It was another busy NBA day on Saturday as 22 teams saw action in 11 games that included a feisty rematch between the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves, a tussle between the New York Knicks and Boston Celtics, and more. As usual, we picked out the notables for the day, beginning with some Luka magic:

Lakers Roar Past Wolves Behind Luka Doncic’s 49-Point Tour de Force

Luka Doncic carried the Los Angeles Lakers (1-1) to a 128-110 blowout of the Minnesota Timberwolves (1-1) at Staples Center.

Doncic finished with 49 huge points to become just the fourth player in NBA history to begin the season with back-to-back 40-point efforts. The three other players to do so were Wilt Chamberlain, Michael Jordan, and Anthony Davis, who ironically was the main piece the Lakers gave away to acquire Luka. The Slovenian superstar added 11 rebounds and 8 assists for the Purple and Gold, who this time won the third quarter, 40-31.

Anthony Edwards led the Wolves with 31 but proved no match to Luka Doncic’s brilliance all game long.

Hawks Beat Magic Behind Trae Young’s Endgame Heroics

Trae Young fired 6 of his 25 points in the last 50 seconds to lead the Atlanta Hawks (1-1) to a thrilling 111-107 victory over the Orlando Magic (1-1) at Kia Center.

Young hit a floater to give the Hawks a 109-107 lead with 46 seconds remaining in regulation. He then hit four free throws in a row to help preserve the win. New acquisition Nickeil Alexander-Walker provided Atlanta with plenty of additional firepower with his 19 markers, while Onyeka Okongwu added 17.

Franz Wagner’s game-high 27 led the Magic, but Paolo Banchero was limited to just 11.

Pistons Drop Rockets Despite Kevin Durant’s 37

Not even a stellar 37-point outing could save the Houston Rockets from falling to 0-2 as the Detroit Pistons (1-1) went to Toyota Center and got the hard-earned 115-111 win against the home team.
Cade Cunningham led the Pistons with 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists, while Ausar Thompson outplayed his brother, Amen, as he scored 19 points to the latter’s 10. Duncan Robinson added 17, while Paul Reed and Ronald Holland II combined for 24 off the Detroit bench.
Alperen Sengun backed Durant’s 37 with 17 of his own to go along with his 7 rebounds, but he was just 5-for-18 from the field.

Blazers Stun Warriors One Day After Head Coach’s Arrest

One day after Chauncey Billups was arrested on gambling-related allegations, the Portland Trail Blazers responded with a 139-119 thumping of the erstwhile unbeaten Golden State Warriors (1-2) at Moda Center.

Deni Avdija’s 26 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists led the Blazers, who built a double-digit lead in the second quarter and never let the Warriors get back into it. Jerami Grant added 22 points off the bench, while Toumani Camara and Shaedon Sharpe provided plenty of firepower with 19 and 17, respectively.

Steph Curry continued his spectacular start to the season with 35 points on seven triples. Jonathan Kuminga was solid too, finishing with 16 points and 8 rebounds.

Complete Scoreboard (October 25, 2025):

Hawks defeated Magic, 111-107

Cavs defeated Nets, 131-124

Knicks defeated Celtics, 105-95

Pistons defeated Rockets, 115-111

Heat defeated Grizzlies, 146-114

Spurs defeated Pelicans, 120-116

Wizards defeated Mavs, 117-107

Lakers defeated Wolves, 128-110

Trail Blazers defeated Warriors, 139-119

Kings defeated Jazz, 105-104

Clippers defeated Suns, 129-102