffalo, New York, USA; Philadelphia Flyers defenseman Hunter McDonald (19) controls the puck against the Buffalo Sabres during the third period at KeyBank Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Elsewhere in the lineup, brolic defenseman Hunter McDonald played his second game of the season, too, handling 13:20 of ice time, including 1:15 shorthanded, against the Sabres.
Late in the third period, with the Sabres attempting to mount a comeback, McDonald raced forward up the ice and activated, though his shot off Matvei Michkov's pass was blocked off the leg of Buffalo center Josh Norris.
Coming back the other way in transition, McDonald laid a booming hit on Ryan McLeod in open ice, prompting Mattias Samuelsson to chase him down and initiate a fight.
The 6-foot-4, 240-pound McDonald didn't emerge victorious, having been tied up the whole time, but Samuelsson was tagged with an instigator penalty that put the Flyers on the power play, while also being assessed a game misconduct.
By earning the team a power play, McDonald helped the Flyers sand away two more minutes of the 3-1 win, ensuring that it would be a comfortable road to victory.
The 24-year-old is running out of time to prove himself an NHL-caliber player, but in two brief games, McDonald certainly looks like a natural successor to Nick Seeler and/or Simon Benoit.
Now, if the Flyers wouldn't play Benoit at the expense of someone like David Jiricek...
Wednesday night's win over the Sabres was just business as usual for Oliver Bonk - another strong game.
The 21-year-old is already up to four assists in six games this season, adding a pair against Buffalo on the two Knuble goals.
Veteran Rasmus Ristolainen has been day-to-day for nearly three weeks, and while the Flyers would assuredly welcome him back, it looks as though Bonk has already taken his job on the top defense pair next to Travis Sanheim.
After years and years of trade rumors, now seems like the clearest moment yet when a trade truly makes sense for both sides, though that decision ultimately remains up to the Flyers.
But, this is what the Flyers' rebuild was supposed to be, and what it's supposed to be all about.
The 2026-27 season looked over before it began with an 0-6-3 start, but the prospects, called up out of necessity, have come in and helped the Flyers win three straight; they're now just three points out of a playoff spot while owning the joint-longest active win streak in the league.
The proverbial "next step" for the Flyers is this: players like Bonk, Knuble, Michkov, McDonald, and Barkey showing what they can do with ample opportunity and trust from the coaches.
Sustaining it for the next 72 games is a different conversation, but the Flyers' kids are not here just for the experience. They want, and are ready to, win now.
LAS VEGAS, NV - DECEMBER 16: Luke Kornet #7 of the San Antonio Spurs and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks go up for a jump ball during the game during the Emirates NBA Cup Final game on December 16, 2025 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
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The Spurs made it to the Emirates Cup Finals last season upsetting a bevy of teams believed to be more prepared for the battles. The Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers (with LeBron James and Luka Doncic), and Oklahoma City Thunder were all upset by the fledgling Spurs.
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In his Wizards debut, Anthony Davis dominated the Milwaukee Bucks and led Washington to victory. | NBAE via Getty Images
The season opener was between two teams headed in opposite directions. The Washington Wizards want to win, and — led by a whale of game from Anthony Davis, they did. The Milwaukee Bucks — after trading away perennial Most Valuable Player candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo — succumbed.
For the Bucks, a lot of nights will be like this.
For the Wizards…82-0 is on the menu.
More seriously, even without No. 1 overall pick AJ Dybantsa, who was out with an ankle injury suffered in the preseason finale, the Wizards demonstrated they can be formidable at full (or nearly full health).
It was not a perfect performance by the Wizards. Trae Young generated open and wide-open corner threes, which they bricked. In fairness, they were slinging bricks from deep from the wings and out top — 6-28 from three for the game. Young was the worst offender, shooting 0-6.
Starting in place of the injured AJ Dybantsa, Bilal Coulibaly was a disruptive defender in the team’s win over the Milwaukee Bucks. | NBAE via Getty Images
The Wizards made up for it by avoiding turnovers, scoring inside, and getting to the free throw line (32-41). The scant turnovers were something of a surprise. Controlling the paint and getting to the free throw line were not. The Wizards used two bigs together most of the night, and a team with Davis and Young are going to make the other team foul.
A few fun things from this one:
Davis dominated — 34 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assist, 2 steals and a block. He was too much for Milwaukee handle, especially since the twin towers lineups meant he was being guarded by Kyle Kuzma much of the evening.
Starting in place of Dybantsa, Bilal Coulibaly was a defensive terror. He kept popping up all over the court to deflect the ball, get a steal, or block a shot. On one block of a Tyler Herro attempt, Coulibaly flashed from the low block on the far side to swat Herro’s attempt from above the free throw line. He finished with four steals and two blocks.
Young had 13 assists, and it could have been more if teammates made a few more open looks. He’s enormously skilled at drawing defensive attention, holding it, and then hitting a teammate left open. I particularly liked a play in the second quarter where he jumped, looked at Justin Champagnie on the wing while in the air long enough for a help defender to leave the paint to start the closeout sprint, and then fire a pass to Ayton, who was open under the basket. It’s been a while since the Wizards had someone who could make that kind of pass. (He was on the broadcast team last night.)
Speaking of Champagnie, he played a helluva game. My hope is that he stays a significant part of the rotation when Dybantsa is back. He could, for example, take the minutes Khris Middleton played last night (no disrespect to Middleton, who’s had a terrific career — just that Champagnie is better now and has an NBA future).
Thoughts & Observations
Has Chris Miller always pronounced Chipotle without the T?
John Wall brought some good moments to the broadcast, which has long needed some help. Two notes: 1) it’d be great if Wall could talk just a little slower, and 2) it’d be great if the production could bring the level of his mic up a touch. That’s it — I loved the stories, observations, and the “technical” basketball talk. His presence brought out some good stuff from Drew Gooden too.
One grumble about the broadcast and then I’ll shut up about it — Chris Miller sharing the stat about Tre Johnson making 115 threes last season, which he said was the most for a Wizards rookie through 60 games. He said it like viewers should be super impressed. Except, it mainly just highlights that the game has changed. Most teams have a similar stat from the past few years because everyone shoots more threes.
