NBA

Ayton Goes 10-for-10 as Lakers Beat Raptors, Adds Rare Stat Line

Deandre Ayton
January 2026

Ayton posted 25 points on 10-for-10 shooting with 13 rebounds to power a 110-93 Lakers win, joining a small group of Lakers to hit 10 shots without a miss with 10-plus rebounds. With Toronto undersized, the Lakers repeatedly fed Ayton on lobs and close finishes, keeping all attempts inside eight feet; Redick emphasised rewarding bigs who screen and roll, while Doncic said Ayton’s focus on both ends raises the team’s ceiling heading into a long road trip.

Durant Passes Nowitzki for Sixth on NBA All-Time Scoring List

Kevin Durant
January 2026

Durant scored 18 points to move past Nowitzki into sixth on the NBA all-time scoring list, now sitting just behind Michael Jordan. Durant entered needing 17 points, reached the mark, and sealed the milestone with late free throws in a 119-110 win, then credited Nowitzki as a personal idol and rival from earlier in his career.

Franz Wagner Says Berlin Return Was Special, Now Focused on London Game

Franz Wagner
January 2026

Wagner described relief after returning from a high ankle sprain to play in Berlin, saying the moment mattered and he feels good heading into the London matchup. He accelerated his rehab target around the Germany game, acknowledged rust is normal after injury, and credited the difficulty of replicating NBA speed during rehab as he settles back into form.

Morant Could Return in London as Grizzlies Dismiss Trade Noise

Ja Morant
January 2026

Iisalo said there is a good chance Morant plays against Orlando in London after practicing fully, while the team downplayed ongoing trade speculation and focused on results. Morant’s availability hinges on how his calf responds overnight, with Memphis aiming to stabilise after poor form; Orlando came in boosted by Franz Wagner’s return from a high ankle sprain and the lift of playing in Europe.

Kings Beat Wizards 128-115 as Sabonis Returns, Westbrook Heats Up

Domantas Sabonis/ Sacramento Kings
January 2026

Kings won 128-115 for a fourth straight win, with Sabonis returning from a knee injury and Westbrook leading scoring. Washington lost again and Trae Young remains out with knee and quad issues. Sacramento jumped ahead with a huge first quarter, stabilised after a messy second, then won the third-quarter margin to control the finish. Sabonis provided efficient minutes off the bench, while Westbrook’s three-point shooting powered the offense.

Lakers Set a “Blueprint” Game After Kings Loss but Consistency Still the Problem

Los Angeles Lakers
January 2026

Lakers produced their most complete performance with season-high threes and assists, but the same volatility showed up with turnovers and mid-game lapses, raising the consistency question again. A pregame meeting reset focus, stars drove playmaking, then fatigue and pace triggered a shaky stretch before a big fourth-quarter close, with Redick pointing to daily commitment as the gap between ceiling games and week-to-week reliability.

Giannis and Wembanyama Talk Longevity After Scare as Spurs Rout Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo
January 2026

Antetokounmpo praised Wembanyama as the league’s future but stressed health, after Wembanyama briefly left following a knee-to-knee collision and ongoing concerns about how often he hits the floor. The focus is injury prevention and adapting style under physical targeting, with Wembanyama describing the mental shift from protecting to accepting contact, while Giannis explained how experience and strength helped him stay efficient and upright over time.

Knicks Rule Jalen Brunson Out vs Warriors With Right Ankle Sprain

Jalen Brunson
January 2026

Brunson will miss the Warriors game and is listed day-to-day with a right ankle sprain after getting hurt against Sacramento. He went down while dribbling in the first quarter, left to the locker room, and did not return. The Knicks will monitor recovery given prior ankle issues this season.

Cavs’ Darius Garland Hurts Right Foot Again, Doubtful for Rematch

Darius Garland
January 2026

Garland suffered a right-foot injury and is doubtful for Friday, with Cleveland also listing Merrill doubtful due to a hand injury. Garland was hurt diving for a loose ball in the third quarter after earlier scoring efficiently. Team reaction suggested concern but not immediate panic, pending further evaluation

Jalen Brunson Out After First-Quarter Right Ankle Injury

Jalen Brunson
January 2026

Brunson missed the final three quarters with a right ankle injury and was ruled out for the second half. He appeared to roll or give way on the ankle while dribbling early, went to the locker room, and did not return after being listed questionable.