NBA News: Jokić Makes History, Curry Scores 44, Wembanyama Dominates and Mavericks Shock Thunder
NBA opening-week action delivers historic milestones, superstar performances and surprising results as the 2026–27 season gains momentum.
October 29, 2026
The NBA's opening week delivered another thrilling night Wednesday, October 28, with Nikola Jokić making history, Stephen Curry turning back the clock, Victor Wembanyama leading San Antonio to an overtime victory, and Cooper Flagg powering Dallas past the previously undefeated Oklahoma City Thunder.
Across the league, established superstars continued to shine while emerging talent demonstrated why the future of professional basketball is already taking shape.
Nikola Jokić Joins Historic Company With 200th Triple-Double
Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokić reached another extraordinary career milestone Wednesday, recording his 200th regular-season triple-double during a 104-91 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans.
Jokić finished with 21 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists, becoming just the second player in NBA history to reach 200 triple-doubles. Russell Westbrook remains the all-time leader with 209.
Jamal Murray contributed 23 points, while Aaron Gordon added 15 points and 11 rebounds as Denver controlled much of the contest.
New Orleans attempted a fourth-quarter comeback behind Zion Williamson's 25 points, but timely shooting from Denver prevented the Pelicans from completing the rally.
Jokić's latest achievement adds another chapter to a career increasingly defined by statistical brilliance, remarkable consistency and his ability to influence nearly every possession.
Stephen Curry Explodes for 44 Points Against Minnesota
Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry delivered one of the early season's most impressive scoring performances, recording 44 points in a 119-114 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Curry also collected eight rebounds and made all 16 of his free-throw attempts, showcasing the offensive precision that has defined his legendary career.
Warriors rookie Yaxel Lendeborg added an impressive 26 points and nine rebounds, providing Golden State with a valuable second scoring option.
Jonathan Kuminga led Minnesota with 20 points against his former team.
The victory marked Golden State's second consecutive win following three losses to begin the season.
With Curry continuing to produce elite numbers and younger contributors stepping forward, the Warriors are looking to build momentum in the competitive Western Conference.
Victor Wembanyama Powers Spurs to Overtime Victory
The San Antonio Spurs continued their early-season turnaround Wednesday with a hard-fought 117-111 overtime victory against the Utah Jazz.
Victor Wembanyama dominated with 36 points and 14 rebounds, while Devin Vassell contributed 21 points.
Utah received a strong performance from Keyonte George, who scored 31 points, but the Jazz struggled to contain San Antonio when the game entered overtime.
After Utah opened the extra period with a three-pointer, the Spurs responded with 12 consecutive points to seize control.
San Antonio forced four turnovers during overtime and limited Utah to just two made field goals on seven attempts in the extra period.
The victory improved the Spurs to 3-2 and extended their winning streak to three games.
For San Antonio, the performance provided another reminder of Wembanyama's growing influence, particularly when his offensive production combines with the team's defensive intensity.
Cooper Flagg Leads Mavericks Past Oklahoma City
Dallas delivered one of Wednesday night's biggest surprises with a convincing 120-96 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Cooper Flagg led the Mavericks with 26 points and eight assists, while P.J. Washington added 18 points.
Kyrie Irving contributed 15 points as Dallas improved to 3-2, handing Oklahoma City its first loss of the season.
The Mavericks were particularly effective from beyond the arc, connecting on 16 three-pointers while holding the Thunder to just five successful attempts from long distance.
Oklahoma City played without several important contributors, including Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.
Despite the Thunder's injury challenges, the result represented an encouraging performance for Dallas and offered another glimpse of Flagg's growing leadership on the floor.
Lakers Defeat Clippers Without Luka Dončić
The Los Angeles Lakers demonstrated their roster depth Wednesday, defeating the cross-town rival Clippers 103-87 despite playing without Luka Dončić.
Dončić missed the game because of back tightness, but Quentin Grimes stepped forward with 23 points.
Collin Sexton contributed 21 points off the bench, while Austin Reaves added 16.
The Clippers struggled offensively and committed 24 turnovers, allowing the Lakers to control the game's tempo.
Los Angeles improved to 4-1, an encouraging start for a team navigating a new chapter following LeBron James' offseason departure to Philadelphia.
Knicks Rally as Brunson Takes Over
The defending NBA champion New York Knicks erased a 19-point deficit to defeat the Chicago Bulls 133-127.
Jalen Brunson led the comeback with 38 points and seven assists, including a dominant fourth-quarter performance.
OG Anunoby added 23 points as New York recovered from a difficult third quarter.
The victory highlighted the Knicks' resilience and their ability to respond when momentum shifts against them.
Rookie Spotlight: AJ Dybantsa Makes NBA Debut
Washington Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa, the first overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, made his highly anticipated debut Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
After missing Washington's first four games with an ankle injury, Dybantsa scored 19 points in 26 minutes.
Although Cleveland won 121-111 behind Evan Mobley's 24 points and Peyton Watson's 22, Dybantsa's performance offered an encouraging beginning to his professional career.
His debut adds another compelling storyline to a rookie class already drawing attention across the league.
NBA Games to Watch Tonight: October 29
Three games are scheduled for Thursday evening, with all times listed in Central Time.
- Cleveland Cavaliers at Atlanta Hawks: 7:00 PM
- Sacramento Kings at New Orleans Pelicans: 7:00 PM
- Memphis Grizzlies at Portland Trail Blazers: 9:00 PM
The Cavaliers will attempt to extend their winning streak, while Sacramento and New Orleans meet in a matchup between two teams seeking their first victory of the season.
The Bigger Picture
The first full week of the 2026–27 NBA season has already delivered a compelling combination of established greatness and rising potential.
Jokić continues climbing the league's historical rankings. Curry remains one of basketball's most dangerous offensive players. Wembanyama is strengthening San Antonio's competitive identity, while younger stars such as Flagg and Dybantsa are beginning to establish their own careers.
There is still a long road ahead before the playoff picture takes shape, but one thing is becoming clear: the NBA's newest chapter is already producing unforgettable moments.
Sources and Full Links
- Reuters | NBA Roundup: Jokić's 200th Triple-Double
https://www.reuters.com/sports/nba-roundup-nikola-jokics-200th-triple-double-leads-nuggets-past-pelicans--flm-2026-10-29/ - Denver Nuggets | Nuggets Defeat Pelicans on the Road
https://www.nba.com/nuggets/news/nuggets-defeat-pelicans-on-the-road - Reuters | Stephen Curry and Warriors Defeat Timberwolves
https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/stephen-curry-warriors-start-strong-win-over-timberwolves--flm-2026-10-29/ - Reuters | Wembanyama Leads Spurs Past Jazz in Overtime
https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/victor-wembanyama-puts-up-36-points-spurs-slip-past-jazz-ot--flm-2026-10-29/ - NBA.com | Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
https://www.nba.com/game/okc-vs-dal-0022600142 - CBS Sports | Lakers Defeat Clippers Without Dončić
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/gametracker/recap/NBA_20261028_LAL%40LAC/ - NBA.com | Knicks vs. Bulls Game Analysis
https://www.nba.com/game/nyk-vs-chi-0022600137/blueprint - CBS Sports | Cavaliers Rally Past Wizards in Dybantsa's Debut
https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/cavaliers-rally-past-wizards-to-spoil-aj-dybantsas-debut/ - NBA.com | Cavaliers vs. Hawks October 29 Preview
https://www.nba.com/game/cle-vs-atl-0022600144 - NBA.com | Official Schedule
https://www.nba.com/schedule/2026