27.10.2024
Denver Nuggets 104 - 109 LA Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers managed a 109-104 victory over the Denver Nuggets, despite Nikola Jokic's impressive 41-point performance. Jokic, who set a career-high with seven 3-pointers, missed a crucial free throw with 20 seconds left that could have tied the game. James Harden, with 23 points and 16 assists, was pivotal for the Clippers, hitting crucial free throws and assisting Ivica Zubac multiple times, who finished with 24 points and 15 rebounds. Norman Powell contributed significantly in the second half, scoring 26 of his 37 points. Although the Nuggets made a comeback with improved 3-point shooting, they missed their final attempts. An interesting highlight was Nathan MacKinnon presenting Jokic with the Michael Jordan Trophy before the game, emphasizing the camaraderie between Colorado's sports icons.
Charlotte Hornets 106 - 114 Miami Heat
In the Miami Heat's victory over the Charlotte Hornets, Jimmy Butler shone in the fourth quarter, scoring 13 of his 26 points as Miami claimed a 114-106 win during the Hornets’ home opener. On an emotional evening that saw Charlotte honor their late public address announcer Pat Doughty and feature a nearby benefit concert with Eric Church for Hurricane Helene victims, the Hornets struggled, committing 20 turnovers and suffering from a lack of depth due to injuries. While LaMelo Ball led Charlotte with 27 points, the Heat's Tyler Herro contributed significantly with five 3-pointers and 22 points, including a crucial late-game shot to fend off a Hornet rally. Terry Rozier and Bam Adebayo also made critical contributions for Miami, which secured victory with efficient teamwork, boasting 33 assists on 40 made baskets. After the match, Miami prepared to host Detroit, while Charlotte looked to regroup for their game against Toronto.
Detroit Pistons 118 - 124 Boston Celtics
In a thrilling matchup, the Boston Celtics managed to secure a 124-118 win against the Detroit Pistons after initially leading by 23 points. Jayson Tatum was pivotal, scoring 37 points, including six crucial points in the final moments. Despite a strong comeback by the Pistons, highlighted by a 59.1% shooting rate in the third quarter, they faltered in the closing minutes, missing key shots and allowing Boston to regain control. Jrue Holiday tied the game with consecutive 3-pointers, and Tatum's clutch free throws and jumper sealed the victory. Derrick White's free throws helped fend off a late push from Detroit, who were led by Jaden Ivey's 26 points and Cade Cunningham's double-double. The Celtics, who seemed poised to break the NBA 3-point record early on, struggled from beyond the arc in the latter stages but held firm to win.
Washington Wizards 116 - 135 Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers dominated the Washington Wizards in a 135-116 victory, with Donovan Mitchell leading the way with 30 points. Teammate Jarrett Allen achieved a remarkable shooting performance, scoring 23 points and making all 10 of his field goal attempts, while Darius Garland contributed 23 points as well. Cleveland showcased efficiency, shooting 54% from the field, and continued their strong start to the season with a perfect 3-0 record. This win marked their ninth consecutive triumph over Washington, who had a grim start with two home losses, struggling especially with Kyle Kuzma's poor shooting. Bilal Coulibaly shone for the Wizards with a career-high 23 points in an otherwise challenging game. The Cavaliers will take on the New York Knicks next, while the Wizards face the Atlanta Hawks on the road.
Chicago Bulls 95 - 114 Oklahoma City Thunder
In a commanding display, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Chicago Bulls 114-95 in Chicago's home opener. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led with 23 points while Chet Holmgren contributed 21 points and a career-high 16 rebounds. Jalen Williams added an impressive 24 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists. On the Bulls side, Zach LaVine scored 22 points, complemented by Nikola Vucevic's 18 points and 13 rebounds. Josh Giddey had 14 points and seven rebounds in his first matchup against Oklahoma City since being traded to Chicago for Alex Caruso, who received a warm ovation from the crowd. The Thunder maintained their strong start to the season, highlighted by a pivotal 22-3 run ending the first half and showcasing their form following a victory over the Denver Nuggets. Conversely, the Bulls struggled, particularly from three-point range, following a successful game against Milwaukee. The Thunder will next face the Atlanta Hawks, and the Bulls will play against the Memphis Grizzlies.
