Damian Lillard matched his season-high with 39 points and the Milwaukee Bucks took down the Houston Rockets 128-119 to win their fourth game in a row and improve to 19-7 overall.
Lillard shot 11-of-19 from the field with five triples and 12-of-13 from the free throw line, adding 11 assists and three steals in a masterful performance.
Meanwhile Giannis Antetokounmpo passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to move into first all-time in Bucks total rebounds (7,165) after racking up 26 points with 17 boards in the win.
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Morant returns from suspension next week | 01:03
The Bucks remained in control of this one from the opening tip, never allowing the Rockets to get closer than five points in the second and third quarters.
Houston chipped away at the scoreboard in the last term, but whenever they got close, Lillard or Antetokounmpo responded at the other end of the floor.
Inside the last 38 seconds of the game, Dillon Brooks was issued a technical foul by the referee for allegedly flopping when flying for a loose ball before he went off at the official.
It resulted in Brooks and both Rockets coach Ime Udoaka being ejected from the game for arguing the call.
Fred Valvleet’s 22 points led all five Rockets in double figures, but they fell to 13-10 overall.
ELSEWHERE …
The Golden State Warriors might be struggling this season, but Steph Curry is still the same amazing Steph Curry.
During the second quarter of the Warriors’116-114 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, Curry reached into his bag of tricks with an epic near full court behind-the-back assist.
The Warriors forced a turnover before Curry gathered the ball at Portland’s three-point line and dished it behind his back past to DeAndre Ayton to Moses Moody at the other end of the floor for an easy slam.
Despite the win, Curry was held to a season-low seven points including shooting 0-of-8 beyond the arc in the game. It marked Curry’s first regular season game without a three-pointer since November 2018, snapping a 268-game streak – the longest in NBA history.
With the sharpshooter down on form, Klay Thompson (28 points on 11-of-16 shooting, 5-of-10 from downtown) and Andrew Wiggins (25 points on 9-of-12 shooting, 4-of-6 from three) stepped up as the Warriors crept closer to .500 at 12-14 and improved to 2-1 since Draymond Green’s suspension.
Earlier, Boston improved their perfect NBA home record to 14-0 as Jaylen Brown keyed a fourth-quarter surge that saw the Celtics pull away for a 114-97 victory over the Orlando Magic.
Brown scored 17 of his 31 points in the final period to help the Celtics, who led by nine through three quarters, push their lead to as many as 23.
Jayson Tatum scored 23 points, and Kristaps Porzingis added 15 points and 10 rebounds in his return from a one-game absence.
The Celtics withstood a 36-point, 10-rebound performance from Orlando’s Paolo Banchero to beat the Magic for the second time in three days.
Stung by that defeat on Saturday, the Magic raced to an early 10-point lead, but the Celtics turned the tide in the second quarter and never trailed after the break.
The Celtics had dropped four straight to the Magic before beating them on Saturday in a win Brown called their biggest of the year.
“We can’t skip no steps,” he said.
“Orlando has been one of those teams that has had our number in the last year and a half… We take the right mentality and we come out on top, and I like that.” Brown, who added five rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block, said his fourth-quarter burst was just a matter of falling into a rhythm.
“I’m a do whatever our team needs kind of guy,” he said. “First quarter, fourth quarter, it don’t matter, I just take advantage of the opportunities I get.”
Brunson Burner drops 50 on Suns! | 01:30
In other early action, the New Orleans Pelicans drilled a franchise record 22 three-pointers in a dominant 146-110 victory over the Spurs in San Antonio.
CJ McCollum made six of his seven three-point attempts on the way to 29 points. Brandon Ingram was five-of-seven from beyond the arc and scored 26 points for the Pelicans, who threw some cold water on the Spurs’ halftime ceremony honouring Tony Parker’s induction into the Hall of Fame in August.
Rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama scored 17 points and grabbed 13 rebounds under the eye of fellow Frenchman Parker, his childhood idol.
The Spurs, who snapped their 18-game losing streak with a victory over LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday, took a 6-0 lead on Wembanyama’s alley-oop dunk in the opening minutes but had little to celebrate the rest of the way.
After missing their first five shots, the Pelicans found their range. They led by 13 after the first quarter and never looked back.
Zion Williamson finished with 15 points, Jonas Valanciunas added 15 with 15 rebounds and Jose Alvarado added 16 points off the bench for New Orleans.
What are the Power Rankings? This is our attempt to rank every NBA team from best to worst. We take wins and losses into account, but also the quality of opposition faced and whether teams are likely to get healthier or improve going forward. It’s a little bit ‘who’s hot and who’s not’; part predictive, part analysis of what’s happened. If Team A is above Team B, we’d probably tip A to beat B at a neutral venue.
Every NBA team analysed in our Power Rankings.Source: FOX SPORTS
1. BOSTON CELTICS (14-4)
Who else but? Continuing on from last campaign’s dominant regular season, the Celtics appear to have gotten even stronger with the additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. Integrating such key pieces to a rotation can take time for teams to adjust, but not Boston, having posted a top eight offensive rating and top three defensive rating. Still undefeated at home, the Celtics’ +9.6 point differential is the best in the league. Not only do they have top-line stars, most notably Jayson Tatum, who’s having another MVP-calibre season, but Joe Mazulla’s rotation is arguably the deepest and most talented in the NBA. It’ll help them mitigate injuries (provided they don’t come at the business end of the season). Can anyone stop them? The clear best team in the league right now.
2. DENVER NUGGETS (13-6)
The reigning champs have been in cruise control in the early parts of the season, while Jamal Murray has been limited to eight games due to a hamstring injury … yet they still sit second in the West standings at 13-6 and have a top 10 offensive and defensive rating. It included a particularly strong start to the season before the Nuggets hit a lean patch, dropping four of five games as their less experience and depth compared to last season showed. But a road win over the Clippers on the second half of a back-to-back without Murray, Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon displayed championship DNA at its finest and would build huge belief in the second unit and team as a whole. Jokic remains out-of-this-world good as the current frontrunner for the MVP in what’d be his third overall. Oh and they’re also the only other team still unbeaten at home.
‘Wait a minute!’ Smith blasts ‘idiots’ | 02:01
3. MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES (13-4)
One of the big surprise packages so far, Minnesota is emerging as a legitimate contender before our eyes. In fact, it’s the Wolves we thought we were getting last season after three-time Defensive Player of the Year winner Rudy Gobert joined the team, as his twin tower frontcourt pairing with Karl Anthony-Towns is starting to flourish. Sitting first in the West with the best defensive rating in the entire NBA – built around Gobert, and great size and flexibility that’s really troubled opposition – the Wolves have taken the leap into the top tier of teams. Then there’s the Anthony Edwards piece, with the star guard evolving into a MVP-level superstar that plays both ends of the floor and has a certain dog and killer instinct about him that reminds you of some of the game’s all-time greats.
4. MILWAUKEE BUCKS (13-5)
The new-look Bucks are starting to figure things out – and that’s a scary prospect for the rest of the NBA. After a slow start, Milwaukee has won eight of its last nine games and is beginning to live up to the hype after recruiting Damian Lillard to join forces with Giannis Antetokounmpo and create one of the most dominant one-two offensive punches in the NBA. Though the Bucks have the fourth-best offence in the league, there’s still issues at the other end of the floor, with a bottom 10 defensive rating. Brook Lopez is starting to rediscover his dominant defensive form from last season, but misses having Jrue Holiday out on the perimeter, while Khris Middleton is still ramping up to full health after off-season knee surgery. If they can make improvements on the defensive end to at least be middle of the road, the Nuggets showed last season you don’t necessarily need to have an elite defence to win it all. Could they simply score their way to a title?