Okay, one more. Miller had me grinding my teeth when he praised Bub Carrington after Carrington harassed Ryan Rollins full court. It was a start to good defense, which Carrington messed up with a dumb foul. The effort was good. His intent was good. The play was not good defense.
Speaking of Carrington’s defense, the first half ended with an open three from Milwaukee’s Herro. That open look arose because Carrington inexplicably lunged at the ball, got overextended and off balance, and then had to scramble frantically to try to get back into the play. Good effort, but he needs to play smarter.
A play at 5:44 of the first quarter made me laugh. Davis got a wide open three because George blocked for him like he was a member of The Hogs. George’s blocking, which should have been called for a foul, kept two defenders away from Davis.
I jotted the same basic idea (using different wording but the same point) in my notes three different times during the game: Trae Young is a tough cover. The league literally made rules designed to stop some of his more egregious free throw grifting tactics. Last night, he shot 16 free throws.
I like the idea of Kyshawn George. Last night’s game has me vigilant because it included four turnovers and four fouls. Excessive fouling from over-aggressive play has been an issue throughout his career. Turnovers have been a chronic issue, as well — and the adventurous passing on display last night (attempted a lob to Davis in a crowded paint, tried a bounce pass in traffic in a crowded paint). He can be a good player if he dials back the aggression and focuses on right play instead of highlight play.
Four Factors
Below are the four factors that decide wins and losses in basketball — shooting (efg), rebounding (offensive rebounds), ball handling (turnovers), fouling (free throws made).
The four factors are measured by:
eFG% (effective field goal percentage, which accounts for the three-point shot)
OREB% (offensive rebound percentage)
TOV% (turnover percentage — turnovers divided by possessions)
FTM/FGA (free throws made divided by field goal attempts)
FOUR FACTORS
BUCKS
WIZARDS
LGAVG*
eFG%
53.3%
55.8%
54.6%
OREB%
28.9%
30.0%
26.0%
TOV%
15.7%
10.8%
12.7%
FTM/FGA
0.209
0.372
0.206
PACE
102
99.4
ORTG
114
126
115.8
Note: the LGAVG column is the league average from last season. That will update with averages from this season going forward.
Stats & Metrics
PPA is my overall production metric, which credits players for things they do that help a team win (scoring, rebounding, playmaking, defending) and dings them for things that hurt (missed shots, turnovers, bad defense, fouls).
PPA is a per possession metric designed for larger data sets. In small sample sizes, the numbers can get weird. In PPA, 100 is average, higher is better and replacement level is 45. For a single game, replacement level isn’t much use, and I reiterate the caution about small samples sometimes producing weird results.
POSS is the number of possessions each player was on the floor in this game.
ORTG = offensive rating, which is points produced per individual possessions x 100. League average so far this season is listed in the Four Factors table above. Points produced is not the same as points scored. It includes the value of assists and offensive rebounds, as well as sharing credit when receiving an assist.
USG = offensive usage rate. Average is 20%. Median so far this season is 17.7%.
ORTG and USG are versions of stats created by former Wizards assistant coach Dean Oliver and modified by me. ORTG is an efficiency measure that accounts for the value of shooting, offensive rebounds, assists and turnovers. USG includes shooting from the floor and free throw line, offensive rebounds, assists and turnovers.
+PTS = “Plus Points” is a measure of the points gained or lost by each player based on their efficiency in this game compared to league average efficiency on the same number of possessions. A player with an offensive rating (points produced per possession x 100) of 100 who uses 20 possessions would produce 20 points. If the league average efficiency is 115, the league — on average — would produced 23.0 points in the same 20 possessions. So, the player in this hypothetical would have a +PTS score of -3.0.
Players are sorted by total production in the game.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - OCTOBER 16: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers celebrates with LeBron James #23 against the Boston Celtics in the second quarter during the preseason game at Xfinity Mobile Arena on October 16, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Celtics defeated the 76ers 125-120 in overtime. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) | Getty Images
NBA Basketball is back! The Sixers are coming off the season opener with a solid win over the reigning NBA champion New York Knicks, defeating them 106-100. There isn’t much time to savor the win, however, as the Sixers travel back to Philadelphia to host the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Coming off their first game, it’s hard not to feel good about how the Sixers performed in their regular-season debut. In particular, their defense was much better than most expected. Defensive rotations were crisp, and effort was shown across the board, including from Joel Embiid, who stated after the game that one of his goals this season was to get back on an All-Defensive team.
Offensively, results were mixed, but the Sixers had several stretches where the Knicks’ defense simply didn’t know what to do. They ran high screen-and-rolls with Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, which resulted in blitzes that freed up one or more of Jaylen Brown, LeBron James and VJ Edgecombe. When healthy and firing on all cylinders, defenses are going to have a hard time defending that five.
Fast forward to tonight’s game, and the Sixers will look to build upon their early success, though there’s plenty to clean up in that department. The Sixers’ three-point shooting was dreadful for most of the Knicks game, and they’ll look to get back on track in that area.
It will also be interesting to see how Nick Nurse utilizes the rotation. He really only went 7.5 players deep in their first game, and of course, that is not sustainable considering we’re not even in November. Both Dean Wade and Dominick Barlow, who are expected to be in the rotation to varying degrees, were out. If that’s the case again tonight, they might have to turn to rookie LaBaron Philon Jr. or Jabari Walker, who played a handful of minutes in their first game. Regardless of whether it’s tonight or in a week or two, Nurse will simply have to cut down the heavy minutes load with more than 80 games on the horizon.
Shifting focus over to the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Sixers are slated to go from one tough opponent to the next. The Cavs retained most of their core group, with James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. They did change things up beyond that, however, adding Peyton Watson and Mario Hezonja in free agency, along with Meleek Thomas through the draft. The Sixers had their fair share of trouble against the Cavs during the regular season last year, so this will be another good test to gauge how this team is performing compared to last year’s.
