NBA roundup: Warriors clip Mavs in Klay Thompson’s return
Wed Nov 13 2:21am ET
Field Level Media
Stephen Curry spoiled Klay Thompson's return to San Francisco with a game-high 37 points, including 12 straight during a late flurry that lifted the Golden State Warriors to a 120-117 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in an NBA Cup opener on Tuesday night.
Thompson turned back the clock with 22 points and Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving combined for 52 more, but the Mavericks scored only three points over the final 3:29 after taking a 114-108 lead.
Curry did all the Golden State scoring after that, including an interior hoop that put the Warriors on top for good at 115-114 with 1:50 remaining and a 3-pointer -- followed by his trademark night-night gesture -- to create a four-point lead with 27.5 seconds left.
Quentin Grimes kept Dallas' hopes alive with a 3-pointer six seconds later, but Curry followed that with two free throws before Doncic missed a potential game-tying 3-pointer with five seconds remaining.
Knicks 111, 76ers 99
OG Anunoby scored 24 points and Josh Hart recorded a triple-double as New York spoiled Joel Embiid's season debut with a road win over Philadelphia.
After missing six games due to a lingering knee injury and three more following a suspension for shoving a reporter, Embiid returned to the court in a competitive setting for the first time since the Olympics. He played 26 minutes and shot 2 of 11 from the floor, finishing with 13 points, five assists and three rebounds.
Hart finished with 14 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Paul George had 29 points and 10 rebounds to pace Philadelphia.
Pistons 123, Heat 121 (OT)
Malik Beasley made a go-ahead technical free throw with 1.1 seconds left in overtime and host Detroit escaped with a wild victory over Miami.
Tyler Herro (40 points), who scored the last nine points of regulation, all on 3-pointers, to force overtime, gave the Heat a two-point lead on a bank shot with 1.8 seconds left in the extra session. An alley-oop dunk by Jalen Duren off an inbounds pass tied the score. The Heat called a timeout they didn't have, resulting in the technical and a 122-121 Pistons lead. Beasley then split two free throws after Miami was called for a take foul.
Beasley and Cade Cunningham notched 21 points apiece for Detroit. Herro's 10 3-pointers tied a Heat record and are an NBA Cup single-game record.
Hawks 117, Celtics 116
Jalen Johnson had 18 points, 13 rebounds, 10 assists and three steals to lead visiting Atlanta to a victory over Boston.
Jaylen Brown and Derrick White scored season highs of 37 points and 31 points, respectively, for the Celtics. White was 7 of 12 from 3-point territory and 10 of 15 overall, also adding six rebounds and five assists.
Atlanta took a 117-116 lead when Onyeka Okongwu tipped in a missed shot with 6.1 seconds to play. After each team turned the ball over in the final seconds, Brown missed a 13-foot jumper at the buzzer.
Magic 114, Hornets 89
Franz Wagner pumped in 32 points as Orlando cruised past visiting Charlotte.
Moritz Wagner scored 18 points off the bench and Jalen Suggs tallied all 17 of his points in the first half for Orlando, which has its first three-game winning streak of the season. Franz Wagner made 14 of 25 shots from the field as the Magic shot 46.2 percent overall.
LaMelo Ball's 35 points and Grant Williams' 15 points paced the Hornets, who have lost two straight games. Ball, who sank six shots from 3-point range, ended up with seven assists and six rebounds.
Bucks 99, Raptors 85
Giannis Antetokounmpo led five Milwaukee scorers in double figures in overcoming a monster night from Gradey Dick to beat visiting Toronto.
Bobby Portis had 17 points off the bench for the Bucks. Milwaukee played without star guard Damian Lillard (concussion protocol). He could return for Wednesday's game against the Pistons.
Dick, the 20-year-old second-year pro from Kansas, finished with a career-high 32 points. Teammate Jakob Poeltl scored 13 points and had eight rebounds, three steals and two blocks, but the Raptors fell for the fifth straight game.
Suns 120, Jazz 112
Devin Booker and Bradley Beal combined to make 9 of 16 3-pointers en route to 31 and 24 points, respectively, and Phoenix downed Utah in Salt Lake City.