5. PHILADLEPHIA 76ERS (12-6)
Couldn’t have navigated the James Harden trade saga much better. It was addition by subtraction for the Sixers, with Harden’s departure paving the way for Tyrese Maxey to evolve into a superstar – even if he’s cooled off from his epic early-season heights – while Joel Embiid continues to do Joel Embiid things. The star centre has also improved as a facilitator, averaging a career-best 6.6 assists per game. Philly also added a host of handy role players in the Harden trade plus assets it could use to recruit another star by the trade deadline. They sit top four in the East and have the second-best points differential (+8.7) in the NBA, having shown a ruthlessness to really crush teams. Nick Nurse’s team has the second-best offence – playing with more movement and freedom than last season – to go with a top 10 defence. A team with all the tools to make another deep playoff run.
6. ORLANDO MAGIC (13-5)
The other shock riser – and this one has been even more unexpected – including riding a current seven-game winning streak. Orlando was seen as a fun, budding team on the rise, but not many could’ve predicted Jamahl Mosley’s side would be this good, this fast. The Magic have the third-best record in the East and their improvement has largely come behind a more robust defence – currently the second-best in the league. They simply have guys who compete hard every game like Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony, while Paolo Banchero has taken his game to new heights alongside co-star Franz Wagner, an elite running partner who’s still somehow underrated. Joe Ingles has also provide invaluable leadership and stability off the bench. The Magic, who’ve taken down arguably the best two teams in the NBA in Boston and Denver, have done all of this with Markelle Fultz missing most of the season with a knee injury!
Booker torches the Garden with dagger 3 | 00:37
7. PHOENIX SUNS (11-6)
The Suns are coming. Despite Bradley Beal being restricted to three games due to a back issue and Devin Booker also battling injury, they’re still sitting in the upper echelon of the always competitive West. Kevin Durant has wound the clock back to look like… well, prime Kevin Durant, while Booker too has had some monster performances top really ascend his status to the top-line superstars. What’s also been encouraging is how recruits Eric Gordon and Grayson Allen have stepped up with more opportunities and Jusuf Nurkic might have found his perfect landing spot. It’s the defensive end of the floor where there’s still some issues, but sitting 11-6 despite their new big three having never played together yet and there’s huge reason for optimism in the Valley of the Sun.
Giddey starts for OKC amid investigation | 00:50
8. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER (11-6)
Another big improver and team that looks genuinely ready to contend, perhaps slightly ahead of its time. OKC is ranked top seven both offensively and defensively and doesn’t seem to fear anyone. The impact of former Pick 2 Chet Holmgren has been significant, with the gun big man emerging as the unlikely frontrunner for Rookie of the Year over Victor Wembanyama, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be crazy good to back up his breakout 2022/23 season. Mark Daigneault is generally getting better production across the board from the likes of Jalen Williams and Isaiah Joe, allowing him to be more flexible with his line-ups. The hovering allegations about Josh Giddey have been the only real downside amid an indifferent start to the season for the Aussie, but there’s so much to like about what the Thunder are doing. And all of this with a mountain of draft picks at their disposal to upgrade the roster when they see fit. Look out.
9. DALLAS MAVERICKS (11-6)
The forgotten contender in the arms race following last season’s big disappointment, even after they acquired Kyrie Irving. But Luka Doncic looks like a man on a mission – with a better roster around him including a barrage of three-point shooters. It’s the offensive end of the floor where Dallas has really excelled – boasting the No.3 offensive rating – while they do have a ways to improve defensively to be taken more seriously as a legit contender. But the Doncic-Irving duo has proven to be a real handful, plus in Dereck Lively II the Mavericks have a promising big man for the first time in several years. It’d be nice to see more consistency from Josh Green, though the Aussie remains an important member of the rotation and has had some bright moments.
Kings topple Warriors for Group C throne | 00:57
10. SACRAMENTO KINGS (10-7)
The beam is starting to come alight. After a 2-4 start to the campaign where the Kings looked like a big regression contender, they’ve rediscovered their spark, going 8-2 over their last 10 games including 4-2 over a recent road trip. The offence from last season is starting to come back too, led by De’Aaron Fox amid a spectacular start to the season from the star guard, who’s averaged a career-best 3.1 three-pointers per game. And Mike Brown’s team has improved at the other end of the floor to become middle-of-the-road defensively. Keegan Murray hasn’t quite taken the second-year leap in what could really propel the Kings to another level, which might be more likely to come in the forward’s third season.
11. LA LAKERS (11-8)
It’s been an up and down start to the season for the Lakers — and perhaps they’re ultimately not the contenders we thought they were amid a host of other Western Conference sides improving. While it’s still early days, LA has had issues at both ends of the floor — mainly the offensive end (ranked bottom three in three-point shooting) — as Darvin Ham works through finding his best line-ups after a few off-season changes to the roster. They’ve also been affected by injury and have struggled on the road (3-6). Beyond Anthony Davis and LeBron James, who’s still freakishly good at near age 39, there’s a lack of other consistent production, even if D’Angelo Russell has bounced back from a disappointing playoff series, while Austin Reaves hasn’t had the breakout season come expected in year three and has been moved to the bench.
LeBron suffers WORST loss in NBA career | 00:51
12. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS (10-8)
The Cavs have overcome a slow start to the season to get on a roll in recent times, having won six of their last eight games. We frankly haven’t seen Cleveland at full strength enough yet this season to get a real grasp of where this team is at – a team that finished top four in the East last season. The core remains as talented as some of the top sides and the addition of Max Strus has been a big win to add much-needed three-point shooting on the wing. The Caves don’t really want for anything, though there’s question marks of whether the Even Mobley-Jarrett Allen frontcourt is viable long-term given the spacing issues. It comes in an important juncture and season at large for the franchise as it’ll be hoping to convince Donovan Mitchell to stick around long-term, in one of the potential trade narratives to keep an eye on.
13. NEW YORK KNICKS (10-7)
When it’s all clicking for the Knicks, they’re a strong unit. Jalen Brunson proved last season was no aberration, backing up his breakout campaign to again lead this team, while Julius Randle and RJ Barrett haven’t been quite as consistent even though the latter has shown an improved three-point stroke. New York does have a top-five ranked defence and the 11th-best offence, but Tom Thibodeau’s squad has struggled against the best teams in the league. From that perspective, how far can a Brunson-Randle-Barrett trio go — even with an improved roster around them? Might be one big move away from seriously contending.
Knicks stun Heat with comeback in NY | 01:16
14. INDIANA PACERS (9-7)
With Tyrese Haliburton in this kind of form, anything might be possible. Haliburton is putting together an All-NBA level season, averaging stupidly good numbers across the board (25.9 points on 51 per cent shooting, 3.8 triples and 11.9 assists per game). It’s been key to the team’s promising 9-7 start to the season, with claim to the league’s No.1 offensive rating while averaging 127 points per game. It’s completely opened the Pacers up defensively though …and where’s Haliburton’s help coming from? Myles Turner’s minutes are down, while Rick Carlisle seemingly can’t decide if he wants to develop Benedict Mathurin as a starter or just play veteran sharpshooter Buddy Hield heavy minutes, with the latter more of a win-now move. Bruce Brown has been a handy addition, but he’s more a role player than anything. Another team to watch ahead of the trade deadline.
15. MIAMI HEAT (10-8)
Another team that’s hard to figure out, albeit hampered by injuries, As if coming off an NBA Finals appearance as the eighth seed didn’t already make it tricky enough! The Heat have at least navigated the majority of the opening weeks without star guard Tyler Herro, who looked set for a huge breakout season as Miami’s leading scorer, and they’ve clearly missed his offence. The good has been good — including a seven-game winning streak and Bam Adebayo rolling in a career-best season to take on the mantle as Miami’s alpha. But the bad has been bad — opening the campaign 1-4 and currently in the midst of a three-game losing streak, while there’s question marks of the team’s depth.
