{"id":230991,"date":"2025-10-22T04:09:11","date_gmt":"2025-10-22T04:09:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/230991\/"},"modified":"2025-10-22T04:09:11","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T04:09:11","slug":"steph-curry-luka-doncic-face-off-after-thunder-beat-rockets-in-double-ot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/230991\/","title":{"rendered":"Steph Curry, Luka Doncic face off after Thunder beat Rockets in double OT"},"content":{"rendered":"

Share\"socialLakers’ defense struggling with Warriors’ passing, movement\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Reporting from Los Angeles<\/p>\n

Share\"socialGolden State reasserts control to open second half\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Reporting from Los Angeles<\/p>\n

The Warriors saw their 10-point lead disappear late in the first half but have opened the second half by running their lead up to as many as 17 points at 78-61. The Lakers’ offense consists of solely baskets by Austin Reaves and Luka Doncic so far. It’s been an adjustment without LeBron James.<\/p>\n

Share\"socialLakers and Warriors trading baskets to end first half\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Reporting from Los Angeles<\/p>\n

The Lakers erased their 10-point first-half deficit after a flurry of buckets right before halftime, including back-to-back 3-pointers by Rui Hachimura. The run was capped by a 3-pointer by Luka Doncic that put the Lakers ahead, 54-53. Doncic now has 22 points. <\/p>\n

But the Warriors will lead going into the break, 55-54, after Jimmy Butler was fouled and made both shots. Butler leads the Warriors with 16 points.<\/p>\n

Share\"socialFoul trouble already \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Reporting from Los Angeles<\/p>\n

The Lakers’ Marcus Smart just became one of several key players tonight in foul trouble. Smart picked up his fourth foul one minutes before halftime, not long after teammate Austin Reaves picked up his third. For the Warriors, Gary Payton II and Draymond Green have three fouls, as well. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialLakers struggled mightily from deep\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Reporting from Los Angeles<\/p>\n

The Lakers are nearly to halftime and have made two of their 14 3-pointers. That’s largely accounting for their seven-point deficit, as the Warriors are 6-for-14 from deep. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialWarriors have been in control \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Reporting from Los Angeles<\/p>\n

If you’re just tuning in to Lakers-Warriors after the Thunder-Rockets instant classic from Oklahoma City, you’ll find a game that Golden State has largely controlled en route to a 39-33 lead midway through the second quarter. The Lakers are still trying to find the right balance between getting star guard Luka Doncic to put his stamp on the game and getting the rest of the team involved. And there have also been just too many turnovers, with 23 combined. <\/p>\n

Steph Curry has five points. Doncic has 14, and Lakers teammate Austin Reaves has 10.<\/p>\n

Share\"socialDodgers starter Blake Snell gets huge applause \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Reporting from Los Angeles<\/p>\n

Snell, who is set to start Game 1 of the World Series on Friday in Toronto, got the biggest pop of any celebrity so far when shown on the jumbotron. <\/p>\n

Snell posted a 2.35 ERA this season.<\/p>\n

Share\"socialThunder win!<\/p>\n

Jabari Smith Jr. can\u2019t hid a fadeaway as time expires and that will do it! Thunder win 125-124. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialJarred Vanderbilt and Draymond Green briefly get into it\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Reporting from Los Angeles<\/p>\n

After an errant pass by the Lakers’ Jarred Vanderbilt went out of bounds with 10:04 left in the second quarter here, Draymond Green of the Warriors tied Vanderbilt up with his arms, which the Laker took offense to and pushed back. The two were quickly separated but Vanderbilt earned a technical, giving the Warriors a 33-25 lead.<\/p>\n

Share\"socialSGA puts the Thunder back on top!<\/p>\n

SGA used some fancy footwork to draw a sixth foul on Kevin Durant. And now the Thunder lead 125-124 with 2.3 seconds to go after two free throws. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialSengun for the lead!<\/p>\n

After a missed jumper, the Rockets got an offensive board and Kevin Durant found Alperen Sengun for a go-ahead bucker with 11 seconds to go. Houston leads 124-123. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialKobe Bryant’s daughter at Lakers-Warriors\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Reporting from Los Angeles<\/p>\n

Share\"socialThey are trading blows right now<\/p>\n

What a second overtime period.<\/p>\n

These teams are trading haymakers. After a Cason Wallace three, Kevin Durant came back with a three-point play of his own. SGA followed that up with a pull-up jumper. <\/p>\n

