Weekly NBA Roundup

October 27, 2025 • Sports

Hosted by Big Dill

About This Episode

Generated sports podcast with host Big Dill based on prompt: NBA news from the past week. Cover any summer league games, trade talk, or other league news.

Transcript

[INTRO]

Welcome to "Big Dill Sports," your go-to for all things NBA! I’m Dillon, and today we've got an action-packed rundown of the week’s biggest games and standout performances. Let’s dive right in!

[GAME RECAPS]

Starting with a thrilling opener on Tuesday, October 21, where the Oklahoma City Thunder edged out the Houston Rockets 125-124 in not one, but two overtimes. It was a heart-pounding battle, highlighted by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 35-point explosion. He was absolutely clutch, especially with those two free throws in the dying seconds of the second OT. Shoutout to Chet Holmgren and Ajay Mitchell for their strong contributions too. On the Rockets' side, Alperen Sengün gave us a performance to remember, dropping 39 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. The game wasn’t without controversy, though, as a missed illegal timeout call added a layer of tension.

Next up, Thursday, October 23 brought more drama with the Warriors topping the Nuggets 137-131 in overtime. Stephen Curry was on fire, scoring 42 points and hitting a jaw-dropping game-tying three with just seconds left in regulation. The Warriors showcased their depth during a critical 12-2 run in OT, thanks to key plays by Draymond Green and clutch threes from Al Horford and Jimmy Butler. Despite Aaron Gordon’s career-high 50 points for the Nuggets, it just wasn’t enough. Nikola Jokić was close to making history, but Denver's bench couldn’t keep up with Golden State's intensity.

On Saturday, October 25, the Chicago Bulls improved to 2-0 with a 110-98 victory over the Orlando Magic. Rookie-forward Josh Giddey shone with 21 points and eight rebounds, while the Bulls’ bench was unstoppable, outscoring Orlando’s reserves significantly. The Magic struggled with their shooting, going a cold 3-for-24 from beyond the arc, despite Paolo Banchero’s valiant effort with 24 points and 10 rebounds.

Wrapping up our game recaps, Sunday, October 26 saw the Detroit Pistons rallying from a 17-point deficit to stun the Boston Celtics 119-113. Cade Cunningham led the charge with 25 points and eight assists, while rookie Jalen Duren dominated the glass. Despite Jaylen Brown’s 41-point effort, the Celtics couldn’t maintain their early lead, falling victim to Detroit’s relentless offensive rebounding.

[TRADE RUMORS AND ROSTER MOVES]

Switching gears to some intriguing trade rumors, Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen has entered the spotlight. Fresh off a big contract, Markkanen could be a hot commodity for teams like the Celtics, seeking to bolster their frontcourt. Though Jazz coach Will Hardy insists Markkanen is central to their plans, the buzz around potential moves continues.

[OUTLOOK]

As the NBA season unfolds, we’ve already witnessed electrifying overtimes, individual milestones, and team comebacks setting the tone. Coming up, marquee matchups like Lakers vs. Clippers and Suns vs. Mavericks promise even more excitement. Stay tuned as rotations shift, extensions are made, and players like Markkanen play pivotal roles.

[PLAYER SPOTLIGHT]

Now, it’s time for our 'big dill' of the week. This episode, it’s got to be Stephen Curry. His performance against the Nuggets was vintage Curry, showcasing why he’s continually a game-changer.

[OUTRO]

That's it for this week’s NBA roundup on "Big Dill Sports." Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to catch us next time for more hoops highlights and insights. I’m Dillon, reminding you that every game is a chance to be a big dill. Until next time, keep shooting for the stars!

## Game Recaps

### Tuesday, October 21: Thunder 125, Rockets 124 (2OT)
The season opener delivered a marathon showdown at Paycom Center, where the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder edged the Houston Rockets 125-124 after two overtimes. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the charge with 35 points, including 24 in the fourth quarter and extra periods, punctuated by two clutch free throws with 2.3 seconds remaining in the second OT to seal the win. Chet Holmgren added 28 points and seven rebounds, and Ajay Mitchell chipped in 16, including a four-point play just before halftime. Houston’s Alperen Sengün exploded for 39 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists, marking one of the most prolific season-opening performances in franchise history.

Controversy arose when Kevin Durant attempted to call an illegal timeout at the close of the first overtime—Rockets having no timeouts remaining—but officials missed the signal. The NBA’s Last Two Minute report later confirmed that a technical foul should have been assessed, which would have given the Thunder a free throw and possession with 0.8 seconds left in OT1. Despite the oversight, the Thunder capitalized on free throws after Durant fouled SGA in OT2, and Jabari Smith Jr.’s desperation jumper at the buzzer rimmed out. Thunder coach Mark Daigneault praised his team’s resilience in the face of officiating miscues, while crew chief Zach Zarba acknowledged the missed timeout signal went unnoticed by all three officials ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401809243?utm_source=openai)).

### Thursday, October 23: Warriors 137, Nuggets 131 (OT)
In San Francisco, the Golden State Warriors overcame a career night from Aaron Gordon to defeat the Denver Nuggets 137-131 in overtime. Stephen Curry poured in 42 points, including the game-tying 3-pointer with 4.3 seconds left in regulation and key buckets throughout OT. Draymond Green chipped in 15 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, orchestrating the decisive 12-2 run in the extra frame that featured corner threes from Al Horford and a back-breaking one from Jimmy Butler. Gordon erupted for a franchise-record 50 points on 10 made 3-pointers, yet his heroics fell short in the season opener for both teams.

