For LeBron James’ first game of the season, the Los Angeles Lakers held their own against Utah, while the San Antonio Spurs won without Victor Wembanyama and the Detroit Pistons are now up to 11 wins in a row.
“King James” is back. Indeed, absent since the start of the season to treat sciatica, LeBron James made his return to competition last night during the Los Angeles Lakers’ victory against Utah (140-126). Jostled at first (the Jazz led 71-67 at the break), the teammates of the man who made history a little more by playing a 23rd season in a row in the NBA (one more than Vince Carter) reacted during the 3rd quarter (37-22) and then managed their lead.
Facing Keyonte George (34 points and 8 assists) and Lauri Markkanen (31 points), the Lakers made the difference thanks in particular to Luka Doncic (37 points and 10 assists), Austin Reaves (26 points), Deandre Ayton (20 points and 14 rebounds) and even James, author of 11 points and 12 assists for his return (in just under 30 minutes of play).
Spurs ensure without “Wemby”
A little earlier, while San Antonio will have to do without Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle for a while, the Spurs still managed to win against Memphis (111-101), on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday. If the score was close at the Frost Bank Center before the start of the 4th and final quarter (87-86 in favor of the visitors), the Texans stepped on the accelerator during the last 12 minutes (25-14) and thus obtained their 10th success of the season in 14 meetings.
For this, the Spurs were able to count on De’Aaron Fox (26 points, including 22 after the break), Harrison Barnes (23 points) and Keldon Johnson (18 points and 7 rebounds). Without “Wemby”, like against the Sacramento Kings, the Spurs signed a second victory in a row, while opposite, deprived of Ja Morant, the Grizzlies suffered a fifth defeat in a row.
And 11 for the Pistons
In the East, Detroit’s very good series continued. Indeed, after obtaining a 10th success in a row the day before, the Pistons won in Atlanta (120-112) and are now 11 games without defeat. Absent for three games, Cade Cunningham was back and stood out on the Hawks floor (25 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists), as did Jalen Duren (24 points and 8 rebounds).
After two good first quarters (67-54 at the break), the Pistons kept the locals at a sufficient gap, despite another good performance from Jalen Johnson (25 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists), who was well supported by Nickeil Alexander-Walker (24 points). With this 11th success in a row, Detroit obviously retains the lead in the Eastern Conference and increases its lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers, who will host the Houston Rockets next night.
BASKETBALL – NBA / REGULAR SEASON
Tuesday November 18, 2025
Magic of Orlando – Golden State Warriors: 121-113
Atlanta Falcons – Detroit Pistons : 112-120
Brooklyn Nets – Boston Celtics : 99-113
San Antonio Spurs – Memphis Grizzlies: 111-101
Los Angeles Lakers – Utah Jazz: 140-126
Portland Trail Blazers – Phoenix Suns : 110-127