16. NEW ORLEANS PELICANS (10-9)
One of the biggest enigmas in the NBA … are still an enigma? There’s been some good and some bad — including a five-game losing streak — and they’ve all-round just been an average side. It’s a somewhat disappointing return for a franchise that spent parts of last season as the No.1 seed in the West and could be so much more with Zion Williamson. But the former No.1 pick hasn’t yet lived up to expectations and has appeared frustrated at times with how the team is going and his role. Frankly, we haven’t seen Williamson, Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum on the court together enough to get a proper gauge of how good they can be. McCollum’s lung injury did open the door for Dyson Daniels to play more minutes though and show a glimpse of the Aussie young gun’s promising future.
17. LA CLIPPERS (8-9)
Still adjusting to life with James Harden, the Clippers might’ve worked things out. After starting the Harden era 0-5, Tyronn Lue’s side has since won five of its last seven games as it starts to move up the West standings. There were always to be growing pains with Harden and a need to fine-tune rotations, which has ultimately seen Russell Westbrook move to the bench. Well, over their last six games, the Clippers have the best defensive rating in the league, while Harden is coming off his best game yet as a Clipper with a season-high 26 points, five triples and five steals. Paul George’s hot start to the season hasn’t been talked about enough too amid the team’s struggles.
18. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (8-10)
It’s hard to know what to make of Golden State at times and how much we judge Steve Kerr’s team on reputation. Some predicted the addition of Chris Paul would take the Warriors to the next level, but right now they’re sitting just inside the Play-In qualification. It’s been the same story as last season — they rely too much on Steph Curry, Klay Thompson has been inconsistent and unreliable, Draymond Green has been engulfed in drama and the young players haven’t stepped up (but haven’t necessarily had opportunities to). Andrew Wiggins has meanwhile fallen off a cliff to leave a big scoring void, but Kerr doesn’t quite seem prepared yet to pass the baton to the next crop. They’ve gone 2-8 in their last 10 games and Paul has already suffered his first injury setback of the season.
Curry tops Wemby in battle of the stars | 01:11
19. HOUSTON ROCKETS (8-8)
Ime Uodka has done some sort of job in his first 16 games as Rockets coach. A team considered a potential improver looks like a genuine playoff team. It’s been a bit of a seesaw — with revolving winning and losing streaks — but this team is highly disciplined defensively, helped by the addition of Dillon Brooks, is deep and has beaten reigning champion Denver twice. Having an established point guard in Fred VanVleet has provided more overall structure and Alpereen Sengun looks like a mini Jokic in a brilliant breakout season from the 21-year old centre. And to think the Rockets tried — and failed — to land Brook Lopez in the off-season in what would’ve almost certainly prevented Sengun from doing what he’s doing now. A really impressive start in H-Town in a big tick overall. Now just to replicate their home form (8-1) on the road (0-7) — and more Jock Landale too please!
20. ATLANTA HAWKS (8-9)
One thing you can count on with Atlanta — it’s going to score in bunches. The Hawks have the No. 5 offensive rating this season while averaging 122.5 points per game — trailing only Indiana — driven by Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Jalen Johnson’s emergence has offset John Collins’ departure, and so the forward’s injury leaves a big hole in Quin Snyder’s streamlined rotation — that has featured Patty Mills for all of five total minutes this season. After a promising start to the season, the Hawks have gone 2-5 over their last seven games, so they have a few things to figure out ahead of tough upcoming schedule including playing Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Denver in their next five games. Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu remain locked in a minutes split at centre, but you sense it’s only a matter of time before Okongwu is given full rein.
21. BROOKLYN NETS (9-8)
The Nets have managed to keep their head above water despite battling a host of injuries to the likes of Ben Simmons, Nic Claxton, Cameron Johnson and Cam Thomas. Considering the amount of changes to the line-up, Brooklyn would be happy to currently be sitting ninth in the East including currently riding a three-game winning streak. The team has also had the sixth-toughest schedule in the league, according to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index, while Mikal Bridges hasn’t quite had the breakout season some anticipated yet. With all that in mind, there’s a fair bit of upside when — or if — the Nets get fully healthy.
22. TORONTO RAPTORS (9-10)
Offence has been the main concern for the Raptors — in particular their bottom-five ranked three-point shooting. As good as Scottie Barnes has been in a breakout season from the forward, it’s hard to get a grasp of this team’s identity. One game it’s Barnes leading the charge, the next it’s Pascal Siakam, while OG Anunoby has struggled amongst it all and Jakob Poeltl has been used sparingly despite costing the team a first-round pick and getting a juicy contract extension. Could they be sellers at the deadline? Dennis Schroder has at least enjoyed a strong season as the team’s new point guard to get back to some of his best form of years past.
23. UTAH JAZZ (6-12)
Lauri Markkanen is doing everything he can, but fair to say this season hasn’t started nearly well as last for the young Jazz. You could see it going either way in Utah — but it’s been tough goings for Will Hardy and company. After struggling in the opening games before getting injured, Walker Kessler now finds himself coming off the bench, though that should change soon, while Keyonte George has moved into the starting line-up in Hardy’s bid for more playmaking and movement in that opening five. The Jazz however still have major issues at both ends of the floor, and at some stage, they’ll need to commit to a path of either competing for the playoffs or rebuilding, as right now it feels like they’re trying do both but failing to achieve anything.
24. CHARLOTTE HORNETS (5-11)
Just when the Hornets were starting to turn their season around, the near worst possible thing happened – LaMelo Ball suffered another setback to his troublesome ankle that required surgery earlier this year. At full strength, Charlotte has a solid roster that could contend for the playoffs, but it hasn’t had all its key pieces on the floor together at once, with Ball central to everything. Controversial forward Miles Bridges has taken no time to get up to speed since returning from suspension, and now he and Terry Rozier in particular will need to take on a much bigger load with the Hornets’ franchise superstar sidelined for the next several weeks.
25. CHICAGO BULLS (5-14)
If it wasn’t already clear, it’s time to blow it up. Things are a mess for the Bulls right now — a team built to win now is a ways off and is sitting all the way down as the Eastern Conference 13th seed amid a five-game losing streak — including dropping eight of their last nine. If Chicago’s situation doesn’t improve, which, right now, it’s hard to see how it does, expect one — or both — of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan to be wearing a different jersey by the trade deadline. At least then Chicago can start building with a new nucleus, because the current one is stuck in NBA purgatory — where no team wants to be.
26. PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS (5-12)
Going according to script after the Damian Lillard trade as the Blazers prioritise developing their emerging crop of youngsters including Shaedon Sharpe and Scoot Henderson, who should eventually take over the starting point guard job. Portland recently snapped an eight-game losing streak, with its offence the key area letting it down. Anfernee Simons having only played one game due to a thumb injury clearly hasn’t helped. Elsewhere, Aussie duo Matisse Thybulle and Duop Reath are getting more opportunities in the rotation to show their worth, with the former’s defensive prowess again proving valuable.
27. MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES (4-13)
When is Ja Morant free to return again? It’s the question the Grizzlies would be repeatedly asking themselves amid a grim 4-13 start to the season as perhaps the most disappointing team. Because sure, having no Morant for over a quarter of the season is significant, but the Grizzlies have looked like a lottery team without him. It includes the Griz being ranked dead last in three-point shooting with the second-worst rated offence. Unlike Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr. has struggled to step up with extra offensive opportunities. And as if it couldn’t get any worse, Marcus Smart is now sidelined for the next several weeks after suffering a nasty ankle injury. They did finally end their 0-8 winless drought at home — the last team to do so — after beating Utah on Thursday.
