NBC touts NBA opening night tip-off as its most-watched ever as new media deals debut
NBC's first NBA opening night under the league's new rights deals drew record viewership, a key early signal for the league's transition to a three-partner medi
Front Office Sports · +13 outlets
Tyrese Haliburton returns from Achilles tear, overcome with emotion in Pacers win
Haliburton posted a double-double in his first game since tearing his Achilles in Game 7 of the 2025 Finals, a major storyline for Indiana's season.
ESPN · +14 outlets
Trump criticizes LeBron James over national anthem actions during 76ers debut
The president accused James of disrespecting the U.S. after the 76ers star appeared to continue warmups during the anthem, injecting politics into the season op
ESPN · +13 outlets
Lakers open post-LeBron era with blowout win over Warriors behind Luka Doncic
Doncic's debut as the Lakers' centerpiece produced a 127-105 rout of Golden State, marking the franchise's first game without LeBron James on the roster.
ESPN · +6 outlets
Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg says he 'lost all respect' for Luka Doncic after debut
Lendeborg's postgame comments about the Lakers star and his treatment by referees drew broad reaction from Stephen A. Smith and other NBA figures.
ESPN · +14 outlets
NBA referees association confirms LaMelo Ball traveled on viral side-step 3-pointer
The referees' union acknowledged a missed call from Minnesota's win over Miami, a rare public admission on a widely replayed play.
ESPN · +5 outlets
Anthony Edwards drops 40 in opener, joins Chamberlain and Jordan with multiple such games
Edwards' 40-point outburst in Minnesota's rout of Miami placed him in rare historical company and headlined the debut of the Ant-Melo backcourt.
ESPN · +12 outlets
Clippers dedicate season-opening rout of Kings to banned owner Steve Ballmer
Los Angeles won 121-96 in its first game with Ballmer banned, a storyline that frames the team's season off the court.
ESPN · +4 outlets
Thunder roll past Spurs on opening night as injury reports shape Denver matchup
Oklahoma City opened defense of its title with a win over San Antonio and quickly turned to injury questions ahead of its game against Denver.
Yahoo Sports · +4 outlets
Kawhi Leonard returns in Raptors' statement opening win; Toronto sets records vs. Bulls
Leonard's return and Toronto's record-setting performance against Chicago set an early tone for the Raptors' season.
Yahoo Sports · +9 outlets
Knicks celebrate title with championship ring details ahead of Boston home opener
Reigning champion New York opens its title defense at Boston, with the team's ring design drawing attention as the season begins.
DAZN · +14 outlets
Donovan Mitchell says he plans to retire with Cavaliers unless traded
The Cavaliers star's comments clarify his long-term intentions as Cleveland opens a season with title expectations.
Yahoo Sports · +14 outlets
Giannis Antetokounmpo calls for trust after Heat's blowout opening loss
Miami's new-look roster fell 131-106 to Minnesota, prompting Antetokounmpo to identify trust as the team's main area for improvement.
ESPN · +9 outlets
Kyrie Irving held in check in Mavericks return as Houston wins blowout
Irving's first game back from injury came in a lopsided loss to the Rockets, who were led by Kevin Durant's historic scoring night.
ESPN · +4 outlets
Kevin Durant sets age-related scoring mark in Rockets' rout of Mavericks
Durant's performance fueled Houston's blowout win and raised early questions about the Rockets' title ceiling with Fred VanVleet back.
Yahoo Sports
Anthony Davis scores 34 in Wizards debut, ties franchise record
Davis' debut win over Milwaukee gave Washington an early boost and set a franchise scoring mark for a first game.
Yahoo Sports · +4 outlets
Cavaliers, 76ers injury reports: Jarrett Allen questionable for Embiid matchup
Injury designations for Jarrett Allen, Dean Wade and others loom over the marquee Cleveland-Philadelphia season opener.
ClutchPoints
Cooper Flagg sets record in season debut; mystery buyer of his $8M rookie card revealed
Flagg's rookie debut generated both on-court and collector-market headlines as his card sale buyer was identified.
Yahoo Sports · +1 outlets