Mason Plumlee recorded a double-double of 15 points and 14 rebounds while starting in place of an injured Jusuf Nurkic (ankle) for Phoenix, which was also without All-NBA forward Kevin Durant due to a calf strain.
Jordan Clarkson's 4-of-9 night led Utah to 15-of-38 shooting (39.5 percent) from 3-point range. Clarkson finished with 16 points off the bench. Jazz rookie Kyle Filipowski added 18 points off the bench, and Lauri Markkanen scored 17.
Trail Blazers 122, Timberwolves 108
Jerami Grant scored 21 points and Robert Williams III added 19 as Portland beat visiting Minnesota.
Seven players scored in double figures for the Trail Blazers, who made a season-high 18 3-pointers and snapped a three-game losing streak.
Naz Reid came off the bench to lead the Timberwolves with a season-high 28 points. Anthony Edwards scored 26 for Minnesota, which committed 23 turnovers.
- Duncan Robinson headed to Pistons in sign-and-trade from Heat
- Tim Hardaway Jr. reaches deal with Nuggets
- Thunder F Jalen Williams undergoes wrist surgery, Nov. return expected
- Raptors C Jakob Poeltl agrees to 4-year, $104M deal
- Kings sign Dennis Schroder, deal Jonas Valanciunas to Denver
- Bucks waive Damian Lillard, sign Myles Turner
- Knicks signing Guerschon Yabusele to 2-year deal
- Thunder sign SGA to record 4-year, $285M extension
- Knicks set second interview with Mike Brown
- Knicks add veteran G Jordan Clarkson
- Bucks retain Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., Tauren Prince
- Pistons reportedly land G Cavis LeVert for 2 years, $29M
- Veteran G Dennis Schroder agrees to deal with Kings
- Hawks, Nickeil Alexander-Walker agree to $62M deal
- Brook Lopez agrees to two-year deal with Clippers
- Dorian Finney-Smith to Rockets on 4-year, $53M deal
- Nuggets sending Michael Porter Jr. to Nets for Cam Johnson
- D’Angelo Russell gets two-year deal with Mavericks
- Jaren Jackson Jr. to receive $240M deal from Grizzlies
- Jazz, Jordan Clarkson near buyout deal
On Tuesday, free-agent guard Gary Harris signed a two-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Harris joins the Bucks after spending the last five seasons in Orlando. Milwaukee remains active in the offseason, and it is unclear what the team has planned for the 28-year-old. Despite averaging only 3.0 points and 1.3 rebounds last season, Harris still provides the Bucks with veteran leadership and depth at guard, as he has demonstrated key rotational contributions throughout his time in the league. However, he is not considered a valuable fantasy asset at this point in his 11-year NBA career.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Charlotte Hornets signed free-agent center Mason Plumlee to a one-year, $3.6 million contract. The veteran big man played in 74 regular-season contests with the Phoenix Suns during the 2024-25 campaign, averaging 4.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 0.6 blocks per game. Going into his 13th NBA season, the 35-year-old will have to battle for minutes with rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabate, who are both 23 years old.
Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl has agreed to a four-year, $104 million contract extension with the organization through the 2029-30 season, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Poeltl picked up his 2026-27 player option at $19.5M and adds three more years to his deal. The 29-year-old had an excellent 2024-25 regular season, registering career-highs with 14.5 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists per contest in 57 games. He will likely continue to be a solid fantasy contributor going into the 2025-26 campaign.
ESPN's Shams Charania reports that the Charlotte Hornets have traded 31-year-old guard Vasilije Micic to the Milwaukee Bucks for guard/forwardPat Connaughton. Charlotte also receives two second picks in 2031 and 2032. Milwaukee has been very active this offseason, so it is unclear what the organization has planned for Micic. During the 2024-25 campaign, the 31-year-old veteran guard suited up for 36 games with the Hornets and five with the Suns, averaging 6.6 points, 3.1 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per contest.
On Tuesday, the Milwaukee Bucks traded guard/forwardPat Connaughton and two of their second-round picks in 2031 and 2032 to the Charlotte Hornets for guard Vasilije Micic, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Connaughton heads to the Hornets after exercising his $9.42 million player option for 2025-26. Last season, the 32-year-old averaged 5.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 0.3 blocks, and 0.6 three-pointers in 14.7 minutes per game.