28. SAN ANTONIO SPURS (3-14)
The Spurs are probably lucky they’re not even lower (not that there’s much scope). But it’s been the very definition of growing pains and teething issues for the rebuilding team in welcoming Victor Wembanyama into its young core despite the No.1 pick’s sensational start to his career. San Antonio is in the midst of a 12-game losing streak to sit dead last in the West, while its -12.9 point difference is the worst in the NBA. Maybe expectations were simply set too high amid the hype around ‘Wemby’ — but just because they’re not playing well doesn’t mean their future isn’t bright. The Spurs are simply in experiment and trial and error mode — so even a Play-In appearance feels unlikely right now. Devin Vassell missing five games due to an adductor injury hasn’t helped their cause.
Spurs fall short despite Wemby heroics | 00:51
29. WASHINGTON WIZARDS (3-15)
Not that the Wizards were expected to be any good this season, but it’s probably been even worse than imagined, with Kyle Kuzma the sole shining light. It took for Washington to play the Pistons to end a nine-game losing streak and pick up its fifth overall win nearing the quarter-way mark of the season. Jordan Poole and Tyus Jones have underwhelmed, though neither have played big minutes amid some curious rotation decisions from Wes Unseld Jr. Ranked bottom 10 at both ends of the floor, the Wizards are officially in all-out tank mode and could be sellers ahead of the trade deadline.
30. DETROIT PISTONS (2-16)
Perhaps the most alarming thing is that the Pistons started the season 2-1 and looked like a sneaky improver! Well, they’ve since lost 15 on the trot to hold the worst record in the NBA, with the eighth-worst defence and fourth-west offence. This is a team some thought could start climbing the standings after spending years going to the draft. But Detroit is still behind newer rebuilding teams like Portland, San Antonio and Washington, while Monty Williams can barely figure out his rotation and which players will help take this franchise forward. Having Cade Cunningham back has been important and rookie Ausar Thompson and second-year centre Jalen Duren have both impressed, but it looks set to be another long season in the Motor City — even if Bojan Bogdanovic’s imminent return will help.
From a historic loss for LeBron James to a crushing injury setback for one of the NBA’s most promising players — here are the latest talking points from around the league!
LEBRON CAN ONLY HELP SO MUCH AS LAKERS SUFFER HISTORIC LOSS
When LeBron James talks, you listen and when he says very little you listen that little bit closer.
In the case of Tuesday’s 138-94 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, James only had two words to offer when asked what needed to change after the worst defeat of his career.
“A lot,” he said.
When asked to elaborate on anything specific changes James wanted to see made, he again repeated those same two words.
Obviously there are some changes the Lakers will eventually be able to make that will help, without Cam Reddish, Jared Vanderbilt, Gabe Vincent and Rui Hachimura on Tuesday.
Getting those guys back will certainly help bolster the Lakers’ perimeter defence but it will do little to solve the team’s 3-point shooting woes.
LeBron James suffered the heaviest defeat of his career. Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Outside shooting has been an issue for the Lakers for a number of years now and the front office seemed to have made a concerted effort to address that weakness this summer with the addition of Taurean Prince and Vincent.
In spite of that the Lakers rank 28th in the league in 3-point shooting percentage (33.8) and dead last in 3-pointers made per game (9.8).
When asked how the team should react to the blowout loss, James again didn’t have much to say initially.
“I can only speak for myself,” he said.
So, what does he think?
“I don’t like it,” James added.
The biggest issue for the Lakers is the fact they went into this season reportedly wanting to limit James’ minutes but instead have once again had to heavily lean on the 38-year-old.
They don’t have much choice either, with ESPN’s Zach Lowe reporting on his podcast that the Lakers are +59 with James on the floor and -92 in the 302 minutes he has been on the bench.
Then there is the issue of Anthony Davis reportedly making it “clear” to the Lakers entering the offseason that he wanted to play less time at centre this season.
Having been dominated by Sixers big man Joel Embiid, there could be an argument that the Lakers can’t compete with the best teams if Davis remains at centre instead of moving him to power forward.
For ESPN’s Brian Windhorst though it is a more complex discussion than that.
“Let’s say we give AD what he wants and put him at power forward. In 2023 you can’t have a non 3-point shooting power forward unless you’ve got a great 3-point shooting centre,” he said on ESPN’s ‘NBA Today’.
“They’re already dead last in 3-point makes, dead last in second-chance points and they start the game off poorly almost every game. That’s insurmountable. The only way you could move Anthony Davis out of centre is if you get a centre that can shoot 3s because if you put Anthony Davis at power forward and he shoots one 3 a game, which is what he’s averaging this year, it totally undercuts the way you need to play offence.
“He just signed for $60 million a year. He’s been paid to excel at that position.”
Davis himself said after Tuesday’s heavy loss that the best thing the Lakers could do is quickly move on and that may well be the case given L.A. had won four of its last five games before the 138-94 defeat.
Those wins had come against the Trail Blazers, Rockets, Jazz and Cavaliers though so maybe the loss to the 76ers still says something about where the Lakers stand in the championship race this season, even when at full health.
Booker torches the Garden with dagger 3 | 00:37
KEY DUO’S RETURN COMES AT RIGHT TIME FOR PELICANS
It took an honesty session for the Pelicans to turn around their sluggish start to the season.
Now New Orleans has dropped back-to-back games against the Utah Jazz, although this time it shouldn’t take much for the Pelicans to get back on the right track again.
Things were already concerning on the court for the Pelicans earlier in the month before Zion Williamson put the organisation under even more pressure by suggesting he wasn’t completely on board with taking “a little bit of a back seat” on offence.
In case you missed those comments, they came after a 136-124 defeat to the Mavericks as the Pelicans lost their fifth-straight game having started the season 4-1.
Vibes certainly weren’t good at that point and Williamson wasn’t feeling it, even if he was trying to as the Pelicans superstar continually stressed to reporters.
“Last year, we had a team meeting and we brought up some things I can do better, especially with buying into the program,” Williamson said at the time.
“Right now, it’s tough. I’m taking a little bit of a back seat right now. I’m trusting the process. I’m trying my best to buy in right now.”
Zion Williamson with the ball. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Hardly the stamp of approval you’d want from the face of the franchise.
As was revealed last week though, the Pelicans then went on to meet up at practice the next day for nearly an hour to sort it out.
The result was a resounding 131-110 victory over Dallas with wins over Denver, Sacramento (twice) and the Clippers to follow.
“As a team, we weren’t on the same page before,” Williamson said after the 129-93 win over the Kings.
“Now, we’re on the same page. We had a team meeting. We talked about what we want to do as a unit. That’s what we’re going to live and die with. Since we’re all on the same page, I think we’ve been gelling together a lot better.”
According to Pelicans beat reporter William Guillory, who writes for The Athletic, there were two “main points of emphasis” to come out of that team meeting.
“One was the need for the group to buy-in on a specific identity instead of everyone pulling in different directions. Three core characteristics needed to be non-negotiables for everyone moving forward: effort on defence, scoring in transition and sharing the ball,” Guillory wrote.
Pelicans coach Willie Green had made as much clear before but the players themselves were now more aware of the role they needed to play in ensuring that happened.
Spurs fall short despite Wemby heroics | 00:51
“The other intended purposes of the meeting was to make clear that Williamson and Ingram were the emotional heartbeats of the team — especially with CJ McCollum sidelined with a partially collapsed lung — and things would only change once both fully committed to pushing the team in the right direction,” added Guillory.
Now Williamson and Ingram have enjoyed some of the best stretches of the season on both an individual level and as a duo working in tandem to power the Pelicans offence.
Williamson’s efficiency has shot up, powering through defenders in the paint, although there is one issue that remains and it was exposed in the team’s most recent loss to Utah.
The Pelicans dominated in the paint with 68 to Utah’s 38 but made just seven 3-pointers and sit 25th in the league in 3-pointers made per game with 11.1.
There is good news for New Orleans though, with the impending returns of both Trey Murphy (knee) and C.J. McCollum (collapsed lung).
For context, Murphy and McCollum were responsible for 35.7 and 35.2 per cent of the Pelicans’ 3-pointers made last season according to the NBA’s official website.