We\u2019re tied at 122 with Gilgeous-Alexander headed to the free-throw line. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialEnd of 1st quarter in Los Angeles: Warriors lead\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Reporting from Los Angeles<\/p>\n

Golden State leads the Lakers, 28-22, after one quarter. Jimmy Butler leads all players with 12 points, while Luka Don\u010di\u0107 has 10 for the Lakers. Mostly this game has been sloppy, with 15 combined turnovers, including nine for Los Angeles.<\/p>\n

Share\"socialAl Horford making presence known early \"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Reporting from Los Angeles<\/p>\n

Horford, the 39-year-old veteran big man, signed this offseason with Golden State to provide rebounding and scoring inside. So far, so good. <\/p>\n

In just four minutes of play, Horford has three defensive rebounds to go along with a 3-pointer he just drained.<\/p>\n

Warriors lead 25-22 with 3.2 seconds left in the first. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialWarriors have led by as many as 8 points\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Reporting from Los Angeles<\/p>\n

Playing without the injured LeBron James, the Lakers haven’t had a fluid offense, making just one of their eight 3-pointers. Golden State’s bench, headlined by Al Horford and starter Jimmy Butler, has been much stronger, outscoring the Lakers’ bench 8-0.<\/p>\n

Share\"socialOh no! Kevin Durant got away with a big mistake!<\/p>\n

Kevin Durant tried to call a timeout the Rockets didn\u2019t have \u2014 which should have resulted in a technical foul. But the refs didn\u2019t recognize the timeout before the buzzer sounded, sending the game to a second overtime and Durant barely avoiding a Chris Webber moment. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialDeandre Ayton shows his potential, and pitfalls\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Reporting from Los Angeles<\/p>\n

A former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton has tantalizing talent that has shown itself at times tonight already in his Lakers debut, as he’s scored four points and blocked a shot. Ayton is also on his third team because that potential has often shown itself in full only in spurts. We’ve seen one example of that inconsistency already tonight, as he had no idea Jonathan Kuminga was coming up behind him to steal his pass only feet from the Warriors’ basket. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialTie game in OKC!<\/p>\n

What a comeback by the Rockets, who trailed by six but tied the game at 115 with 8.8 seconds to go. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialDraymond Green gets a technical foul from the bench\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Reporting from Los Angeles<\/p>\n

Famously irascible Warriors forward Draymond Green just earned his first technical foul of the season while sitting on the bench. We don’t know what Green said, but he appeared to be barely on the court at the time he spoke with the nearest official, and the combination may have led to his tech. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialAmen Thompson is out<\/p>\n

Thompson is out as he deals with a cramp, and SGA immediately took advantage with a jumper.<\/p>\n

Reed Sheppard hit one free throw to make it a 112-107 Thunder lead. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialJimmy Butler starts hot for Warriors\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Reporting from Los Angeles<\/p>\n

The Warriors wing, playing in his first full season in Golden State, has scored seven points in the first five minutes to put Golden State ahead of the Lakers, 12-11. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialThunder have their biggest lead of the second half<\/p>\n

OKC is up 107-104 with 3:46 left in OT. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialLuka Doncic addresses home crowd before tipoff\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Reporting from Los Angeles<\/p>\n

The Lakers guard spoke briefly to Lakers fans before the home opener of the new season.<\/p>\n

“It’s going to be a very exciting season, and go Lakers,” he said.<\/p>\n

The game between the Lakers and Warriors is starting now and is on Peacock <\/a>as the Thunder and Rockets go to overtime.<\/p>\n

Share\"socialOvertime, here we go<\/p>\n

Sengun misses a jumper as time expires and now we\u2019re getting extra basketball on opening night. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialSGA ties it!<\/p>\n

SGA pulled up for a patented elbow jumper and we’re tied at 104 with 2.0 seconds left. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialRockets lead 104-102 with 9.5 seconds to go<\/p>\n

Alperen Sengun hit a floater over Alex Caruso to give the Rockets the lead. The Thunder couldn\u2019t answer as Cason Wallace missed a three. Then Kevin Durant was fouled on a jumper but he only hit one free throw.<\/p>\n

Share\"socialHuge challenge coming<\/p>\n

The Rockets lead 101-100 and are challenging a foul call on SGA with 1:42 to go. I think this one is going to stand as called? Looked like some contact on that play. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialCan SGA get going late?<\/p>\n

Gilgeous-Alexander is up to 18 points with less than four minutes to go. He hasn\u2019t had a great night offensively, but he still has a chance to close this one out with a few buckets. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s 97-95 Houston with 3:07 to go.<\/p>\n

Share\"socialThe Thunder can\u2019t shoot at all tonight<\/p>\n

OKC is only 8-38 from deep tonight.<\/p>\n

Houston hasn\u2019t been great either (only 10-34), but those two extra makes are playing a big role late.<\/p>\n

The Rockets lead 93-89 with under five minutes to go. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialBig men making a difference in the fourth<\/p>\n

Isaiah Hartenstein has four points and an assist early in the fourth quarter, while Alperen Sengun has hit two threes for the Rockets. <\/p>\n

It\u2019s a tight one \u2014 Houston leads 87-85 with under eight minutes to go. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialWe have a close one headed into the fourth<\/p>\n

The Rockets lead by four, 79-75, as we head to the fourth quarter.<\/p>\n

The defenses have really shored up after a hot offensive start. It\u2019s going to be a physical battle for buckets in the final frame. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialSteph Curry’s world-famous warmup, up close\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Reporting from Los Angeles<\/p>\n

Share\"socialThe action \u2014 and the defenses \u2014 have tightened<\/p>\n

The intensity is starting to pick up in the third quarter. Both teams are now shooting under 45% from the field and under 31% from three. <\/p>\n

The Rockets\u2019 size has certainly played a factor so far. They have 10 more rebounds but also four more turnovers than the Thunder.<\/p>\n

Houston leads 69-65 with 4:33 left in the quarter. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialThe Thunder come back with a run of their own<\/p>\n

And now a 9-2 from OKC has made it a 65-60 Houston lead with under 8 minutes to go in the third. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is up to 9 points after a quiet first half. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialRockets go on a run to start the third<\/p>\n

Houston scores the first six points of the third quarter, and now has its largest lead of the night at 63-51. <\/p>\n

Share\"social‘I miss it’<\/p>\n

Michael Jordan says he wishes he could take a \u201cmagic pill\u201d and still be playing in the NBA right now. But he\u2019s happy to be sitting down talking about the game as opposed to getting on the court and popping his Achilles.<\/p>\n

And why did MJ decide now was the time to lend his voice?<\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the reasons why I did this is as professional athletes, we have a responsibility to pay it forward,\u201d Jordan told NBC\u2019s Mike Tirico. <\/p>\n

Share\"social‘The most valuable asset I have is time’<\/p>\n

Michael Jordan is on the NBA on NBC halftime show right now. He just told Mike Tirico the last time he shot basketball was at a Ryder Cup meetup in front of some kids, and it was the most nervous he\u2019d been in years.<\/p>\n

Jordan swished the free throw. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialWild end to a good first half!<\/p>\n

The Rockets were on their way to having a double-digit lead at halftime, but a Josh Okogie foul with 0.7 seconds remaining on a 3-pointer by Ajay Mitchell led a four-point play for OKC. <\/p>\n

Houston still leads 57-51 at the break. <\/p>\n

Chet Holmgren has 13 points for the Thunder, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has 5.<\/p>\n

Three Rockets starters are in double digits \u2014 Kevin Durant with 14, and Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson with 10. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialThe Rockets have the better shooting so far<\/p>\n

Despite all the size they had to start, the Rockets have been the better team from the perimeter in the first half.<\/p>\n

Houston is 7-18 from three compared to 4-18 for OKC. <\/p>\n

The Rockets are plus-nine from deep…and plus-eight on the scoreboard. Houston leads 53-45 with 90 seconds left in the first half. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialReed Sheppard is providing some early offense<\/p>\n

Last year\u2019s third overall pick, Sheppard played only 12.6 minutes a game for the Rockets last season. He\u2019s already played 10 for Houston tonight, and he scored six points on two threes in his first stint. <\/p>\n

Sheppard is one of the players who should get a bigger opportunity in the wake of Fred VanVleet\u2019s torn ACL. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialBoth teams have dipped deep into their benches<\/p>\n

Twenty players have appeared in this game and we aren\u2019t even halfway into the second quarter. It\u2019s 46-42 with 6:35 to go as a bunch of bench players are getting some run right now. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialLeBron James yet to practice with Lakers\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Reporting from Los Angeles<\/p>\n

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer hasn’t practiced with the Lakers while dealing with sciatica, coach J.J. Redick said just now. Who picks up more of the slack with James out? The Lakers will be looking for more from center Deandre Ayton being a rim-runner and “defensively for us, he’s just got to be an anchor,” Redick said. The Lakers don’t want the former No. 1 pick to just be anchored in the paint, but to use his athleticism to help in other matchups as well.<\/p>\n

