NBA roundup: Thunder take down Mavs to remain perfect
Tue Oct 28 2:50am ET
Field Level Media
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 13 of his 23 points in the third quarter, helping the Oklahoma City Thunder stay undefeated with a 101-94 road win over the Dallas Mavericks on Monday.
The Thunder led by 22 in the fourth quarter but the Mavericks got within one in the final minute before Oklahoma City steadied late offensively. Oklahoma City went more than 5:30 without scoring as Dallas reeled off a 15-0 run during that stretch to cut the deficit to four before the Mavericks eventually got to within one.
But the Thunder got a driving layup from Isaiah Hartenstein to stretch the lead to three, then after a fruitless possession for Dallas, Gilgeous-Alexander went to the free-throw line for the first time in the game with 21 seconds left and drained both to stretch the lead to five and nearly put the game away.
With the Mavericks on the second night of their first back-to-back of the season, rookie Cooper Flagg finished just 1 of 9 from the floor for a season-low two points. The night before in a win over Toronto, the 2025 No. 1 overall pick scored a season-high 22 points.
Jazz 138, Suns 134 (OT)
Lauri Markkanen scored a career-high 51 points with 14 rebounds to carry Utah to an overtime victory over visiting Phoenix in Salt Lake City.
Markkanen made 17 of 17 free throws, including a game-clinching pair with 1.9 seconds left, en route to his fourth career 40-point game. It was the first 50-point game in the regular season for a Jazz player since Karl Malone in 1998. Keyonte George totaled 26 points with 10 assists, while Walker Kessler added 25 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and four blocks.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 34 points, including five 3-pointers, but Phoenix wrapped up a three-game road trip with its third straight loss despite overturning a 20-point deficit.
Spurs 121, Raptors 103
Victor Wembanyama poured in 24 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and hit two late baskets that helped host San Antonio to a victory over Toronto.
It's the first time since the 2017-18 season that the Spurs have started a campaign with four consecutive wins. Stephon Castle added 22 points while Barnes had 18, Devin Vassell scored 15 and rookie Dylan Harper and Keldon Johnson contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively.
Toronto's RJ Barrett led all scorers with 25 points, with rookie Collin Murray-Boyles hitting for 19, Immanuel Quickley tallying 15 and Brandon Ingram adding 14.
76ers 136, Magic 124
Tyrese Maxey scored 43 points as Philadelphia picked up its third straight win to open the season by beating visiting Orlando.
Kelly Oubre Jr. added 25 points and 10 rebounds for Philadelphia, which played without Joel Embiid (knee injury management) for the first time this season. Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe continued the impressive start to his career, contributing 26 points and seven assists.
Paolo Banchero scored 32 points and Desmond Bane added 24 points before fouling out. Franz Wagner chipped in 22 points for Orlando, which has lost three of its first four games.
Warriors 131, Grizzlies 118
Jonathan Kuminga had a game-high 25 points, Moses Moody scored 12 of his 20 points in a decisive third-quarter spurt and Golden State ran away from visiting Memphis.
Brandin Podziemski poured in 23 points. Jimmy Butler III scored 20 and Stephen Curry added 16 for the Warriors, who led just 70-68 in the third minute of the third period before pulling away.
Ja Morant had a team-high 23 points and nine assists for the Grizzlies, who have alternated wins and losses in their first four games.
Trail Blazers 122, Lakers 108
Deni Avdija scored 17 of his 25 points in the first half and Jrue Holiday notched 17 of his 24 in the second half as Portland recorded a victory over host Los Angeles.
Jerami Grant came off the bench to score 22 points as Portland defeated the Lakers for the second straight time after losing the previous six matchups. Austin Reaves had another big outing with 41 points for the short-handed Lakers and has scored 92 points in the last two nights. Donovan Clingan had 16 points and 14 rebounds for Portland, which is 2-1 under interim coach Tiago Splitter.
Former Trail Blazer DeAndre Ayton had 16 points and eight rebounds for the Lakers. Rui Hachimura and backup Dalton Knecht also had 16 points apiece and Jarred Vanderbilt had 14 points and eight rebounds.
Nuggets 127, Timberwolves 114
Jamal Murray scored 43 points on 16-for-29 shooting and Denver finished strong for a win over Minnesota in Minneapolis.
Denver's Nikola Jokic notched his third triple-double in as many games to start the season with 25 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists. Tim Hardaway Jr. poured in 20 points off the bench.
Jaden McDaniels scored 25 points on 10-for-16 shooting to lead Minnesota. Julius Randle scored 24 points and Naz Reid finished with 18 points off the bench.
Celtics 122, Pelicans 90
Anfernee Simons scored 25 points to lead six Boston double-figure scorers and the visiting Celtics got their first victory of the season while keeping New Orleans winless.
Payton Pritchard added 18 points for the Celtics, who completed a back-to-back that began with a loss at Detroit by beating the Pelicans for the ninth straight meeting.
