Austin Reaves’ 34.2 points per game is 2nd in the NBA among all players with at least five appearances.
Follow along with tonight’s NBA.com live blog for results, highlights, news and analysis from an eight-game slate tipping off this year’s NBA Cup action.
Kawhi Leonard stole the show with a game-winning shot on the night’s final buzzer, but there were plenty of other noteworthy finishes and takeaways.
🗒️ What we know after Friday night’s games:
Don’t count the Trail Blazers out: A stacked Group C features Portland, the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets. With a last-second heist, Portland moves to 1-0 in group play, and will hope to spoil any projections that had them at the bottom of the barrel.
The Clippers two lineups are taking shape: Head Coach Ty Lue shared in the postgame, that he liked the pairings at the core of his starting and bench groups. James Harden and Ivica Zubac help lead the first attack, while Chris Paul and John Collins reprise a similar chemistry with the second unit. Add in Kawhi Leonard and Bradley Beal as isolation scorers complementing the respective groups. It wasn’t pretty, but the veteran-heavy group avoided dropping one at home to the winless New Orleans Pelicans.
Luka Dončić joins select group with Wilt Chamberlain: The Lakers new centerpiece returned from a three-game absence without missing a beat. He turned in his third straight 40+ point outing, matching a precedent set by only Wilt Chamberlain (who did so twice). His heroics led the Lakers to their fourth win in five games.
Devin Booker wills the Suns to victory: Phoenix fans may have hoped for better than a 2-4 start through six games, but they can’t hope for a better version of their star player. Booker now has 30 points in all but one of the team’s first six games. There was a 22-point margin between he and the team’s next highest scorer. He’s also distributing at a high level, turning in nine tonight. His elevated play is crucial while the team waits for Dillon Brooks to return, and for Jalen Green to make his Phoenix debut.
Chicago will be dealt with in the Eastern Conference: The Bulls are one of the more entertaining early season storylines. The group is off to a 5-0 start, with their most impressive win coming tonight over the New York Knicks. Josh Giddey is playing at an All-Star trajectory, while Nikola Vucević continues to be reliable inside. New York tried running with the Bulls, but were left in the distance in the game’s closing minutes.
Kawhi Calls Game 🤫
KAWHI LEONARD WITH THE @TISSOT BUZZER-BEATER FOR THE CLIPPERS 🤯😱
🚨⏰ Everyone Gets 24 https://t.co/EMPIC8NTSz pic.twitter.com/UMp96STS5b
— NBA (@NBA) November 1, 2025
What a way to round out the first lineup of NBA Cup action. The Los Angeles Clippers escaped going to overtime thanks to an extremely clutch jumper from Kawhi Leonard. It was Leonard who set up the Pelicans game-tying opportunity with a turnover on LA’s prior possession. Zion Williamson drew a foul and hit two free throws to set up the closing moments.
Nonetheless, Leonard delivered a classic performance with 34 points, five rebounds and five assists on just 16 field goal attempts. On defense he collected six steals as well. James Harden turned in 24 points and 14 assists for his third double-double of the campaign.
James is all of us fr 😭 pic.twitter.com/ahoPa1HMqE
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 1, 2025
Jordan Poole has come off the bench for the last couple Pelicans games, but that could change again after a night like tonight. Poole was on fire en route to 30 points, including seven made threes.
What a drive by Poole!
JP at 30 pts pic.twitter.com/i8wGiTgzCr
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 1, 2025
Last second free throws seal upset 🚨🚨
The Trail Blazers complete an improbable comeback over the Denver Nuggets, thanks to a pair of free throws from Jerami Grant. While attempting a buzzer-beater with the game tied at 107, Grant was fouled on the jumpshot by Aaron Gordon. A Laettner-esque heave nearly connected for Denver, but was to no avail.
