Tyler Kolek drilled the go-ahead three-pointer with under a minute remaining as the New York Knicks edged the Toronto Raptors 122-120 at Madison Square Garden in their final preseason game. Jalen Brunson scored 20 points and later spoke about the championship banner the Knicks will raise on 20 October. In the NBA's annual general managers survey, published the same day, the San Antonio Spurs received 50% of the vote and were named title favourites.
Victor Wembanyama dominated the same survey, topping eight categories, including best defender with 97% of the vote and MVP with 77%. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, Luka Doncic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic were named the best at their respective positions. Tellingly, the NBA has crowned eight different champions in the past eight seasons.
