NEW YORK, United States, October 13, 2026: The New York Knicks have a championship banner to raise next week, but the Minnesota Timberwolves gave them little reason to celebrate their latest dress rehearsal. Anthony Edwards scored 26 points and LaMelo Ball supplied seven assists as Minnesota beat the defending NBA champions 122-104 at Madison Square Garden on Monday, October 12. The Knicks fell to 0-3 in preseason, while Minnesota improved to 3-1 on a five-game night that also featured victories for the Atlanta Hawks, Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers.
Edwards hit five three-pointers, including a remarkable 36-footer at the halftime buzzer, as Minnesota’s remodeled backcourt showed why it could become a serious Western Conference problem. Elsewhere, Atlanta survived Oklahoma City’s rookie-led challenge, Brooklyn remained unbeaten behind Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle, Utah’s Darryn Peterson continued his promising development, and Portland overwhelmed the London Lions by 53 points. With the regular season beginning October 20, the results offered a revealing look at roster chemistry, emerging talent and the questions several contenders still need to answer.
NBA Preseason Results: All Five Games on October 12, 2026
The five games produced contrasting stories, from Atlanta’s three-point escape to Portland’s commanding performance against British opposition.
| Winning Team | Losing Team | Final Score | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Timberwolves | New York Knicks | 122-104 | Madison Square Garden, New York |
| Atlanta Hawks | Oklahoma City Thunder | 113-110 | State Farm Arena, Atlanta |
| Brooklyn Nets | Washington Wizards | 131-122 | Capital One Arena, Washington |
| Utah Jazz | San Antonio Spurs | 119-109 | Delta Center, Salt Lake City |
| Portland Trail Blazers | London Lions | 119-66 | Moda Center, Portland |
The official NBA schedule and results archive confirms all five games as preseason contests. These results do not count toward regular-season standings.
Edwards and Ball Find Their Rhythm as Champion Knicks Lose Another Step
Minnesota Timberwolves 122, New York Knicks 104
Minnesota’s trip to Madison Square Garden carried an intriguing subplot: a rebuilt Timberwolves offense testing itself against the reigning champions.
Anthony Edwards answered emphatically.
The All-Star guard scored 26 points in 25 minutes, shooting 8-of-16 from the field and 5-of-8 from three-point range. His extraordinary 36-foot three-pointer at the halftime buzzer pushed Minnesota’s advantage to 12 points and gave the visitors control of the evening.
LaMelo Ball contributed 10 points and seven assists in 22 minutes. His five turnovers showed that Minnesota’s new partnership still requires refinement, but his ability to initiate offense created opportunities for Edwards to operate away from the ball.
That development could be more valuable to Minnesota than any individual preseason victory.
Edwards has repeatedly carried substantial responsibility as both primary scorer and offensive creator. Ball gives the Timberwolves another player capable of controlling possessions, advancing the ball quickly and locating teammates before opposing defenses settle.
We previously examined this dynamic in The Sports Encounter’s analysis of how LaMelo Ball changes Minnesota’s offense. Monday provided another glimpse of that partnership functioning against high-profile opposition.
McDaniels Joins Minnesota’s Three-Point Barrage
Jaden McDaniels supplied 22 points, including four three-pointers on five attempts. His shooting gave the Timberwolves another perimeter threat alongside Edwards and prevented the Knicks from treating Minnesota’s backcourt as their only significant offensive concern.
For New York, Jalen Brunson led the scoring with 20 points, five rebounds and three steals. He remained productive individually, but the Knicks struggled to generate the sustained team offense needed to keep pace with Minnesota.
The defending champions have now lost three consecutive preseason games. Their championship pedigree remains intact, although the results highlight how difficult it can be to rebuild offensive rhythm before a new season.
New York’s achievement in June still deserves proper perspective. The franchise ended a 53-year championship drought, with Brunson leading the decisive victory over San Antonio. Our 2026 NBA Finals championship report revisits that breakthrough.
The latest defeat does not erase that accomplishment. It does, however, raise a practical question for coach Mike Brown: how quickly can his team recover its offensive coordination before the games begin counting?
