NBA Basketball 8-Hour Briefing
×Last updated: March 13, 2026, 4:54 AM ET
NBA Thursday Night Recap
The Lakers exploded for 137 points in LeBron James' return, with Luka Doncic's 51-point outburst leading a historic starting five performance that marked the highest-scoring regulation lineup since the 1970-71 season. Meanwhile, the Nuggets routed the Spurs 136-131 without facing Victor Wembanyama, who sat out with right ankle soreness, leaving San Antonio's defense vulnerable against Nikola Jokic's balanced attack.
League Issues & Injuries
Boston's Jaylen Brown criticized the league's foul-baiting trend, arguing that players are being rewarded for manipulating contact rather than playing fundamental basketball, a sentiment that's gaining traction among veteran stars frustrated with the game's evolving pace. The injury report also saw Wembanyama's absence prove costly for San Antonio, as the Nuggets capitalized on his defensive presence being sidelined for what the team called precautionary reasons.