Victor Wembanyama delivered a career‑best performance, scoring 52 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 112‑111 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. The win improved the Spurs’ record to 6‑2 and marked the first 50‑point, 20‑rebound, five‑block game in 52 years.
Luka Doncic recorded 308 points over his first eight games of the 2026‑27 NBA season, the first player to top 300 points in that span since Michael Jordan in 1988‑89. His performance helped the Los Angeles Lakers defeat the Sacramento Kings 116‑103, marking the team’s seventh win in nine games.
Reigning NBA champions the New York Knicks snapped a three‑game losing streak by defeating the Detroit Pistons 111‑97. After trailing by 13 points after the first quarter, the Knicks surged ahead, limiting the Pistons to just 12 points in the second quarter and securing their first victory of the season.
Kiah Stokes starred with 13 points, eight rebounds and three blocks as the Golden State Valkyries beat the Atlanta Dream 64-55 in Game 5 of the WNBA Finals. The win gave the Valkyries a 3-2 series lead and put them one victory away from their first championship in only their second season.
Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams suffered a serious lower‑leg injury late in the game and was taken off on a stretcher as the team held on for a 108‑101 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. The injury halted play for several minutes, and teammates, including Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander, expressed concern for his health.
LeBron James made his debut for the Philadelphia 76ers, contributing 14 points and seven assists as the team beat the defending champion New York Knicks 106-100 on opening night of the NBA season. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 28 points, while the Knicks’ top scorer was Jalen Brunson with 21 points.
Atlanta Dream secured a 79-65 victory over the Golden State Valkyries in Game 2 of the WNBA Finals, marking the franchise’s first win in a Finals series and tying the best‑of‑seven at 1-1. Angel Reese delivered a dominant performance with 30 points and 16 rebounds, becoming only the third player to record a 30‑point, 15‑rebound game in a Finals series.
Michael Jordan’s jersey from Game 2 of the 1998 NBA Finals, which he wore during his final championship season, was sold for a record £10.6 million ($14 million). The sale, made by Miami investor Ron Firman through Hunt Auctions, sets a new high for basketball memorabilia. The only higher‑priced sports item was Babe Ruth’s 1932 World Series jersey, sold for $24.1 million in 2024.
A’ja Wilson, the 30‑year‑old star of the Las Vegas Aces, was announced as the first five‑time MVP in WNBA history, receiving 65 of 74 first‑place votes. Despite the historic achievement, she declined to participate in the league’s customary pre‑game ceremony, focusing instead on the upcoming semi‑final series against the Golden State Valkyries.
LeBron James made his debut for the Philadelphia 76ers in a pre‑season game, scoring 10 points as the team fell 114-108 to the Brooklyn Nets. James said the squad will need time to gel, but the loss provides a useful sample to build on as they aim for a championship.