TOUMANI IS SO BIG TIME 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/OdnNniCFMb
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) November 1, 2025
While the result will be remembered most, a tremendous defensive play by Toumani Camara made it all possible. This block on Cameron Johnson kept the game tied. On the ensuing inbounds, he matched up with Nikola Jokić and forced a jumpball tie up.
BLAZERS WIN!!
BLAZERS WIN!! pic.twitter.com/OMFIjcKZzd
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) November 1, 2025
Deni Avdija led Portland scorers, finishing with 23. Nikola Jokić failed to register a triple-double for the first time on the year.
Crunch Time ⏰
The Trail Blazers are hoping to pull off some last-minute magic against the Nuggets. It’s been tight throughout, and the Nuggets lead by three with less than 1:30 to play.
New Orleans’ hot shooting has them back and exchanging the lead with the Clippers in the final four minutes. The Pelicans once trailed by as many as 17.
Booker locked & loaded in PHX win 🌵
Hallo-WIN! 🎃@match_mortgage | #SunsUp pic.twitter.com/vzJtHwXFP0
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 1, 2025
Devin Booker crossed the 30-point threshold for the fourth time in six games, ending with 36 points and nine assists in the Suns 118-96 victory. The next highest scorer for Phoenix was Grayson Allen with 14. Colin Gelespie continues to provide quality play, racking up a dozen points and six assists in 27 minutes off the bench.
Baseline Book!
Turned 29 yesterday. Up to 29 PTS today. pic.twitter.com/0Kvrf39niT
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 1, 2025
Welcome Back, Rob Williams 🫨💥
This was certainly a welcome sight for Portland fans, as Rob Williams hammered home an alley-oop feed from Jrue Holiday. In his season debut, it’s easy to see how he slots into the team behind starting center Donovan Clingan.
AHHH 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/Hho8QIWGEZ
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) November 1, 2025
Hail Mary Assist 🪙
This is not the only full-court assist from Nikola Jokić tonight, but he’ll be hard pressed to outdo this heave. The Joker turns a rebound into an instant bucket by sending a pass the length of the court and right into the hands of Peyton Watson.
QB1?? pic.twitter.com/vmdbZeaU7O
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) November 1, 2025
The Trail Blazers had some eye-popping plays in the third as well, most notably this turnaround flush from Jerami Grant. This one now heads to the fourth quarter with Portland hoping to overcome a 10-point deficit.
put it in reverse jerami!! 🔄 pic.twitter.com/0lC7eWd0Xi
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) November 1, 2025
Q4 is up next pic.twitter.com/JxNZaQhMqd
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) November 1, 2025
Lakers climb back to defeat Grizz 🧗
Luka Dončić returned with a vengeance tonight, totaling 44 points, 12 rebounds and six assists in a Lakers victory. The Lakers trailed by 14 at halftime, but stout defense throughout the 2nd half coupled with Dončić’s offense proved to be too much for Memphis. Austin Reaves flourished with Dončić sidelined, and still performed well with him back in the lineup to the tune of 21 points and four assists.
1-0 in the NBA Cup #LakersWin pic.twitter.com/ZZS4xoM3GL
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) November 1, 2025
LUKA. HAS. 40.
There’s still over 5 minutes to play in the 4Q!
🏆 LAL-MEM • West Group B
📺 @emirates NBA Cup on Prime: https://t.co/lAVgBCLkLz pic.twitter.com/Msc8N2xLJm
— NBA (@NBA) November 1, 2025
The Grizzlies didn’t have a player reach the 20-point plateau tonight. Six players scored more than 12, however, led by Jaylen Wells and Jock Landale with 16. Rookie Cedric Coward also had his first career double-double. Ja Morant struggled all night, though. The Grizzlies will, on most nights, need more than eight points and seven assists from their star player to come out victorious.
Clips keeping Pels at Bay 🏝️
Things are competitive in the Intuit Dome, with the Clippers holding a 67-59 lead at halftime. They hold advantages in free throw attempts and ball security. Los Angeles is 13-14 from the stripe while committing five turnovers. The Pelicans, meanwhile, have only had six free throws and turned it over nine times in the first half.