Memphis Grizzlies 124 - 111 Orlando Magic
In their home opener, the Memphis Grizzlies secured a commanding 124-111 victory over the Orlando Magic, thanks to stellar performances from Santi Aldama, who scored 22 points, and reserve center Jay Huff, who achieved a career-high 18 points. Ja Morant made a significant impact in his first regular-season home game since January, contributing 16 points and 10 assists. The Grizzlies built a 26-point halftime lead, taking advantage of Orlando's 14 first-half turnovers, which resulted in 21 points for Memphis. Although the Magic fought back with 21 consecutive points in the third quarter, trimming the deficit, the Grizzlies' lead proved insurmountable. Orlando's Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs scored 23 and 21 points, respectively, but their efforts couldn't offset the Magic's 19 turnovers that led to 30 points for Memphis. Despite shooting 43% for the game, the Magic fell short of their defensive standards, having previously held opponents to an average of 99 points. Memphis struggled in the third quarter but managed to hold on, and both teams are set to face new opponents on Monday.
Minnesota Timberwolves 112 - 101 Toronto Raptors
The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a 112-101 victory over the Toronto Raptors, with Julius Randle and Anthony Edwards each contributing 24 points, and Rudy Gobert adding a strong double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds. Toronto struggled offensively without RJ Barrett, starting cold and missing eight of their first nine shots, leading to an early 16-3 deficit. Gradey Dick led all scorers with 25 points for the Raptors, who managed to close Minnesota’s lead to single digits briefly in the third quarter. However, a 13-point surge led by Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Randle reestablished the Timberwolves’ control, ensuring their win. Notably, the Timberwolves have sold 11,000 season tickets for the first time since 1990, showcasing strong fan support following their conference finals run. They will host Dallas in a rematch of last season’s Western Conference finals, while Toronto will face Denver next.
San Antonio Spurs 109 - 106 Houston Rockets
In a thrilling home opener, the San Antonio Spurs edged out the Houston Rockets, 109-106, thanks to standout performances from Victor Wembanyama and Jeremy Sochan. Wembanyama dominated with 29 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks, while Sochan contributed a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Despite a 22-point first-half deficit, the Rockets rallied in the fourth quarter, shooting 60% and putting up a 21-8 run to close the gap. Jalen Green led Houston with 27 points. The Spurs capitalized on sharp passing from Chris Paul, whose clever assists, including two alley-oop dunks to Wembanyama, provided thrilling plays that energized the crowd. San Antonio's rebounding edge and resilience sealed their victory, setting the stage for another showdown with the Rockets.
Phoenix Suns 114 - 102 Dallas Mavericks
In a solid victory, the Phoenix Suns defeated the Dallas Mavericks 114-102, with Kevin Durant leading the way with 31 points, and Jusuf Nurkic contributing 18 points and 14 rebounds. Despite the Mavericks keeping the game close, they never regained the lead after the first quarter, with the Suns maintaining control throughout. Luka Dončić was a standout for Dallas, scoring 40 points and securing 10 rebounds, while Kyrie Irving added 22 points. Devin Booker also made a significant impact for the Suns with 21 points. Impressively, rookie Ryan Dunn, making his first career start, scored 13 points, showcasing potential value as the No. 28 pick. The Suns capitalized on a decisive 9-0 run in the fourth quarter, highlighted by consecutive three-pointers from Dunn and Durant, ultimately extending their lead to a comfortable margin. Phoenix's defense restricted Dallas to 39.8% shooting, and the Mavericks' bench contributed only nine points. Despite recent setbacks against the Lakers, Phoenix rebounded effectively, and both teams will be back in action on Monday as the Suns host the Lakers and the Mavericks face the Jazz.
Los Angeles Lakers 131 - 127 Sacramento Kings
The Los Angeles Lakers continued their strong start to the season, improving to 3-0 after rallying from a 22-point deficit to defeat the Phoenix Suns 123-116, thanks to standout performances from Anthony Davis with 35 points, Austin Reaves with 26 points and eight assists, and LeBron James with 21 points and eight assists. This marks the first time since the 2010-11 season that the Lakers have started 2-0. Davis became the third player in Lakers history, alongside Jerry West and Elgin Baylor, to score 35 or more points in each of the first two games of the season, benefiting from the offensive strategy of first-year head coach JJ Redick. The Lakers now prepare to face the Sacramento Kings, who swept them last season. The Kings, featuring a new addition in three-time All-NBA player DeMar DeRozan, lost their season opener to Minnesota 117-115, with DeRozan scoring 26 points in his debut and Domantas Sabonis scoring 24 points. The game highlighted Sacramento's balanced attack and the adjusted roles within their lineup, with Keegan Murray contributing significantly with a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds.