Golden State’s closing mistakes, Philadelphia’s first LeBron James absence and Cooper Flagg’s MRI supply today’s other developments beyond the scores.
1. Reaves and Kessler finish the job when Doncic gets loose with the ball
Austin Reaves and Walker Kessler supplied the late answers while Doncic wrestled with the highest turnover total of his NBA career. When the Clippers trimmed the gap to six points, Kessler converted two free throws and Reaves later ended a scoring drought with a bank shot, Karin Abcarians reported for Silver Screen and Roll.
Kessler also produced six blocks and three steals, adding defensive disruption to the finishing covered in our earlier account of his perfect Lakers debut. The Associated Press noted that he has now scored at least 20 points in consecutive games for the first time in his NBA career. Powcast’s reading: the encouraging development is that Reaves and Kessler could rescue difficult possessions; Doncic’s ball security still needs attention.
Watch: The NBA’s post highlighting Kessler’s opening two games
Credit: NBA. The league highlights his scoring and defensive production.
2. Kerr’s “avalanche” began before the disputed screen
Steve Kerr’s anger at Draymond Green’s late illegal screen call was the loud ending, but his own explanation identified a much longer chain. “Eight different things had to happen,” Kerr said, according to ESPN’s Anthony Slater. Stephen Curry fouled Jaylen Wells on a made three, Golden State missed successive shots, and Cameron Boozer eventually attacked a matchup against the smaller Brandin Podziemski for the go-ahead basket.
Kerr’s technical then made the escape harder. His criticism of opponents’ flopping does not establish that the screen ruling was wrong, and the earlier mistakes remain part of the explanation. Slater also reported another immediate complication: Curry said he probably would not play in Phoenix, while Podziemski said back soreness would keep him out. Golden State must address its closing decisions with availability concerns following it onto the road.
3. LeBron’s first absence makes Philadelphia’s workload plan concrete
Philadelphia downgraded LeBron James from questionable to out against Milwaukee for low back and sciatica management, Yahoo Sports’ Ian Casselberry reported. It is the opening game of consecutive playing nights, with Detroit next. The change turns the workload discussion into an actual rotation decision, after James averaged 33 minutes across his first two appearances.
This follows our previous coverage of Nurse keeping the successful comeback group together. The fresh development is James’s unavailability, rather than another retelling of that rally. Joel Embiid previously said he would play only one game of this weekend’s pair, but that statement does not confirm every lineup choice. Powcast’s view: the useful measure is how Philadelphia distributes creation and rebounding when its veterans’ availability changes, rather than whether every famous name starts together.
4. Flagg’s MRI gives Dallas a checkpoint, not a return date
Cooper Flagg’s MRI showed a mild left shoulder sprain, ruling him out of Dallas’s home opener against San Antonio. Field Level Media reported that he will be reevaluated next week after being hurt on Aaron Nesmith’s flagrant foul in Indiana.
That distinction matters for fans making plans around his next appearance: a reassessment is not clearance to play. Dallas now needs to cover his minutes while waiting for the next medical update. Coach Dusty May said Flagg was in good spirits afterward, but that observation does not settle his recovery timetable.
Recent Results from Our Watchlist
All dates are Philippine time.
NBA
- Saturday, October 24, 2026: New York Knicks 103 at Boston Celtics 107. Jayson Tatum scored 36 points.
- Saturday, October 24, 2026: Memphis Grizzlies 111 at Golden State Warriors 108. Cameron Boozer supplied 25 points, 13 rebounds and six assists.
- Saturday, October 24, 2026: LA Clippers 117 at Los Angeles Lakers 125. Austin Reaves had 28 points and nine assists.
Important Games to Watch This Week
All dates and tipoff times are Philippine time.
NBA
- Sunday, October 25, 2026, 8:00 AM: San Antonio Spurs at Dallas Mavericks
Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, United States
Why watch: Dallas adjusts its rotation without Flagg. - Sunday, October 25, 2026, 10:00 AM: Golden State Warriors at Phoenix Suns
Location: Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix, United States
Why watch: Golden State faces another closing test with backcourt availability concerns.
PBA
- Sunday, October 25, 2026, 5:15 PM: NLEX Road Warriors vs. Phoenix Fuel Masters
Location: Ynares Center, Antipolo, Philippines
Why watch: Group A’s top seed opens its quarterfinal series. - Sunday, October 25, 2026, 7:30 PM: Magnolia Hotshots vs. TNT Tropang 5G
Location: Ynares Center, Antipolo, Philippines
Why watch: Magnolia’s Group B top seeding meets TNT in Game 1. - Tuesday, October 27, 2026, 7:30 PM: Barangay Ginebra San Miguel vs. San Miguel Beermen
Location: Smart Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City, Philippines
Why watch: Tim Cone begins the best of five quarterfinal against San Miguel.
Watch whether the Lakers can keep Reaves and Kessler involved while Doncic cleans up the possessions that nearly undid their work.