Luka Doncic outshone Victor Wembanyama as the Los Angeles Lakers edged San Antonio 118-116 on Wednesday, improving to 7-2 while awaiting LeBron James’ season debut. The Slovenian star finished with 35 points, 13 assists, nine rebounds, five steals, and two blocks in a tense finish at Crypto.com Arena.

Wembanyama led the Spurs with 19 points, eight rebounds, and three assists, while Stephon Castle and Jeremy Sochan added 16 each. Foul trouble hampered the French phenom, who fouled out with 1:40 remaining, leaving San Antonio unable to capitalise on a late inbounds mishap. “They have an amazing team… to come back with Reaves and LeBron out, it’s unbelievable,” said Doncic.

In Portland, the Trail Blazers erased a 22-point deficit to stun the previously undefeated Oklahoma City Thunder 121-119, ending their 8-0 start. Deni Avdija narrowly missed a triple-double with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists, while Jrue Holiday scored 22, including the go-ahead jump shot at 6:44 remaining. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander finished with 35 points for OKC, who led by 22 in the first quarter.

The Brooklyn Nets earned their first win of the season, defeating an injury-depleted Indiana Pacers 112-103. Michael Porter Jr. led five double-figure scorers with 32 points and 11 rebounds, while Nic Claxton contributed 18 points, 10 boards, six assists, three steals, and two blocks. Pascal Siakam recorded 23 points and 10 assists for Indiana.

Elsewhere, the New York Knicks scored 83 second-half points to beat Minnesota 137-114, spoiling Anthony Edwards’ return. Nikola Jokic posted another triple-double with 33 points, 15 rebounds, and 16 assists as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat 122-112, despite losing Bam Adebayo to injury. Donovan Mitchell led the Cleveland Cavaliers with 46 points in a 132-121 win over Philadelphia.