Jokic pulled no punches postgame, making his frustration with the home crowd crystal clear. “I think those fans who booed us, they don’t need to come anymore,” Jokic told reporters. “Because if you guys follow us, you know that we never quit.”

While other sluggish contenders around the league—like Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Miami Heat—have responded to opening-week hiccups with public soul-searching, Jokic took a far more defiant stance. Rather than absorbing the criticism, the three-time MVP made it clear that fair-weather support has no place in Denver’s locker room culture.

On the court, Jokic and Jamal Murray powered the historic turnaround. Murray exploded for a game-high 42 points, while Jokic orchestrated the offense with a vintage 35-point, 15-rebound, 10-assist triple-double to fuel the second-half resurgence.

Why were the Nuggets booed on their home floor?

While the final score sparked a celebration, the first 24 minutes were an unmitigated disaster for Denver in its home opener. The Nuggets sleepwalked through the early stages, falling behind by as many as 26 points and entering halftime trailing 73-57. But just as the crowd began to sour, Denver flashed the championship resilience that has defined this core, systematically dismantling the deficit after the break.

Murray and Jokic ultimately capped off the miraculous 141-135 comeback victory, flipping the energy in the arena from restless frustration to bedlam by the time the final buzzer sounded.

Shaking off their opening-night loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Nuggets showed that even when the rotation looks out of sync early, their superstar tandem remains capable of overcoming any deficit as the grueling 82-game campaign gets underway.

Key takeaways

• Nikola Jokic told fans who booed the Denver Nuggets to not come anymore.
• Jamal Murray scored 42 points while Nikola Jokic tallied a 35-point triple-double.
• The Denver Nuggets overcame a 26-point deficit to win 141-135 against New Orleans.

“We know it’s here (spark). I don’t know if it’s getting to know one another more now because it’s official games. I don’t know if it’s jitters. You know a little bit nervous. New season. I don’t know what it is. Sometimes you gotta shock the team, and this is what we are going through right now,” he revealed to the press.

“We had two games in our building that we were we definitely shocked. I feel like you know you kind of raise the the level of urgency for everybody. We have to be better. It starts with myself always. Anything I say, it’s I always start for myself. I have to be better. I have to set the tone. I have to be more urgent…”

Erik Spoelstra brought in several key players to his roster to compete toe-to-toe in the Eastern Conference. So far, the level of play and team chemistry he’s looking for have been nowhere to be found.

Giannis’ numbers in his first two games

Giannis Antetokounmpo hit the ground running individually in his first two regular-season games with the Miami Heat, even though the team stumbled to an 0-2 start. The Greek Freak dropped a total of 71 points across those two contests—scoring 35 points (13-for-19 FG, 6 rebounds) in his Heat debut against Minnesota and following it up with a monster 36-point, 12-rebound, 5-assist, and 2-steal double-double against Detroit.

Overall, he’s averaging 35.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting a blazing 62.2% from the field, proving that his transition to South Beach is off to a dominant start despite Miami’s early defensive struggles.

Starting the comeback in Charlotte

The Heat hit the road tonight, Saturday, October 24, to face the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. After that, they head back to South Florida for a marquee home game at Kaseya Center against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, October 26, before traveling north to take on the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on Wednesday, October 28.

Key takeaways

• Giannis Antetokounmpo took responsibility for the Miami Heat’s early season struggles.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 71 points across his first two games with Miami.
• The Miami Heat face the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, October 24.

According to the team’s latest injury report, Flagg underwent an MRI that revealed structural damage in his shoulder, ruling him out for tonight’s matchup. Meanwhile, Irving is officially listed as questionable after experiencing renewed soreness in his knee.

Navigating the absence of their top playmakers won’t be easy, but the Mavericks catch a break against a shorthanded San Antonio frontcourt. The Spurs will also be without Jayden Quaintance, who remains sidelined with a lingering knee issue.

The setback is particularly frustrating for Irving, who recently expressed gratitude to fans following his return to the court. Instead, the veteran guard once again finds himself managing chronic knee trouble that has disrupted his rhythm over the past several seasons.

Mavericks projected starting lineup vs Spurs

With Flagg sidelined and Irving trending toward an inactive designation, head coach Dusty May will likely lean into backcourt depth and length on the perimeter to anchor the rotation.

