Lakers stun as Reaves dominates, Ball, Mobley and Flagg put on a show in a night loaded with surprises
Another action-packed sunday in the NBA saw standout individual performances, wild finishes, and the season’s first truly statement games from emerging stars and resurgent teams.
In Sacramento, Austin Reaves delivered the game of his career, erupting for 51 points in the Lakers’ 127-120 win over the Kings. With Luka Doncic sidelined by a finger injury, Reaves took charge, hitting 12 field goals, six three-pointers, and going 21-for-22 at the line, while also grabbing 11 rebounds and handing out nine assists. Zach LaVine led Sacramento with 32 points, but this was Reaves’ night, the performance instantly becomes one for franchise lore.
Cavaliers outlast Bucks in thriller
In Cleveland, Donovan Mitchell (24 points) and Evan Mobley (23 points, 8 rebounds) were pivotal as the Cavaliers edged the previously undefeated Bucks 118-113. Mobley’s 12-for-12 free-throw shooting matched a feat last achieved in the franchise by LeBron James. Giannis Antetokounmpo poured in 40 points for Milwaukee, but the Cavs held firm down the stretch, executing key plays to secure a character-building win.
Flagg ignites Dallas in offensive showcase
Cooper Flagg (rookie) and Anthony Davis provided the sparks as the Mavericks beat the Raptors 139-129 in a high scoring shootout. Flagg’s highlight-reel dunk and all-round hustle, coupled with D’Angelo Russell’s 24 points and 6 assists, gave Dallas a crucial momentum boost early in the campaign.
Ball’s triple-double lifts Hornets in comeback
The Hornets rallied from a double-digit deficit to crush the Wizards 139-113, led by a spectacular triple-double from LaMelo Ball (38 points, 13 rebounds, 13 assists). In what was expected to be a low-profile matchup between rebuilding teams, Ball’s dynamism turned apathy into spectacle.
Other notable results and performers:
- Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic kept the Nuggets rolling with a 133-111 win over the Suns; Jokic’s second straight triple-double set the tone.
- The Thunder remained unbeaten as Chet Holmgren fought through back pain to notch 31 points and 11 boards in a 117-100 win over the Hawks.
- The Bulls claimed a 110-98 victory in Orlando thanks to Josh Giddey (21 points) and a deep, balanced bench effort.
- Tyrese Maxey (28 points) and Joel Embiid (20 points) helped the 76ers erase a late deficit to edge the Hornets 125-121; Quentin Grimes hit the go-ahead three with 15 seconds left.
- Cedric Coward scored 27 off the Grizzlies’ bench—including six-for-six from deep—fueling a 128-103 win over Indiana.