Atlanta’s Young Guns Have the Final Word Against Oklahoma City
Atlanta Hawks 113, Oklahoma City Thunder 110
The night’s closest game produced a spirited contest between players competing for larger roles on two ambitious rosters.
Atlanta edged Oklahoma City 113-110 after a fourth quarter featuring eight lead changes. Across the game, the teams traded the lead 15 times and finished tied on 10 occasions.
With much of Oklahoma City’s primary rotation unavailable, the Thunder gave extended opportunities to their developing players.
Rookie Bennett Stirtz made the strongest scoring impression, delivering 26 points, five assists and six three-pointers. Fellow rookie Aday Mara contributed 17 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and four blocked shots.
Mara’s performance was particularly interesting because it combined interior presence with playmaking. Those six assists suggest a potentially useful offensive dimension for a young center, although consistent production against regular NBA rotations remains the larger test.
Asa Newell Delivers Atlanta’s Decisive Late Response
Atlanta received balanced contributions from its supporting cast.
Jock Landale finished with 17 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 16 points, six rebounds and five assists.
But Asa Newell supplied the final decisive intervention. The Hawks forward scored consecutive Atlanta baskets during the final 1:11, putting his team ahead for good.
Newell finished with seven points and 10 rebounds. His late production mattered far more than his modest scoring total might suggest.
The result also illustrates why preseason records require interpretation. Oklahoma City lost, but several young players demonstrated useful skills while the franchise rested much of its established rotation.
The Thunder’s wider championship outlook was examined in our analysis of the 2026-27 NBA championship race, which also considered the outlook for San Antonio and New York.
Brooklyn’s New Offense Keeps Rolling, but Washington’s Rookie Makes Noise
Brooklyn Nets 131, Washington Wizards 122
The Brooklyn Nets continued their unbeaten preseason with a 131-122 victory over Washington, improving to 3-0.
Michael Porter Jr. led Brooklyn with 22 points, shooting 8-of-13 from the field. Julius Randle added 14 points and nine assists, demonstrating how his passing can help coordinate an offense with several capable scorers.
Nolan Traore supplied 17 points, while Keon Ellis and Noah Clowney contributed 15 apiece.
Brooklyn led 73-72 at halftime before outscoring Washington 30-22 in the third quarter. That period proved decisive, giving the Nets a nine-point advantage entering the fourth.
The Nets’ offensive distribution deserves attention. They scored 131 points without requiring Porter to dominate every possession, and Randle’s nine assists illustrated his potential value as a facilitator.
Moritz Wagner also produced 13 points and five rebounds off the bench. His arrival formed part of the roster developments previously covered in our report on Brooklyn’s signing of Wagner and Washington’s injury concerns.
AJ Dybantsa Shows Why Washington’s Future Commands Attention
Washington’s defeat still contained encouraging individual performances.
Top draft pick AJ Dybantsa scored 14 points, collected four rebounds and distributed three assists.
His most exciting passage came during the third quarter, when he followed an emphatic putback with a steal and breakaway dunk on consecutive possessions.
Kyshawn George led Washington with 21 points, while Bilal Coulibaly added 19. Trae Young contributed 11 points and 11 assists.
Washington has considerable offensive talent, but fitting its experienced playmakers around Dybantsa’s development remains an important challenge.
Our earlier examination of the NBA’s biggest offseason gambles highlighted the substantial roster changes affecting both Minnesota and Washington.
For Brooklyn, three preseason victories provide encouraging evidence of offensive potential. For Washington, the question is whether its developing pieces can convert individual scoring bursts into more consistent team execution.
Peterson Impresses as Utah Overpowers a Short-Handed Spurs Team
Utah Jazz 119, San Antonio Spurs 109
The Utah Jazz improved to 2-1 in preseason with a 119-109 victory over a significantly depleted San Antonio team.
Darryn Peterson, the No. 2 selection in the 2026 NBA Draft, led Utah with 14 points and five assists. He shot 5-of-10 from the field and continued showing the attacking confidence that makes him an important part of Utah’s rebuilding project.
Jaren Jackson Jr. delivered 13 points, while Keyonte George added 13 and Lauri Markkanen contributed 11.
The game’s crucial separation came in the third quarter. Utah outscored San Antonio 31-17, taking a 99-78 lead into the final period.