• Projected Starters:
  • PG: Marcus Sasser
  • SG: Max Christie
  • SF: Zaccharie Risacher
  • PF: P.J. Washington
  • C: Daniel Gafford
• Key Reserves:
  • Naji Marshall
  • Morez Johnson Jr.
  • Walter Clayton Jr.
  • Sergio De Larrea

Key takeaways

• Dallas Mavericks prepare to host the winless San Antonio Spurs tonight.
• Cooper Flagg is ruled out after an MRI revealed shoulder damage.
• Kyrie Irving is listed as questionable due to renewed knee soreness.

“This ain’t no f*** Shaq and Kobe. There’s no beef,” Tatum told reporters, clearing the air about their relationship despite fans continuing to dissect the behind-the-scenes drama on social media.

Tatum looked much sharper in Boston’s second game of the season, raising expectations for his solo leadership as the Celtics navigate their first campaign without Brown by his side.

While Tatum adjusts to carrying the mantle alone in Boston, Brown is settling into his new role in Philadelphia. The Sixers have their sights set on a championship run behind LeBron James, who recently reached another career milestone against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Tatum looks increasingly comfortable in his return

Rather than forcing plays or barreling into crowded lanes to prove his burst is back, Tatum is letting the game come to him. His shot creation looks fluid once again: he is decisively planting into his trademark step-backs, elevating smoothly on mid-range pull-ups, and driving without the hesitation that often follows an extended lower-body rehab.

That comfort extends to his playmaking. Tatum isn’t measuring his impact purely in the box score; he is manipulating defensive rotations, using his length to read passing lanes over double-teams, and whipping crisp skip passes to shooters in rhythm.

When defenses collapse on him, he seamlessly shifts into a facilitator, demonstrating complete trust in head coach Joe Mazzulla’s spacing principles and his teammates’ timing.

Most telling is his aggression late in games. In crunch time, Tatum is actively hunting contact, attacking the rim with authority, and finishing through traffic without a second thought.

Key takeaways

• Jayson Tatum addressed Jaylen Brown’s trade to the Philadelphia 76ers after Boston’s game.
• “There’s no beef,” Jayson Tatum stated, denying any feud with Jaylen Brown.
• LeBron James reached a career milestone against the Cleveland Cavaliers for Philadelphia.

According to the Sixers‘ latest injury report, James will be sidelined le due to sciatic nerve management. The same issue sidelined him for the early stretch of last season and appears to have flared up once again.

Fresh off reaching another career milestone against his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, James continues to flash the all-around game that proves what he is still capable of delivering in his first season in Philadelphia.

Paired with rising co-star Tyrese Maxey—who recently cleared the air regarding his dynamic with former head coach Doc Rivers—the Sixers have sparked early postseason optimism across an energized fanbase.

Sixers full injury report

Beyond James, Philadelphia has already ruled out Dominick Barlow. Forward Dean Wade is also listed as questionable for tonight’s matchup against the Bucks. Here is the team’s full injury report ahead of tip-off:

Key takeaways

• LeBron James was sidelined by the 76ers against the Milwaukee Bucks.
• LeBron James previously reached a career milestone against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
• Dominick Barlow was ruled out while Dean Wade is questionable for Philadelphia tonight.

Addressing a story from his time playing under former head coach Doc Rivers, Smith claimed on First Take that Maxey once visited Rivers’ home, a story Maxey promptly shut down on X: “Here you all go… I’ve never even been to Doc’s house.”

Maxey’s post cleared up the anecdotal story Smith shared while discussing Philadelphia’s matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Fans online quickly voiced outrage over Smith presenting the unverified story as absolute fact on national television.

Meanwhile, the Sixers view James as a cornerstone of their championship pursuit, with the veteran continuing to hit career milestones following his return to face his former franchise.

Smith’s comments on Maxey going Rivers’ house alongside Kyrie Irving

Maxey’s willingness to seek guidance from established stars and figures like Kyrie Irving and Rivers highlights his commitment to mastering the point guard position and elevating his game beyond raw athleticism.

However, Smith’s narrative unravelled after Maxey’s direct denial. “It was not just ball pressure. You know where I am going, Harden was his former teammate. Remember when I got bounced out in the postseason? Remember when Harden did not show up? Remember when Kyrie [Irving] and Tyrese Maxey went to Doc Rivers’ crib damn near crying,” Smith claimed during the segment.

