Boomers wing Matisse Thybulle had a front-row seat to one of the NBA's great individual performances as Los Angeles Lakers superstar Luka Doncic spearheaded a thrilling win over Utah.
Doncic scored a season-high 52 points, including eight three-pointers, and made several crucial buckets late in the final period as the Lakers prevailed 132-123 on Sunday (Monday AEDT).
Doncic also had 10 assists and seven rebounds, while Austin Reaves added 29 points for the unbeaten Lakers (3-0).
Teammate Thybulle produced 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting to go with three steals, one assist and one block.
Walker Kessler had only two points and seven rebounds in his first game back in Utah after being sent to Los Angeles in a sign-and-trade deal in July.
Lauri Markkanen scored 28 points to lead the Jazz, who blew an 18-point second-quarter lead.
Doncic's huge performance came on the same night some Oklahoma City players were moved to the brink of tears when Jalen Williams was taken off the court on a stretcher with a serious lower leg injury.
Williams was injured while being fouled with 1:14 remaining in the Thunder's game against the Los Angeles Clippers, which they went on to win 108-101.
"Just feel bad for him," Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander said in a post-game televised interview, fighting back tears as he spoke.
"Nothing more than that."
There was no immediate diagnosis from the Thunder, though it was clear 2025 All-Star shooting guard Williams' injury was severe.
"We're not doing great," Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said.
Elsewhere, defending champions New York's winless start to the new season continued when they faltered late in the final quarter of a 111-102 defeat to the Orlando Magic.
The Knicks fell to 0-3 -- the first time a reigning champion have opened a title defence with three straight losses since the Dallas Mavericks in 2011/12.
Cade Cunningham's 26 points helped the visiting Detroit Pistons beat the Philadelphia 76ers 106-93 to maintain their unbeaten start to the new season.
LeBron James had 18 points for the 76ers, who suffered their first defeat of the campaign.
Toronto Raptors star Kawhi Leonard was held out of a 117-94 loss to the unbeaten Minnesota Timberwolves because of swelling in his left knee.
The 35-year-old, a seven-time All-Star and two-time finals MVP, has been hampered by knee trouble throughout his decorated 15-year career.