Heading into tonight’s game, the Sixers are listing Dean Wade as questionable while Dominick Barlow remains out. For Cleveland, Jarrett Allen is questionable with right patellar tendinopathy. Nae’Qwan Tomlin (back) and Khalifa Diop (knee) are out.
The Sixers have an opportunity to start the young season with back-to-back wins against talented opponents in a highly competitive Eastern Conference. Let’s see if they can get it done.
Game Details
When: Thursday, October 22, 7:00 p.m. ET Where: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, PA Watch: ESPN Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic Follow:@LibertyBallers
DALLAS, TEXAS - OCTOBER 16: Kingston Flemings #4 of the Atlanta Hawks is defended by Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks during the first half at American Airlines Center on October 16, 2026 in Dallas, 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 GettyImages License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
The Hawks initially had the number 23 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. However, the New Orleans Pelicans had other plans, swapping with the Hawks in a trade that moved themselves up to the number 13 pick while the Hawks moved down to 23.
The Pelicans took Derik Queen, center from Maryland, and in the process gifted the Hawks an unprotected first round pick for 2026, which drew scrutiny from circles around the league. The pick the Hawks received turned into the eighth overall pick, in which the Hawks selected their point guard Kingston Flemings from the University of Houston.
A former five-star high school recruit from San Antonio, TX, Flemings led the Cougars to the Sweet Sixteen, where they were defeated by Illinois. Despite the early exit for a team that was looking to avenge their heart- breaking loss in the national championship the year prior, Flemings stood out as one of the best players in the country.
The lottery pick guard led the Cougars in both points (16.1 per game) and assists (5.2) per game in his one year at the collegiate level. In a loss against Texas Tech, Flemings exploded for 42 points, which set Houston’s record for a freshman. The historic feat for Flemings featured both flashes of athleticism and touch that allowed him to find consistently at the rim as well as knocking down shots from behind the arc at an efficient clip (shooting 4-for-9).
Both scoring and dishing out passes at a high mark turned Flemings into a no-doubt lottery pick. Though he was not an elite shooter coming out of high school, the ex-Cougar worked hard and developed himself in a trusted source of three-point scoring, converting at an impressive 38%. While obviously talented on offense, Flemings is a scrappy defender who averaged 1.5 steals at Houston and was sound in his efforts both on and off the ball. This combination of offensive and defensive prowess drew comparisons to De’Aaron Fox when he was a draft prospect.
While Flemings is clearly talented, the question of how he’ll fit in the Hawks is a different matter. One thing is for sure. With the exit of Trae Young, the Hawks desperately need someone to take over and lead the team as their undisputed floor general. Flemings exhibited notable leadership qualities that allowed Houston to preserve through adversity in close, competitive games. His natural leadership will ease him into the role of commanding the team’s offense, which was desperately missed by the team once the playoffs arrived.
Flemings taking over the main ball handling role would greatly open the Hawks offense. Last season, CJ McCollum took over as the team’s primary ball handler despite not being a “true point guard.” Once again equipped with the impressive scoring trip of McCollum, Jalen Johnson, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, the Hawks will need someone like Flemings to be at their best and flow in the offense.
While of course Flemings is scoring threat who will continue to develop himself as a three-point shooter, I don’t believe his success in the NBA will come from being a high-scoring guard. Longevity in the league for most players is often in the form of finding your niche or role and starring in it. For Flemings, that role is being a facilitator and play initiator that allows some of the most talented scorers in the league to thrive as well as being a scrappy defender who becomes an irritant for any opponent the Hawks face.
It’s not quite fair to expect Flemings to be that guy immediately out of the gate, or even in his first year, but the Hawks have the guy who I believe will be their floor general that leads them to winning some playoff rounds in the years to come.
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 23: A general view as Shane Baz #34 of the Baltimore Orioles pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays during the third inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on August 23, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Hello, friends.
There are now 153 days remaining until the next scheduled Orioles game. You know the drill by now.
On the other hand, the World Series starts tomorrow. It will be over by, at the latest, Halloween. Between the Rays and the Brewers, there will be a first-time winner crowned. I think that’s fun. If all else is equal, I like to root for long droughts being broken. I think it’s good to put that kind of energy out there. Some day, maybe, it will be the Orioles turn to try to break a long drought, and it would be nice to be a sympathetic favorite at that time.
I know not every Orioles fan agrees, with some people preferring that teams ahead of the Orioles on the list not get scratched off to push the O’s closer to the top of the list of failure. It is not fun to be on those lists. Only five teams have gone longer than the Orioles without winning a title. If the Brewers win this World Series, that will be four.
The Padres and Mariners have also never won it, the Guardians last title was in 1948, and the Pirates haven’t won since (sigh) 1979. I wasn’t alive for that one, but I’ve heard enough about it, and I don’t think my “root for the longest drought to end” philosophy would ever apply to Pittsburgh. Wasn’t a whole lot of danger of having to think about that this year. Any of the other teams ahead of the O’s would probably be about as sympathetic as the Brewers, especially if they were facing another AL East team in the postseason.
The Orioles have not won the World Series as long as I have been alive, and I’m turning 43 next month. It’s a long time. Unless fortunes rapidly turn around, the O’s title drought is going to hit “get a colonoscopy” age pretty soon. It is not great that after two years in the postseason and zero postseason wins, that things stink again with no certainty of whether the people in charge can figure out how to stop that from happening. But there is quite a while yet before we will start to have any idea of whether their offseason turnaround plan is going to get results.
A look at a few Orioles that might not be back next year (Steve on Baseball) Trevor Rogers is the only name on the list that is going to make large numbers of Birdland fans sad in the strong likelihood that he does not return.
Birthdays and Orioles anniversaries
Nothing of particular interest has ever happened on this day in Orioles history. This is not likely to change until the team makes it back to a World Series, or at least deep in an ALCS series.
There are several former Orioles who were born on this day. They are: 2024 pitcher Corbin Burnes, 2012-18 pitcher Darren O’Day, 2005 catcher Eli Whiteside, 2003 pitcher Héctor Carrasco, 2004 catcher Keith Osik, and 1989 catcher Jamie Quirk.
