NBA preseason action delivered a high-scoring slate across five matchups overnight, featuring standout performances from Luka Dončić, Jaylen Brown, and a dramatic game-winning shot by rookie Ebuka Okorie. Across the league’s latest exhibition games, teams tested rotations and defensive schemes ahead of the upcoming regular season.
Lakers Dominate Sacramento Behind Dončić and Fast-Break Pressure
The Los Angeles Lakers opened their preseason statement with a 127-103 victory against the Sacramento Kings, building a commanding 73-47 lead by halftime and stretching their advantage to 33 points at its peak. Luka Dončić set the tone for Los Angeles by logging 21 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals in just 16 minutes of floor time. Cameron Carr added 19 points off the bench, while Quentin Grimes chipped in 16 points.
For Sacramento, Nique Clifford led all scorers with 23 points and 9 rebounds, followed by Darius Acuff Jr. with 19 points. Ahead of the contest, Lakers head coach JJ Redick pointed to a defensive shift, noting that for the first time since taking over the bench, his roster features multiple defenders capable of applying full-court pressure and disrupting ball-handlers—a trait that materialized early against the Kings.
Philadelphia Overcomes Knicks as Brown Shines and Hukporti Exits
Jaylen Brown needed only 17 minutes to rack up 22 points, shooting 8-of-13 from the floor and 3-of-5 from beyond the arc in the Philadelphia 76ers’ 120-97 win over the New York Knicks. Caleb Love contributed 15 points, and VJ Edgecombe recorded 12 points and 7 assists. The Knicks received 12 points apiece from Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby in the losing effort.
The matchup unfolded without several high-profile names, as LeBron James, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey sat out. James continues to manage chronic left-foot arthritis and lower-back discomfort linked to sciatica as he awaits his Philadelphia debut, while Embiid and Maxey were rested for the preseason opener. The evening’s most significant concern centered on center Ariel Hukporti, who exited five minutes into the game with a non-contact right leg injury. Head coach Nick Nurse stated after the match that Hukporti will undergo evaluations on his right Achilles tendon, offering a brief “We’re hoping for the best.” Brown also addressed his teammate’s setback post-game, calling Hukporti a joy in the locker room and noting the difficulty of seeing a player go down.