San Antonio responded with a 31-point fourth quarter, but its late improvement could only reduce the margin.
Without Wembanyama, the Spurs’ Defeat Needs Context
San Antonio entered the game without several important regulars, including Victor Wembanyama, Stephon Castle, Dylan Harper and Devin Vassell. De’Aaron Fox and Carter Bryant were also unavailable amid previously reported injury concerns.
The absence of so many established players makes it difficult to draw meaningful conclusions about the Spurs’ likely regular-season starting unit.
Rookie Ja’Kobi Gillespie nevertheless seized his opportunity, scoring 25 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter. Harrison Barnes added 19.
Gillespie’s production gave San Antonio a valuable positive takeaway even as the team slipped to 0-3 in preseason.
The Spurs have an unusually compelling recent history with New York after their defeat in the 2026 NBA Finals. Our analysis of the Knicks’ extraordinary Finals comeback explored some of the execution problems San Antonio faced under championship pressure.
Those postseason lessons remain relevant, but Monday’s exhibition was primarily an opportunity to assess depth while key players sat out.
Utah, meanwhile, used a combination of established NBA contributors and young talent to control much of the contest. Its offensive variety could make the Jazz significantly more competitive if the new combinations develop consistent chemistry.
Portland’s 53-Point Rout Gives London a Harsh NBA Reality Check
Portland Trail Blazers 119, London Lions 66
The Portland Trail Blazers produced the largest winning margin of the night, overwhelming the London Lions 119-66 at Moda Center.
Portland established control immediately, taking the opening quarter 34-21 before dominating the second 38-12.
By halftime, the Trail Blazers led 72-33. Their advantage had increased to 100-49 after three quarters.
Scoot Henderson and Toumani Camara each scored 14 points, while Sidy Cissoko and Yang Hansen added 13 apiece.
Henderson’s shooting was particularly efficient. He converted four of five three-point attempts while adding three assists and two steals.
Ja Morant’s Playmaking Offers Another Glimpse of Portland’s Possibilities
Ja Morant finished with five points and five assists in approximately 14 minutes.
His passing offered an early indication of the creative dimension he could add to Portland’s offense, including imaginative passes that produced scoring opportunities for teammates.
Hansen supplied 13 points, four rebounds and four assists, providing another encouraging performance for the Trail Blazers’ developing frontcourt.
The result also carried significance beyond Portland’s preparations.
The London Lions, representing British professional basketball, received an opportunity to measure themselves against NBA opposition.
The visitors struggled with Portland’s pace, athleticism and offensive execution, particularly during the decisive second quarter.
In its official account of the landmark matchup, the London club emphasized the significance of competing against an NBA team despite the heavy defeat.
Portland moved to 2-0 in preseason. Its 53-point victory showed the effectiveness of its offensive execution against this particular opponent, although NBA competition will provide a much tougher measure of how well its remodeled roster fits together.
What October 12 Actually Tells Us About the NBA Season Ahead
Five preseason results cannot establish a championship hierarchy. They can, however, expose meaningful differences in preparation and development.
| Team | Encouraging Sign | Unanswered Question |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | Edwards and Ball are developing an effective scoring and playmaking partnership. | Can they maintain efficiency and limit turnovers against elite defenses? |
| Atlanta | Supporting players produced under late-game pressure. | How much of that contribution will carry into the regular rotation? |
| Brooklyn | Multiple scorers are benefiting from Randle’s passing and offensive organization. | Can the Nets sustain their offensive production against full-strength opponents? |
| Utah | Peterson and the new-look supporting cast are showing offensive promise. | Can the Jazz maintain that production against stronger defensive lineups? |
| Portland | Depth, passing and perimeter shooting overwhelmed London. | Will the same offensive approach withstand established NBA competition? |
The biggest positive development came from Minnesota, where the partnership between Edwards and Ball continued to progress.
Brooklyn’s unbeaten start deserves attention because its scoring came from several players. Atlanta’s victory showed how valuable late-game contributions from its supporting cast can become. Utah provided another glimpse of its young talent, while Portland demonstrated encouraging offensive depth.
The Knicks and Spurs have different reasons to remain cautious about interpreting their defeats. New York is working to regain its rhythm, while San Antonio rested a substantial portion of its principal rotation.
