NBA roundup: Doncic leads Lakers past Warriors as Edwards shines against Heat

Luka Doncic scored 28 points and Walker Kessler added an impressive 26 as the Los Angeles Lakers began life after LeBron James with a dominant 127-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday.

Doncic, who arrived from Dallas in February 2025, has become the undisputed leader of the Lakers following James’ move to Philadelphia as a free agent in July. The 27-year-old Slovenian made his championship ambitions clear in a full-page advertisement in the Los Angeles Times, telling fans: “Tonight we start our run for a championship.”

He delivered on that promise with an outstanding performance against the Warriors, who were led by veteran Stephen Curry’s 23 points. Doncic also responded to some trash talk from rookie Yaxel Lendeborg by hitting a spectacular half-court three-pointer at the first-half buzzer.

The Lakers dominated the contest, establishing a lead of as many as 35 points.

“It was just how everybody played,” Doncic said. “I think first quarter our defense wasn’t that good, but then after that we just locked in and I think everybody had fun.”

Walker Kessler, acquired from Utah in July, enjoyed a remarkable Lakers debut. He made all 12 of his field-goal attempts, including 10 dunks, to finish with 26 points.

“What he did today was unbelievable for us,” Doncic said.

Edwards Powers Timberwolves Past Heat

Anthony Edwards delivered a sensational 45-point performance as the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Miami Heat 131-106, spoiling Giannis Antetokounmpo’s debut for Miami.

Edwards joined Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan as the only players to record multiple 40-point performances in season openers. He also linked up effectively with new teammate LaMelo Ball, who joined Minnesota from Charlotte during the offseason.

Edwards added 10 rebounds and three assists while making nine of Minnesota’s 21 three-pointers. Ball contributed 21 points, including five shots from beyond the arc.

“At this point, me and him are gonna be like best friends,” Edwards told ESPN before sharing a hug with Ball during an on-court interview.

Antetokounmpo, who spent 13 seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks and won an NBA championship and two MVP awards, made an impressive start individually. The Greek forward scored 35 points and grabbed six rebounds, shooting 13 of 19 from the field.

However, the Heat struggled to contain Minnesota despite their high expectations following Antetokounmpo’s arrival.

“We’re going to have to step up our defense,” Erik Spoelstra said, admitting Miami’s offensive performance “did not look like us.”

Davis Leads Wizards to Victory

Anthony Davis made a winning debut for the Washington Wizards, scoring 34 points and collecting 12 rebounds in a 128-118 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.

Acquired from Dallas in a blockbuster trade nine months earlier, Davis returned after recovering from hand and groin injuries. His performance delighted Washington fans, who chanted “MVP!” during the game.

The result provided a welcome boost for the Wizards after their league-worst 17-65 campaign last season. The team had also suffered a setback when top draft pick AJ Dybantsa sustained an ankle injury in the pre-season finale.

Trae Young contributed 20 points and 13 assists, helping Washington secure its first season-opening victory since 2022. Young had played just five games for the team last season because of injury.

For Milwaukee, Tyler Herro led the scoring with 24 points, while Jaime Jaquez Jr. added 22. Both players arrived in the trade that sent Antetokounmpo to Miami.

Leonard Returns as Raptors Rout Bulls

The Toronto Raptors marked Kawhi Leonard’s return with a commanding 135-92 victory over the Chicago Bulls.

Leonard, who led Toronto to its first NBA championship in 2019, returned to the franchise following a trade from the LA Clippers. The deal had been delayed by a league investigation that found the Clippers and Leonard had violated salary-cap circumvention rules, resulting in significant penalties for the club.

Leonard scored 23 points despite making just five of his 17 field-goal attempts, converting all 11 of his free throws. Scottie Barnes and Immanuel Quickley also finished with 23 points apiece.

Toronto controlled the game from the opening tip and built a lead of as many as 48 points in a comprehensive victory.

Haliburton Makes Emotional Return

The Indiana Pacers edged the New Orleans Pelicans 123-120 as Tyrese Haliburton returned to action after tearing his right Achilles tendon in Game Seven of the 2025 NBA Finals.

Haliburton finished with 23 points and 12 assists, scoring 13 points in the fourth quarter. He also delivered the decisive basket with a driving finish with 1:23 remaining.

The guard became emotional during his postgame interview as he reflected on his return to the court.

“It means a lot to be back out here,” Haliburton said, wiping away tears.

Irving Returns as Rockets Beat Mavericks

Kyrie Irving made his first appearance in more than 19 months after recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament, scoring 15 points for the Dallas Mavericks in a 128-110 loss to the Houston Rockets.

Kevin Durant and Jabari Smith Jr. each scored 30 points to lead Houston to its first victory of the season.