Jordan Poole scored 22 points and rookie Derik Queen had 12 for the Pelicans, who were without Zion Williamson because of a left foot bone contusion suffered in a loss Friday night. The injury is not believed to be long term.
Bulls 128, Hawks 123
Ayo Dosunmu scored a team-high 21 points and Josh Giddey and Nikola Vucevic registered double-doubles to lift host Chicago over Atlanta.
A season-high eight players scored in double figures for the Bulls, who secured a 3-0 start. Giddey contributed 18 points and 13 rebounds while Vucevic had 17 points, 17 rebounds and nine assists.
Kristaps Porzingis led all scorers with 27 points for the Hawks. Jalen Johnson followed with 25 points and Trae Young had 21 points and 17 assists.
Cavaliers 116, Pistons 95
Donovan Mitchell pumped in 35 points and visiting Cleveland won its third straight, pounding Detroit.
Mitchell made 13 of 18 from the field and was 7 of 8 at the free-throw line. Jarrett Allen added 20 points and seven rebounds, while Evan Mobley contributed 15 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three blocks.
De'Andre Hunter added 13 points, five rebounds and six assists for Cleveland, which led by 22 at halftime. The Cavaliers have defeated the Pistons in 13 of their last 14 meetings. Detroit star guard Cade Cunningham was held to 12 points on 3-of-14 shooting.
Rockets 137, Nets 109
Tari Eason scored 22 points off the bench while Alperen Sengun added 21 to pace a balanced attack for Houston, which thumped visiting Brooklyn.
Eason scored 20 points on 7-of-9 shooting in the first half to carry the Rockets until Sengun and others joined the fray following the intermission. Kevin Durant paired 19 points with six rebounds while Reed Sheppard added 15 points and eight assists off the bench for Houston, which shot 57.6% overall and converted 16 of 32 3-pointers.
Terance Mann led the Nets with 21 points while Michael Porter Jr. chipped in 18. Cam Thomas followed his 40-point effort against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday by missing 6 of 9 shots en route to nine points.
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Lakers' G Austin Reaves scored 41 points on 13-of-22 shooting in a 108-122 loss to the Trail Blazers on Monday, Oct. 27.
Jazz's F Lauri Markkanen recorded a double-double, scoring 51 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in a 138-134 win over the Suns on Monday, Oct. 27.
76ers' G Tyrese Maxey scored 43 points on 15-of-32 shooting in a 136-124 win over the Magic on Monday, Oct. 27.
Denver's G Jamal Murray scored 43 points on 16-of-29 shooting in a 127-114 win over Minnesota on Monday, Oct. 27.
Denver Nuggets' C Nikola Jokic recorded a triple-double, finishing with 25 points, 10 assists and 19 rebounds in a 127-114 win over Minnesota on Monday, Oct. 27.
Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (ankle) won't play on Monday versus OKC. The 27-year-old has appeared on the injury report all season. Although he's flirted with various designations, he hasn't played. With Dereck Lively II (knee) also sidelined, Anthony Davis will hold things down at the five. Max Christie is the favorite to slide into the starting lineup. However, D'Angelo Russell and Naji Marshall should also see more minutes, increasing their stock for fantasy managers. As far as Gafford is concerned, his next chance to suit up will be on Wednesday versus the Indiana Pacers.
Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown (hamstring) is available for Monday's meeting with the Pelicans. The 29-year-old has appeared on the injury report all season because of a hamstring issue. Fortunately, he hasn't missed a game. Brown has benefited without Jayson Tatum (Achilles) on the floor, averaging a career-high 29.7 points with 5.3 boards and 3.7 assists. He's also shot 50.0% from deep, which is also another career-high. Brown is always a must-start fantasy option, but his ceiling is even higher with a favorable matchup with New Orleans, a team that has allowed 124.0 points per contest, the sixth-worst mark in the National Basketball Association.
According to The Bigs Media reporter Drew Stevens, Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (finger) is available to suit up against the Atlanta Hawks on Monday. However, Giddey has been dealing with a finger sprain in his shooting hand that could impact his performance this evening. The talented playmaker has averaged 20.0 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists through the first couple of contests this season. If Giddey's injury affects his shooting this evening, the Bulls may give extra minutes to Ayo DosunmuandKevin Huerter later in the contest.
Detroit Pistons guard/forwardCaris LeVert(hamstring) will remain sidelined against the Cleveland Cavaliers after carrying a questionable tag earlier on Monday. LeVert hasn't played since the season opener, where he registered eight points, two assists, one rebound, and one steal in 21 minutes. His next chance to suit up is on Wednesday versus the Magic. While LeVert is out, fantasy managers can expect players like Duncan Robinson and Ronald Holland to continue to see extra minutes. Holland registered seven points, one rebound, one assist, two steals, and one block across 19 minutes during Sunday's 119-113 victory over the Celtics.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (foot) won't play on Monday night versus the Boston Celtics. It's only the third game of the 2025 campaign for the Pelicans. However, Williamson will already miss his first game. It's unfortunate, considering the former Duke Blue Devil is averaging 27.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 4.0 steals. He's dealing with a left foot contusion, but only time will tell if he'll be back on the court when the Pels head to Denver for a meeting with the Nuggets. In the meantime, fantasy managers could see more production from Trey Murphy III, Saddiq Bey, and Jordan Poole.
