{"id":197635,"date":"2025-10-08T13:44:16","date_gmt":"2025-10-08T13:44:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/197635\/"},"modified":"2025-10-08T13:44:16","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T13:44:16","slug":"starting-5-oct-8-the-way-of-wemby","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/197635\/","title":{"rendered":"Starting 5, Oct. 8: The Way Of Wemby"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

He\u2019s back.<\/p>\n

A walking highlight, the Ant-Man wasted no time adding to his 2025-26 reel.<\/p>\n

\"Anthony<\/p>\n

5 STORIES IN TODAY\u2019S EDITION \ud83c\udfc0<\/p>\n

Oct. 8, 2025<\/p>\n

Tuesday Thrillers: One Peacock premiere, one OT finish, each decided by one point<\/p>\n

Wemby\u2019s Road Back: The Spurs star\u2019s transformative summer, from Kung Fu to KG<\/p>\n

Portland Push: The young Blazers aim higher in 2025-26, with new vets leading the way<\/p>\n

LP Spotlight: A new season in Boston comes with a new edge, beginning tonight<\/p>\n

NBA China: Why Macao means more than a change of scenery for the Nets & Suns<\/p>\n

BUT FIRST \u2026 \u23f0<\/p>\n

A loaded Wednesday\u2026<\/p>\n

\"Today's<\/p>\n

Five games get underway tonight, headlined by an NBA TV doubleheader as Victor Wembanyama\u2019s Spurs face Bam Adebayo, Norman Powell and the Heat (7:30 ET<\/a>), followed by the Blazers opening preseason play against Steph Curry\u2019s Warriors (10 ET<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Game 3 of the WNBA Finals also tips off tonight, with the Aces aiming to extend their 2-0 series lead over the Mercury in Phoenix (8 ET, ESPN).<\/p>\n

The NBA China Games are just two sleeps away as the Nets and Suns square off in Macao on Friday (8 a.m. ET, NBA TV).<\/p>\n

1. TUESDAY THRILLERS: BULLS WIN AT BUZZER, PACERS EDGE WOLVES IN OT
\n\"Matas<\/p>\n

David Liam Kyle\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

The NBA\u2019s first preseason game on Peacock came down to the last shot.<\/p>\n

Bulls 118, Cavaliers 117: Matas Buzelis went off<\/a> for 19 points and 8 boards in 18 minutes, while Dalen Terry saved the game in the final second, swatting a potential game-winner at the rim as time expired<\/a> to top the Cavs in both teams\u2019 preseason opener. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Buzelis Buckets: Fresh off a Second-Team All-Rookie campaign, Buzelis flashed some sophomore sauce with this slick hesi<\/a> that had Reggie Miller raving: \u201cI mean, that is just a special move.\u201d
\nHot Starts: Buzelis finished 7-of-11 from the field, while Isaac Okoro, who was traded to Chicago from Cleveland this summer, added 11 points
\nCavs Clicking: De\u2019Andre Hunter and Craig Porter Jr. led Cleveland in scoring with 17 apiece, while reigning Kia DPOY Evan Mobley was back patrolling the paint \u2013 and erasing shots at the rim<\/a> (12 pts, 6 reb, 1 stl, 1 blk)<\/p>\n

\"Benedict<\/p>\n

Did someone say extra basketball?<\/p>\n

Pacers 135, Wolves 134 (OT): Anthony Edwards (17), Julius Randle (14) and Naz Reid (10) combined for 41 points in the 1st half, before Johnny Juzang dropped 20 in the 2nd<\/a>, splashing six 3s to spark a 22-2 run and force OT.<\/p>\n

But it was the East champs who prevailed in the extra frame thanks to two clutch triples from Jalen Slawson and multiple defensive stands. | Recap<\/a><\/p>\n

