Steve Kerr has identified another way to finish games without asking Stephen Curry to carry every possession. A headband retrieved from a fan, Paul George’s relief assignment and Oklahoma City’s contract choices reveal other responsibilities behind the headlines.
1. Kerr sees Lendeborg as someone the Warriors can finish through
Kerr’s most consequential comment after the Clippers game concerned Curry’s workload. Golden State can give its veteran a rest and “play through Yaxel,” he said in postgame remarks documented by LetsGoWarriors. Yaxel Lendeborg’s 37 points without Curry or Draymond Green available had given that idea substance.
After our November 1 coverage of Kerr crediting Golden State’s reserves, this is a more specific proposal about who can direct the offense. Lendeborg also described learning when to be more aggressive. Kerr’s qualification was revealing: the team lost its flow when it tried to push the rookie toward 40. Powcast’s reading is that greater responsibility should mean making the next useful decision, including a pass, rather than turning every closing possession into a scoring audition.
2. Reaves’ returned headband tells the story of an unfinished night
Austin Reaves had already handed his headband to a fan when the Lakers needed him back. Toronto’s late push forced Los Angeles to restore its starters, and Reaves retrieved the souvenir before returning alongside Luka Doncic and Walker Kessler. ClutchPoints’ Nitish Singh documented the sequence and JJ Redick’s admission: “I won’t make that mistake again.”
The image gives a human detail to the rotation question raised in our October 30 account of Sexton earning trust through defense. Redick had tried to protect his regulars’ minutes; the final group failed to finish the assignment. That distinction matters when evaluating the bench. The closing mishaps do not erase every useful reserve contribution earlier, but they make possession security and concentration concrete requirements for the next opportunity.
3. George defines his job during Tatum’s fourth quarter rests
Paul George has given Boston a precise standard for his supporting role: win the minutes when Jayson Tatum sits. In postgame comments reported by Celtics beat reporter Bobby Krivitsky and relayed by ClutchPoints, George described trying to prevent Tatum from needing to press immediately upon returning.
Against Orlando, George supplied 17 points and eight assists. His explanation matters more than a generic declaration that he accepts being a second option. It identifies a particular part of the game he takes responsibility for, while Tatum handles scoring, creation and defensive work across his own minutes. Powcast’s view is that the next useful measure is the condition of the offense when Tatum returns: organized possessions and available shots would make George’s relief work visible beyond his scoring total.
4. Topic’s option decision concerns next season, not an immediate vacancy
Oklahoma City’s latest roster decisions operate on a different timeline from its injury replacements. The Thunder confirmed options for Jared McCain and Thomas Sorber, while The Oklahoman’s Justin Martinez reported that Nikola Topic’s $7.5 million option for the 2027 to 2028 season would not be exercised.
Topic remains on this season’s roster and is recovering from back surgery, with no return timetable reported. Declining the future option puts him on course for unrestricted free agency next summer. Martinez frames the decision as financial, rather than a simple verdict on Topic’s ability. Powcast’s reading is that fans should distinguish the two questions: who can help the depleted rotation now, and which salaries Oklahoma City commits to carrying next season.
Recent Results from Our Watchlist
NBA
- Monday, November 2, 2026: LA Clippers 112 at Golden State Warriors 124, final. Lendeborg scored 37 with six assists.
- Monday, November 2, 2026: Toronto Raptors 125 at Los Angeles Lakers 131, final. Doncic had 45 points and 15 rebounds.
Important Games to Watch This Week
All dates and tipoff times are Philippine time.
NBA
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 8:30 AM: Chicago Bulls at Philadelphia 76ers
Location: Xfinity Mobile Arena, Philadelphia, United States.
Why watch: Philadelphia’s passing options get another examination after Dean Wade’s 10 assist game. - Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 9:30 AM: Boston Celtics at Houston Rockets
Location: Toyota Center, Houston, United States.
Why watch: George’s responsibility for organizing the minutes without Tatum carries into Houston. - Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 11 AM: Phoenix Suns at Golden State Warriors
Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, United States.
Why watch: Kerr’s plan to create through Lendeborg faces a second game in two nights. - Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 11 AM: Miami Heat at Los Angeles Lakers
Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, United States.
Why watch: Reserve execution needs a response after Toronto forced the starters back.
PBA
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 5:15 PM: Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. Converge FiberXers
Location: City of Dasmariñas Arena, Dasmariñas, Philippines.
Why watch: Game 3 breaks the tie in their quarterfinal series. - Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 7:30 PM: Barangay Ginebra San Miguel vs. San Miguel Beermen
Location: City of Dasmariñas Arena, Dasmariñas, Philippines.
Why watch: Ginebra can complete a sweep and secure a semifinal meeting with TNT.