SPORTS SECTION E
Thursday, November 20, 2025
Ayton has double double as ‘King James’ begins record 23rd NBA season By GREG BEACHAM AP Sports Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — LeBron James certainly didn’t look like he had been away from an NBA court for nearly seven months when he began his unprecedented 23rd season Tuesday night — even if his burning lungs told him otherwise. After reaching another landmark in what is now officially the longest career in league history, James was not at all surprised to return from his lengthy injury absence by fitting in seamlessly with the surging Los Angeles Lakers in yet another victory. James had 11 points, 12 assists and three rebounds while starting and playing 29 minutes in the Lakers’ 140-126 win over the Utah Jazz, kicking off his new season with an impressive
playmaking performance. “The pace tested me, but I was happy with the way I was able to go with the guys,” James said. “As the game went on, my wind got a lot better. Caught my second wind, caught my third wind. Rhythm is still coming back, obviously. First game in almost seven months, so everything that happened tonight was to be expected.” James didn’t score in his first 11 minutes on court, but soon found his rhythm. After hitting a pair of 3-pointers in the second quarter, he recorded eight assists in the second half — including six in just over three minutes early in the fourth quarter. Deandre Ayton, who contributed a double double, was visibly impressed by James’ passing during his first chance to play in a
game alongside his new teammate. The Lakers’ new centre noted that the alley-oop pass he threw down for a dunk was actually the second lob he had ever received from James — the first was at James’ basketball camp in Las Vegas when Ayton, a future No. 1 overall pick, was in the eighth grade. James is the first player ever to participate in 23 NBA seasons. With this debut, James is now just 48 games behind Parish’s NBA record for regular-season games played (1,611). James already holds another NBA record with 1,855 regular-season and playoff games combined — 58 more than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar — along with the record for most total minutes played.
JAZZ guard Isaiah Collier is defended by Lakers centre Deandre Ayton during the first half on Tuesday night in Los Angeles. (AP Photos/Jae C Hong)
LAKERS forward LeBron James (23) stands on the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Utah Jazz Tuesday, November 18, 2025, in Los Angeles.
Rookie VJ scores 21 in loss to Raptors By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net
76ERS’ VJ Edgecombe, top, dunks the ball with Raptors’ Brandon Ingram, bottom, defending during the first half last night.
ROOKIE guard Valdez VJ Edgecombe and the Philadelphia 76ers lost 121112 to the Toronto Raptors yesterday. Edgecombe scored 21 points in his first loss after his first NBA Cup game against the Detroit Pistons last week Friday. Edgecombe added six rebounds, four assists and one steal in a total of 37 minutes of play. He shot 8-20 from the field (1-6 from three). This loss puts the 76ers at 8-6 for the season which lands them at fifth place in the Eastern Conference. Said 76ers’ head coach Nick Nurse postgame: “I think that there’s some
space for him to shoot… he looked pretty comfortable out there… he’s got a very good feel for the game, so that’s pretty cool.” For the 2025-26 season thus far, Edgecombe is averaging 15.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. He shoots 41.2% from the field and 37.5% from three-point range on average 2.1 attempts per game. Edgecombe, 20, has already broken significant rookie records such as setting the new franchise record for a debut with 34 points. Additionally, according to the NBA's official rookie stat tracker, Edgecombe leads all rookies in points, assists, steals and field goals. On the official Kia Rookie of the Year List tracker, Edgecombe is
76ERS’ VJ Edgecombe, top, dunks the ball with Toronto Raptors’ Brandon Ingram, bottom, defending during the first half Wednesday, November 19, 2025, in Philadelphia. (AP Photos/Chris Szagola) listed in second behind something they all told me think he’s been great… his Cooper Flagg of the Dallas and that’s stuck with me for physical gifts, his athletic Mavericks. real, just being myself.” abilities, that gives him an Edgecombe reflected on Teammate and advantage already. some advice his teammate team-leading scorer Tyrese “And then he works on Tyrese Maxey gave him Maxey spoke on Edge- other things, he’ll be great,” saying, “be myself…. That’s combe’s game, saying, “I said Maxey.
NPBA: Jems Vacation Travel Alliance rally late to defeat Rebels 76–72 in overtime By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net THE New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA) night league regular season continued yesterday at the A.F. Adderley Gymnasium with a tight Division Two game that saw Jems Vacation Travel Alliance rally late to defeat the Rebels 76-72 in overtime. The Rebels controlled the pace from the opening tip and led the game through all four quarters. Their early defensive pressure and consistent scoring allowed them to hold a double-digit advantage, including a 15-point lead at halftime. For most of the second half, the Rebels kept Jems at arm’s length. However,
momentum shifted in the final minutes of regulation. Jems mounted a comeback, tightening their half-court defence and forcing the Rebels into rushed shots and turnovers. With under a minute remaining, Jems completed the 15-point comeback by converting on a key possession to tie the game and force overtime. The swing in energy carried over into the extra period. In overtime, Jems took their first lead of the night when guard Anthon Williams attacked the basket and finished a tough layup through contact, putting the Jems ahead by two and securing their first lead of the game. That bucket set the tone for the remainder of overtime. Jems’ defensive pressure intensified, leading
to multiple empty trips for the Rebels. Late turnovers and missed shots prevented the Rebels from regaining control, while Jems capitalised to secure the victory. Anthon Williams and Matea Minnis led Jems in scoring, each finishing with 19 points. Minnis secured a double-double with 13 rebounds. Their production during the comeback and overtime proved decisive, especially as Jems looked to settle the game after struggling through the early quarters. For the Rebels, Jude Vil led the team in scoring with 15 points. Katerina Minnis added 14 points. Both were instrumental in helping the Rebels maintain their lead for most of regulation before their offence stalled.