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday to you! Your birthday buddies for today include: composer Franz Liszt (1811), baseball Hall of Famer Jimmie Foxx (1907), author Doris Lessing (1919), actor Christopher Lloyd (1938), gold medal figure skater Brian Boitano (1963), and baseball Hall of Famer Ichiro Suzuki (1973).
On this day in history…
In 2137 BC, a solar eclipse was recorded by Chinese astronomers. There were also reports that two astronomers who failed to predict the eclipse were executed. It wasn’t until 585 BC that an eclipse is known to have occurred as predicted.
In 1721 AD, following the Russian defeat of Sweden in the decades-long Great Northern War, Russia’s ruler Peter I proclaimed a Russian Empire, with himself as the tsar.
In 1883, New York’s Metropolitan Opera House opened. The first performance was an opera called Faust, by Charles Gounod, which had debuted in Paris in 1859.
In 1962, during the Cuban Missile Crisis, President John F. Kennedy announced a naval blockade of the island of Cuba.
**
And that’s the way it is in Birdland on October 22. Have a safe Thursday.
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - APRIL 01: Garrett Mitchell #5 of the Milwaukee Brewers steals second base as Ben Williamson #15 of the Tampa Bay Rays takes the throw at American Family Field on April 01, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) | Getty Images
For the first time since 1980, we have a World Series matchup of two teams without a title. While plenty of teams have claimed their first title since that time (the 2023 Rangers were the most recent), this is the first time in 46 years that we’re heading into a World Series where we are guaranteed to see a franchise claim its first title.
Let’s take a quick look at how both teams got here, starting with the American League’s Tampa Bay Rays.
Tampa Bay Rays
While the Rays are in their 29th season, they’ve already claimed three AL pennants, though they haven’t yet captured their first championship. Their previous appearances in the World Series came in 2008, when they beat the Red Sox in seven games in the ALCS before losing to the Phillies in five games, and in 2020, when they took down the Astros in another seven-game ALCS before losing in a neutral World Series in Texas, as the Dodgers won 4-2.
After spending the entire 2025 season at George M. Steinbrenner Field — the Yankees’ spring training home — due to Hurricane Milton’s damage to Tropicana Field, they returned home this year and turned in the best record in the American League, going 98-64. They’re back in the World Series after sweeping the Yankees in the ALDS and claiming the ALCS in six games over the Guardians.
Led by manager Kevin Cash, who won back-to-back AL Manager of the Year Awards in 2020 and 2021, the Rays outperformed preseason expectations behind one of the strongest pitching staffs in baseball and an above-average offense.
There isn’t much homegrown talent in Tampa, but they’ve done an incredible job of scouting under-the-radar players from across the league. The ALCS roster was constructed as follows:
MLB Draft (3): LHP Ian Seymour, OF Chandler Simpson, SS Taylor Walls
International Signing (1): 1B Jonathan Aranda
Trade (16): RHP Bryan Baker (2025 trade deadline), 3B Junior Caminero (2021-22 offseason), OF Jonny DeLuca (2023-24 offseason), DH Yandy Díaz (2018-19 offseason), C Nick Fortes (2025 trade deadline), C Liam Hicks (2026 trade deadline), RHP Brody Hopkins (2024 trade deadline), RHP Griffin Jax (2025 trade deadline), OF Victor Mesa Jr. (2025-26 offseason), INF Richie Palacios (2023-24 offseason), RHP Freddy Peralta (2026 trade deadline), RHP Drew Rasmussen (2021 midseason), RHP Cole Sulser (2024 trade deadline), OF Ryan Vilade (2025-26 offseason), RHP Tyler Wells (2026 trade deadline), 2B Ben Williamson (2025-26 offseason)
Free agency (5): LHP Cam Booser, RHP Nick Martinez, INF Jorge Mateo, LHP Steven Matz, OF Cedric Mullins
Rule 5 Draft (1): RHP Kevin Kelly
As I said, just look at how good some of those trade acquisitions look in retrospect. Bryan Baker is one of the best closers in baseball, and they got him for the No. 37 draft pick in last year’s draft. Junior Caminero is an MVP candidate who they picked up from the Guardians for Tobias Myers. Yandy Díaz was also acquired from the Guardians in a three-team deal, where Tampa Bay departed with Jake Bauers and cash. More recent deadline acquisitions in Griffin Jax, Freddy Peralta, and Liam Hicks cost them Taj Bradley and six prospects (none of them in MLB’s top 100).
That’s what most in the industry would probably define as “fleecing.”
How has that roster fared?
On the mound, they’re led by starters Drew Rasmussen and Peralta — both former Brewers — as well as Nick Martinez, a familiar foe for Milwaukee from his time with the Reds. The aforementioned Baker led the majors with 41 saves and hasn’t blown a save since May 13, spanning 30 regular season and five postseason saves. In fact, all four of those arms have been great this postseason:
The rest of the bullpen — which includes Kevin Kelly, Tyler Wells, Cam Booser, Brody Hopkins, Steven Matz, Cole Sulser, and Jax and Ian Seymour in starter-reliever roles — has been good, not great, this postseason, with a 3.60 bullpen ERA and 32 strikeouts across 30 innings.
Offensively, they’re led by Caminero, Díaz, Hicks, Jonathan Aranda, and speedster Chandler Simpson, who gives Billy Hamilton vibes. Díaz has been the best hitter in the postseason, slashing .308/.341/.564 with 12 hits, including a pair of homers and four doubles. Caminero and Aranda have also homered, while Simpson has led a steal-happy squad (perfect 11-for-11 this postseason) with three steals. Other regulars include Victor Mesa Jr., Jonny DeLuca, Taylor Walls, and Richie Palacios, with Ben Williamson, Ryan Vilade, Cedric Mullins, and Nick Fortes rounding out the bench.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers had another great season under Matt Arnold & Pat Murphy, winning their fourth consecutive NL Central title and becoming the first team in the division to do so. They also won 103 games, breaking their previous franchise record of 97 wins set in 2025.