Flying With Ant: In his first quarter of the preseason, Edwards reminded fans what makes him so electric with this hang-and-reverse finish<\/a>
\nShowtime: Benedict Mathurin also showed off his bag of tricks with this off-balanced and-1 circus shot <\/a>before Johnny Furphy ran the runway and took flight<\/a>
\nIndy In Sync: Pascal Siakam (14 pts) and Aaron Nesmith (12 pts) led the way for Indy\u2019s starters, who helped build a 65-57 halftime lead before sitting
\nPure Pacers: And how about some classic Pacers ball? 90+ feet in one dribble for 2 points<\/a> \u2013 from Siakam to Nembhard to Mathurin<\/p>\n

2. WEMBY\u2019S ROAD BACK: FROM SETBACK TO SELF-MASTERY
\n\"Victor<\/p>\n

Ronald Cortes\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Victor Wembanyama\u2019s physical gifts are obvious. At 7-foot-4 with guard-like ability, the 21-year-old star is a basketball anomaly. But entering Year 3, it\u2019s not just his size or skill that sets him apart \u2013 it\u2019s his mindset.<\/p>\n

Last season\u2019s abrupt end \u2013 a blood clot diagnosis that sidelined him just as his superstardom was crystallizing \u2013 forced a rare pause in his ascent. It also sparked a deeper pursuit of growth.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe traumatic experience is very much linked to all the stuff I\u2019ve done in the summer,\u201d said Wemby at Media Day. \u201cObviously, to come back, rehab and be better than before\u2026
\n\u201cBut there\u2019s also a big feeling that life isn\u2019t forever and there are some experiences we\u2019re going to miss on. It\u2019s inevitable. But I\u2019m going to miss on the least that I can.\u201d<\/p>\n

After overcoming a scare few athletes ever face, Wembanyama took an equally uncommon road to recovery \u2013 starting in China\u2019s Shaolin Temple, where he practiced Chan meditation and Kung Fu with monks whose focus is as spiritual as it is physical.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was very much out of my comfort zone,\u201d said Wemby. \u201c[That] was my intent from the start \u2026 movements that I or NBA players aren\u2019t used to doing\u2026
\n\u201cSo it really paid off in terms of training and as a life experience \u2026 it makes you understand lessons that nothing else could have made me understand.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Victor<\/p>\n

Victor Wembanyama via Instagram<\/p>\n

The Alien\u2019s curiosity for the unknown took him from temples back to Texas, where he visited NASA\u2019s Johnson Space Center, connecting with others who push the limits of what\u2019s possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cMeeting astronauts that have been to space or are going to [space], that was one of my favorite aspects,\u201d said Wembanyama on the visit. \u201cIt was incredible.\u201d<\/p>\n

That same spirit of exploration led him to another rare breed: Kevin Garnett \u2013 a generational big in his own right and ultra competitor who once famously declared, \u2018Anything is possible.\u2019<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s got a very unique perspective,\u201d said Wemby on KG. \u201cHe\u2019s very smart emotionally. He\u2019s got this energy but knows how to channel it and use it for the best.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Victor<\/p>\n

Part of what led Garnett to the NBA mountaintop in 2008 was his willingness to sacrifice individual accolades for winning, embracing a defensive role while Paul Pierce and Ray Allen carried the scoring load for Boston.<\/p>\n

That same selflessness surfaced in Wemby\u2019s preseason opener on Monday, when he tallied seven assists \u2013 including one sequence he summed up perfectly<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\u201cI turned down a shot I can make with my eyes closed,\u201d he said. \u201cBut that was to get one of my teammates a shot he can make in his sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tonight (7:30 ET, NBA TV), the Spurs return to action against Bam Adebayo, Norman Powell and the Heat, exactly two weeks before San Antonio\u2019s regular-season opener in Dallas.<\/p>\n

For Wemby \u2013 the game\u2019s great unknown, still pushing what\u2019s possible \u2013 it\u2019s another opportunity to keep growing.<\/p>\n

