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NBA News

Combined summaries and individual breaking-news reports, all in one recency-first feed.

Sunday, October 4

Steve Kerr Urges Yaxel Lendeborg to Be More Aggressive After Debut

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Yaxel Lendeborg earned the starting small forward spot in Golden State's 104-101 preseason loss to the Clippers, recording four points on 1-of-6 shooting, three assists, and a game-high nine rebounds over 19 minutes. Following his debut, coach Steve Kerr and teammate Steph Curry stressed the need for Lendeborg to embrace an aggressive scoring mentality rather than deferring. With Jimmy Butler sidelined, Golden State expects the rookie forward to use his 6-foot-9 frame to create offense and impact the game.

Mikel Brown Progresses to Contact Work Following Ankle Injury

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Brooklyn Nets rookie guard Mikel Brown has progressed to taking contact in practice after rolling his ankle a couple of weeks ago. Brown stated on Sunday that he is "starting to get to full speed" as he ramps up his activity ahead of the preseason schedule. While the Nets may exercise caution with his workload, his first potential opportunity to suit up for game action will come in Tuesday's preseason opener against the Charlotte Hornets.

Austin Reaves Confirmed as Starter for Lakers Opening Exhibition

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Austin Reaves has been confirmed by head coach JJ Redick as one of three locked-in starters for the Los Angeles Lakers, joining Luka Doncic and Walker Kessler ahead of their preseason opener in Sacramento. Reaves has been sharpening his offensive skill set during training camp, testing new defensive addition Matisse Thybulle while taking full-court pressure from Ziaire Williams. Reaves continues to serve as a key offensive savant for the Lakers.

Matisse Thybulle Impresses Defensively in Lakers Training Camp

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Matisse Thybulle is making a strong early impression at Los Angeles Lakers training camp, earning praise for his disruptive defense while guarding Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. After battling thumb, knee, and ankle injuries over the past two seasons in Portland, the two-time All-Defensive selection is fully healthy. Signed to a one-year, $3.2 million contract, Thybulle is currently competing for one of two vacant starting spots under head coach JJ Redick.

Anthony Black Progresses in Practice After Sprained Ankle Recovery

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Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black participated in Sunday's practice, continuing his ramp-up process from a sprained ankle that limited him in training camp. He is trending positively ahead of Wednesday's preseason opener against Memphis. Black enters the 2026-27 campaign expected to serve as the club's top reserve after a strong breakout season where he averaged 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.1 steals-plus-blocks across 64 regular-season contests.

Egor Dëmin Unlocks New Versatility and Strength With Nets

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Brooklyn Nets guard Egor Dëmin enters the upcoming season with greatly improved physical strength and a renewed focus on defensive intensity and ball-handling versatility. After playing primarily an off-ball role last year, Dëmin expects to return to running the offense with the ball in his hands, creating opportunities for teammates like Mike Porter Jr., Julius Randle, and Mikel Brown Jr. His physical maturity allows him to withstand pressure and aggressively attack the paint.

Mohamed Diawara Embraces Growth and Comfort Entering Year 2 with Knicks

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Mohamed Diawara is entering his second season with the New York Knicks feeling more comfortable and polished on the floor. After falling out of the rotation during his rookie year, Diawara focused on building the right physical readiness and improving his communication and offensive cadence. Teammate OG Anunoby praised his endless upside, while coach Mike Brown noted his developmental progress as the Knicks prepare to open preseason play following their championship run.

Raptors Rookie Allen Graves Set to Return After Minor Preseason Injury

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Toronto Raptors rookie forward Allen Graves is recovering from a minor tweaked groin that kept him out of the preseason opener, though the injury is not deemed serious. The No. 19 overall pick, who transitioned from high school quarterback to basketball following a dramatic late growth spurt, impressed during Summer League by averaging nearly 17 points and 7 assists while shooting 50% from three-point range. He is expected to provide key perimeter defense and shooting upon his return.

Khaman Maluach Earns Media Day Praise and Third-Year Option from Suns

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Phoenix Suns center Khaman Maluach drew widespread praise from teammates and staff at Media Day following an intense summer workout regimen alongside Devin Booker. Demonstrating significant physical transformation and rapid development, Maluach saw the Suns pick up his third-year option. With center Mark Williams sidelined, Maluach is competing with Oso Ighodaro for starting minutes based on game matchups, showcasing a mature team-first mentality ahead of the upcoming season.

Luke Kennard Aims for Expanded Role Beyond Shooting with Phoenix Suns

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Phoenix Suns guard Luke Kennard is eager to expand his playmaking role beyond spot-up shooting this season, following encouragement from the coaching staff to increase his three-point volume. After showing strong ball-handling and midrange skills during last year's playoffs with the Lakers, Kennard is being viewed as a potential multi-faceted rotation piece capable of filling the void left by Grayson Allen. The Suns hope his off-ball movement and expanded game yield a career year.

