28.10.2024
Indiana Pacers 114 - 118 Philadelphia 76ers
Tyrese Maxey delivered an impressive performance for the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring a season-high 45 points, including 10 of the team's 13 points in overtime, leading them to a 118-114 victory over the Indiana Pacers for their first win of the season. Maxey was pivotal in the second half, overcoming a 102-97 deficit in regulation's final minute. Supporting Maxey's effort, Caleb Martin contributed 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Andre Drummond grabbed 17 rebounds. The Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton, recovering from a scoreless night against New York, scored 22 points, including a last-second three-pointer to force overtime, but his missed free throws in overtime were costly. With Joel Embiid and Paul George sidelined due to injuries, Maxey's standout performance was crucial in preventing the 76ers from starting 0-3. Indiana struggled with shooting, going 23 of 34 from the free-throw line, and was significantly outrebounded 54-37, particularly on the offensive end.
Brooklyn Nets 115 - 102 Milwaukee Bucks
In their home opener, the Brooklyn Nets triumphed over the Milwaukee Bucks, 115-102, with standout performances from Cam Thomas, who scored 32 points, and Dennis Schroder, who added 29. This victory marked Coach Jordi Fernandez's first win, as the Nets pulled away in the fourth quarter after starting the season with two road losses. Thomas was pivotal in the final period, scoring 11 of his points then, and surpassing his average of 30 points for the season. The Bucks, playing without Khris Middleton due to ankle surgery, struggled defensively, conceding significant points. Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed 22 points and 12 rebounds for the Bucks, while they also received scoring from Damian Lillard and Bobby Portis Jr. Despite the close nature of the game, the Nets managed to create separation and secure the win. Both teams now face tough matchups, with the Bucks visiting unbeaten Boston and the Nets hosting Denver.
Portland Trail Blazers 125 - 103 New Orleans Pelicans
Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons led the Portland Trail Blazers to a decisive 125-103 win over the New Orleans Pelicans, marking their first victory of the season. Grant contributed 28 points, while Simons added 27 points and six assists, helping Portland recover from a narrow two-point loss to the Pelicans on Friday. Deandre Ayton recorded a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds, highlighting Portland's dominance on the boards with a 51-39 rebounding advantage. Despite CJ McCollum's 27 points for New Orleans against his former team, the Pelicans struggled, especially with Zion Williamson facing a minutes restriction and managing just three successful shots out of 12 attempts. Rookie Donovan Clingan made a noteworthy impact, blocking Williamson twice, contributing to his early shooting woes. Meanwhile, Portland's Deni Avdija had a rough shooting performance, going 5 for 21 over the back-to-back games, though coach Chauncey Billups expressed an ongoing effort to integrate him effectively into the team's play.
Oklahoma City Thunder 128 - 104 Atlanta Hawks
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 3-0 record with an impressive performance, scoring 35 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and dishing out nine assists in their 128-104 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Despite narrowly missing his third career triple-double, his versatility was key in the Thunder's dominance, particularly in the fourth quarter when they outscored Atlanta 39-18. Chet Holmgren contributed significantly with 25 points, nine rebounds, and six blocks, while Jalen Williams added 20 points and nine rebounds. The Thunder's defensive pressure limited Trae Young to 24 points and played a pivotal role in derailing the Hawks' offense. Oklahoma City's decisive moments came when they turned a late first-half deficit into a one-point halftime gap and later orchestrated a crucial 13-0 run in the fourth quarter. The Thunder showcased their ability to attack the basket effectively and capitalize on 3-point opportunities, cementing a strong start to the season.
Golden State Warriors 104 - 112 LA Clippers
In the Clippers' 112-104 victory over the Golden State Warriors, Stephen Curry's exit due to a left ankle injury midway through the fourth quarter was a pivotal moment. Ivica Zubac played a dominant role for the Clippers with 23 points and 18 rebounds, while Andrew Wiggins led the Warriors with 29 points, including a crucial 3-pointer in the fourth. James Harden also contributed significantly with 23 points and 11 assists, maintaining a perfect record on free throws. Despite missing star forward Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers managed to force 21 turnovers from the Warriors, although they committed 18 themselves. The game featured tributes to the late Hall of Famer Al Attles, a Warriors icon, with a moment of silence and a video tribute. Additionally, Golden State's Buddy Hield struggled in his home debut, going 3-for-14 from the field. The game also saw a successful challenge by the Warriors on a foul call against Draymond Green that was overturned. The Clippers scored 58 points in the paint, securing their win in the Warriors' home opener.