NBA Notes: Jazz, Darryn Peterson, Lakers, Collin Sexton, Warriors

October 29, 2026

Jazz

Darryn Peterson scored 18 points against the Spurs. When the game needed deciding, though, the Jazz rookie was watching.

Will Hardy pulled the No. 2 overall pick with 2:05 left in regulation and didn’t bring him back for overtime in Wednesday’s 117-111 loss.

“We’ve got to clean up execution,” Hardy said, via Shreyas Laddha of The Salt Lake Tribune. “In those moments of the game, you have to be able to execute the game plan. I think Darryn is making a lot of strides, but in that moment, I felt it was better to go with Brice [Sensabaugh].”

Sensabaugh scored all six of Utah’s overtime points. Hardy said San Antonio’s increased ball pressure disrupted the Jazz’s screening actions, creating a need for someone who could manufacture a shot.

“It just felt like a moment where we needed some one-on-one scoring,” Hardy said.

Naturally, fans want to see the prized rookie get those opportunities. Hardy still has to coach the possessions in front of him.

Lakers

Collin Sexton is perfectly pleasant to talk to. Playing against him appears to be a different experience.

“I feel like I turn into a different person when it’s time to go,” Sexton said, via Melissa Rohlin of the California Post. “Whenever I step between those lines, it’s war time.”

Cavs fans probably don’t need much explanation.

Sexton scored 21 points in Wednesday’s win over the Clippers, helping the Lakers improve to 4-1 without Luka Doncic and Ziaire Williams. His competitive approach has also won over JJ Redick.

“Sometimes it’s hard to get his attention, you know, because he gets locked in, he gets in the zone,” Redick said. “I love the competitive fire.”

Warriors

Steve Kerr would prefer his Warriors stop trying to turn comfortable leads into highlight packages.

Golden State nearly squandered a 24-point advantage Wednesday before beating Minnesota 119-114.

“We smelled blood in the water, and we thought that we needed to make great plays and spectacular plays,” Kerr said, via Ryan Greenberg of NBC Sports Bay Area, “instead of just making solid plays.”

Rookie Yaxel Lendeborg had 26 points and eight rebounds, but also seven turnovers.

“The simple play is the best one,” Kerr said. “We have enough guys already on this team who are going to turn it over.”

Well, at least he knows his personnel.