The NBA Takes a Break!

Tomorrow is Election Day in the U.S., and for the second time, the NBA is taking a break from games to encourage players, staff, and fans to head to the polls. This is a powerful reminder that basketball can wait, but building our communities cannot. With every team playing Monday, fans got their fill of NBA action before the break.

Lakers’ Road Trip Hits a Bump

After a hot start, the Los Angeles Lakers have cooled off. Their 115-103 loss to the Detroit Pistons dropped L.A. to 4-3, with a rough 1-3 record so far on their road trip. Anthony Davis was a bright spot with 37 points, keeping his scoring average at a league-leading 32.6 points per game.

However, Davis aggravated a lingering left foot injury in the fourth quarter, a problem he’s been managing since last season and throughout the Paris Olympics. He remains day-to-day for the Lakers’ final game of the trip against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday.

Davis commented after the game, saying:

With his ongoing foot issue, the Lakers’ success might depend on how well Davis can manage his health.

Curry’s Comeback Powers Warriors Past Wizards

Stephen Curry made a strong return from his ankle injury, scoring 24 points in 24 minutes as the Golden State Warriors extended their winning streak to four with a 125-112 victory over the Washington Wizards.

Curry, who had missed the previous three games due to a strained left ankle, was back in form, shooting 7 of 15 from the field, including four 3-pointers, and adding six assists. With the win, the Warriors improved to 6-1 and continue to establish themselves as early-season contenders.

Curry originally suffered the injury in an October 27 game against the Clippers, where he briefly returned before aggravating the ankle. His successful comeback bodes well for Golden State as they look to keep their momentum going.

Paul George Makes “Rusty” Sixers Debut

Paul George returned from a left knee injury to make his regular-season debut for the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday, scoring 15 points in a 118-116 loss to the Phoenix Suns. George’s performance was a bit shaky as he described it as "rusty," going 4-of-14 from the field and missing a potential game-tying shot in the final seconds.

He also struggled with early foul trouble and turnovers, finishing with five rebounds, four assists, and seven turnovers in 32 minutes. Despite the setbacks, George expressed confidence in his physical health, noting he felt completely fine during the game.

Cavs Remain Unbeaten

The Cleveland Cavaliers have kept their perfect record intact, moving to 8-0 with a thrilling 116-114 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night. Led by Darius Garland, who scored 39 points, the Cavs held off a tough Bucks squad despite the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Garland outdueled Damian Lillard in a high-stakes fourth-quarter showdown, helping Cleveland match the best start in franchise history, set by the 1976-77 Cavs. With their confidence soaring, Cleveland is establishing itself as a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference.

Clippers Overcome 26-Point Deficit for First Win at Intuit Dome

After four unsuccessful attempts, the LA Clippers finally claimed their first victory at Intuit Dome with an epic 113-104 comeback against the San Antonio Spurs. Down 40-14 at the end of the first quarter, the Clippers pulled off the largest first-quarter comeback in team history, surpassing their previous 23-point comeback against Boston in 2019.

The Clippers’ next home game will have added excitement as they host Philadelphia on Wednesday. Former Clipper Paul George, now with the 76ers, will return to face his old team in what’s sure to be a highly anticipated matchup.

Kings Win in Crunch Time

The Sacramento Kings’ strategy of building a roster for clutch moments paid off in dramatic fashion against the Miami Heat. Known for excelling under pressure, De’Aaron Fox took a potential game-winning shot in the final seconds but missed from mid-range. Fortunately, Domantas Sabonis, the league’s leading rebounder for the past two seasons, was right there to clean up. Sabonis grabbed the offensive rebound and put it back in, sealing a 111-110 victory for Sacramento.

Despite their focus on clutch performance, the Kings entered the game with a 1-3 record in close games. Monday’s win could be a turning point as Sacramento looks to make those late-game moments count.

Spurs Rally for Coach Popovich

The San Antonio Spurs are playing with extra purpose after coach Gregg Popovich stepped away indefinitely due to a health issue. Chris Paul expressed the team’s motivation, saying, “We want to play hard and compete for Pop because he set a standard.” The Spurs have embraced that standard, defending hard and competing under interim coach Mitch Johnson, who led them to a 113-103 win over the Timberwolves on Saturday and will continue coaching during Popovich’s absence.

Popovich, 75, suffered a health issue before the Timberwolves game, but the team is determined to uphold his legacy on the court, as they prepare for upcoming games against the LA Clippers and the Houston Rockets.

Tyler Marsh Earns Angel Reese’s Approval

The Chicago Sky have officially named Tyler Marsh, former assistant coach of the Las Vegas Aces, as their new head coach. The announcement was met with excitement from Angel Reese, who celebrated the hire on social media. Reese posted a simple “W” after the news broke, later playfully taunting Aces players Alysha Clark and Sydney Colson about their loss.

Marsh’s connection with Reese is already a promising sign, as securing a coach who has her trust was essential for the Sky as they look to build a strong, cohesive team heading into the 2025 season.

Stephanie White Eager to Get to Work in Indiana

Stephanie White is back with the Indiana Fever, thrilled to begin her second stint as head coach of her home state’s team. In her introductory press conference, White expressed her excitement to coach the past two WNBA Rookie of the Year winners, Caitlin Clark and Aliyah Boston.

White’s return signals a new era for the Fever, who are ready to build around their promising young stars.

That’s all for today, thanks for reading.

We’ll see you tomorrow!

— The Players Unlimited Team