Share\"socialLuka Don\u010di\u0107 ‘feels more like himself’ in first full L.A. season\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

“Luka just feels more like himself on a daily basis, and that’s a good thing for our team,” Lakers coach J.J. Redick said before tipoff of Lakers-Warriors. Don\u010di\u0107 is entering his first full season with the Lakers after last season’s shocking trade from Dallas. And more will be on Don\u010di\u0107’s plate given LeBron James will not be healthy enough to play for several more weeks.<\/p>\n

Share\"socialIt\u2019s 30-27 Rockets after one quarter<\/p>\n

Really fun opening quarter to the season. Both teams were crisp offensively \u2014 Houston shot 50% from the field, while OKC shot 52.6%. <\/p>\n

Chet Holmgren leads all scorers with 13. Amen Thompson leads the Rockets with 10. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialMeanwhile, in Los Angeles…\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

The second game of the opening-night doubleheader is coming at 8 p.m. ET from Los Angeles, where the Lakers face the Warriors. Lakers coach J.J. Redick is about to address reporters. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialIt\u2019s everybody\u2019s favorite time: A challenge!<\/p>\n

It\u2019s 23-23 with 3:24 left in the first. Mark Daigneault is challenging whether a block on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was actually a foul.<\/p>\n

Slow start for SGA so far, who was only two points and one field goal. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialJabari Smith Jr: Having KD around is ‘a gift in itself’<\/p>\n

Jabari Smith Jr. joins “NBA Showtime” to describe his journey with the Houston Rockets, what he has learned from Kevin Durant and his goal of winning Most Improved Player.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Share\"socialAmen Thompson is playing fearlessly<\/p>\n

Thompson is up to 8 points in the first quarter, and he\u2019s been aggressive looking for his own offense as Houston\u2019s de facto lead ball handler right now. <\/p>\n

The Rockets have a 19-15 lead midway through the first. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialChet Holmgren is dominating right now<\/p>\n

It\u2019s 13-13 with 7:10 to go in the first. The Rockets have a ton of size on the floor but still can\u2019t figure out how to guard Chet Holmgren \u2014 he has 11 of OKC\u2019s 13 points in the game\u2019s first five minutes. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialAmen Thompson has missed his first two corner threes<\/p>\n

Thompson\u2019s ability to hit that shot is going to play a major factor in Houston\u2019s offensive success this year. For now, at least he is willing to let it fly. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialThe Rockets\u2019 first bucket came off an offensive rebound<\/p>\n

Expect a lot of that tonight, as Houston is starting a supersized lineup, eschewing a traditional guard for height at every position. The Rockets will be crashing the boards on every possession. <\/p>\n

Fred VanVleet, who started at point guard for Houston last season, will miss the entire year after tearing his ACL. The Rockets will lean on size in his absence. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialThe NBA season has tipped off!<\/p>\n

The 80th season of the NBA \u2014 and the first NBA on NBC game in 23 years \u2014 is underway!<\/p>\n

Share\"socialHearty boos for Kevin Durant during intros<\/p>\n

It\u2019s been nine years since Kevin Durant left the Thunder, but even after the franchise received its championship rings tonight, the fans voiced their displeasure with the former OKC star. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialExpectations for Durant, \u015eeng\u00fcn with Rockets<\/p>\n

Maria Taylor, Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady discuss expectations for Kevin Durant and Alperen \u015eeng\u00fcn for the Rockets before analyzing keys to success for Ime Udoka.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Share\"socialJalen Williams on the Thunder\u2019s special motivation to repeat<\/p>\n

One reason the Thunder are eager to repeat as NBA champs?<\/p>\n

\u201cThere was a lot of celebration stuff we didn\u2019t get to do,\u201d forward Jalen Williams told the NBC Sports crew pregame. <\/p>\n

Williams, who is recovering from wrist surgery and will miss the start of the season, added on a more serious note he wants to \u201cget better every day\u201d in his fourth season in the NBA. <\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Share\"socialThe ring ceremony is underway!<\/p>\n

The Oklahoma City Thunder are receiving their championship rings from commissioner Adam Silver and team governor Clay Bennett right now.<\/p>\n

OKC won 68 games in the regular season last year before winning the NBA Finals in seven games against the Indiana Pacers. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialBet on over when Reaves, Lakers host Warriors<\/p>\n

Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick preview tonight’s game between the Warriors and Lakers on NBC and Peacock, explaining why the over should hit and Austin Reaves could have a huge game with LeBron James injured.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Share\"socialVanVleet is a big loss for Houston<\/p>\n

In September, Rockets guard Fred VanVleet suffered a torn ACL at an offseason workout, likely ruling him out for the entire 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n

VanVleet has served as the team\u2019s point guard over the last two seasons, leading Houston in assists per game each year.<\/p>\n

The 31-year-old VanVleet \u2014 who during his time in Toronto won the 2019 NBA title and was a 2022 All-Star \u2014 signed with Houston in 2023. He re-signed with the Rockets to a two-year, $50 million contract (with a player option for 2026-27) in July after the Rockets declined his $44.9 million team option for this upcoming season.<\/p>\n

Share\"socialDurant returns to OKC as Thunder begin title defense<\/p>\n

Kevin Durant returns to Oklahoma City as it has its ring ceremony and title banner raising. Leading a youthful Rockets team, there’s reason to believe the star is “happy” for his old team.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Share\"social<\/p>\n

Ahead of the NBA tip off, John Tesh joins “TODAY” to talk about the iconic \u201cRoundball Rock\u201d that became one of the most recognizable themes in sports. He opens up about the origin story behind the song, how it was immortalized on \u201cSaturday Night Live,\u201d and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Share\"socialOKC committed to the core<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City solidified its foundation over the offseason by signing its three biggest stars to longterm extensions: <\/p>\n

27-year-old G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who led the NBA in scoring (32.7 points per game) and won NBA MVP and Finals MVP last season, signed a 4-year supermax extension reportedly worth up to $285 million. 24-year-old G\/F Jalen Williams, who was a first-time All-Star and All-NBA selection (Third Team) last year, signed a five-year rookie max extension reportedly worth up to $287 million. 23-year-old F\/C Chet Holmgren, who was third on the team in scoring (15.2 points per game) last postseason, signed a five-year rookie max extension reportedly worth up to $250 million. Share\"socialDouble-big lineups are \u2018all the rage\u2019 in NBA<\/p>\n

Kenny Beecham dives into the rise of double big lineups in the NBA, explaining how this style of play is “extremely situational” and the importance of having an effective shooter.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Share\"socialLuka ready to run the show<\/p>\n

With LeBron James out for the beginning of the season, the Lakers will run through 5-time All-Star G Luka Doncic, who enters his first full season with L.A. after being traded from Dallas in February.<\/p>\n

This summer, the Lakers committed long-term to Doncic, signing him to a 3-year, $165 million extension that runs through the 2028-29 season (he has a player option for 2028-29).<\/p>\n

Along with signing his extension this summer, Doncic introduced a new workout regimen and low-sugar diet and he told Slovenian media in August that he\u2019d lost 30 pounds (though per the NBA\u2019s official weight he gained 14 pounds from last year).<\/p>\n

Share\"socialKevin Durant returns to Oklahoma City\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Kevin Durant’s debut with Houston comes against Oklahoma City, the city where he spent his first eight seasons. Since leaving in 2016, Durant has played six games as a visitor in Oklahoma and averaged 30.5 points per game.<\/p>\n

Share\"socialNBA rosters feature a record 135 international players \"\"<\/p>\n

Basketball keeps getting more global.<\/p>\n

The NBA season opens <\/a>today\u00a0and the league\u2019s opening night rosters show a record 135 players who were born outside the U.S. They come from 43 countries \u2014 tying a record \u2014 and 71 are from Europe, the most ever from that continent.<\/p>\n

That development comes with the NBA in talks, along with FIBA \u2014 the sport\u2019s global governing body \u2014 to develop a new league in Europe, something that\u00a0could happen as early as 2027.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cThe state of the game of basketball in Europe I think is fantastic,\u201d NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said last month. \u201cThey have their own traditions, which we of course want to maintain, but we think there\u2019s an opportunity to bring an NBA-style league to the continent and to take the game to another level.\u201d<\/p>\n

Share\"socialBright spots for last year’s NBA lottery teams<\/p>\n

From the Hornets’ trio with enticing “potential,” Ace Bailey on a Jazz team with a “college-type feel,” and the Wizards, there are several bright spots for emerging squads around the NBA as the season begins.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Share\"socialIn parity era, repeating isn’t easy\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

