Basketball: the main stories of 23.09.2026

Minnesota will start the WNBA play-offs as the top seed, and the result that sealed it came from a game they were not in. The Lynx lost 96-77 to Indiana, with Caitlin Clark posting 27 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists. Portland then beat Golden State 90-82 in overtime. That ended the only remaining challenge for first place. Bridget Carlton scored 26 for Portland. The Lynx have the No 1 seed, but they go into the play-offs off a defeat described as "embarrassing" and with Olivia Miles held out with a calf injury.

Stephen Curry was asked about a new Warriors contract. He said he wants no drama and will decide when he is ready. Lonzo Ball said at 16:09 that he had given basketball everything. Less than two hours later he denied retiring, saying the 28-year-old free agent is still waiting for a call. Kevin Durant, 37, said he is not thinking about retirement. The day before, he had rejected the idea of reduced minutes. Houston general manager Rafael Stone said the feeling between club and player is mutual. Durant has a player option for 2027-28.

• Shams Charania reports that the Knicks' talks with Towns have stalled. Separately, The Athletic says the club could trade McBride or Dadiet for a centre.
• The NBA has hired a law firm to examine Gary Trent Jr's deal with Milwaukee (4 years, $64m), according to The Athletic.
• Brian Windhorst reports that Brandon Ingram had heel surgery and may miss the Clippers' opening games.
• Jake Fischer reports that Sacramento are struggling to find a trade market for Domantas Sabonis.
• Brandon Miller is reportedly in line for an extension close to Amen Thompson's ($208m over 5 years).
• Denver are reported to be favourites for Ryan Nembhard if Charlotte waive him. Atlanta sent him to the Hornets a day earlier.
• A'ja Wilson had 18 points and 10 rebounds as Las Vegas beat Los Angeles 89-79 to secure the 3rd seed.
• ESPN college basketball analyst Chris Spatola has died aged 47.
• Doc Rivers says his coaching career is over.
• In a Basket News survey, every Euroleague general manager picked Olympiacos for the 2027 Final Four. They named Vezenkov and Montero as the MVP favourites.
• Baskonia may release Alex Len over a foot problem.
• Cedevita Olimpija have signed Rihards Lomažs on a one-year deal.
• Mac McClung has chosen Girona over Euroleague offers.
• Zenit forward Georgy Zhbanov says the team's chemistry is not yet at 50%.
• Olympiacos visit Baskonia in round 1 of the Euroleague. Nikola Milutinović is a doubt.