3. PORTLAND\u2019S PUSH: BLAZERS BEGIN 2025-26 TONIGHT vs. WARRIORS
\n\"Trail<\/p>\n

Cameron Browne\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Exactly halfway through last season, the Blazers stared at a 13-28 record, leaning closer to a lottery pick than Playoff position.<\/p>\n

But then, a supposed rebuilding year turned into a legitimate postseason push, as Portland went 23-18 down the stretch \u2013 more wins than it had in all of 2023-24 (21) \u2013 to finish just three games shy of the Play-In.<\/p>\n

Now, just two years removed from finishing last in the West, the Blazers are back with Playoff intentions as they open their preseason against Golden State (10 ET, NBA TV).<\/p>\n

Breakout Boost: Portland\u2019s 15-win improvement from 2023-24 coincided with breakout seasons from Shaedon Sharpe (18.2 ppg) and Deni Avdija (16.9 ppg), who both averaged career highs in points
\nIdentity Unlocked: As Sharpe and Avdija blossomed offensively, Portland locked down defensively, posting a top-three DefRtg in the second half of the season, anchored by Second Team All-Rookie Donovan Clingan
\nCulture Add: This summer, the team traded for Jrue Holiday \u2013 a six-time All-Defense guard and two-time NBA champ, ready to make an elite unit even tougher | Read More<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Victor<\/p>\n

Cameron Browne\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

Veteran Voices: A 16-year vet, Holiday doesn\u2019t just bring a championship edge to what was the league\u2019s third-youngest roster last season \u2014 he brings guidance.<\/p>\n

And he won\u2019t be the only new veteran presence, as Damian Lillard \u2013 the franchise\u2019s all-time leading scorer \u2013 returns while recovering from a torn Achilles.<\/p>\n

Together, the two will mentor Portland\u2019s young backcourt of Sharpe and Scoot Henderson, who\u2019s also sidelined with a torn hamstring.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy investment in the team will be the same as if I\u2019m playing,\u201d said Lillard at Media Day. \u201cHaving a young, rising point guard like Scoot, Toumani [Camara], Deni, Shaedon\u2026
\n\u201cBeing able to pour into them and be a part of their progress is something that elevates me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Buddy<\/p>\n

Golden Standard: As for the Warriors, Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler III and Draymond Green didn\u2019t miss a beat in Sunday\u2019s preseason opener, flashing the same chemistry<\/a> that fueled a 22-5 record with all three on the floor last season.<\/p>\n

The win also marked the Warriors debut of another seasoned vet, as Al Horford did a bit of everything (3 pts, 4 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl, 3 blk) \u2013 wasting no time benefiting from Curry\u2019s presence.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe does such a good job terrifying everyone in the league every time he moves,\u201d said Horford on Curry. \u201cThat\u2019s something I\u2019m going to really take advantage of.\u201d<\/p>\n

4. LP SPOTLIGHT: CELTICS OPEN 2025-26 WITH NEW EDGE<\/p>\n

\"Jaylen<\/p>\n

There\u2019s one word that has lingered in Celtic circles during training camp \u2014 physicality.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s an aspect of the game where Orlando tested Boston in the First Round of last year\u2019s Playoffs. And Oklahoma City\u2019s title-winning defense wielded it better than anyone.<\/p>\n

On a new-look squad, the quest for a new identity starts with building those sorts of strengths.<\/p>\n

After last season\u2019s East Semis exit, the Celtics will get their first dose of preseason action tonight against the Grizzlies (8 ET, League Pass).<\/p>\n

Boston Calling: Accustomed to being a co-star, Jaylen Brown is poised to take the stage as the team\u2019s headliner, having shared the court with Jayson Tatum for eight seasons
\nMain Man: The All-Star wing three years running averaged 22.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg and a career-best 4.5 apg in 2024-25, but is prepared to embrace a new cast around him
\n\u201cWe\u2019ve got five new players that we\u2019ve got to get onboarded and acclimated into this system,\u201d Brown said. \u201cSo I\u2019m trying to expedite that chemistry-building.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Anfernee<\/p>\n