The Pelicans are compensating by shooting it very well from deep. They hold the advantage over the Clippers in that regard, shooting 12-25 from long range in the first half. Los Angeles only made six of 20 tries from deep – one make being a vintage James Harden stepback.
HARD3N 👌 pic.twitter.com/plza2MlnKM
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) November 1, 2025
Close One in Memphis 📺👀
Group B has a good one going tonight between the Grizzlies and Lakers. Los Angeles erased a double-digit defcicit in the third quarter thanks to a big scoring night from Luka Dončić. It’s a back and forth game in the fourth, setting the stage for a must-see finish.
LUKA SPLASH FOR 30!
🏆 LAL-MEM • East Group B@emirates NBA Cup on Prime pic.twitter.com/BjWJBeEPql
— NBA (@NBA) November 1, 2025
Double-Trouble ☔️
The Pelicans made a somewhat surprising swap to their starting rotation this week. Rookie Jeremiah Fears made his second start tonight at point guard, with Jordan Poole sliding to the sixth man role. Here we see Poole and Fears both being aggressive and keeping New Orleans afloat against the Clippers.
ZERO.
FEARS.
📺: https://t.co/h08op3krp3 pic.twitter.com/TZgQOn4Dd5
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 1, 2025
JP 🔥
📺: https://t.co/h08op3krp3 pic.twitter.com/UIFzIiIQbX
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) November 1, 2025
Lakers playing from behind ⏳
The second half is underway in Memphis, who took a 69-55 lead into the break over Los Angeles. Both teams are 3-2 on the year, and are hoping to begin NBA Cup play with a win. The Grizzlies hold a strong advantage on the glass, gathering 10 offensive rebounds so far and holding the Lakers to just one. Second chance opportunities could make coming back even more of an uphill battle for LA.
Strong 24 💪 pic.twitter.com/KTnvaVIFG6
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) November 1, 2025
Four down, four to go 🏀
Nuggets @ Trail Blazers – Watch
Bulls Bounce NY for Group C Win ✅
Chicago continues its stellar start to the season, improving to 5-0 with a win over the New York Knicks, 135-125. Ayo Dosunmu had his best game of the year with 22 points and nine assists, but Josh Giddey was the star of the night.
Now in his second season with the team, Giddey is playing at an All-Star pace. He finished the game with 32 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists, which marks a new scoring-high for the year and his fourth double-double in five games. The most important stat is wins, however, which the Bulls are piling up early. It’s the team’s first 5-0 start in 30 years.
BULLS WIN.
BULLS WIN.
BULLS WIN.
BULLS WIN.
BULLS WIN. pic.twitter.com/srrTDqLHxW
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 1, 2025
YOUR 5-0 CHICAGO BULLS!!!!! pic.twitter.com/gUMmabtpg9
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 1, 2025
Joker Vision 🥽
Nikola Jokić’s combination of vision and accuracy as a passer is truly unfair. He enters tonight’s game with 45 assists and four triple-doubles in as many games. This cross-court laser set up Tim Hardaway Jr. for a corner three as the Nuggets grab an early lead.
Jok finds THJ in the corner 👌 pic.twitter.com/NyezfzqvnH
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) November 1, 2025
Hangin’ Out in PHX
Ryan Dunn turns in an early highlight by finishing with authority off of the turnover. The Suns are off to a 1-4 start this year. Tonight, they have a chance to build some momentum against a Jazz team they defeated on Monday in overtime.
Turning defense into offense!
Ryan finishes it off with the SLAM 💪 pic.twitter.com/CRY77HGHKc
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) November 1, 2025
10:01 PM / OCTOBER 31, 2025
Lakers & Grizzlies get underway
Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves waste no time getting in the scoring column Friday. A member of this duo has dropped 40 points in four of the Lakers’ first five games this season!