Saturday, October 3

Giannis Antetokounmpo Shines in Winning Miami Heat Preseason Debut

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Giannis Antetokounmpo posted nine points, four rebounds, and seven assists in 14 minutes during his Miami Heat preseason debut, a 129-105 victory over the Toronto Raptors. Antetokounmpo shot 3-for-3 from the field and 3-for-4 from the line with two turnovers before resting the second half. Acquired from Milwaukee alongside Bobby Portis this summer, he showcased his playmaking as Miami built a 20-point halftime lead. Heat will manage his workload before the Oct. 21 opener vs Minnesota.

RJ Barrett Scores Team-High 15 Points in Raptors Preseason Opener

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RJ Barrett tied for a team-high 15 points to lead the Toronto Raptors in a 129-105 preseason loss to the Miami Heat in Quebec City. Playing just 17 minutes, Barrett recorded three rebounds, one assist, and one steal while opening the game's scoring with a strong drive to the rim. He shot 3-for-9 from the field and 7-for-8 from the free-throw line. Barrett is seeking a healthy campaign after averaging 19.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.3 assists across 30.3 minutes per game last season.

Scottie Barnes Posts 11 Points in Raptors Preseason Loss to Heat

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Scottie Barnes contributed 11 points, two rebounds, and two assists for the Toronto Raptors during their 129-105 preseason defeat against the Miami Heat at the Videotron Centre in Quebec City. Playing less than half of his typical workload as part of the team's exhibition rotation, Barnes served as one of Toronto's primary offensive contributors alongside RJ Barrett. The Raptors fell behind early following a 41-point first quarter from Miami and held a 21-point deficit at halftime.

Ziaire Williams Engaged at Bruno Mars Show Ahead of Lakers Debut

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Los Angeles Lakers forward Ziaire Williams proposed to girlfriend Paris Timan during a Bruno Mars concert at SoFi Stadium. Williams signed a one-year, $15 million contract with the Lakers this offseason after appearing in just 13 games last season due to a lower back fracture. Los Angeles holds his non-Bird rights entering free agency, providing future financial flexibility under the projected $176 million salary cap.

Knicks Challenge Mohamed Diawara to Secure Year 2 Rotation Role

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New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown has challenged sophomore forward Mohamed Diawara to earn an expanded rotation role for the 2026-27 season. After signing a four-year, $11.2 million contract this offseason, the 21-year-old recovered from a minor left ring finger procedure and is prioritizing improvements in physicality and 3-point shooting. Diawara averaged 3.6 points while shooting 36.9% from deep across 69 games as a rookie, earning praise from teammate OG Anunoby for his endless upside.

Stephen Curry Limited to First Half in Warriors Preseason Opener

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Stephen Curry will be restricted to 12 to 16 minutes during the Golden State Warriors' preseason opener against the Los Angeles Clippers in Hawaii. The Warriors are actively managing the veteran guard's workload alongside Draymond Green and Al Horford to preserve his health, following a 2025-26 regular season in which a nagging knee injury limited Curry to just 43 game appearances.

Bronny James Refines Point Guard Role Ahead of Third Season with Lakers

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Bronny James is focusing on expanding his leadership and playmaking as he enters his third season with the Los Angeles Lakers. Working closely with head coach JJ Redick, the 21-year-old point guard is embracing vocal leadership, full-court defensive pressure, and refining his jump shot release. James averaged 2.9 points across 42 regular-season games last year and aims to lock down a steady role as a primary ballhandler.

Austin Reaves Praises Lakers' Stifling Defensive Wings in Camp

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Lakers star guard Austin Reaves lauded the team's relentless wings during training camp, noting their rigorous defense "annoys the hell out of" him. Reaves highlighted Adou Thiero's elite athleticism and Matisse Thybulle's disruptive hands. Coach JJ Redick praised the healthy competition, as Thybulle and others sharpened their skills by guarding top offensive talents like Reaves and Luka Doncic, pushing the Lakers toward anticipated defensive improvements this season.

Sam Merrill Affirms Donovan Mitchell Commitment to Cleveland Cavaliers

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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Sam Merrill publicly reiterated that star teammate Donovan Mitchell is 100 percent committed to the organization. Speaking on Mitchell's future following his four-year, $275 million offseason contract extension, Merrill recalled prior outside speculation about Mitchell leaving and emphasized that the guard is fully dedicated to leading Cleveland after last season's Eastern Conference Finals run.

Donovan Mitchell Fully Committed to Cleveland Cavaliers Following Extension

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Donovan Mitchell is 100 percent committed to the Cleveland Cavaliers, according to teammate Sam Merrill. Mitchell inked a four-year, $275 million contract extension during the offseason after guiding Cleveland to the 2025-26 Eastern Conference Finals. The 30-year-old guard averaged 27.9 points, 5.7 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 steals over 70 regular-season games last year, remaining a cornerstone star for the franchise.