Houston makes it five straight
Houston moved to 5-0 with a 132-100 win over Milwaukee, the Rockets' widest margin of the season so far. The game was decided early: Houston built a lead in the first half and kept the Bucks at arm's length through the third quarter, turning a matchup between two contending sides into a comfortable night.
For Milwaukee the loss exposed the same problem that has followed the team through the opening week, a defence that gives up easy second-chance points whenever its big men are pulled away from the rim.
Brunson carries New York
Jalen Brunson scored 38 points and OG Anunoby added 23 as the Knicks beat the Bulls 133-127 in Chicago, extending their winning run to two games. New York needed the scoring: Chicago stayed within reach until the final two minutes, and the Knicks closed the game at the free-throw line.
Cleveland had an easier evening, beating Washington 121-111 with Evan Mobley contributing 24 points and 12 rebounds. Mobley's work on both ends let the Cavaliers control the paint and absorb a late Wizards run.
Philadelphia holds off Indiana
The 76ers beat the Pacers 114-109 to steady themselves after an uneven start. Tyrese Maxey led all scorers with 27 points and Joel Embiid finished with 21 points and 11 rebounds, giving Philadelphia the inside-outside balance it has been missing.
Indiana's late push came up short. The Pacers have now lost four in a row, and their half-court offence has stalled whenever the pace drops.
Five games is a small sample, and Houston's schedule has been kind. But an unbeaten start with a double-digit average margin puts the Rockets near the top of the Western Conference table, and gives the coaching staff room to manage minutes before the schedule tightens later in November.