Shams Charania of ESPN reports that guardLuke Kennard has agreed to a one-year, $11 million deal with the Atlanta Hawks. Kennard lands in Atlanta after spending the past two-plus seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies. During the 2024-25 season, he averaged 8.9 points, 3.3 assists, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.7 three-pointers while shooting 43.3 percent from three-point range in 22.6 minutes per contest. The 29-year-old brings veteran leadership and depth to the Hawks on the wing.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Sacramento Kings have signed guard Dennis Schroder to a three-year, $45 million deal on Tuesday. After trading De'Aaron Fox, the Kings have added Schroder to provide depth and a veteran presence. The 31-year-old will backup starting point guard Malik Monk. During the 2024-25 regular season, Schroder played for three different teams, suiting up for the Nets, Warriors, and Pistons, while averaging 13.1 points, 5.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game in 75 appearances.
The Denver Nuggets acquired frontcourt depth in the early days of free agency, trading forward Dario Saric to Sacramento for center Jonas Valanciunas. The 33-year-old played in 81 games last year for Washington and Sacramento, averaging 10.4 points, seven rebounds, and two assists per game. The former top-five pick has been a productive post scorer throughout his career, and should allow Denver to rest Nikola Jokic without the offense falling apart. The acquisition of Valanciunas is the latest move of Denver's offseason. They also traded Michael Porter Jr. to Brooklyn for Cam Johnson and brought back fan-favorite forward Bruce Brown Jr.
Former Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet is heading south to San Antonio. ESPN's Shams Charania reports Kornet and the Spurs have agreed to a four-year, $41 million contract. The deal reportedly includes a team option for the final season. Kornet, one of the league's best rim protectors last season, will serve as the backup to franchise cornerstone Victor Wembanyama. The pair could also see some spot minutes together. While the Spurs were in desperate need of a backup big man, the change of scenery doesn't move the needle for Kornet's fantasy basketball value. The 7-footer averaged a career-best 18.6 minutes per game last season. That number may stay consistent, barring an injury in San Antonio's frontcourt.
The Oklahoma City Thunder and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have agreed on a four-year, $285 million super max contract extension. That keeps the reigning NBA MVP under contract through the 2031 season. SGA now has the richest yearly salary in league history, a deserving accolade after becoming one of four players in NBA history to win the NBA MVP, Finals MVP, and scoring title. The Thunder's championship core remains intact and will be a strong contender to repeat in 2026. Gilgeous-Alexander will be a top-five pick in upcoming fantasy basketball drafts.
Free-agent center Guerschon Yabusele is moving from Philadelphia to New York, signing a two-year, $12 million contract with the Knicks. The forward returned to the NBA last year after five international seasons and averaged 11 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on 50% shooting from the field. Yabusele brings lineup optionality to the Knicks. While a little undersized, he can play the 5 in a pinch, but he should also seamlessly fit alongside Karl-Anthony Towns or Mitchell Robinson. The fit makes more sense for real-life basketball than it does for fantasy basketball. The Knicks, in a wide-open Eastern Conference, are loading up on depth pieces (Yabusele and guard Jordan Clarkson) to try and reach the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999.
Center Myles Turner, Indiana's longest-tenured player, will play for division rival Milwaukee in the 2025-26 season. The Bucks signed the 29-year-old to a four-year, $107 million deal to replace the outgoing Brook Lopez. ESPN's Shams Charania reports the contract has a player option for the final season and a full 15% trade kicker. Turner will start alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, with forward Bobby Portis being the primary big off the bench. Injured guard Damian Lillard will be waived for Milwaukee to afford the contract. It seemed like a foregone conclusion that Indiana, one win away from a championship, would bring Turner back. However, with Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles injury, the Pacers' brass seemed hesitant to enter the luxury tax, and they let Turner walk. Indiana is now in the market for a starting-level center.
