The Celtics Say No to Perfection!

Well, that was fun while it lasted. The Cleveland Cavaliers rolled into Boston with a spotless 15-0 record, but the Celtics weren’t in the mood to play nice. In a game hyped as the must-watch matchup of the season, Boston handed Cleveland its first loss, 120-117.

The Celtics started hot, raining down 3-pointers like it was a free throw contest (14-of-22 in the first half) and jumping out to a 65-48 lead. Jayson Tatum was everywhere, finishing with 33 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. Every time the Cavs got close in the second half, thanks to Donovan Mitchell’s explosive 35-point night, Boston found an answer.

Evan Mobley chipped in 22 points and 11 rebounds, but Darius Garland had a nightmare shooting night, going 3-of-21 from the field. Still, the Cavs’ 15-0 start ties them for the second-best in NBA history. Golden State’s 24-0 start in 2015-16 remains the gold standard.

Russell Westbrook Hits 200 Triple-Doubles

Say what you want about Russell Westbrook’s game, but he’s now officially in a league of his own. On Tuesday, Westbrook became the first player in NBA history to record 200 career triple-doubles during Denver’s 122-110 NBA Cup win over the Memphis Grizzlies. He logged 12 points, 10 rebounds, and 14 assists, securing his 10th rebound with just over a minute left.

Westbrook’s transition from a ball-dominant star to a key contributor hasn’t stopped him from cementing his legacy. While Nikola Jokić sat out for personal reasons, it was Westbrook’s night to shine. Jokić remains the closest active player to 200, sitting at 136 career triple-doubles, but Luka Dončić might have the longevity to eventually join the exclusive club, with 77 triple-doubles at just 25 years old.

Lakers’ Rookie Dalton Knecht Shines Bright

The Los Angeles Lakers have been riding high, and rookie Dalton Knecht just gave fans another reason to celebrate. The 6-foot-6 sharpshooter tied an NBA rookie record by drilling nine 3-pointers in the Lakers' 124-118 victory over the Utah Jazz on Tuesday. Knecht’s career-high 37 points not only carried the Lakers to their sixth straight win, but also etched his name into franchise history.

Knecht became only the fourth Laker ever to hit at least nine triples in a game, joining a legendary club featuring D’Angelo Russell, LeBron James (twice), and the Black Mamba himself, Kobe Bryant (four times).

Luka Magic Returns, and the Mavericks Deliver a Blowout

It’s safe to say Luka Doncic’s right knee bruise is no longer an issue. Doncic returned to the court Tuesday night and casually dropped 26 points as the Dallas Mavericks dismantled the New Orleans Pelicans, 132-91, in an NBA Cup game.

Doncic added 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals in just 28 minutes, reminding everyone why he’s an MVP candidate. The Mavericks shot lights out and posted their biggest win of the season.

Coach Jason Kidd couldn’t resist a bit of humor:

The Pelicans, already struggling with injuries, simply couldn’t keep up. If this is the Luka we’re getting for the rest of the season, the West better watch out.

So the Spurs Can Win Without Wemby..

The San Antonio Spurs made a cautious call to rest Victor Wembanyama for their NBA Cup showdown against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday. Nursing a right knee contusion from a collision with Anthony Davis last week, Wemby was officially ruled out despite initially being listed as questionable.

No worries, though, the Spurs handled business, pulling off a gritty 110-104 win without their 7’4” sensation. Devin Vassell also sat out due to a sore left knee but is reportedly in good spirits.

Wembanyama’s been putting up jaw-dropping numbers, including a franchise-best 24 three-pointers over a four-game span. Spurs fans can rest easy knowing their rookie phenom is pacing himself for the long haul.

It’s Now Time to Fear the Deer

The Milwaukee Bucks eked out a nail-biter against the Houston Rockets, 101-100, thanks to Damian Lillard’s clutch layup with 3.2 seconds to go. But this win came with a hefty side of drama. A pivotal missed call in the final moments, a clearly out-of-bounds Giannis Antetokounmpo, kept possession with the Bucks and set up Dame Time.

The NBA’s Last Two Minute Report confirmed the error, leaving the Rockets and their fans fuming. While the Bucks needed this win to improve their shaky 5-9 record, the Rockets were robbed of a chance to leapfrog the Lakers for third place in the West. November wins might not scream urgency, but in a packed Western Conference, every W matters.

Sparks Make a Big Splash by Hiring Lynne Roberts

The Los Angeles Sparks are hitting reset with the hiring of Lynne Roberts, former Utah women’s basketball coach and 2023 Pac-12 Coach of the Year. Roberts steps in after a rough 8-32 season under Curt Miller, who has moved on to the Dallas Wings as GM.

Roberts inherits a team loaded with potential, led by All-Stars Dearica Hamby and Rickea Jackson, plus 2024’s No. 2 overall pick Cameron Brink. With another No. 2 pick on the horizon, the Sparks are banking on Roberts’ knack for developing talent and building winning cultures to steer them back to contention.

Her up-tempo, offense-forward style is already turning heads.

That’s all for today, thanks for reading.

We’ll see you tomorrow!

— The Players Unlimited Team