Maxey felt compelled to set the record straight on those specific remarks, as Smith’s story painted a picture of him complaining about James Harden’s play during their shared time in Philadelphia. Maxey left no room for ambiguity, reiterating that he has never set foot inside Rivers’ house.

Key takeaways

• The Philadelphia 76ers opened their season 2-0 with wins behind LeBron James and Joel Embiid.
• Tyrese Maxey denied Stephen A. Smith’s claim that he visited Doc Rivers’ home.
• Stephen A. Smith claimed Tyrese Maxey and Kyrie Irving visited Doc Rivers’ home together.

Tatum delivered a blunt, six-word response upon learning Brown was dealt to an Atlantic Division rival. “You traded him down the street?” Tatum asked during an appearance on YouTube’s The Sit Down podcast.

Although Tatum seemed shocked by Brown’s move to Philadelphia 76ers, NBA fans on social media raised eyebrows at the clip. Commentary quickly flooded the internet, with fans pointing out: “He wasn’t mad they traded him, just mad it was to Philly,” “First words were ‘where’ and not ‘why’, he wanted him gone,” and “Yeah, he wanted him traded, just not that close.”

While Brown spoke publicly about his departure and reflected warmly on his years in Boston, fans continue to speculate whether behind-the-scenes friction between the two stars ultimately accelerated the trade.

What did the Celtics lose without Brown on the roster?

Without Jaylen Brown, the Celtics lose their premier rim-pressurer, secondary shot creator, and most dependable multi-positional wing defender. Brown consistently embraced the toughest defensive assignments against elite perimeter scorers while easing the burden on Tatum by attacking transition lanes, relentlessly pressuring the paint, and generating offense in isolated sets.

Off the court, Boston surrendered an established veteran leader and proven playoff performer who served as a cornerstone of their championship culture. His absence drastically thins out Boston’s wing depth, forcing role players into expanded roles and leaving the offense far more predictable and reliant on Tatum to carry the scoring load.

The connection that Tatum can make this season with new names on the roster

Tatum now has the chance to establish chemistry with a revamped core headlined by veteran wing Paul George and rim-protecting center Mitchell Robinson. Partnering with George provides Boston with a lethal tandem of multi-positional scoring threats. With George shouldering secondary playmaking responsibilities, Tatum can roam more effectively as an off-ball threat, generating seamless drive-and-kick options.

In the frontcourt, Tatum’s two-man game with Robinson gives Boston an impactful vertical element inside. Robinson’s elite roll gravity and offensive rebounding prowess force defenses to collapse into the paint, opening up wide lanes for Tatum to attack the basket or pull up in rhythm.

Key takeaways

• Jayson Tatum expressed shock over Jaylen Brown’s trade to the Philadelphia 76ers.
• NBA fans speculated that Jayson Tatum secretly wanted Jaylen Brown traded away.
• Paul George and Mitchell Robinson joined Jayson Tatum on the Celtics’ revamped roster.

By erasing a 29-point deficit, this is the largest comeback in LeBron James’ career. Previously, his biggest comebacks were two 27-pointers, one with Miami (also over Cleveland, in 2013), and another with the Lakers over Dallas, in 2023.

Well, LeBron James didn’t come back to Cleveland, but he did sparked a comeback on the Cavs in this game. The home opener for Philly went from a sour night to a glorious chapter.

LeBron James’ stats in the 76ers comeback vs Cavs

James just shot 5-14 from the field, but he still was key. He ended up with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists. James also had three steals and a +7 in plus/minus. An overall very good performance that helped the 76ers.

This also marks the first double-double of LeBron James in a 76ers jersey. All in all, the 76ers are now 2-0 and with high momentum after beating the reigning champs on opening night and igniting the crowd in their home opener with a 29-point comeback.

Cavs vs 76ers box score

Cleveland Cavaliers:

Philadelphia 76ers:

Key takeaways

• The 76ers erased a 29-point deficit against Cleveland, the largest comeback of LeBron James’ career.
• LeBron James recorded his first double-double in a 76ers jersey with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
• The 76ers are now 2-0 after completing the home opener comeback against the Cavaliers.

