24.10.2024
Detroit Pistons 109 - 115 Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers rallied to beat the Detroit Pistons 115-109 in a thrilling season opener, spoiling J.B. Bickerstaff's debut as the Pistons' coach. Despite trailing by 12 points and being behind after each of the first three quarters in a game that featured 13 lead changes and four ties, the Pacers surged in the fourth quarter. They overcame an eight-point deficit by outscoring the Pistons 33-19, thanks in part to Myles Turner’s 20 points and strong performances from Pascal Siakam and Bennedict Mathurin, who each contributed 19 points. Detroit's Cade Cunningham shone with 28 points, 22 of which were scored in the second half, but it wasn't enough to secure a win for a team that has struggled in recent seasons. The game was marked by an overturned call with 6:31 left that shifted momentum toward Indiana. The Pacers' defense tightened in the final quarter, limiting the Pistons to just 5 of 20 shooting. Both teams are set to continue their early-season campaigns on the road, with Indiana facing the New York Knicks and Detroit heading to Cleveland.
Atlanta Hawks 120 - 116 Brooklyn Nets
The Atlanta Hawks secured a season-opening victory with a 120-116 win over the Brooklyn Nets, led by Trae Young's 30 points and 12 assists. Onyeka Okongwu shone with a career-high 28 points, making an impressive 11 of 12 shots from the field and all six free throws. Despite Cam Thomas's game-high 36 points, the Nets fell short, marking Jordi Fernández's NBA head coaching debut with a loss. The Hawks saw a notable performance from Dyson Daniels, who tallied 15 points and five steals, despite an altercation late in the game that led to Brooklyn's Nic Claxton being ejected. Atlanta's Jalen Johnson, fresh off a lucrative contract extension, contributed 11 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, top draft pick Zaccharie Risacher had a quiet night, scoring only seven points. The game also highlighted Atlanta's struggles from the free-throw line, hitting only 33 of 46 attempts. The Nets will next face the Orlando Magic, while the Hawks will host the Charlotte Hornets.
Miami Heat 97 - 116 Orlando Magic
Paolo Banchero's outstanding performance led the Orlando Magic to a commanding 116-97 victory over the Miami Heat in the season opener. Banchero tallied 33 points and 11 rebounds, making it the sixth instance of a Magic player scoring at least 30 points in a season opener, joining the ranks of Tracy McGrady and Shaquille O'Neal. Franz Wagner added 23 points, while Gary Harris scored 18 from the three-point line. Orlando made a strong showing from beyond the arc, shooting 18 out of 49, indicating a strategic shift as they attempted 27 threes before halftime. Miami's "Pat Riley Court" night fell flat as key player Jimmy Butler struggled, scoring just three points despite significant playing time, marking one of his career lows. The Magic dominated the third quarter, outscoring the Heat by 21 points, marking their most lopsided road third quarter since 2010. The Magic will host the Brooklyn Nets next, while the Heat travel to face the Charlotte Hornets.
Philadelphia 76ers 109 - 124 Milwaukee Bucks
In the season opener, Damian Lillard shined with 30 points, including a crucial 15 points in the third quarter, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a 124-109 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Lillard's performance featured six 3-pointers, nine rebounds, and five assists, while Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed 25 points and a game-high 14 rebounds on 8-for-11 shooting. The Bucks showcased depth with six players scoring in double figures and hit 16 three-pointers overall. Philadelphia, playing without injured stars Joel Embiid and Paul George, saw Tyrese Maxey score 25 points and Andre Drummond add 13 points and 11 rebounds. Milwaukee's decisive 25-12 run in the second quarter, highlighted by Bobby Portis's all-around play, was a turning point. Notably, Lillard and Antetokounmpo were the first Bucks teammates to each record at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a season opener. The Bucks will play Chicago in their home opener, while the 76ers face Toronto next.
Toronto Raptors 106 - 136 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers dominated the Toronto Raptors with a decisive 136-106 victory, powered by Evan Mobley's 25 points and Donovan Mitchell's 21, marking their first win in five season-opening meetings against Toronto. Caris LeVert was nearly perfect with 19 points on 8-for-9 shooting, while Jarrett Allen added 14 points, contributing to Cleveland's 68-38 advantage in points in the paint. Toronto's season opener was marked by struggles, with Scottie Barnes scoring just nine points on 3-for-14 shooting and the team committing 19 turnovers, resulting in 30 points for Cleveland. The Raptors did see strong bench performances from Chris Boucher and Gradey Dick, scoring 18 and 16 points respectively, but also suffered an injury blow with Immanuel Quickley exiting due to a right pelvic contusion. Despite the return of former Raptors stars such as Damon Stoudamire, the sellout crowd saw their team make crucial errors, leading to the Cavaliers closing the first half on a 20-4 run. Cleveland, whose biggest lead was 33 points, capitalized on five dunks during that span, with Allen contributing three of them, to hold a commanding 69-49 halftime lead.