Australian Dyson Daniels in action for the Pelicans. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
McCollum’s return should see Australian Dyson Daniels moved back to the bench despite his impressive defence and improvements on offence with increased minutes this season.
Daniels has shown glimpses of his potential with the ball in hand, especially when driving to the rim with aggression, but his 3-point shooting remains a significant weakness.
That much was clear against the Jazz when the young guard was consistently left wide open by defenders as Utah put multiple men on Williamson instead and found success in that strategy.
Daniels shot 1-of-6 from the field in the loss and did not make any of his four 3-point attempts.
NBA CAN’T IGNORE CHRIS PAUL’S ‘PERSONAL’ FEUD WITH REF
Chris Paul and Scott Foster have a problem. But they’re not the only ones.
The NBA has a problem too and without action could see last week’s ugly clash between the Golden State Warriors star and veteran referee repeated when it matters most.
In case you missed it, Paul was ejected just before halftime of Golden State’s 123-115 loss to his former team Phoenix after picking up two quick technical fouls.
The first was for unsportsmanlike conduct having approached Foster for what was described in commentary as a “lengthy conversation” after being called for a foul on Kevin Durant.
Eventually Foster had enough of Paul and gave him his first technical, only frustrating the Warriors star even more as he then yelled something back at the referee to receive his second technical foul of the game.
Replays seemed to suggest Paul may have called Foster a “b***h”, with the All-Star guard later claiming in his post-game press conference that it is “personal” between the two.
Chris Paul talks to referee Scott Foster. Christian Petersen/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
“We had a situation some years ago, and it’s personal,” he said.
“The league knows, everybody knows, and it’s been a meeting and all that. It’s a situation with my son and so, yeah. I’m OK with a ref talking, saying whatever, just don’t use a tech to get your point across.
“I’ve got to do a better job making sure I stay on the floor for my teammates. But yeah, that’s that.”
Paul seems to have come to terms with it and at this point in his career it is about all he can do given the pair’s lengthy history.
Paul later went on to reveal there was even a meeting a few years ago with himself, his dad, Foster, Doc Rivers and former referee Bob Delaney during his time at the Clippers.
All of this is to say, should the NBA be doing more to address the lingering tension between the pair, especially given the fact the Warriors could very well factor in this year’s playoffs when it is only more important than ever that games are decide by the players and not officials?
Zach Harper of The Athletic certainly thinks so, especially when you consider Paul’s records in games with Foster officiating.
Chris Paul was ejected. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
According to The Athletic, Paul’s teams are 3-17 in the playoffs when Foster is the referee and 73-56 in the playoffs without him.
“Whether or not NBA Commissioner Adam Silver publicly admits it, the league has an officiating problem,” he wrote.
“Stars are routinely being ejected in horrendous fashion. Giannis Antetokounmpo was a recent example against the Pistons. Days later, Nikola Jokić was ejected in Detroit.”
Jayson Tatum, for instance, picked up a technical foul for hanging on the rim after a dunk late in the second quarter of Boston’s loss to the Orlando Magic last week.
While not ejected it still didn’t make a whole lot of sense to Tatum.
“That’s a rule that they just implemented that, quite frankly, I don’t think makes any sense,” Tatum said after the game.
“Anybody that’s ever played or dunked the ball, you know your momentum … just trying to make sure you’re stable when you land and make sure nobody’s underneath you.”
WILL LAMELO EVER GET A CHANCE TO TAKE THE NEXT STEP?
Just when LaMelo Ball was really starting to put together an All-Star calibre season, the Charlotte Hornets guard looks set for another lengthy sideline stint.
Ball, who had already undergone ankle surgery in the offseason, is expected to miss an “extended period” after suffering an ankle sprain in last week’s loss to the Orlando Magic according to NBA insider Shams Charania.
It is just the latest setback for Ball, whose 2022-23 campaign came to a premature end in February after fracturing his right ankle — the same one he strained on Monday.
Injuries also disrupted Ball’s rookie campaign, limiting him to just 51 games.
LaMelo Ball is sidelined again. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
It is particularly unfortunate timing given Ball’s recent form, having averaged 32 points, nine assists and seven rebounds in the nine games before Monday’s meeting with the Magic.
Then you add in the fact that Charlotte, while not a genuine playoff contender this season, still had plenty to get out of a full year seeing what it had in Ball and rookie Brandon Miller.
Now Miller may have to take on more responsibility as a ball handler until Ball is healthy again, with Charlotte’s guard room without the All-Star already a work in progress.
It doesn’t necessarily sound like a serious setback for Ball but the Hornets are right to be cautious in their approach to the injury given the 22-year-old is still a key part of their future.
More than anything it is just a shame that Ball, who in 2022 became the fourth-youngest to ever play in an All-Star game, could be denied a chance to earn his second All-Star honour.
Mark Cuban’s time as the majority owner of the Mavericks is coming to a shocking conclusion.
Cuban has agreed to sell a majority stake in the NBA franchise to Miriam Adelson, the widow of late casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, at a valuation of approximately $3.5 billion ($5.2 billion AUD) according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Cuban will retain a minority stake in the team and also still preside over basketball operations, the report said.
Cuban, who made his fortune selling the website broadcast.com to Yahoo in the late 1990’s, bought the team for $285 million in 2000.
The Mavericks won the 2011 NBA championship and have generally been competitive throughout Cuban’s tenure as owner, making the playoffs in all but six of the seasons that he owned the team.
The news is genuinely shocking, as the Mavericks were so inextricably linked to Cuban’s public identity it is impossible to imagine the team being owned by someone else, even with the unique caveat that he is maintaining basketball control.
Spurs fall short despite Wemby heroics | 00:51
The timing of the sale is interesting, as Cuban also announced this week on the “All the Smoke” podcast that he will be leaving ABC’s “Shark Tank” after his 16th season on the program, on which he has invested millions in entrepreneurial ventures over the years.
Earlier Tuesday, Las Vegas Sands Corp. announced that Miriam Adelson was selling $2 billion in shares of the company — about 10 percent of her family’s stake — with the intent “to use the net proceeds from this offering…to fund the purchase of a majority interest in a professional sports franchise.”
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban.Source: AFP
The Dallas Morning News reported that Cuban and Sands plan to partner in a casino and arena venture in Dallas, if gambling becomes legalized in Texas
Prior to marrying Sheldon Adelson in 1991, Miriam was a practicing physician, first in her native Israel and later in the United States.
The couple opened the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Research Clinic in Las Vegas in 2000.
Sheldon Adelson died in 2021 at the age of 87 from complications related to treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Both Miriam and her late husband have been staunch donors for and supporters of conservative and Israeli causes.
Rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama continues to light up the NBA, racking up a career-high four steals in the first half of San Antonio’s clash against reigning champions Denver.
The Nuggets led the Spurs 72-60 at halftime, but it was Wembanyama who was generating all of the hype in a thrilling first half.
The Frenchman had 17 points, nine rebounds, one assist, four steals and two blocks in the first half — the first player in at least 27 years to do so — although his San Antonio teammates struggled to replicate his efforts.
Wembanyama began in dominant fashion and effortlessly blocked a lay-up attempt from Denver’s Reggie Jackson before helping advance the ball up the court.
He then received it back, took two steps and drained a three-pointer to give San Antonio its first lead of the contest.
The Suns only needed one of their Big 3 to bury the Knicks.
Devin Booker — playing without the assistance of injured teammates Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal — nailed a game-winning 3-pointer with 1.7 seconds remaining, turning away the latest gem from Jalen Brunson in the Knicks’ 116-113 loss Sunday at MSG.
Brunson tied the game on the previous possession on a pull-up with 21.9 seconds left, giving the point guard 35 points.
The Suns then inbounded after a time-out and allowed Booker to hold the ball as the clock ticked.