Detroit Pistons guard Marcus Sasser (hip) is unavailable for Monday's matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. A right hip injury has kept Sasser out of the lineup so far this season, with his next chance to suit up coming Wednesday versus the Magic. The 25-year-old averaged 6.6 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in 14.2 minutes per contest across 57 games last season. With Sasser, Caris LeVert (hamstring), and Jaden Ivey (knee) all sidelined, Duncan Robinson should continue to see an expanded role in the rotation, making him a potential short-term fantasy option.
Atlanta Hawks center Kristaps Porzingis (illness) will play on Monday night versus the Chicago Bulls. He missed the last two games because of an illness after amassing 20 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks in the loss to the Toronto Raptors on opening night. The Hawks will also welcome back Jalen Johnson (ankle) and Zaccharie Risacher (ankle) on Monday night, meaning less minutes for Onyeka Okongwu, Mouhamed Gueye, and Nickeil-Alexander Walker.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (ankle) is available for Monday's meeting with the Chicago Bulls. He was dealing with a sprained right ankle, keeping him off the floor for Saturday's loss with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Fortunately, Johnson will be back after missing only one game. The Hawks will also welcome back Kristaps Porzingis (illness) and Zaccharie Risacher (ankle), meaning less work for Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Onyeka Okongwu, and Mouhamed Gueye.
Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports that Los Angeles Lakers centerJaxson Hayes(knee) will miss his third consecutive contest on Monday versus the Portland Trail Blazers. The 25-year-old big man has been out of action due to a sore knee and is considered day-to-day. Hayes could be back in action on Wednesday in Minnesota against the Timberwolves. However, withDeandre Aytonhealthy, Hayes has little to no fantasy value. His absence may allow Jarred Vanderbilt to get some extra work on Monday, after he registered nine points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals across 27 minutes in Sunday's win over the Kings.
According to Khobi Price of The Orange County Register, Los Angeles Lakers guard Marcus Smart (quadriceps) won't suit up against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday. The 31-year-old suffered a right quadriceps contusion during Sunday's 127-120 win over the Kings, finishing with 11 points, three rebounds, and five assists in 31 minutes. Gabe Vincent (ankle) will also be sidelined due to a right ankle sprain. With a thin Lakers backcourt, fantasy managers will be hoping Austin Reaves can replicate his monster performance from Sunday, when he racked up 51 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists, and two steals across 39 minutes.
Khobi Price of The Orange County Register reports that Los Angeles Lakers guard Gabe Vincent (ankle) will be unavailable for Monday's matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers after sustaining a left ankle sprain in Sunday's 127-120 win over the Kings. Marcus Smart (quadriceps) will also sit out with a right quadriceps contusion. With a significantly depleted backcourt, the Lakers will lean on Dalton Knecht and Austin Reaves to log extra minutes. Reaves is coming off the best performance of his NBA career, posting 51 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists, and two steals in 39 minutes during Sunday's victory.
Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (back) is expected to play in Monday's matchup against the Dallas Mavericks. Holmgren had been downgraded to a questionable tag due to lower back soreness. Despite battling the injury on Saturday, the big man still delivered 31 points, 12 rebounds, and three steals. With Holmgren back in action, expect another strong performance against a Mavs' frontcourt lacking depth due to the losses of Dereck Lively II (knee) and Daniel Gafford (ankle).
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Monday's matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Celtics could rest Brown on the second leg of their back-to-back to maintain his health as he continues recovering from the left hamstring tightness that surfaced in the preseason. Brown has been outstanding, averaging 29.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists despite the team's 0-3 start as they adjust to life without Jayson Tatum (Achilles). If Brown is ruled out, Sam Hauser could see an expanded role, having already started two games this season.
New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (foot) is listed as questionable for Monday night's matchup with the Boston Celtics with a bone contusion in his left foot. Williamson has been electric to start the season, averaging 27 points, 9.5 rebounds, six assists and four steals through his first two games. If he's unable to play, team will likely turn to a committee approach to replace their star's production against a difficult Eastern Conference foe. Jordan Poole and Trey Murphy III should see increased usage, while Saddiq Bey likely maintains a spot in the starting five.
Detroit Pistons guard/forward Caris LeVert (hamstring) is still recovering from a hamstring injury and has picked up a questionable tag for Monday's matchup with the Cleveland Cavaliers. If LeVert is able to play, this would be his first game back since the season opener, where he registered eight points, two assists, one rebound, and one steal across 21 minutes. In his absence, Larry Nance Jr., Dean Wade, and Sam Merrill have all been seeing increased playing time. Merrill remains in the starting five, so if LeVert is downgraded, he makes the best streaming option for fantasy managers looking for shooting stats.