To get here, they had to go through two of the hottest teams in baseball down the stretch in the San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers. The Padres swept the Cubs in the NL Wild Card Series and put up quite the fight against Milwaukee, as the Brewers eked out three wins in a 3-1 series victory. The Dodgers, who took three of four from the Braves in the NLDS, were the Goliath to Milwaukee’s David after sweeping the Crew in the 2025 NLCS. This time, the Brewers flipped the script, sweeping the Dodgers en route to their first World Series since 1982 and marking the first time they’ve made it as a National League team.
Per MLB.com, the Brewers got more out of the MLB Draft than every other playoff team with the exception of Cleveland. That includes first-round picks Brice Turang (2018), Garrett Mitchell (2020), and Sal Frelick (2021), as well as junior college finds in Jacob Misiorowski (2022), Logan Henderson (2021), and Aaron Ashby (2017). They also picked up starting shortstop Cooper Pratt in the sixth round back in 2023, pulling him away from a college commitment.
They have three international signees — Jackson Chourio (2021) and Luis Lara (2022) out of Venezuela, and Abner Uribe (2018) out of the Dominican Republic.
Shockingly, the only free agent on this team is catcher Gary Sánchez, who signed a one-year deal with a mutual option for 2027 back in February.
The other 15 projected players on the team came via trade. This group includes Jake Bauers, William Contreras, Joey Ortiz, DL Hall, David Hamilton, Trevor Megill, Chad Patrick, Robert Gasser, Shane Drohan, Kyle Harrison, Dustin May, JoJo Romero, Antonio Senzatela, Andrew Vaughn, and Christian Yelich.
I should note that if Brandon Woodruff somehow miraculously makes the roster, he would add one more to the draft group, as he was taken in the 11th round out of Mississippi State back in 2014. He’d likely take the spot of either Harrison or Patrick, neither of whom has pitched this postseason.
The offense is anchored by Turang, Contreras, and Chourio, but the supporting pieces are solid too — Murphy has seemingly found the right mix this postseason, with Pratt, Bauers, and Mitchell joining those three as everyday players while Hamilton and Ortiz split duties at third base, Lara and Frelick split duties in right, and Vaughn and Yelich split duties at designated hitter.
On the mound, the Misiorowski-Henderson-Gasser combo has worked well atop the rotation, with May and Drohan next in line, though neither of them has been given all that long of a leash here in the playoffs. For the bullpen, the back end combination of Megill, Uribe, and Ashby has been fantastic; Hall has also been solid, and deadline acquisitions Romero and Senzatela have been better in the postseason than they were down the stretch.
Probable Pitchers
Note: Pitching matchups will be filled in as they’re announced
Game 1 (Milwaukee): Friday, October 23 @ 7:00 p.m.: RHP Jacob Misiorowski (2 GS, 0-0, 3.24 ERA, 1.90 FIP) vs. TBD
Misiorowski is slated to get the ball in Friday’s series opener, and while he hasn’t been quite as sharp as he was in the regular season, he’s still been a solid presence atop the rotation. He’s made two starts thus far, totaling just 8 1/3 innings as he’s allowed three runs on nine hits and four walks, striking out 11. The likely NL Cy Young winner after a league-leading 1.80 ERA, 2.17 FIP, and 252 strikeouts, Miz went six innings in a no-decision against the Rays back in April, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out seven. You can certainly expect him to come out the gates with the high heat on Friday night.
Game 2 (Milwaukee): Saturday, October 24 @ 7:00 p.m.: TBD vs. TBD
Game 3 (Tampa Bay): Monday, October 26 @ 7:00 p.m.: TBD vs. TBD
Game 4 (Tampa Bay): Tuesday, October 27 @ 7:00 p.m.: TBD vs. TBD
Game 5 (if necessary) (Tampa Bay): Wednesday, October 28 @ 7:00 p.m.: TBD vs. TBD
Game 6 (if necessary) (Milwaukee): Friday, October 30 @ 7:00 p.m.: TBD vs. TBD
Game 7 (if necessary) (Milwaukee): Saturday, October 31 @ 7:00 p.m.: TBD vs. TBD
How to watch and listen
Friday, October 23: Nationally televised on FOX & FOX One; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Saturday, October 24: Nationally televised on FOX & FOX One; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Monday, October 26: Nationally televised on FOX & FOX One; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Tuesday, October 27: Nationally televised on FOX & FOX One; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Wednesday, October 28: Nationally televised on FOX & FOX One; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Friday, October 30: Nationally televised on FOX & FOX One; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Saturday, October 31: Nationally televised on FOX & FOX One; listen via radio on the Brewers Radio Network (620 WTMJ in Milwaukee)
Prediction
This is probably the most excited, but also the most anxious I’ve ever been as a Brewers fan. These are obviously two fantastic teams, and they match up pretty evenly on paper. It certainly won’t be a cakewalk for either side. Give me the Brewers to claim their first title in six games.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 07: Don Mattingly, interim manager for the Philadelphia Phillies, takes the ball from Andrew Painter #24 during a pitching change during a game against the Athletics at Citizens Bank Park on May 07, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Do you think whoever runs the social media graphics team at the Phillies knew exactly what they were doing with this post for the start of the Sixers season?
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 04: Evgeni Malkin #71 of the Pittsburgh Penguins skates in front of Donovan Sebrango #6 of the Florida Panthers at PPG PAINTS Arena on April 4, 2026 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/NHLI via Getty Images) | NHLI via Getty Images
Who:Florida Panthers (5-2-2, 12 points, 4th place Atlantic Division) @ Pittsburgh Penguins (3-6-1, 7 points, 6th place Metropolitan Division)
When: 7:00 p.m. eastern
How to Watch: Locally televised game on Sportsnet Pittsburgh and Scripps, streaming for out of market at ESPN+
Pens’ Path Ahead: The Pens get to enjoy some time at home, and a somewhat light schedule coming up. They play again on Saturday, hosting Nashville then get four days off before the Utah Mammoth come to town next Thursday.