Eventually, he passed it off, took it back on a hand-off to get an advantageous switch and elevated over Julius Randle for a smooth splash.
Brunson’s final 30-foot heave at the buzzer bounced off the rim and the Knicks (9-7) lost for the second time in three games, failing to recreate the magic of the comeback two nights earlier against the Heat.
Devin Booker nailed a late winner for Phoenix to beat the Knicks. (Photo by Rich Graessle / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP
LAMELO CARRIED OFF INJURED AS MAGIC PILE ON MISERY AGAINST HORNETS
Lamelo Ball was carried back to the locker room after landing awkwardly as the Charlotte Hornets went down to the Orlando Magic.
Ball lasted just 15 minutes against the Magic as he went for a lay-up, but looked to be in some discomfort after landing.
His right knee appeared to buckle although he managed to get to his feet and be helped off the court.
It was the low point of the night for the Hornets in their 130-117 defeat to the Magic.
Miles Bridges finished with a double-double thanks to his 23 points and 10 rebounds while Terry Rozier came close to a double-double of his own with 22 points and nine assists.
However, they were no match for the Magic who outscored the Hornets 105-84 across the final three quarters.
Franz Wagner and Cole Anthony ran the show for the Magic as they combined for 60 points and 14 rebounds while Paolo Banchero chipped in with 23 points, seven rebounds and eight assists.
Lamelo Ball was carried back to the locker room after landing awkwardly. Picture: SuppliedSource: Supplied
BUCKS DOWN TRAIL BLAZERS WITH BIGGEST COMEBACK OF THE SEASON
The Milwaukee Bucks had to pull out the largest comeback of the season as they beat the Portland Trail Blazers 108-102.
The Trail Blazers were in good shape at half time as they held a 68-52 lead.
However, the Bucks outscored Portland 56-34 in the second half to complete the stunning turnaround.
Milwaukee were down by as many as 26 points, but eventually flipped the script to secure the win with a six-point buffer.
Milwaukee superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was pivotal to his side’s success with 33 points and 16 rebounds while Damian Lillard scored 31 points.
Saturday (AEDT) marked the second day of the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament, and it was an action-packed slate of games, highlighted by the Clippers’ third-straight loss with James Harden in the line-up.
A terrific all-round game from rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama wasn’t enough to lift the Spurs to victory against Minnesota.
Lakers superstar Lebron James wasn’t afraid to give his “naysayers” an almighty post match spray after leading his team to a narrow win over the Suns.
Meanwhile the 76ers, Harden’s former team, is proving they are just fine without the polarising guard, improving to a 7-1 record.
For an explainer of the NBA’s in-season tournament, click here.
LeBron’s Lakers down Durant and Suns | 01:34
LEBRON’S MESSAGE FOR HIS HATERS AND FATHER TIME
Lakers star LeBron James has ripped his critics in a fiery interview after his team’s 122-119 win over the Phoenix Suns.
James called out the “basketball savants that don’t know nothing about basketball” in the interview, referring to those who criticised him after he turned down a three pointer in a loss against the Heat three days ago, instead passing it to Cam Reddish who missed the would-be game-winner.
James was again willing to place his trust in Reddish against the Suns, with the fifth-year guard knocking down a clutch corner three off a LeBron pass to extend LA’s lead to five with 1:10 on the clock.
“To all the naysayers and basketball savants that don’t know nothing about basketball and telling me I should have shot that shot in Miami instead of passing to Cam Reddish, well I did the same thing tonight because I trust my teammates,” James said.
“I make the right play every single time.”
James handed in a complete performance against the Suns, scoring 32pts, 11rebs and 6asts in 36 minutes on the court.
Kevin Durant led the way for Phoenix with 38pts and 9rebs, but it wasn’t enough as the Suns dropped to 4-5.
WEMBY STARS BUT SPURS NO MATCH FOR WOLVES’ 1-2 PUNCH
Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama had one of his best nights on an NBA floor yet in his side’s 117-110 loss to the Timberwolves.
‘Wemby’ had 29 points, four assists and three rebounds in the loss, including a wild deep three in the second quarter which just exemplifies how rare a talent he is.
However, Wemby’s big game wasn’t enough for the star power of Wolves’ Karl-Anthony Towns (29pts, 12rebs) and Anthony Edwards (28pts, 7rebs, 5asts).
Wolves centre Rudy Gobert was “impressed” with what he saw from his fellow Frenchman Wembanyama.
“I thought he had a good game,” Gobert said.
“He hit some tough shots. I tried to make him work. I tried to make him hit some tough ones, and he did, especially at the end. I was pretty impressed.”
Giannis notches up 54 points in defeat! | 00:54
76ERS/CLIPPERS ON DIFFERENT TRAJECTORIES SINCE HARDEN TRADE
Since the blockbuster trade of 76ers guard James Harden to the LA Clippers was announced on November 1, Philadelphia has gone 5-0 and now sit pretty at the top of the eastern conference.
The Clippers meanwhile, are 0-3 in games Harden has appeared in, including a heavy 144-126 loss to Dallas in their first in-season tournament clash.
Harden was a non-factor for the Clippers, scoring just 14 points and only three assists as Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving starred for the Mavs.
Harden isn’t stressing about the team’s form just yet.
“I didn’t have a training camp. I didn’t have a preseason,” Harden said.
“Everything is still moving fast speed for me. Need about a 10-game window, then kind of see where I am.”
A rant from Mavericks announcer Brian Dameris summed up the growing view around Harden.
“Ask the producer to pipe this into the Clippers locker room so I can talk to you James. I hope you’re taking notes. I’m telling you in advance, you’re welcome, for the wisdom I’m about to spew. Because listen, I get on my knees every night and pray for someone to believe in me like Daryl Morey believed in you. You wanted a certain coach, they brought in Mike D’Antoni,” he said.
“You wanted to play a certain style, they played it. You wanted Dwight Howard, they brought him in and got rid of him when you were tired of him. You wanted Chris Paul, they brought him in and got rid of him when you were tired of him. They brought in your old friend Russell Westbrook. You want to go to Vegas on off days? They looked away. You wanted the team to stay over so you could go out at night, they changed the schedule – and it didn’t work.
“And you know what, you said I’m gonna break up with my wooby, not good enough. I see the bright lights of New York. I want to go there. My old pal Kevin Durant. It’s gonna work, the big three—and all after one year you wanted out. You realized, “oh my gosh! I took this guy for granted, the guy that believed in me. I want back with Daryl Morey.” They traded Ben Simmons for you—how did they pull that off?
“And you know what? You went there, and you got a partner who got the MVP. He won the MVP, and what did you say afterwards? You said, “they didn’t hand me the reins.” You’re the point guard! You were holding the reins! And what did you do when you had the reins? You scored 9 points in Game 7 against Boston, you blew a 3-2 series lead.
“So they fired their coach, not good enough. You broke up with the guy that believed in you again, you said “the bright lights of LA! That’s where I want to go! Let’s see if that works.”
“Listen James, have you ever had those friends who had bad roommates? Over and over they complained about their bad roommates: “this guy’s terrible,” “the bad roommate here,” they never thought to be self aware enough that THEY’RE the bad roommate! They’re the problem! Hey James, YOU’RE the PROBLEM! If this doesn’t work this year, in this system, with this team, then you’re gonna go and point fingers at everybody else and then you’re gonna go back home and you’re gonna start swiping right for another team, and there’s not gonna be anyone left.
“Because James, you’re not the beard, you’re not the system, you’re the problem.”
Nuggets withstand Warriors to top group | 01:34
The 76ers won their first in-season game earlier in the day, and seventh-straight of the season, defeating the struggling Pistons 114-106.
Joel Embiid steered the ship for the Sixers, scoring 33 points and recording 16 rebounds while Tyrese Maxey continued his career best season in Harden’s absence, pouring in 29.
