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Publication by EssentiallySports |
October 21, 2026 | Edition #522 |
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Hey NBA Fans, |
LeBron got into a heated argument with a Knicks fan, Wemby lost his cool in a fiery showdown with OKC, and Bronny James became the target of a brutal roast on New York’s banner night. Meanwhile, Boston’s season opener has fans pointing fingers, and Michael Jordan once turned a shooting challenge into a high-stakes showdown involving two luxury cars. MJ really couldn’t let anyone have a peaceful day! |
Let’s tip things off… |
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One NBA Player Dished Out 30 Assists in a Single Game. No One Has Matched That Mark Since. Can You Name Him? |
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YESTERDAY’S POLL RESULTS |
We asked why the Los Angeles Lakers are called the Lakers, and Dunk readers clearly know their franchise history! |
A whopping 94.7% got it right: the franchise originally played in Minneapolis, Minnesota, before moving to Los Angeles in 1960. The name came from Minnesota’s nickname, the “Land of 10,000 Lakes.” |
Here’s a fun bit of history: the Minneapolis Lakers were already a powerhouse before Hollywood came calling. Led by center George Mikan, they won five championships between 1949 and 1954, including the 1949 BAA title and four NBA championships. That winning legacy followed them to LA, where the franchise eventually became one of basketball’s biggest names. |
As for the other answers, California’s beaches, a Hollywood producer, and the team’s first championship each received just 1.8% of the vote. |
Looks like we’ve got some serious NBA historians in the Dunk crew! |
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Wemby’s WORST Shooting Nights |
Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs opened their 2026-27 campaign with a 116-104 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. But the most shocking number of the night was Wemby’s shooting line. |
The 7-foot-4 star made just 1 of 13 field-goal attempts, shooting 7.7% from the field. He still finished with 12 points, 13 rebounds, and six blocks, with 10 of his points coming at the free-throw line. |
And yes, the Thunder have seen Wemby struggle before. |
8% vs. Thunder (2026): 1-of-13 20% vs. Thunder (2024): 1-of-5 23% vs. Mavericks (2024): 3-of-13 24% at Rockets (2026): 5-of-21 25% at Raptors (2026): 3-of-12
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One thing is certain: opening night was a rough one for Wemby. The good news? You only need one game to turn things around. |
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ADAY MARA JUST ANNOUNCED HIMSELF! |
Aday Mara couldn't have picked a better way to introduce himself to the NBA! |
The Oklahoma City Thunder rookie met Victor Wembanyama at the rim and swatted away the Spurs star's alley-oop attempt. But Mara wasn't done making a statement. He raced down the other end, got on the receiving end of an alley-oop from Ajay Mitchell, and hammered it home! |
That's a block on one of the league's most intimidating players, followed by a dunk of his own on the very next possession. Talk about a two-way highlight! |
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NBA SEASON OPENER: THREE GAMES, THREE BIG STORYLINES! |
The 2026-27 NBA season is officially underway, and opening night wasted absolutely no time delivering chaos. One team blew a massive lead, another had its championship celebration spoiled, and Victor Wembanyama had a night to forget against OKC. Here's how it all went down! |
Pistons 121, Celtics 113: Detroit Pulls Off a HUGE Comeback |
Boston looked firmly in control after building a 22-point lead, but Detroit had other plans. The Pistons stormed back with a stunning 23-0 run to flip the game and seal the win at home. |
Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren scored 22 points each, while Duncan Robinson added 21 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter. Paul George also had an impressive Celtics debut, scoring 38 points, but it wasn't enough to save Boston. |
76ers 106, Knicks 100: LeBron Spoils the Party |
New York raised its championship banner and handed out rings before tip-off. Then Philadelphia showed up and ruined the celebration! |
Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 28 points, while LeBron James made his Philadelphia debut with 14 points and nine rebounds. Jaylen Brown added 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists as the Sixers walked out of Madison Square Garden with the win. |
Thunder 116, Spurs 104: Wemby Has a Nightmare Opener |
Oklahoma City began its title defense with a statement win over San Antonio in a rematch of last season's Western Conference Finals. |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the way with 32 points, while Jared McCain added 20 points, including six three-pointers. Wembanyama, meanwhile, struggled badly from the field, making just 1 of 13 shots for 12 points. He did contribute 13 rebounds and six blocks, but the Spurs couldn't overcome OKC. |
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Thank you for reading the latest edition of Essentially Dunk |
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As always, we appreciate your honest feedback. So please tell us… |
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Did You Enjoy This Edition? |
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