- Oct 16, 2026
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SportsMafia Wire graphic. Team logos and player headshots via ESPN.
The Boston Celtics squandered a 22-point advantage in a stunning defeat to the Pistons.
Kawhi Leonard paced the Toronto Raptors with 23 points and four steals in just 24 minutes during a 43-point demolition of the Bulls. The margin tied the fifth-largest in franchise annals. Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley all eclipsed 20 points.
Damian Lillard poured in 25 points and buried six triples in his return to Portland, where the Trail Blazers opened with a 21-0 run and routed the Phoenix Suns 124-83. Ja Morant contributed 14 points and eight assists in 23 minutes. Morant remarked, "You only get one chance at a first impression."
Victor Wembanyama managed just 1-for-13 shooting in the San Antonio Spurs' loss to Oklahoma City, where 7-foot-3 rookie Aday Mara blocked the center. The Thunder also toppled Nikola Jokic's Denver Nuggets on Thursday.
Anthony Edwards erupted for 45 points as Minnesota blew out Giannis Antetokounmpo's Miami Heat at home. LaMelo Ball's viral side-step triple drew scrutiny from the NBA referees' association, which stated Ball traveled by taking four steps after gathering the ball.
Source: ESPN - Fri Oct 23, 7:00 AM ET
Written by the SportsMafia Wire desk in our own words from the original reporting (AI-assisted, checked against the source).