LeBron James did not return to the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2026–27 NBA season because he instead signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, driven by roster moves and personal priorities rather than a desire for a homecoming.

James, at year 24 of his career, is still seeking for a new way of motivation and a ring with the 76ers was enough motivation to sway his decision. Hence, the 76ers, where LeBron James is playing against the Cleveland Cavaliers, got the upper hand.

The 76ers roster fit James better than the Cavs

The Cavs don’t have a bad roster by any stretch of the imagination. They are, by all means, a playoff team and could get hot at the right time. However, the 76ers‘ star-studded roster was more enticing for James as he fits better.

On the 76ers, James has more role flexibility. He acts as a primary connector, short-roll playmaker, and high-IQ veteran alongside dynamic scorers. He doesn’t need to have the full responsibility.

The 76ers presented an option James didn’t have in Cleveland

If James wins a ring with the 76ers, he will be the first player to win an NBA championship with four different franchises. Given how he already won a chip with the Cavs, he wouldn’t have the chance to get that milestone.

Key takeaways

• LeBron James chose to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers instead of returning to Cleveland.
• Entering his 24th NBA season, LeBron James sought new motivation to win a championship.
• A 76ers championship would make LeBron the first player to win with four franchises.

For all wondering, and that’s everyone, LeBron James is active and expected to play a full workload for the 76ers against the Cavaliers. James wasn’t featured on the injury report, so he’s a full go. Many wonder why LeBron James didn’t sign for the Cavaliers, instead opting for the 76ers, but now, the star must face that very decision head on.

James played in the 76ers season opener against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden and logged a a 34-minute performance as the Sixers spoiled banner night for the Knicks.

How did LeBron James do in his 76ers debut?

In 34 minutes, James scored 5-13 from the field for 14 points (including 4-6 free throws), nine rebounds and seven assists. However, there’s more to the story. James had a verbal altercation with some MSG fans, and also, his +/- was a negative -2.

Hence, James wasn’t stellar by any means, but he proved he still can be a multi-faceted asset for this team. However, his efficiency should rise as the games go by. Tonight against the Cavaliers, he should have a better outing, given that fans will be rooting for him.

The Cavs are not an easy opponent

The Cleveland Cavaliers might have not landed LeBron James during the last free agency period, but they didn’t need him exactly. He would’ve been a cherry on top of an already great roster.

With players like James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley, this team is ready to compete. Role players like Jarrett Allen and Peyton Watson make this roster a very talented one. For the Sixers to win, James and company must be at their A-game.

Key takeaways

• LeBron James is active for the Philadelphia 76ers’ home opener against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
• LeBron James recorded 14 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists in his 76ers debut.
• The Cleveland Cavaliers feature James Harden, Donovan Mitchell, and Evan Mobley on their roster.

Speaking on The Draymond Green Show, Green broke down why he believes Doncic faces an uphill battle in the MVP race due to voter fatigue and high expectations. “Luka can go average 34 points and people gonna say ‘yeah we know, he’s supposed to do that,’” Green noted.

In his season opener with the Lakers, Doncic posted 28 points—going a perfect 9-for-9 from the free-throw line—alongside eight rebounds and seven assists. It was a reassuring stat line that underscored his steady climb back to peak form while anchoring Los Angeles’ broader championship ambitions.

While established stars like Kawhi Leonard have navigated high-profile franchise shifts in the past, Doncic appears comfortably settled as the focal point of a new era in Los Angeles, one charting its course following LeBron James’ offseason move to Philadelphia.

Green addresses Lendeborg’s clash with Doncic

Rather than criticizing Lendeborg for taking shots at the veteran superstar, Green views the rookie’s aggressive welcome to the league as a crucial step in his NBA development with the Warriors.

“Everyone will say the rookie learned his lesson. What he learn? The next time he see him, go at his ass again,” Green said following Golden State’s hard-fought loss to a rejuvenated Lakers squad.

“So do it again and again and again, cause I ain’t gonna f* shut up. So nice, I like it, and I hope he keeps talking that s*,” Green added, praising Lendeborg’s fearless mentality against Doncic.

Key takeaways

• Draymond Green stated Luka Doncic faces an uphill battle in the MVP race.
• Doncic posted 28 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists in the season opener.
• Green praised Yaxel Lendeborg’s fearless mentality against Doncic despite the loss.