Opponent Track: The Panthers were in action last night in Ottawa for Brady Tkachuk’s return to the city where he started his NHL career. Prior to that, they won their last three games (CBJ, VAN, SEA). After tonight their road trip continues going to Chicago over the weekend.
Season Series: Tonight’s the only time FLA is playing in the ‘Burgh this season. The Pens head down to Florida on December 10th and then again on March 4th to finish out the three-game set.
Hidden Stat: Pittsburgh enters today’s game with points in six-straight games versus Florida (4-0-2), per Pens PR.
Getting to know the Panthers
Projected lines
FORWARDS
Brady Tkachuk – Sam Bennett – Matthew Tkachuk
Carter Verhaeghe – Sam Reinhart – Lars Eller
Eetu Luostarinen – Anton Lundell – Sandis Vilmanis
Injured Reserve: Aleksander Barkov, Brad Marchand, Jonah Gadjovich, Jacob Markstrom
Injury bug has been biting the Panthers hard so far this season. Barkov went down with a knee injury (fortunately on the other leg from the knee that kept him out all of last season), Marchand joined him soon after. Starting goalie Markstrom is now out
Tall goalie alert?! The undrafted 25-year old Cooper Black could be making his NHL debut tonight being as Schmid played last night in Ottawa. Black stands 6’8” and has played mostly with AHL Charlotte since turning pro in 2024. Black would set the record for tallest NHL goalie in league history, surpassing Ben Bishop and a handful of others listed at 6’7”.
Season stats via hockeydb (last night’s results not included)
Brady Tkachuk registered two hat tricks in his first nine games as a Panther and no goals in the other seven.
Hat tricks have been en vogue for the team, both Bennett and Verhaeghe had three-goal nights a few days ago against Seattle.
Imama has played in all the games this season, after only playing two NHL games for Pittsburgh last season (and 16 the year before in 2024-25).
Goalie was going to be the big question for the Panthers after letting Sergei Bobrovsky go and so far the results have been…ok enough I guess? Markstrom and Schmid don’t need great individual stats, as long as they can hang in there and keep the goals down (which, Markstrom’s 2.21 GAA through the first six games definitely qualifies) that should be all this team needs to handle business over the rest of the ice.
Key to the game: Florida’s tough defense, the Penguins’ not so tough defense..
It’s early but the Panthers are showing that their drop-off last season might be a one-year aberration, rebounding their goal shares (top right corner) in a major way so far in 2026-27.
The Cats don’t give up a lot of opportunities as the NHL’s top team in limited expected goals. If there’s a ray of hope, it’s that the goaltending hasn’t matched the defense and prone to allow goals (and Florida could be playing a first-time NHLer tonight in net…)
On the flip side, the bigger battle might be in front of the Pens’ net. With a pair of Tkachuks and other net-front players like Bennett, Reinhart and Lundell, Pittsburgh’s beleaguered defense is going to have their hands full keeping the front of the crease clear for their goalies. This has been an obvious and glaring flaw for the team in their first 10 games, it’s going to receive a major test tonight in that department.
And now for the Pens
Projected lines
FORWARDS
Evgeni Malkin – Sidney Crosby – Bryan Rust*
Ville Koivunen – Tommy Novak – Rickard Rakell
Egor Chinakhov – Hendrix Lapierre – Andrei Kuzmenko
Connor Dewar – Blake Lizotte – Nick Robertson
DEFENSEMEN
Spencer Stastney / Erik Karlsson
Declan Carlile / Kaeden Korczak
Ilya Solovyov / Kris Letang
Goalies: Arturs Silovs and Sergei Murashov
Potential Scratches: Ben Kindel, Elmer Soderblom, Sam Girard
IR: Ryan Graves, Justin Brazeau, Trevor van Riemsdyk
Debated putting a ‘wait and see’ for this projection. Rust was injured at the end of last game and his status hasn’t yet been updated. Girard was skating before the last game, he could be getting close to drawing back in. Kindel, one would sense, isn’t likely to play after being hospitalized. How things will shake out will require waiting until the morning skate.
Otherwise, it’s just a holding pattern for now. The Pens were off the ice Monday as they traveled back from their road trip, then got an additional day off yesterday due to the delays that ensued in their return trip home.
His fault or not, Silovs has conceded five goals in four of his last five games. There’s two games ahead in the coming days before a long break and as always it will be interesting to see what the Penguins do with their goalie assignments.
Dubas speaking this morning
Kyle Dubas is expected to give a statement this morning to presumably update the status of Kindel and the events of Monday.
Having swatted away critiques suggesting he was not an opener in a blistering broadside at former players preceding the series, Travis Head has matched his words with a superb century in Gqeberha in a fighting bid to save the Test for Australia.
Walker Kessler mumbled just loud enough for the press to hear him as the 7'2 big man sank into his seat at the podium following the Los Angeles Lakers' season-opening 127-105 rout over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
The ease with which he answered questions – at one point, he said, "Contrary to my name, I run a lot" – mirrored how effortless he looked on the floor, always seeming to be in just the right place and just the right time to receive a lob from Luka Dončić or Austin Reaves.
At one point early in the third quarter, Kessler was running behind the play as Dončić dribbled into the low post. Draymond Green stepped towards Dončić, freeing Kessler up in the paint with no one near him.
"Luka!" He shouted out.
Next thing Kessler knew, the ball was in his chest.
Dončić had rifled it behind his back past Green and right to Kessler and before the Warriors enforcer had any idea what had happened, Kessler was already coming back down from the rim.
"He's just wicked smart," Kessler said of Dončić. "His basketball IQ is crazy, and I think he recognized I was running the floor. ... He just found me."
And it wasn't just Luka Magic. Kessler finished the night a perfect 12 of 12 from the floor for 26 points, his shot chart entirely in the restricted area. Ten of those were dunks; the most in a game by a Laker since Shaquille O'Neal in 2003.
O'Neal gave Kessler his flowers on-air postgame.
"For so long, the Lakers big men have been historical and dominant," he declared on Inside the NBA. "Walker Kessler is the best big man in the NBA."