Houston Rockets 105 - 110 Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball led a late rally with 34 points and 11 assists as the Charlotte Hornets secured a 110-105 victory over the Houston Rockets. Ball, returning from an ankle injury, played his first game since January 26 and made a significant impact by adding crucial free throws to solidify the win. Grant Williams hit a decisive go-ahead 3-pointer with 40 seconds remaining, following a late tie by Jalen Green, who led Houston with 28 points. Alperen Sengun also impressed for the Rockets, returning with 25 points and 18 rebounds after a long injury hiatus. Despite dominating early, the Rockets' inconsistent play allowed the Hornets back into the game through a pivotal 10-0 run spanning the third and fourth quarters. Injury management remains a concern for Charlotte, with Brandon Miller exiting due to hip soreness. As both teams look ahead, the Rockets are set to face the Grizzlies, while the Hornets travel to Atlanta.
New Orleans Pelicans 123 - 111 Chicago Bulls
In an impressive season opener, the New Orleans Pelicans defeated the Chicago Bulls 123-111, despite the absence of Zion Williamson due to an illness. Brandon Ingram led the Pelicans with 33 points and secured the win with a key late-game jumper. Newly-acquired Dejounte Murray debuted with 14 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds before injuring his left hand. CJ McCollum added 23 points for New Orleans. The Pelicans effectively utilized rookie Yves Missi, who contributed 12 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks while playing significant minutes, earning a standing ovation. The Bulls, led by Zach LaVine's 27 points, struggled in the second half, trailing by up to 16 points and committing 21 turnovers, with LaVine responsible for seven. Both teams are set for their next games on Friday, with the Bulls visiting Milwaukee and the Pelicans beginning a four-game trip at Portland.
Utah Jazz 124 - 126 Memphis Grizzlies
In a thrilling NBA matchup, the Memphis Grizzlies edged out the Utah Jazz 126-124 in Salt Lake City, with Ja Morant making a significant impact in his return to the court by scoring 22 points, alongside 10 assists and five rebounds. Morant had only appeared in nine games last season due to a suspension and a shoulder injury. Santi Aldama played a crucial role for the Grizzlies, contributing 27 points, while Desmond Bane added 24 points. The Jazz's Lauri Markkanen led all scorers with 35 points and grabbed nine rebounds, while Jordan Clarkson provided a spark off the bench with 17 points and seven assists. Despite Utah erasing a double-digit deficit and briefly taking the lead, Memphis sealed the victory with back-to-back baskets by Aldama. Perimeter shooting was a core strength for the Grizzlies as Aldama, Bane, and Jay Huff combined for 12 of the team's 17 three-pointers. Sloppy play hampered the Jazz early on, exemplified by 16 turnovers that yielded 22 Memphis points. However, a spirited 17-3 run in the second half allowed the Jazz to briefly seize the lead before Memphis secured the win.
LA Clippers 113 - 116 Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns edged out the Los Angeles Clippers 116-113 in overtime during the debut game at the Clippers' new Intuit Dome, marking an exciting opening for both NBA teams. Kevin Durant led the Suns with 25 points, while Bradley Beal contributed 24 in this nail-biting victory. Key moment emerged when James Harden, who scored 29 points and 12 rebounds for the Clippers, missed a crucial free throw that could have forced a second overtime. Ivica Zubac, who added 21 points for the Clippers, fouled out late in overtime, a turning point alongside the Suns' perfect record from the foul line in the extra period. Despite the Clippers' dominance in the paint and rebounds, Phoenix surged back from a nine-point deficit with an 11-point rally. Mike Budenholzer celebrated his first win as Suns' coach, and the Clippers marked a historical moment with Norman Powell making the first basket at the new arena.
Portland Trail Blazers 104 - 139 Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors launched their season with a commanding 140-104 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in Portland, highlighted by Stephen Curry's near triple-double performance scoring 17 points, along with 10 assists and nine rebounds, before resting in the final quarter. Buddy Hield contributed significantly with 22 points off the bench as the Warriors, absent from last year's playoffs, overcame an early nine-point deficit to lead the game 62-50 at halftime and extend their advantage to 37 points later on. Noteworthy for the Blazers was Scoot Henderson, also scoring 22 points off the bench, while Shaedon Sharpe sat out due to a shoulder injury. In an emotional moment, former Blazers head coach Terry Stotts, now an assistant with the Warriors, was honored with a tribute, and he acknowledged the crowd's applause. Draymond Green received his first technical foul of the season during the game after arguing with referees, but was calmed by coach Steve Kerr. In a career milestone, Curry's seven first-quarter assists pushed him past Clyde Drexler into 38th on the NBA's career assists leaderboard. The Trail Blazers will next face the Pelicans, while the Warriors will meet the Jazz on Friday.