These are early indicators. Their importance will become clearer once the teams begin playing full-strength basketball in games that count.
What Comes Next? NBA Preseason Fixtures and Opening Night
Several of Monday’s teams return to action quickly.
| Date | Matchup | What to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| October 13 | New York Knicks at Toronto Raptors | New York’s depth and preparation after three preseason defeats. |
| October 13 | Indiana Pacers at Oklahoma City Thunder | Further rotation and player-development decisions. |
| October 13 | Portland Trail Blazers at Sacramento Kings | Portland’s offensive combinations against NBA opposition. |
| October 14 | Brooklyn Nets at Miami Heat | Whether Brooklyn can sustain its unbeaten preseason. |
| October 14 | Detroit Pistons at Minnesota Timberwolves | Further assessment of Minnesota’s new lineup and supporting cast. |
| October 14 | Phoenix Suns at San Antonio Spurs | Potential returns of rested Spurs regulars and further depth evaluation. |
| October 16 | Utah Jazz at Phoenix Suns | Utah’s final preseason lineup evaluations. |
The regular season begins October 20, with the Philadelphia 76ers visiting the Knicks and Oklahoma City traveling to San Antonio among the opening-night attractions.
Our complete 2026-27 NBA schedule guide explains the major games, opening-night matchups and important dates.
New York’s home opener also brings the anticipated Philadelphia debut of LeBron James. Read our preview of LeBron’s 76ers debut against the Knicks for the broader significance of that matchup.
NBA Preseason October 12, 2026: Frequently Asked Questions
How many NBA preseason games were played on October 12, 2026?
Five games were played. Minnesota, Atlanta, Brooklyn, Utah and Portland recorded victories.
Who scored the most points in the October 12 games?
Anthony Edwards of Minnesota and Bennett Stirtz of Oklahoma City each scored 26 points, the highest individual totals of the five-game slate.
What happened between the Timberwolves and Knicks?
Minnesota defeated New York 122-104 at Madison Square Garden. Edwards scored 26 points, LaMelo Ball contributed 10 points and seven assists, and Jaden McDaniels added 22 points.
How did the Brooklyn Nets remain unbeaten?
Brooklyn beat Washington 131-122 behind Michael Porter Jr.’s 22 points and Julius Randle’s 14 points and nine assists. The Nets improved to 3-0 in preseason.
Who decided the Hawks-Thunder game?
Asa Newell scored consecutive late baskets to put Atlanta ahead for good in its 113-110 victory. The game featured 15 lead changes and 10 ties.
Did Victor Wembanyama play against the Utah Jazz?
No. Wembanyama was among several important San Antonio players who sat out the 119-109 preseason loss to Utah.
How did Ja Morant perform against the London Lions?
Morant scored five points and recorded five assists in approximately 14 minutes as Portland defeated London 119-66.
When does the 2026-27 NBA regular season begin?
The regular season begins Tuesday, October 20, 2026, with an opening-night tripleheader.
Final Verdict: The Championship Is Still New York’s, but Minnesota Has Momentum
The Knicks will begin the new campaign as defending champions, and a winless preseason cannot undo what they accomplished in June.
Yet Monday belonged to a Minnesota team whose offensive future looks increasingly interesting. Edwards supplied the scoring, Ball brought another layer of creativity, and McDaniels demonstrated how dangerous their partnership becomes when supporting players make their shots.
Atlanta discovered late-game contributors, Brooklyn extended its unbeaten start, Utah found encouragement in its young players, and Portland enjoyed a comfortable afternoon against international opposition.
Some results will fade quickly once the regular season begins. Others may prove to be early evidence of developments that matter for months.
For New York, the immediate task is recovering its rhythm before the championship banner rises. For Minnesota, the more exciting question is how much better Edwards and Ball can become together.
For additional game reports, player analysis and championship coverage throughout the 2026-27 season, follow The Sports Encounter’s NBA coverage.
Reporting note: Results, player statistics and significant game sequences were checked against official NBA reporting and game records. The article’s tactical observations and future implications are The Sports Encounter’s editorial analysis. For additional official context, see the NBA’s October 13 preseason review.