Maxey has been able to open his game up with Harden out of the side, with the point guard showing off his scoring versatility but also proving he can facilitate as well.
Harden led the league in assists last season, but Maxey and the rest of the Philly backcourt have been able to fill the void so far.
SATURDAY’S NBA GAMES
Philadelphia 76ers 114 @ Detroit Pistons 106
Charlotte Hornets 124 @ Washington Wizards 117
Brooklyn Nets 107 @ Boston Celtics 121
New Orleans Pelicans 101 @ Houston Rockets 104
Utah Jazz 127 @ Memphis Grizzlies 121
Minnesota Timberwolves 117 @ San Antonio Spurs 110
Rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama continues to earn plenty of plaudits after he delivered yet another impressive performance in pre-season for the San Antonio Spurs.
Wembanyama chalked up 23 points as well as four rebounds and assists in the Spurs’ 120-104 win over the Miami Heat.
While the result is obviously a pleasing one for the Spurs, on an individual level it was Wembanyama who once again dominated the headlines.
Aside from his box score, the No. 1 pick of the 2023 NBA Draft delivered a vicious dunk that left many fans with their jaws on the floor.
San Antonio’s Devin Vassell drove with the ball towards the hoop before dishing out the ball to Wembanyama.
The Frenchman leapt up and reached over Miami’s Thomas Bryant to slam the ball down for a thunderous dunk.
It was just one of several stunning moments from Wembanyama who top scored for the Spurs.
The only player who came close to matching the rookie’s point haul was Vassell, who scored 21 points while no other San Antonio player scored more than 11.
“I’m still learning to do some things defensively, defending the pin downs, for example,” he said.
“I’m really learning a lot, and I’m trying to expand my tools on defense, too,” he added.
Wembanyama said that he felt that both he and the team were developing an understanding with each other.
“I think we’re on the right path. We’ve still got a lot to learn about ourselves and also about our teammates but we are on the right path,” he said.
“Personally, I’m trying to apply what the coach says. I’m learning a lot, lots of new stuff, and I think it’s all going down to our individual sacrifices,” he added.
Rated as one of the most exciting talents to enter the league in years, Wembanyama said he has been impressed with how quickly his team-mates have adjusted to his range of skills, well beyond the norm for such a tall player.
“For most of my short career so far, my teammates have had to learn to play with me because sometimes I know they are surprised to see me do some stuff,” he said.
“But the surprise coming here is I play in the best league in the world now, and the guys just learn quicker. I feel like we’ve already got a connection, all of us, and I’m really thankful for that,” he said.
San Antonio’s opening match of the regular season is at home on October 25 against Dallas.
As for the Heat, Jamal Cain was their most impressive player on the court with a double-double thanks to his 24-point haul to go with 10 rebounds.
The FIBA World Cup is just over a week away from tipping off, with Australia in action on Friday against Finland while a heavyweight clash pins Canada against France.
While some big names will not be available for the tournament there will still be plenty of NBA players taking part.
Here, foxsports.com.au gives the rundown on which current NBA players will be suiting up and which ones have already ruled themselves out.
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The Dominican Republic will be headlined by Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns, who has plenty of motivation as he plays for the national team for the first time in 10 years.
Towns gets his Dominican heritage from his late mother Jacqueline Cruz-Towns, who died in 2020 from coronavirus complications.
Honouring her memory and his heritage is just one of the reasons that the All-NBA big man felt this was the right time to suit up for the Dominican Republic.
Getting some playing time before the upcoming 2023-24 NBA campaign also factored into his decision, having struggled at times after returning from a calf injury for Minnesota last season.
Karl-Anthony Towns (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“There was a lot that went into the decision,” Towns told ESPN earlier this week.
“The timing is right. I didn’t put as much stress on my body this last season because of the injury. I’m feeling great now, I’m 100% and feeling like myself again.
“It’s a perfect time to work on some things in my game. And with my mom’s passing, I felt an urgency to do it.”
Meanwhile, undrafted sophomore guard Lester Quinones will also join Anthony-Towns as the only other NBA player on the Dominican Republic squad.
The 22-year-old impressed for the Golden State Warriors in this year’s Summer League, leading the team in scoring after a rookie season that saw him play just four games.
Italy is the favourite to come out of Group A, with Utah Jazz forward Simone Fontecchio coming off his rookie season where he averaged 6.3 points 1.7 rebounds and 0.8 assists.
Fontecchio though has proven himself more than capable of stepping up on the international stage, averaging 19.4 points per game to finish as Italy’s leading scorer at last year’s EuroBasket.
Jazz teammate Jordan Clarkson, meanwhile, is the only NBA representative suiting up for the Philippines, who are one of three co-hosts for the World Cup.
Angola is yet to announce their roster.
Group B
There is no Nikola Jokic for Serbia, with the reigning NBA champion and NBA Finals MVP taking a well-earned break from basketball.
“With Jokic, we had several conversations, and I must say they were some of the best conversations I’ve had with players who couldn’t make it to the roster,” Serbia coach Svetislav Pesic said in July, according to MozzartSport.
“He’s physically and mentally exhausted, not feeling ready to take responsibility at the moment.”
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Nikola Jokic. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Even without the Denver Nuggets superstar, Serbia are favourites to progress from Group B and have plenty of NBA experience to lean on in Atlanta’s Bogdan Bogdanovic, Oklahoma City’s Aleksej Pokusevski, Miami’s Nikola Jovic and Philadelphia’s Filip Petrusev.
Vasilije Micic will also be sitting out for Serbia though as he prepares for his debut season in the NBA, having signed a three-year contract worth $23.5 million with Oklahoma City.
“As for Micic, we had lengthy discussions, and he requested to skip this year. After a long season, dealing with injuries and signing with Oklahoma, he was unfortunate to sustain a shoulder injury during his stay there, and now he’s recovering,” Pesic said.
Elsewhere, South Sudan is yet to announce their roster for the World Cup while Puerto Rico has no current NBA players, with Jose Alvardo unavailable.
The Pelicans guard suffered a stress reaction in his right tibia that brought his 2022-23 season to an early end and is still not right to compete.
“The tibia injury in his right leg delayed his recovery this summer. His team performed an MRI last week and saw that his injury has not fully healed,” Puerto Rico’s general manager Carlos Arroyo said.
Minnesota’s Kyle Anderson is the only NBA player suiting up for China after the 29-year-old forward obtained Chinese citizenship through naturalisation in late July.
Anderson has been learning some Chinese while his teammates have been also learning some English to try and better build a bond within the playing group.
Group C
United States is of course the overwhelming favourite to come out of this group and take out the entire tournament despite being without a number of NBA superstars.
No members of the Tokyo Olympics squad will be playing in the FIBA World Cup while some of the NBA’s other biggest names have their focus on Paris next year.
There were some notable omissions too, with Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young left out of the team as the likes of Anthony Edwards, Austin Reaves, Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Tyrese Haliburton got the nod instead.
While the United States line-up may not be as strong as it could theoretically be, that in itself does present an opportunity for other countries to potentially challenge for the crown.
It also has sparked debate within basketball circles as to whether this team will live up to its high expectations ahead of the tournament. Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas definitely doesn’t seem to think they will.
“You see that list they got, sorry-ass group,” Arenas said last week on his podcast.
“I’m sorry. I’m happy for the people who make it, it’s cool for some of the guys who got there, some of them probably don’t even start on their teams, I don’t know, I don’t want to look at it.”
Arenas was speaking in the broader context of Young missing on selection and reports suggesting concerns with his fit in the team were behind the Hawks star being left out.
This is still a team stacked with NBA experience, including young rising Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero, breakout Brooklyn Nets guard Mikal Bridges and the more experienced Brandon Ingram.
Rounding out the team is Josh Hart, Jaren Jackson Jr., Cameron Johnson, Walker Kessler and Bobby Portis.