A glowing review from Laker royalty, and one that shouldn't be taken lightly.
The spotlight that comes with donning the purple and gold – especially at its glamor position – can be blinding. The weight of following in the legacy of Shaq, Kareem, Wilt and George Mikan has crushed other superstars before. Dwight Howard infamously spurned Kobe Bryant in 2013 for the Houston Rockets. Russell Westbrook became public enemy No. 1 in his own hometown.
Kessler hasn't just shown he can handle the pressure that comes with this job. He somehow looks comfortable in it.
"He understands what this is and the pressures that come with it," head coach JJ Redick said. "I think it was a good opening statement for him."
It hasn't always been that way for the North Carolina and Auburn product.
By his own admission, there were times in his college career that Kessler let pressure get to him. Outside voices dictated his own thoughts and feelings. But as he's gotten older, he's focused more on being grateful for everything that comes his way.
"I'm a big believer in what an opportunity," Kessler said. "God is so good in my life for me to be here. ... It's really hard to focus on the negativity when you actively do that, and so I've been the past couple years really focusing on that."
Wednesday was just game one out of 82. Dončić kept it in perspective, saying he was impressed with his new running mate and how they played off each other. When Luka would drive, Kessler would step up. When he was doubled, Kessler he played in the pocket.
"I think our ceiling is even higher," Dončić said. "But ... he did an amazing job today."
He knows that even if Kessler makes catching lobs look easy, the reality is far from it. But keeping in mind that this was just their first game together, the future – and present – at Crypto.com Arena looks just as bright as the lights that so many before them have shrunken under.
The Golden State Warriors got the chance to see their No. 11 overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft make his league debut on Wednesday, Oct. 21.
Rookie forward Yaxel Lendeborg got a taste of the NBA and earned his first 'welcome to the league' moment during the season-opening matchup with the Los Angeles Lakers, who defeated the Warriors, 127-105.
Lendeborg played 29 minutes and scored 12 points on 5-for-11 shooting, adding three rebounds, two assists and a steal. However, the main lesson Lendeborg learned of the day is don't mess with Luka Dončić.
The rookie found himself guarding Dončić on multiple possessions during the game. Lendeborg accepted the challenge. He didn't back down, playing physical with the Lakers' All-Star and letting him hear it, too.
That might have been where Lendeborg messed up. Dončić scored 28 points on 7-for-18 from the field and added eight rebounds and seven assists.
The two went at each other, especially in the first half. But Dončić had the last laugh at the end of the second quarter where he banked in a half court shot from about 50 feet to beat the buzzer. Going into the locker room, he had some words for Lendeborg.
LUKA MAGIC ✨Beyond half-court at the buzzer to extend the Lakers' lead against the Warriors 🍿 https://t.co/RiPZVHk7gg
Lendeborg even received a technical foul for his back-and-forth with Dončić. After the game, Lendeborg discussed what happened on the court with him and Dončić.
Lendeborg described his debut as "interesting."
As for Dončić, he said he lost respect for him.
"I had a lot of respect for him," Lendeborg said. "I didn't watch the NBA much. I just watched highlights, seeing him kill people all the time. But then being in there first hand, just watching him whining and complaining, I lost all respect, man. Like, that was awful.
"Like me getting frustrated, it's not about the foul being called, it's about him complaining the entire game. And then you get foul call. Congratulations, bro," Lendeborg added. "And then you talk to me, like you did something great, bro. Come on, now. It kind of threw me off for a little while, 'cause, you know, like I said, I had so much respect for him. Gone."
On Dončić's end, it was business as usual.
"I think everybody knows when somebody starts talking, it (brings out) a different me, so that was it," Dončić said in postgame interview with ESPN.
Later, he told reporters that Lendeborg "was talking crazy" and Dončić wasn't trying to talk back.
"This season I'm not trying to get techs, so it's the first time that that was not a double tech because I didn't say nothing," he added. "So I'm working on it. As you see, I think it worked great."
Warriors support Lendeborg's 1-on-1
Head coach Steve Kerr's message to Lendeborg: "Better days ahead."
"I loved the back and forth," Kerr told reporters. "Yaxel's a competitor. This was a great welcome to the NBA game for him, having to guard Luka, who's as tough to guard as anybody in the world. Having to learn about all the little tricks that exist in the NBA. He probably had three fouls that probably wouldn't be called fouls in any other league in the world, but it's the NBA, and he's got to learn this stuff."
"It's his first game," Kerr added. "He is an unbelievable young guy, and great talent, and it was a frustrating night for him, but a lesson well learned, and he'll get better from here."
For what it's worth, Kerr thought that Dončić and Lendeborg should have received double technical fouls for their back and forth banter. However, it was the rookie that got whistled.
Teammate Draymond Green encouraged him to keep talking and was honest when speaking to reporters about how Lendeborg should approach guarding Dončić for the rest of the season.
"Everyone's going to say 'you should not talk to Luka' and I disagree with that (expletive)," Green said. "1,000%. You (expletive) gonna talk to somebody, you talk until you can't (expletive) talk no more. And if he bust your ass, guess what? You gotta play him again three more times and you go back at his ass again. Then you see him the third time and you go back at his ass again."
Green said you have to earn respect in the league at the end of the day.
"If you start talking to someone, then you got yourself into a battle," Green said. "When I lose respect is when you start talking to someone and you realize 'oh I'm into a battle' and you stop. You keep going. You get all my respect."
Draymond Green on Yaxel Lendeborg going at Luka Doncic: “Everyone will say the rookie learned his lesson. What he learn? The next time he see him, go at his ass again.”Full soundbite https://t.co/jb87fMCjJW
Bronx, N.Y.: New York Yankees center fielder Aaron Judge looks out from the dugout in the 4th inning as the Yankees take on the Tampa Bay Rays in the Game 3 of the American League Division Series at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York on Oct. 7, 2026. (Photo by Thomas A. Ferrara/Newsday RM via Getty Images) | Newsday via Getty Images
The World Series is just a day away, though with the Yankees having been out of the running for a while now it feels like a distant finish line unreached. Instead, hope resides in rooting for the spoiler — or in this case, the team playing against their rivals in the Milwaukee Brewers. They’ll take on the Rays tomorrow night in what might be the final bit of MLB play we’ll get for a while with the threat of a lockout looming large on the horizon, so enjoy it while it’s around. I’m sure we’ll all be missing it come March if games aren’t anywhere close to returning.