Nikola Jokić flirted with history, posting 21 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists to become only the second player after Oscar Robertson to record four triple-doubles in season openers. The Nuggets rallied from an early 10-0 hole but coughed up control late, unable to contain Curry’s hot shooting. Denver’s bench struggled to match Golden State’s depth, a factor that coach Mike Brown noted will be a focus as the 0-2 start looms.

Off the court, the Nuggets solidified their commitment to the core by signing third-year guard Christian Braun to a five-year, $125 million extension. Braun, a key contributor to Denver’s fast-break offense, averaged 15.4 points on 58.0% shooting across 77 starts last season, and his new deal locks him in through 2030. The extension underscores Denver’s championship aspirations despite a crowded cap sheet ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/nba/recap/_/gameId/401809237?utm_source=openai)).

### Saturday, October 25: Bulls 110, Magic 98
The Chicago Bulls continued their hot start by downing the Orlando Magic 110-98 at Amway Center, improving to 2-0. Rookie-forward Josh Giddey led Chicago with 21 points and eight rebounds, while the Bulls’ bench outscored Orlando’s reserves 58-35. Jalen Smith (16 points) and Ayo Dosunmu (15 points) spearheaded the second unit, exemplifying head coach Billy Donovan’s emphasis on depth and versatility. Nikola Vučević contributed 15 points and seven rebounds, rounding out the quartet of double-figure scorers for Chicago.

Orlando’s Paolo Banchero led all scorers with 24 points and added 10 rebounds but could not overcome the Magic’s historically poor 3-point shooting, finishing a dismal 3-for-24 (12.5%). Franz Wagner chipped in 17 points, and Anthony Black had 19, but the team’s 39.1% field goal rate and lack of spacing hampered any comeback effort. Despite the loss, the Magic received a boost late in the week when guard Jalen Suggs was cleared to play in the opener after undergoing March knee surgery. Suggs’ return adds a defensive and playmaking spark to a backcourt that struggled without his presence ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/bulls-bench-bounces-back-chicago-downs-orlando--flm-2025-10-26/?utm_source=openai)).

### Sunday, October 26: Pistons 119, Celtics 113
In Detroit, the hometown Pistons overcame a 17-point first-half deficit to topple the Boston Celtics 119-113 in their home opener. Cade Cunningham paced the comeback with 25 points and eight assists, while rookie Jalen Duren dominated inside with 24 points and 17 rebounds, including 10 on the offensive glass. Ausar Thompson chipped in 21 points and 12 rebounds, and Tobias Harris added 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists, highlighting Detroit’s collective effort.

Boston’s Jaylen Brown exploded for 41 points on 12-for-25 shooting and contributed six rebounds and four assists, but the Celtics failed to sustain their early lead. After building a 17-point advantage, Boston was outscored 70-48 over the second and third quarters, largely due to 30 second-chance points by Detroit. Payton Pritchard (21 points) and Derrick White (15 points) provided scoring support, yet offensive rebounding woes persisted for Boston—capped by 18 offensive boards and 30 second-chance points allowed. Detroit coach J.B. Bickerstaff praised his team’s resilience and stressed the importance of rebounding and hustle plays as essential for securing victories in close contests ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/basketball/pistons-overcome-17-point-deficit-beat-celtics-home-opener--flm-2025-10-26/?utm_source=openai)).

## Trade Rumors and Roster Moves

### Lauri Markkanen Trade Talks
Early-season trade chatter has also centered on Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen. After signing a five-year, $238 million deal in August 2024, Markkanen—who missed the EuroBasket 2025 final with a wrist contusion but has resumed full workouts—has emerged as a prime trade candidate for contenders seeking frontcourt versatility. Reports suggest the Boston Celtics have expressed interest in the 27-year-old Finn to bolster their interior defense and floor spacing, though Phoenix, Miami and other teams are monitoring the Jazz’s willingness to move him. Jazz coach Will Hardy downplayed the speculation, calling Markkanen “a key part of our future,” yet league insiders anticipate increased trade inquiries as teams gauge Utah’s asking price ([talksport.com](https://talksport.com/basketball/3634808/nba-lauri-markkanen-utah-jazz-trade-talks-finland/?utm_source=openai)).

## Outlook

Through six regular-season games, the NBA has delivered overtime drama, historic individual performances, and emphatic team rebounds, setting a compelling early narrative. The Thunder’s gritty finish on ring night, Curry’s late heaves against Denver, Chicago’s bench prowess, and Detroit’s second-half surge underscore the league’s competitive balance and volatility. As teams adjust rotations, integrate extensions, and weigh potential trade assets like Markkanen, the evolving storylines will shape November’s schedule. With next week’s slate featuring marquee matchups—such as Lakers vs Clippers and Suns vs Mavericks—fans can expect more high-stakes clashes that will test team chemistry and depth. Stay tuned as the 2025-26 season continues to unfold.

Weekly NBA Roundup