The Milwaukee Bucks are waiving guard Damian Lillard and stretching the $113 million remaining on his contract, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. ESPN's Bobby Marks reports that it is the largest waive and stretch in NBA history. Lillard's tenure with the Bucks comes to a surprising end after two seasons. The All-NBA guard was set to miss most, if not all, of the 2025-26 season after tearing his Achilles tendon in May. Because of his unlikely availability, the soon-to-be 35-year-old became a cap casualty with Milwaukee adding center Myles Turner and guard Gary Harris in free agency, while retaining forwards Bobby Portis and Taurean Prince, and guard Kevin Porter Jr. Lillard, who finished 10th in scoring (24.9) and assists (7.1) last season, will now be on the hunt for a new team.
Free-agent forward Trendon Watford signed a two-year deal worth $5.3 million with the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, per Shams Charania of ESPN. Watford spent last season with the Nets, posting averages of 10.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.3 blocks in 20.8 minutes per contest across 44 outings. The 24-year-old could be a key piece in the 76ers rotation during the 2024-25 campaign and beyond.
According to Shams Charania of ESPN, veteran guard Jordan Clarkson (foot) is expected to sign with the New York Knicks after he clears free agency waivers. Clarkson was able to lock down a deal within no time after being waived by the Jazz earlier on Monday. The 33-year-old is versatile on the floor as a point guard or a shooting guard. Last season, he was limited to just 37 appearances due to a left foot injury and averaged 16.2 points, 3.7 assists, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.8 steals across 26.0 minutes per game.
The Memphis Grizzlies have reached a new deal with forward Santi Aldama on Monday. According to Shams Charania, Aldama has agreed to a three-year, $52.5 million deal with the Grizzlies. It appears the Grizzlies are using the offseason to re-sign their own players. Aldama posted a career-best 12.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 25.5 minutes per game across 65 games in Memphis last season. He spent most of his time as a reserve, but could move into the starting five with Zach Edey (ankle) unlikely to be ready to start the season. Aldama isn't an elite fantasy contributor, but could sneak his way onto rosters depending on the format.
The Los Angeles Clippers have added some depth in the front court with the addition of center Brook Lopez on Monday. According to Shams Charania, Lopez has agreed to a two-year, $18 million deal with the Clippers. The veteran center has decided to play elsewhere after spending each of the last seven seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks. Last season, Lopez averaged 13.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists across 31.8 minutes in 80 games with the Bucks. The Clippers already have Ivica Zubac, so Lopez seeing 30-plus minutes in the rotation is unlikely. He's probably more of a streaming option in fantasy formats but gives this roster solid depth.
The Atlanta Hawks have signed free-agent guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker to a massive deal on Monday. According to Shams Charania, Alexander-Walker is signing a four-year, $62 million deal with the Hawks. Alexander-Walker has spent each of the last two seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, it seemed unlikely that they were going to bring him back after signing Naz Reid and Julius Randle to contract extensions. That being said, Alexander-Walker leaves and gets a nice payday with Atlanta. Last season, Alexander-Walker averaged 9.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists across 25.3 minutes per game in 82 games. The 26-year-old is a solid two-way player that should help this Hawks unit that isn't known for their defense.
Chicago Bulls guard Tre Jones is signing a new long term extension with the organization on Monday. According to Shams Charania, Jones has agreed to a three-year $24 million deal to remain in Chicago. The Bulls acquired Jones ahead of the trade deadline last season. He saw a fairly significant role in the rotation down the stretch of the season with the Bulls. Jones averaged 11.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 25.3 minutes per game in 18 contests with Chicago. His fantasy value will be dependent on what happens with Josh Giddey who is currently a restricted free agent. The departure of Giddey could create an opening for Jones to see significant playing time in the rotation.
The Houston Rockets fun offseason continues as they've added free-agent forward Dorian Finney-Smith on Monday. The two sides have agreed on a four-year, $53 million deal. A day after declining his player option with the Lakers, Finney-Smith scores a big payday with another organization. The veteran forward is a solid 3-and-D player that could be a reliable contributor on this roster. Last season, Finney-Smith averaged a career-high 41 percent from behind the three-point line. He split time between the Lakers and Brooklyn Nets last season, but found a long term home in Houston. This Rockets roster is stacked with talent, so it's unclear how much playing time Finney-Smith will see with his new team. That being said, his fantasy value will be dependent on his role in the rotation.