We’ve got a fairly busy day laid out for you, starting with Matt handing out our latest report card to Paul Goldschmidt in what might have been his final season in pinstripes. Jonathan follows up with a look back at Robbie Cano and his complex legacy on his 44th birthday, Peter previews the offenses we’re going to see tomorrow in the Fall Classic, and Jeremy hits cleanup with his thoughts on Brian Cashman getting to lead the way again on another winter revision with more of the same results trailing him.
Today’s Playoff Matchup:
Off-day
Questions/Prompts:
1. What are your thoughts on Brian Cashman’s expected extension that got announced yesterday?
2. Before the matchup gets underway tomorrow, get your picks in: will the Brewers or Rays win it all?
Travis Head’s century and Scott Boland’s more than three hour vigil were not enough to save Australia from a crushing, innings and 31-run defeat in the second Test against South Africa in Gqeberha.
LeBron James made a triumphant Sixers debut on Tuesday, exhibiting how he’ll help put the pieces together on this new-look roster.
James played the role of connector on offense against the Knicks, not often initiating himself, but utilizing his elite passing and basketball IQ to create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He totaled 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
Working in the pick-and-roll with Tyrese Maxey was one example of that within the Sixers’ half-court offense. The two are an enticing pairing. Maxey brings stellar shooting and out-of-this-world acceleration, while James can attack downhill and pick defenses apart as a passer.
They also have the established chemistry that contributed to James’ decision to come to Philadelphia.
“A lot of the reason why I’m here is because of him,” James told reporters after the Sixers’ preseason finale against the Celtics.
Everyone knows James has a well-rounded game. However, he has not been the roll man in pick-and-rolls at a high volume throughout his career.
In the 2025-26 season, James averaged just 0.8 possessions per game as the roll man. Since the NBA started tracking pick-and-rolls in 2015-16, the most James has done that came in 2023-24, but still at just 1.5 possessions per game.
He’s shown that he can be effective setting a pick and rolling. Since the start of the 2015-16 season, he’s scored 1.25 points per possession as the roll man, which would have ranked in the 76th percentile last season. It’s just not something he’s done much.
“The luxury of my game is I can do everything,” James said at his media day press conference. “Literally, I can do everything.”
He’s played into that versatility in the very early days of his Sixers tenure. James has been working with Maxey as the picker in empty-side ball screens.
The advantage of an empty-side ball screen is how far off-ball defenders have to rotate to help. It gives Maxey and James more space to operate and creates cleaner reads.
“It’s a good set for us. It’s a good movement for us,” James said following the preseason finale when asked about his two-man game with Maxey. “It’s good to know we have that in our back pocket whenever we need it. It’s a connection that we have.”
That connection was on display early in the regular-season opener.
In the first quarter, James set a down screen for Maxey near the break. They then used a dribble handoff to catch Jalen Brunson off guard and get Maxey open for a baseline jumper.
It was a nice look at that chemistry between the two and highlighted James’ comfort being the screener that a guard like Maxey can work off of.
The two of them were back at it in the second quarter. James set the same empty-side ball screen. After Mikal Bridges iced it, Maxey rejected the screen and burst towards the baseline. James’ defender, Andre Drummond, dropped to help. That left James open at the free throw line after a short roll.
The defense collapsed on him once he caught the ball. The slightest of pass fakes to Anfernee Simons sent OG Anunoby and Brunson flying toward the far corner. The fake meant Jaylen Brown had nobody near him in the dunker spot.
The savvy from James on that play underscored the menace he can be as a passer off a short roll. Especially if he’s playing as a small-ball center, like he was during that stint, James can punish a defender who drops to support towards the ball handler. James playing the five has downsides, but how he can attack slower-footed centers is a benefit.
James also still possesses the size and strength to exploit switches against guards. With around 3:30 left in the first, he set a ball screen for VJ Edgecombe that forced Landry Shamet and Josh Hart to switch the matchup.
Despite a bump from Drummond on the roll, James successfully played bully ball against Shamet in the paint.
James was good facilitating offense after setting screens on Tuesday. Where he can be better is finishing when he gets the rock off of the roll. There were a couple occasions when he didn’t convert on a pass from Maxey off the empty-side ball screen.
Late in the first half, Maxey hit him on the roll off a dribble handoff. James took a dribble and started to go up with the ball, but Miles McBride rotated over and tied him up, forcing a jump ball.
In the fourth quarter, Maxey and James went back to the same ball screen. Maxey threw him a bounce pass and James drove into Hart before missing a contested layup.
On a high pick-and-roll a few minutes beforehand, James passed up an open jump shot at the top of the key to drive towards the basket against OG Anunoby. He ended up settling for a bad shot.
“I can be a lot better, still getting my rhythm,” James told NBC’s Zora Stephenson after the win.
James was good playing to his strengths on Tuesday. As a connector in half-court offense and a finisher in transition, he was true to form.
Once he and Maxey work together more in the two-man game, he should find his groove as a half-court scorer, too. He has, after all, scored more points than anyone else in NBA history.
That dynamic could give the Sixers offense a changeup pitch that it has lacked. Pairing a true rolling threat with Embiid’s tendency to pick-and-pop could keep defenses on their toes. Plus, if and when Embiid misses time, James can still provide playmaking off the pick-and-roll as a small-ball center.
Even if he’s not the isolation scorer he was in his prime, James is still a creation hub. Some of that will come off setting screens for others. If he can score off those looks as well, he’ll present yet another problem for opposing defenses to solve against the Sixers.
Flyers X-Factor: Oliver Bonk Is For RealPhiladelphia Flyers rookie defenseman Oliver Bonk made his tough matchup with superstar Nathan MacKinnon look like a piece of cake.
