NBA Basketball 24-Hour Briefing

Last updated: October 23, 2026, 10:40 PM ET

Knicks & Front Office

Madison Square Garden admitted fault after employees in Knicks business operations were hit by a phishing email espn.com, calling it an "unfortunate mistake." Former Lakers first-round pick Dalton Knecht espn.com has agreed to a two-way deal with New York. In a lighter story, a New York couple named their newborn Knickson Fyve espn.com after the popular Knicks chant.

Officiating & Gambling Case

The NBA referees' association confirmed that LaMelo Ball espn.com took two steps too many on a 3-point make. In the NBA gambling case, Eric Earnest pleaded guilty espn.com to conspiracy to commit wire fraud Thursday but denied that Billups provided him with information.

Game Results & Standings

The Sixers staged a comeback espn.com of 29 points against Cleveland, with Tyrese Maxey scoring a game-high 32 points after Philadelphia trailed by 24 at halftime. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander ended his streak espn.com of 20-point games by sitting out the second half of a blowout. The Clippers opened their season with a win over the Kings, dedicating the victory espn.com to owner Steve Ballmer, who is banned from the team's activities. Luka Doncic and Kessler sparked the Lakers espn.com to a 127-105 win over the Warriors.

Season Openers

Tyrese Haliburton made an emotional return from his Achilles tear espn.com as the Pacers edged the Pelicans, and he arrived in a denim and leather jacket inspired by Triple H espn.com. Giannis Antetokounmpo said the new-look Heat must trust each other more espn.com after an opening-night blowout loss to the Timberwolves. ESPN also reviewed the first week espn.com of 12 season debuts, identifying which stars impressed with their new teams.

Front Office & Contracts

Star contract negotiations have shifted in approach espn.com, and Oklahoma City is preparing for more roster decisions as it works through another expensive move.

Coming Up

The Lakers' Luka Doncic and the Heat's Giannis Antetokounmpo will look to build on their early-season form as the season develops espn.com.