Collin Sexton’s route back into rhythm begins with making somebody else uncomfortable. Stephen Curry’s latest milestone and an unlikely Daniel Gafford three supply two more reasons to look beyond the scoreboard.

1. Sexton explains the assignment behind his intensity

Sexton says JJ Redick and Greg St. Jean gave him a straightforward instruction while he works back from injury: “just go out and be a pest on defense.” His postgame explanation after Wednesday’s Clippers game put that responsibility ahead of rediscovering his offense. USA Today’s James H. Williams also reported his emphasis on changing the game defensively.

The scoring followed, including 11 consecutive Lakers points during the third quarter. After our earlier account of the Lakers finding support around Doncic, this was a different assignment with Luka unavailable. Sexton’s 21 bench points mattered, but his explanation gives the rotation a more useful standard: defensive pressure can earn a role even when scoring rhythm is still returning.

Watch: Sexton explains his mentality after the Clippers game
October 28 postgame interview in Inglewood. Credit: Lakers Nation.

2. Curry reaches LeBron’s mark through a perfect night at the line

Curry’s newest age milestone came with a useful reminder about how his scoring survives beyond the spectacular threes. His 44 points in Minnesota included 16 free throws without a miss. NBC Sports Bay Area reported that he tied LeBron James at 15 games scoring at least 40 points after turning 35, matching the NBA’s published count.

He scored 19 in the second quarter, then supplied the final free throws as Minnesota threatened a comeback. This follows our October 28 look at Curry sharing responsibility with Lendeborg. The rookie contributed another 26 points. The encouraging combination is sustained support alongside a veteran who still has several ways to rescue a possession.

3. Gafford’s first regular season three arrives after a long wait

Daniel Gafford needed eight NBA seasons to make his first regular season three pointer. The Associated Press reported that Wednesday’s make against Oklahoma City came on his 2,384th career field goal attempt; his only previous three point attempt had been in March 2022 with Washington. Dallas’ game statistics confirm he finished one for one from deep.

It was an unusual contribution within a much broader shooting night: the Mavericks made 16 threes. One make does not establish a new shooting role, but it creates a specific detail to follow under new coach Dusty May. Watch whether Gafford takes that shot again, and whether the opportunity becomes part of Dallas’ spacing rather than a single memorable exception.

4. Portland secures two centers at different stages

Portland exercised its 2027 to 2028 options on Donovan Clingan and Yang Hansen on Thursday. The same announcement protects two very different investments: Clingan is an established starter, while Yang is still working toward regular NBA minutes. Hoops Wire’s Sam Amico reported that Clingan’s fourth year is worth about $9.55 million and Yang’s third year about $4.86 million.

For fans following Asian players, Yang’s option is meaningful security, without being a promise of a larger rotation role. Clingan’s next major contract discussion can come when he becomes eligible for an extension next summer. These decisions keep both centers under contract while leaving their playing opportunities to be earned.

Recent Results from Our Watchlist

NBA

  • Thursday, October 29, 2026: Golden State Warriors 119 at Minnesota Timberwolves 114, final. Curry scored 44 points.
  • Thursday, October 29, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers 103 at LA Clippers 87, final. Quentin Grimes scored 23 points.

Important Games to Watch This Week

All dates and tipoff times are Philippine time.

NBA

  • Friday, October 30, 2026, 10 AM: Memphis Grizzlies at Portland Trail Blazers
    Location: Moda Center, Portland, United States
    Why watch: Morant faces his former team for the first time since the trade.
  • Saturday, October 31, 2026, 10 AM: Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors
    Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, United States
    Why watch: NBA Cup group play begins, with the Lakers’ supporting rotation in focus.

PBA

  • Friday, October 30, 2026, 5:15 PM: San Miguel Beermen vs. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel
    Location: Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila, Philippines
    Why watch: San Miguel needs better opportunities for June Mar Fajardo in Game 2.
  • Friday, October 30, 2026, 7:30 PM: Converge FiberXers vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters
    Location: Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila, Philippines
    Why watch: Converge must respond after surrendering a 21 point lead in the opener.
  • Saturday, October 31, 2026, 5:15 PM: NLEX Road Warriors vs. Phoenix Fuel Masters
    Location: Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila, Philippines
    Why watch: NLEX can complete a quarterfinal sweep.
  • Saturday, October 31, 2026, 7:30 PM: Magnolia Hotshots vs. TNT Tropang 5G
    Location: Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Manila, Philippines
    Why watch: Magnolia must solve TNT’s coverage to avoid elimination.