Weekly NBA Roundup

## Preseason Showcases: Standout Performances

On October 6, the Dallas Mavericks opened their 2025 preseason emphatically, downing the Oklahoma City Thunder 106–89 at Dickies Arena. Rookie Cooper Flagg made an immediate impact in his first competitive action, pouring in 10 points, grabbing six rebounds, and dishing three assists in limited minutes, while Max Christie chipped in 12 points off the bench, showcasing his sharp shooting and off-ball movement. D’Angelo Russell orchestrated the offense with seven assists, and the Mavs dominated the paint early, outscoring OKC 30–12 in the first half en route to a 66–40 lead at intermission. Oklahoma City, playing back-to-back nights and resting key stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, struggled to recover despite Brooks Barnhizer’s team-high 16 points and Jaylin Williams’ 14 points and six rebounds ([mavsmoneyball.com](https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/dallas-mavericks-game-coverage/50716/mavericks-vs-thunder-recap-final-score-x-x-dallas-defeats-oklahoma-city?utm_source=openai)).

On the same night in Vancouver, the Denver Nuggets edged the Toronto Raptors 112–108 in a tightly contested matchup. Nikola Jokic led the charge with 17 points on a perfect 5-for-5 shooting night, complemented by seven rebounds and five assists, while Jamal Murray also poured in 17 points. Christian Braun delivered an efficient 19 points on 8-for-8 shooting, including a flawless 3-for-3 from beyond the arc. Despite the loss, Toronto saw solid contributions from Brandon Ingram (19 points) and RJ Barrett (19 points), but their 23 turnovers and 23.8 percent three-point shooting proved costly against a Nuggets unit that shot 56.7 percent from the field overall ([insider.espn.com](https://insider.espn.com/nba/game/_/gameId/401812683?utm_source=openai)).

On October 7 in San Antonio, Victor Wembanyama returned after an eight-month hiatus and delivered a near triple-double in just 16 minutes, recording nine points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks, as the Spurs routed the Guangzhou Loong-Lions 119–88. Wembanyama’s defensive presence was underscored by a highlight-reel rejection of a Loong-Lions reverse layup, while Luke Kornet added 16 efficient bench points. Rookie Carter Bryant impressed with 15 points and active defense, blending seamlessly into San Antonio’s frontcourt rotations and providing a glimpse of the team’s depth despite missing starters like De’Aaron Fox ([expressnews.com](https://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/wembanyama-returns-spurs-defeat-guangzhou-21083586.php?utm_source=openai)).

On October 9, the LA Clippers hosted the Guangzhou Loong-Lions at Frontwave Arena and recorded a commanding 142–95 victory. Ivica Zubac anchored the paint with 15 points and five rebounds, while Chris Paul orchestrated the offense with 15 points and six assists before exiting early. The Clippers’ bench outscored the Lions 65–25, led by Terance Mann’s efficient playmaking and Kawhi Leonard’s veteran steadiness. Victor Oladipo paced Guangzhou with 24 points on 8-for-12 shooting but could not overcome LA’s balanced attack, which featured 42 third-quarter points that turned the game into a blowout ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore/_/gameId/401812695?utm_source=openai)).

## International Exhibition: NBA in China

As part of the NBA’s global outreach, the league returned to Macao on October 10 for the first time since 2019, with the Phoenix Suns rallying from an 18-point deficit to defeat the Brooklyn Nets 132–127 in overtime. Jordan Goodwin paced Phoenix with 19 points, including the go-ahead three in OT, while Devin Booker and Dillon Brooks each scored 18, combining for 11 three-point makes. The Suns erased a 71–56 second-quarter deficit behind a Collin Gillespie buzzer-beater and an 18–1 run capped by an Oso Ighodaro putback, showcasing their resilience on a 11,317-seat stage at The Venetian Arena ([philstar.com](https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/10/10/2479054/suns-edge-nets-ot-nba-returns-china?utm_source=openai)).

In the rematch two days later, the Nets exacted revenge with a 111–109 victory, keyed by rookie Ben Saraf’s 11 assists and late-game poise. Cam Thomas and Michael Porter Jr. contributed 16 and 15 points respectively, while Tyrese Martin knocked down the final free throws after a clutch defensive sequence. Despite early turnovers and trailing by double digits, the Nets’ depth came through as Jordi Fernández’s rotation of young talent outlasted Phoenix’s starters ([netsdaily.com](https://www.netsdaily.com/nets-scores-results/99923/brooklyn-nets-vs-phoenix-suns-111-109-ben-saraf-drake-powell?utm_source=openai)).

## Trade Rumors Heat Up

Multiple high-profile trade discussions have emerged league-wide this week. Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, fresh off a EuroBasket semifinal run and a five-year, $238 million contract, is reportedly generating renewed interest around the league. NBA insider Marc Stein notes that teams will continue probing Utah’s willingness to move their $238 million All-Star, despite a recent wrist contusion delaying his training camp participation. Coach Will Hardy described the injury as “general maintenance,” but the Jazz remain cautious as they prepare for their opener against the Clippers ([talksport.com](https://talksport.com/basketball/3634808/nba-lauri-markkanen-utah-jazz-trade-talks-finland/?utm_source=openai)).

Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers are reportedly eyeing Utah’s defensive anchor Walker Kessler in a potential blockbuster, aiming to bolster their frontcourt alongside franchise cornerstone Luka Doncic. Sources suggest the Lakers have the cap space and assets to make a serious pitch for Kessler’s rim protection and rebounding, with talks expected to intensify before the regular season begins ([timesofindia.indiatimes.com](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nba/top-stories/nba-trade-rumors-los-angeles-lakers-may-sign-4878938-utah-jazz-star-to-pair-with-luka-doncic-via-blockbuster-deal/articleshow/124515286.cms?utm_source=openai)).

The Indiana Pacers are also in the rumor mill, with reports surfacing of a possible package to acquire Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen. League sources indicate the Pacers view Allen’s combination of interior defense and pick-and-roll scoring as a missing piece to complement their young core, though no concrete offers have been confirmed ([bballrumors.com](https://www.bballrumors.com/2025/?utm_source=openai)).

## Roster Moves and League Notes

Alongside the preseason action and trade chatter, several teams have made notable roster moves. On October 7, the Dallas Mavericks signed guard/forward Dalano Banton to a training-camp deal, providing backcourt depth and two-way versatility. The Washington Wizards added former lottery pick Skal Labissiere on October 6 via an Exhibit 10 contract, aiming to bolster their frontcourt wings and potential two-way assignment. The Indiana Pacers waived veteran Delon Wright on October 9 after a brief training-camp stint, and the Miami Heat signed guard Gabe Madsen on October 10 to shore up their perimeter rotation ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_2025%E2%80%9326_NBA_season_transactions?utm_source=openai)).

Looking ahead, the NBA Cup—formerly known as the In-Season Tournament—will tip off group play on October 31, featuring all 30 teams in a multi-stage format culminating with semifinals and the championship at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The defending champion Milwaukee Bucks aim to repeat, while fans await the first Cup games to see which group-stage matchups will shape this new competitive showcase ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025_NBA_Cup?utm_source=openai)).