There have been seven consecutive seasons with a different NBA champion, the longest such streak in the league’s history. And the parity isn’t only in who wins the NBA Finals but how difficult it is for the past champion even to get back to the Finals. <\/p>\n

Since 2019, every champion has failed to even reach the conference finals the following season. <\/p>\n

Raptors: won title in 2018-19, lost in East semis next seasonLakers: won 2019-2020 title, lost in West first round next seasonBucks: won 2020-21 title, lost in East semis next seasonWarriors: won 2021-22 title, lost in West semis next seasonNuggets: won 2022-23 title, lost in West semis next seasonCeltics: won 2023-24 title, lost in East semis next seasonShare\"socialWhy is LeBron not playing?\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Lakers star LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, will begin his record-breaking 23rd season on the sideline watching. Midway through training camp this month, the team announced James was suffering from sciatica and would miss approximately 3-4 weeks. <\/p>\n

Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve experiences irritation or inflammation. The nerve originates near the lower back, and travels down the legs. James was experiencing sciatica on his right side, the team said.<\/p>\n

Share\"socialWhat can Jimmy Butler do in first full Warriors season?\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

After Jimmy Butler’s acrimonious exit from Miami last season, he thrived in Golden State and helped the Warriors reach the second round of the playoffs. Butler shot 47 percent, averaging 17.9 points and 5.9 assists with 5.5 rebounds, in 30 games.<\/p>\n

Butler enters his 15th NBA season and his first full year with the Warriors. His presence is felt most with the way he can still get to the free-throw line, where he averaged 7.7 per game last season, above his career average of 6.7.<\/p>\n

Share\"social<\/p>\n

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver joins “TODAY” to celebrate the return of basketball on NBC for the first time in 23 years with the 2025-2026 season. Silver talks about the current state of dynasties in the league, breakout stars to watch, and how the game has evolved since it was last broadcast on NBC in 2002, saying, \u201cLast time we were on NBC, big men could never shoot the way they can now.\u201d <\/p>\n

Share\"socialThunder return most of title-winning team<\/p>\n

Oklahoma City returns 14 of the 15 players from last season\u2019s championship roster.<\/p>\n

The only player to depart is guard Dillon Jones (the 26th overall pick in 2024 out of Weber State), who played a total of 10 minutes in the NBA Finals. Jones was traded to Washington on June 28 along with a 2nd-rd pick for guard Colby Jones (who OKC subsequently waived).<\/p>\n

Share\"socialKevin Durant signs extension<\/p>\n

Houston\u00a0Rockets\u00a0star Kevin Durant agreed to a two-year, $90 million contract extension with the franchise, his business partner and Boardroom CEO Rich Kleiman told ESPN last week. The new deal includes a player option in 2027-28.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Durant was eligible\u00a0for a max extension of $120M, but understood when he chose the\u00a0Rockets as a trade destination that he\u2019d be sacrificing\u00a0money \u2014 in this case around $30M less \u2014 so that the sides can partner for the long term and give the franchise team-building flexibility.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Share\"socialSGA’s encore\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is coming off one of the most dominant individual seasons in NBA history in which he led the league in scoring, earned Most Valuable Player honors and won Finals MVP while leading Oklahoma City to its first championship.<\/p>\n

The 27-year-old averaged 32.7 points per game and led the NBA with 7.9 free throws per game. That production earned him a four-year contract extension worth approximately $285 million. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialRockets will start ‘double big’ against Thunder\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Houston’s NBA title odds decreased after guard Fred VanVleet’s offseason knee injury that could sideline him the entire season. The Rockets are compensating without the 6-foot VanVleet by pivoting to an extremely tall starting lineup. The player likely to take up the majority of his ballhandling duties, Amen Thompson, is 6-7. The Rockets also will start Alperen Sengun and Steven Adams at center and forward and forward Kevin Durant, all of whom are listed in the vicinity of 7 feet. <\/p>\n

Share\"socialHouston could ‘outright upset’ OKC in season opener<\/p>\n

Jay Croucher and Drew Dinsick discuss the first matchup of the 2025-26 NBA season and why the Houston Rockets have the potential to upset the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder on opening night.<\/p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"ShareLakers’ defense struggling with Warriors’ passing, movement Reporting from Los Angeles ShareGolden State reasserts control to open second…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":230992,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[434],"tags":[49,48,459,82],"class_list":{"0":"post-230991","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nba","8":"tag-ca","9":"tag-canada","10":"tag-nba","11":"tag-sports"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/230991","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=230991"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/230991\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/230992"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=230991"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=230991"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=230991"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}