Mikal Bridges (L) and Tyrese Haliburton of the United States talk on the court before a 2023 FIBA World Cup exhibition game against Puerto Rico. The United States defeated Puerto Rico 117-74. Ethan Miller/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Elsewhere, Greece will be represented by Milwaukee’s Thanasis Antetokounmpo but brother Giannis will not be suiting up.
“Since the conclusion of my NBA season, I have been pushing my body to the limits to be the player I need to be to help our team achieve the goals we set,” Antetokounmpo wrote earlier this month.
“But after months of work and multiple meetings with medical staff, it is clear that I am not ready to compete at the level that I need to be to participate in the World Cup. This was not a choice, but my only option in ensuring I get back to the level of basketball I have worked so hard to achieve so far in my career.
“I am extremely disappointed in this outcome, but this was a decision made with the medical staff. … My personal and our ultimate team goal is to qualify for the 2024 Olympics Games, and it will be an honour to represent my National Team next year.”
Also in Group C is New Zealand, who do not have any NBA players with Memphis Grizzlies centre Steven Adams left out due to injury concerns while Jordan is yet to announce their roster.
“We were having good and productive conversations with Steven earlier and he was considering a lot of things,” Tall Blacks coach Pero Cameron said.
“But he suffered a pretty serious knee injury. We just wish him all the best to get back on his feet and for playing again in his next NBA season.”
Adams went down with a knee sprain in January and despite optimism that he could eventually return, the Memphis big man ended up missing the regular season and playoffs.
Harden slams Sixers boss as “liar” | 00:24
Group D
Lithuania are the favourites to come out of this group, boasting the most NBA experience with New Orleans Pelicans big man Jonas Valanciunas and Philadelphia’s Azuolas Tubelis.
They will be without All-Star Domantas Sabonis though, with the Sacramento Kings forward ruled out of the tournament as he focuses on his “contract and health” according to coach Kazys Maksvytis.
It comes after Sabonis underwent surgery on his right thumb this offseason.
Elsewhere, Montenegro will bring plenty of size to the World Cup including Chicago Bulls star Nikola Vucevic.
Egypt and Mexico are the other two teams in this group, although neither have any NBA players on the roster.
Group E
Australia has named one of their most talented squads in recent memory even without former first overall pick Ben Simmons and still have to cut one player before the World Cup.
There is a perfect mix of youth and experience in their 13-man squad, led by breakout Oklahoma City guard Josh Giddey along with Boomers heroes Patty Mills and Joe Ingles.
Adding plenty of versatility to Brian Goorjian’s squad are Dyson Daniels, Xavier Cooks, Josh Green and Matisse Thybulle among others.
Dante Exum, meanwhile, is back in the NBA with the Dallas Mavericks and back in the green and gold as he looks to back up a strong showing at the Tokyo Olympics.
Elsewhere, Jock Landale and Jack White add some much-needed size and were on the move this offseason, joining the Rockets and Thunder respectively.
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Australia has plenty of NBA talent. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
The biggest challenge for the Boomers comes in the form of a star-studded Germany team, headlined by Toronto’s Dennis Schroder as well as Orlando rising star Franz Wagner, brother Moritz and Indiana’s Daniel Theis.
Meanwhile, Phoenix free agency addition Yuta Watanabe will suit up for Japan while breakout Jazz star Lauri Markkanen leads the charge for Finland to round out Group E.
Japan will be without Los Angeles Lakers forward Rui Hachimura, who withdrew from the World Cup to “give priority” to his future NBA career.
“It was a very difficult decision to make, but after last season and the long playoffs, I decided to give priority to my future NBA career,” Hachimura said.
Group F
Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic will lead Slovenia, looking to build on a successful Tokyo Olympics campaign where they went down to Australia in the bronze medal game.
NBA veteran Goran Dragic won’t be playing alongside him though, confirming in June that he would be sitting out the World Cup.
“I’ll be at home,” Dragic told Bojan Brezovac from MozzartSport.
“I’m not going to play. I had enough. I played for 16 years [for the national team], plus the NBA and everything else. Maybe I will go to Japan to support the national team, but I will hardly play.”
Elsewhere, Georgia will be playing in their first FIBA World Cup with a team featuring European league stars and NBA talents, including Goga Bitadze (Orlando Magic), Sandro Mamukelashvili (San Antonio Spurs)
Cape Verde and Venezuela are the other two teams in this group. Neither have any active NBA players on their roster.
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Group G
Spain, currently the No.1 ranked team in the world according to FIBA, will have plenty to play for as they look to build on recent success at the 2019 World Cup and EuroBasket 2022.
Spain were crowned winners at both tournaments and have two current NBA players in
Santi Aldama (Memphis Grizzlies) and Usman Garuba (Atlanta Hawks).
There is plenty of NBA experience elsewhere too, with Willy and Juancho Hernangomez joined by Rudy Fernandez in the preliminary squad.
There is also one glaring omission, with guard Ricky Rubio recently announcing he would be taking a break from basketball to instead focus on his mental health.
“I have decided to stop my professional activity to take care of my mental health,” Rubio said.
“I want to thank all the support I have received from the FEB to understand my decision. Today #LaFamilia makes more sense than ever. Thank you.”
Rubio was the 2019 World Cup MVP, with young guard Juan Nunez added to the squad after news the Cleveland Cavaliers veteran would not be participating.
Ex-Cavaliers teammate Raul Neto, who signed with Fenerbahçe Beko earlier this month, will suit up for Brazil alongside fellow past NBA players Marcelinho Huertas, Yago Mateus and Bruno Caboclo.
Cote d’Ivoire and Iran are the other two teams in the group and have no current NBA players.
Group H
Jamal Murray is the latest big name to pull out of the World Cup, with the championship-winning guard announcing the news on Wednesday night.
Murray had been participating in training camp with his Canada teammates but said that his body needs more time to recover after a gruelling run to NBA Finals glory with the Nuggets.
“When I came into training camp, I wanted to see how my body would respond after a long and demanding season and if I would be physically able to compete at the highest level required for the World Cup,” Murray said.
“In consultation with medical staff and the team, it’s clear that additional recovery is required and I have made the difficult decision to not participate in the tournament.
“It’s still a dream of mine to represent Canada at the Olympics and I will support the team every step of the way as they pursue this goal.”
Jamal Murray pulled out. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
This Canada team is still stacked with NBA talent, with Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading a squad that includes RJ Barrett (New York Knicks), Dillon Brooks (Houston Rockets), Lu Dort (Oklahoma City Thunder), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (Minnesota Timberwolves), Kelly Olynyk (Utah Jazz) and Dwight Powell (Dallas Mavericks).
Canada faces a stern test though in the form of a formidable France outfit, headlined by Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert and other NBA stars including the Clippers’ Nicolas Batum and Knicks’ Evan Fournier.
Free agent Frank Ntilikina, who was most recently with the Mavericks, is also part of France’s squad.
Rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama won’t be suiting up though as expected, with the French phenom instead putting all his focus into his first season at San Antonio.
“It would not be realistic in terms of development and not careful in terms of health,” Wembanyama said in an interview with L’Equipe.
“I hope people will understand. It’s frustrating for me too. The France team is still my focus. I want to win as many titles as possible with it. But I think it’s a necessary sacrifice.”
Latvia won’t have an easy introduction to their biggest tournament and while they have one NBA player in Davis Bertans, they will be without their best player in Kristaps Porzingis.
Porzingis is still yet to be cleared to play as he deals with plantar fasciitis over the summer.
“After several weeks of recovery and a repeat MRI examination, the plantar fasciitis of my foot still prevents me from being on the field in full readiness,” he wrote.
“This joint decision has been made by both the medical staff and coaching staff of the national team, as well as the Celtics team — with the advice and opinion that it is now necessary to continue the recovery process.”
Lebanon (no NBA players) is the other team in the group.
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