The NBA preseason continued on October 4, 2026, with notable performances from several rookies as teams like Denver, Utah, LA, and Golden State took the court. The Miami Heat secured a win against the Toronto Raptors during the preseason opener on October 3.
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In a standout moment, rookie Yaxel Lendeborg scored the first points of the preseason with a three-pointer against the Clippers.
The Utah Jazz celebrated a 109-97 victory over the Denver Nuggets, but the focus shifted to second-overall pick Darryn Peterson, who struggled significantly in his debut. Despite concerns about Peterson’s performance, the win marked a hopeful start for the Jazz.
Clippers rookie Keaton Wagler impressed in his first game, hitting a decisive game-winner to lead LA past the Warriors 104-101. Selected fifth overall in the 2026 draft, Wagler demonstrated his potential after a strong collegiate career at Illinois.
Following the loss, Warriors coach Steve Kerr commented critically on Lendeborg’s debut, indicating areas for improvement. The matchup against the Clippers was an early test for the Warriors, as they sought to rebound from their defeat.
Overall, these preliminary games provide rookies with crucial opportunities to showcase their skills as they prepare for the regular season.