The Grizzlies could care less however, and it’s Memphis that has jumped out to a 19-16 lead with just over four minutes remaining in the first quarter on Amazon Prime Video.
👋 Hey Luka!
He knocks down the stepback 3 for his first points of the night!
🏆 LAL-MEM • West Group B
📺 @emirates NBA Cup on Prime: https://t.co/lAVgBCLkLz pic.twitter.com/kvM4gJDiGv
— NBA (@NBA) November 1, 2025
Austin Reaves weaving his way to the cup!
The handles… the crossover… the reverse…
🏆 LAL-MEM • West Group B
📺 @emirates NBA Cup on Prime: https://t.co/lAVgBCLkLz pic.twitter.com/vC1GEzvkPA
— NBA (@NBA) November 1, 2025
9:57 PM / OCTOBER 31, 2025
Raptors capitalize on shorthanded Cavaliers, win 112-101
Hot shooting from second-year forward Jamison Battle (20 points, 6-6 3PM) combined with versatile production from Scottie Barnes (14 points, 10 rebounds six assists) and Brandon Ingram (20 points, eight rebounds, five assists) guided the Raptors to a 112-101 victory over Cleveland.
Darius Garland (foot), Donovan Mitchell (hamstring), and Jarrett Allen (finger) were all unavailable for the Cavaliers on Friday — with Garland still ramping up to make his season debut after undergoing offseason toe surgery.
Evan Mobley led all scores with an efficient 29 points (11-17 FG). Jaylon Tyson stepped up in their absence, posting 18 points (7-14 FG), four rebounds, four assists and three blocks. Nonetheless, Cleveland’s offense was their issue Friday, as the team connected on just 39.6% of their shots.
The @Raptors get a WIN in Cleveland as they top the Cavaliers 112-101 and start #EmiratesNBACup Group Play 1-0!
Brandon Ingram: 20 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST
RJ Barrett: 20 PTS, 3 3PT, 3 REB, 2 STL
Jamison Battle: 20 PTS, 6 3PT
Scottie Barnes: 14 PTS, 10 REB, 6 AST
Sandro Mamukelashvili:… pic.twitter.com/fecCTqwmz8
— NBA Canada (@NBACanada) November 1, 2025
4/4 for 12 in 12 mins? Battle hoopin’ styll 🥶🏀 https://t.co/sMalyQXKSB pic.twitter.com/gX59kywC1E
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) November 1, 2025
9:40 PM / OCTOBER 31, 2025
76ers can’t convert, Boston hangs on 109-108
Philadelphia had two chances at game-winning shots, but a Tyrese Maxey floater was too strong and a Joel Embiid 3PA was for naught as the Celtics escape victorious despite being outscored by 10 points in the second half.
Boston committed only nine turnovers compared to 18 for Philadelphia, while Jaylen Brown (32 points) represented the game’s most potent scorer. Tyrese Maxey countered with a booming 26-point, 14-assist double-double — featuring a box score that also included eight rebounds, two steals, two blocks and five turnovers.
Anthony Simons was high-usage off the Boston bench, posting 19 points (7-21 FG), but his inefficiency is overshadowed by a game-best plus-23 net rating. Quentin Grimes countered with 16 points (6-13 FG) off Philadelphia’s bench.
Joel Embiid finished with 20 points, six rebounds and four assists and two blocks in a season-high 25 minutes of action.
JAYLEN BROWN AND THE CELTICS GOT BUSY IN PHILLY 🔥 pic.twitter.com/0cal8bVh54
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 1, 2025
9:29 PM / OCTOBER 31, 2025
Maxey clutch, huge stops defensively — TUNE IN
Philadelphia and Boston have been back-and-forth in the second half on Prime Video, with the latest key moment being the 76ers forcing the Celtics into a foul after a near eight-second violation.