Anfernee Simons is one of them. He was acquired in the Jrue Holiday trade this summer after seven years with the Trail Blazers, and this preseason, he\u2019ll look to establish his role.<\/p>\n

Make It Rain: The guard was an offensive asset in Portland \u2014 a career 38.1% 3-point shooter who averaged 17+ points in each of the last four seasons
\nSeasoned Student: But with the Celtics \u2014 a team which has finished top-five in DefRtg for four straight years \u2014 an early training camp focus has been defensive drills
\n\u201c[Coach] Joe [Mazzulla]\u00a0pushing me every single day and being in this type of environment is going to bring the best out in me,\u201d Simons said<\/p>\n

Two other contests round out the evening on League Pass, as Kevin Durant could make his Rockets debut when they visit the Jazz (8 ET), while Domantas Sabonis and the Kings open preseason play against the Raptors (10 ET).<\/p>\n

5. GLOBAL GAMES CONTINUED: COUNTDOWN TO NBA CHINA
\n\"Suns<\/a><\/p>\n

Nathaniel S. Butler\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

From Abu Dhabi to Melbourne, San Juan to San Diego and Las Vegas to Vancouver, the NBA preseason has spanned the globe \u2013 and now it arrives in Macao for the NBA China Games between the Suns and Nets.<\/p>\n

Held at The Venetian Arena, Phoenix and Brooklyn will play two games in Macao \u2013 the first on Friday (8 a.m. ET) and the second on Sunday (7 a.m. ET), both on NBA TV.<\/p>\n

It marks the first NBA action in China in six years and the first in Macao since 2007, but for the players, it\u2019s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m just so excited to go overseas and to go to a new continent,\u201d said Suns rookie Khaman Maluach at Media Day. \u201cSee a different part of the world \u2026 and play on the big stage.\u201d
\n\u201cI know there\u2019s so many fans, so it\u2019ll be fun,\u201d added Brooklyn\u2019s Michael Porter Jr. \u201cIt\u2019ll be fun to get our first taste against another NBA team in the Suns, so we\u2019ll really get to see where we\u2019re at.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Michael<\/a><\/p>\n

Nathaniel S. Butler\/NBAE via Getty Images<\/p>\n

The Nets have already had a taste of international play this preseason, defeating Hapoel Jerusalem B.C. 123-88 on Saturday, with Porter (13 pts) and fellow offseason addition Terance Mann (15 pts) leading the way.<\/p>\n

The Suns, meanwhile, are coming off a win over the Lakers, powered by Devin Booker (24 pts) and Dillon Brooks (10 pts), while Jalen Green still awaits his first minutes with the team.<\/p>\n

For both sides, the trip offers more than a change of scenery \u2013 it\u2019s a chance to mesh after their summer shakeups.<\/p>\n

Brooklyn enters the season with five 2025 first-round picks and new veteran pieces in MPJ and Mann | Read More<\/a>
\nPhoenix, three months removed from trading KD, is breaking in a retooled core around Booker, Green and Brooks | Read More<\/a>
\n\u201cThe time spent as a team, going to China and in China, I think it\u2019s a great team-building event for our group,\u201d said Suns head coach Jordan Ott. \u201cEspecially a group that\u2019s new to each other \u2026 it\u2019s a unique experience we can always look back on.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"He\u2019s back. A walking highlight, the Ant-Man wasted no time adding to his 2025-26 reel. 5 STORIES IN…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":197636,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[434],"tags":[975,49,48,459,97887,97888,82,97889],"class_list":{"0":"post-197635","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nba","8":"tag-975","9":"tag-ca","10":"tag-canada","11":"tag-nba","12":"tag-nba-starting-5-newsletter","13":"tag-october-8","14":"tag-sports","15":"tag-victor-wembanyamas-summer"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/197635","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=197635"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/197635\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/197636"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=197635"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=197635"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=197635"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}