Steve Kerr’s explanation of Golden State’s comeback put the spotlight on the players behind Stephen Curry. Oklahoma City’s reversed roster plan, NLEX’s early arrivals and LeBron James’ late game calm offer three more stories beyond the scores.
1. Kerr puts the reserves at the center of Golden State’s recovery
“This was about the bench,” Kerr said after the Lakers game. Golden State’s reserves outscored their counterparts 50 to 7, while De’Anthony Melton and Georges Niang combined to make seven of nine threes. The coach’s praise identified where the recovery came from beyond Curry’s familiar shooting.
That is a sharp contrast with our October 30 account of Sexton’s impact from the Lakers’ bench. This time, JJ Redick pointed to missing problem solving and connectivity. Powcast’s reading is that the rotation question reaches beyond who starts: Los Angeles needs its reserve minutes to preserve structure when the first plan breaks down. Golden State found several players who could change the game together, rather than waiting for its leading scorer to repair everything.
2. Holmgren’s absence changes the value of Oklahoma City’s final spot
The Thunder’s last roster opening was supposed to go to Ochai Agbaji. Now ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that Oklahoma City is no longer signing him and is reassessing the vacancy after Chet Holmgren’s knee injury. That is the material change from yesterday’s coverage of the proposed Agbaji addition.
The team expects Holmgren to return in eight to 10 weeks after treatment for a small right patellar tendon tear. Jalen Williams and Cason Wallace already face lengthy absences. Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman corroborated the change of plan. A perimeter opening has become a broader allocation problem: one available signing must be weighed against injuries across several positions. The reversal does not establish that a center will be signed; it shows why the original answer no longer settles the question.
3. Alapag’s semifinal explanation begins two hours before practice
Jimmy Alapag’s most revealing detail after NLEX secured its semifinal place concerned the hours nobody sees. He said the Road Warriors practice early, yet players arrive at the gym two hours before the session starts. GMA and Philstar documented his praise for the entire group’s work ethic.
Robert Bolick also described wanting to open with an intensity his teammates could follow. His three four pointers gave NLEX another weapon for building separation. NLEX now has its first semifinal berth since the 2021 to 2022 Governors’ Cup and awaits Rain or Shine or Converge. Powcast’s reading is that the preparation gives this breakthrough a useful human explanation, while the next round will ask whether those habits carry into a more demanding matchup.
4. Maxey describes what LeBron changes before the decisive basket
Tyrese Maxey called LeBron a “calming presence” after the Knicks game, describing how he can collect the ball and settle teammates. The Philadelphia Inquirer captured James explaining the same responsibility: using experience to organize the next possession, whether he has the ball or is talking others through it.
The closing sequence gave that description substance. James answered Jalen Brunson’s go ahead three with a fadeaway over OG Anunoby, then finished a late putback. The value was decision making under pressure as well as scoring. Availability remains part of the equation: James and Joel Embiid were subsequently ruled out for the Charlotte leg of the back to back for injury management. Philadelphia must preserve some of that late game organization when its veteran organizers are unavailable.
Recent Results from Our Watchlist
All dates are Philippine time.
NBA
- Saturday, October 31, 2026: Los Angeles Lakers 95 at Golden State Warriors 112, final. Curry scored 31 points.
PBA
- Saturday, October 31, 2026: NLEX Road Warriors 137, Phoenix Fuel Masters 89, final. Bolick scored 23 as NLEX completed a series sweep.
- Saturday, October 31, 2026: Magnolia Hotshots 87, TNT Tropang 5G 98, final. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson scored 38 as TNT advanced to the semifinals.
Important Games to Watch This Week
All dates and tipoff times are Philippine time.
NBA
- Monday, November 2, 2026, 9:30 AM: LA Clippers at Golden State Warriors
Location: Chase Center, San Francisco, United States.
Why watch: Golden State’s reserves face larger responsibilities with Curry and Draymond Green ruled out. - Monday, November 2, 2026, 10 AM: Toronto Raptors at Los Angeles Lakers
Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, United States.
Why watch: Redick’s rotation must respond to the breakdown in reserve production and organization.
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: The series is tied, with the winner moving closer to a semifinal meeting with NLEX. - Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 7:30 PM: Barangay Ginebra San Miguel vs. San Miguel Beermen
Location: City of Dasmariñas Arena, Dasmariñas, Philippines.
Why watch: San Miguel needs to disrupt Ginebra’s passing and perimeter shooting to prevent a sweep.