Philadelphia gets the ball back down 109-18 with 12 seconds to play🍿🍿🍿
TYRESE MAXEY CUTS THE LEAD TO 1 🚨@celtics: 109@sixers: 108
20.8 SECONDS LEFT ON PRIME. BOSTON BALL.
WATCH: https://t.co/q8Zh2aG7US
— NBA (@NBA) November 1, 2025
9:13 PM / OCTOBER 31, 2025
Run with the Bulls🚥🚥
Chicago’s hot start to the season continues with a booming first half — ending in a 72-53 advantage over the Knicks.
The Bulls have rained in 47.6% of 21 3PA thus far Friday.
Josh Giddey leads all scorers with 21 points (7-10 FG, 4-5 3PM, 3-4 FT), while Jalen Brunson leads New York’s scoring effort with 14 points (6-14 FG).
JOSH GIDDEY TRIPLE.
MIKAL BRIDGES TRIPLE.
Giddey leads all scorers with 21 as the @chicagobulls have the lead at the break!
🏆 NYK-CHI • East Group C@emirates NBA Cup on NBA League Pass pic.twitter.com/PurkcWU114
— NBA (@NBA) November 1, 2025
9:00 PM / OCTOBER 31, 2025
Game of runs — Cavaliers & Hawks with momentum
Cleveland possesses a 65-62 lead over the Raptors midway through the third qurter, while the Hawks have jumped on the Pacers in the second half to expand a 4-point halftime lead into a commanding 106-87 advantage early in the fourth quarter.
The Hawks began the third quarter on a 22-5 run.
The @cavs run is now 26-6.
Cleveland leads Toronto 64-54 with 6:14 left in the 3Q.@evanmobley has scored 8 of his 18 PTS this period.#LetEmKnow
— Cavs Notes (@CavsNotes) November 1, 2025
Zacch is COOKING in the second half 🥘🍳
He has 13 PTS since the break pic.twitter.com/ik3h2lSSnS
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) November 1, 2025
8:49 PM / OCTOBER 31, 2025
VJ Edgecombe🔥🔥🔥
Rookie sensation VJ Edgecombe continues putting the league on notice.
He’s flying to the bucket en route to 14 points (6-9 FG) as part of an overall sparkling performance that also features five rebounds, five assists and zero turnovers.
The Celtics and 76ers are tied at 75 points each in a thriller on Amazon Prime video to kick off the Emirates NBA Cup.
VJ took off from just inside the foul line 🤯
🏆 BOS-PHI • East Group B
📺 @emirates NBA Cup on Prime: https://t.co/q8Zh2aG7US https://t.co/EfWY2PJU9x pic.twitter.com/Z4b5IS1800
— NBA (@NBA) November 1, 2025
rese to VJ on repeat pic.twitter.com/xsGpsw4ws9
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) November 1, 2025
8:34 PM / OCTOBER 31, 2025
Hub for Emirates NBA Cup content⬇️⬇️
NBA.com is your one-stop shop for everything Emirates NBA Cup.
With Group Play Cup Nights beginning Halloween Friday and finishing Friday, Nov. 28th, seven days of action-packed basketball are coming your way over the next few weeks. The Knockout Rounds and Championship will follow throughout mid-December.
8:21 PM / OCTOBER 31, 2025
Bulls offense is humming
Chicago holds a 26-25 lead over the Knicks approaching the final minute of the first quarter. It’s been a balanced game thus far with no player on either side exceeding seven points.
The Bulls look to move to 5-0 for the first time since the 1996-97 season.
Great ball movement 👏#SeeRed | @CHSN__ pic.twitter.com/K6ApsHd4iP
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 1, 2025
Giddey oop to Matas!@BuzelisMatas | @CHSN__ pic.twitter.com/JtJpw3i3O2
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 1, 2025
8:09 PM / OCTOBER 31, 2025
Hawks doing it on both ends, hold narrow halftime lead.
A balanced team effort has netted the Hawks a 63-59 lead over the Pacers at halftime. Pascal Siakam leads all scorers with 17 points (5-9 FG, 5-8 FT), but Nickeil Alexander-Walker (13 points), Jalen Johnson (12 points) and Dyson Daniels (10 points) have propelled Atlanta’s offense in the absence of Trae Young (knee)
Nonetheless, the Pacers have played aggressively thus far, earning 23 free throws in the first half compared to just 11 for Atlanta, while winning the battle on the glass 33-28.
The Jalen Johnson train runs express from one basket to the other. Routes are active 48 minutes per night 🚇 pic.twitter.com/jWSt7y321F
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) November 1, 2025
Dyson & Nickeil at the point of attack are MENACES 🔒🔒 pic.twitter.com/B4dF0u4WGa
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) November 1, 2025
7:48 PM / OCTOBER 31, 2025
Collin Murray-Boyles making an impression
Raptors’ rookie Collin Murray-Boyles takes on Evan Mobley, eventually earning the bucket.
Murray-Boyles is a defensively-oriented PF/small-ball big, drawing the elusive comparison to Draymond Green. He could have many more battles with Evan Mobley and other premier 4s of the Eastern Conference for years to come.
Smooth 2 from CMB 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/0eFH7vwaGf
— Toronto Raptors (@Raptors) October 31, 2025
7:35 PM / OCTOBER 31, 2025
Boston scorching hot♨️♨️
The Celtics’ jump out with a 38-point first quarter, fueled by 16 points from Jaylen Brown (7-8 FG) and 38.5% shooting as a team on 13 3PA.
Boston leads 38-25 at the quarter-way point on Amazon Prime Video
Back-to-back triples for Derrick White!
🏆 BOS-PHI • East Group B @emirates NBA Cup on Prime pic.twitter.com/vr7Dyt23fv
— NBA (@NBA) October 31, 2025
Neemi said BOO 👻 pic.twitter.com/ESHp2jwTZn
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 31, 2025
7:30 PM / OCTOBER 31, 2025
Mac McClung on the board
After scoring seven points (2-5 FG) in 13 minutes during his career debut Wednesday, McClung returns to hitting some nylon early Friday.
McClung has averaged 20-plus points across three seprate League campaigns, including 25.5 points per game on 50% shooting as his best campaign. Hhis current still in Indiana marks the 26-year-old’s first NBA opportunity.
Mac McClung for three. pic.twitter.com/dIRRj0tcsb
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) October 31, 2025
7:10 PM / OCTOBER 31, 2025
Trading buckets in Philly🤺🤺
Jaylen Brown (13 points, 6-7 FG) is locked in early, going back-and-forth with Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe on a spree of tough buckets.
Joel Embiid leads Philadelphia with eight points (2-3 FG, 3-3 FT).
big fella & 1 😤 pic.twitter.com/ZD9jaT342G
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 31, 2025
Emirates NBA Cup Courts👀👀
30 new courts coming to a screen near you. Check out the styles around the league.
Hornets Halloween🎃🎃
Charlotte’s rookie trio goes for a classic Star Wars Halloween…good thing they can hoop.
Ryan, Kon, and Liam brought the Halloween spirit to @novanthealth Hemby Children’s Hospital this afternoon! 🎃🧡 pic.twitter.com/oKHWpbBmUv
— Charlotte Hornets Community (@hornetcommunity) October 31, 2025
What we know about Friday’s Emirates NBA Cup games
The Celtics take on the 76ers while the Lakers travel to Memphis as headliners on Amazon Prime Video. Luka Dončić (finger/leg) is on track to play, while Austin Reaves (34.2 points on 52.5% shooting through five games) has stepped up and is coming in hot.
The Bulls — tied with Philadelphia for the best record in the Eastern Conference — look to remain undefeated and move to 5-0 against the Knicks.
Halloween features an 8-game slate in total, ending with Jazz vs. Suns, Nuggets vs. Trail Blazers, Pelicans vs. Clippers in the late window.