Pistons Upset Pacers, 119-110
The Detroit Pistons defeated the Indiana Pacers, 119-110, at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Wednesday night.
The Pistons (1-0) came into the contest facing an uphill battle, considering they were playing a Pacers (0-1) team that excelled on its home court last season and would have to do it without star forward Blake Griffin (hamstring/knee). Detroit was able to set the right tone by essentially matching Indiana basket for basket in the first half and entering halftime with only a one-point deficit. Following another nip-and-tuck third quarter, the visitors were able to finish out on a 20-9 run over the final 5:52 to secure victory.
Andre Drummond paced the Pistons with a 32-point, 23-rebound double-double that also included two assists, four blocks and three steals. Luke Kennard followed with a bench-leading 30 points. Derrick Rose furnished 18 points, nine assists and two rebounds. Tony Snell supplied 10 points, two rebounds and two assists. Markieff Morris started for Griffin and managed eight points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with 27 points, complementing them with 13 boards and two assists. Myles Turner contributed 25 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Malcolm Brogdon generated a 22-point, 11-assist double-double that also included three rebounds and a block. Jeremy Lamb and T.J. Warren had matching 10-point tallies.
The Pistons head back to Motown for their home opener against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday evening, while the Pacers pay a visit to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.
The Pistons (1-0) came into the contest facing an uphill battle, considering they were playing a Pacers (0-1) team that excelled on its home court last season and would have to do it without star forward Blake Griffin (hamstring/knee). Detroit was able to set the right tone by essentially matching Indiana basket for basket in the first half and entering halftime with only a one-point deficit. Following another nip-and-tuck third quarter, the visitors were able to finish out on a 20-9 run over the final 5:52 to secure victory.
Andre Drummond paced the Pistons with a 32-point, 23-rebound double-double that also included two assists, four blocks and three steals. Luke Kennard followed with a bench-leading 30 points. Derrick Rose furnished 18 points, nine assists and two rebounds. Tony Snell supplied 10 points, two rebounds and two assists. Markieff Morris started for Griffin and managed eight points, four rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Domantas Sabonis led the Pacers with 27 points, complementing them with 13 boards and two assists. Myles Turner contributed 25 points, nine rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Malcolm Brogdon generated a 22-point, 11-assist double-double that also included three rebounds and a block. Jeremy Lamb and T.J. Warren had matching 10-point tallies.
The Pistons head back to Motown for their home opener against the Atlanta Hawks on Thursday evening, while the Pacers pay a visit to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.
Magic Dominate First Half, Cruise Against Cavaliers
The Orlando Magic defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers, 94-85, at Amway Center on Wednesday evening.
The Magic (1-0) hosted the Cavaliers (0-1) in the regular-season opener for both clubs, but it was clear the Magic were the better as soon as the game started. Orlando quickly jumped to a 28-24 lead after the first 12 minutes of action and they never looked back, although they did manage to increase that advantage to 14 points (55-41) by half-time. Cleveland showed some recovery signs during the third quarter and reduced the gap to six points (71-65) with only 12 minutes left on the clock, but Orlando closed things out with a strong fourth-quarter performance that saw them win the final quarter by three points (23-20).
Nikola Vucevic led the way for the Magic with 21 points, nine rebounds and three assists in 34 minutes of action. Evan Fournier chipped in with 16 points, four assists and three boards, while Aaron Gordon filled the stat-sheet after posting nine points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Terrence Ross had 10 points coming off the bench, while Markelle Fultz contributed 12 points and six assists in 23 minutes.
Tristan Thompson led the way for the Cavaliers with a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double, and second-year point guard Collin Sexton also had 16 points, albeit with two assists on 33 percent shooting. Cedi Osman had 13 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. Kevin Love had a monster game on he glass and finished with 18 rebounds while also adding 11 points and three assists.
The Magic (1-0) hosted the Cavaliers (0-1) in the regular-season opener for both clubs, but it was clear the Magic were the better as soon as the game started. Orlando quickly jumped to a 28-24 lead after the first 12 minutes of action and they never looked back, although they did manage to increase that advantage to 14 points (55-41) by half-time. Cleveland showed some recovery signs during the third quarter and reduced the gap to six points (71-65) with only 12 minutes left on the clock, but Orlando closed things out with a strong fourth-quarter performance that saw them win the final quarter by three points (23-20).
Nikola Vucevic led the way for the Magic with 21 points, nine rebounds and three assists in 34 minutes of action. Evan Fournier chipped in with 16 points, four assists and three boards, while Aaron Gordon filled the stat-sheet after posting nine points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Terrence Ross had 10 points coming off the bench, while Markelle Fultz contributed 12 points and six assists in 23 minutes.
Tristan Thompson led the way for the Cavaliers with a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double, and second-year point guard Collin Sexton also had 16 points, albeit with two assists on 33 percent shooting. Cedi Osman had 13 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. Kevin Love had a monster game on he glass and finished with 18 rebounds while also adding 11 points and three assists.
Hornets Comeback to Defeat Bulls, 126-125
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Chicago Bulls, 126-125, at Spectrum Center on Wednesday.
While these were two bottom-dwellers last season, they left it all on the floor in this competitive opener. In fact, there were nine ties and 11 lead changes in this fixture. Despite the fact that Chicago led 118-108 with six minutes remaining, Charlotte ended the game on an 18-7 run to cap off their comeback victory. The key for the Hornets was their three-point shooting, connecting on 23-of-44 while the Bulls hit 9-of-30. Charlotte won despite being outrebounded 49-41 and losing the turnover differential, 19-10.
The Bulls (0-1) were led by Lauri Markkanen, as he tallied 35 points, 17 rebounds and two assists. Zach LaVine accrued 16 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Wendell Carter amassed 12 points and nine boards. Thaddeus Young led the bench with 17 points, three rebounds and two assists while Coby White totaled 17 points, three rebounds and seven assists.
The Hornets (1-0) got a career performance from P.J. Washington, leading the way with 27 points and four boards on 7-of-11 from long range. Dwayne Bacon generated 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Cody Zeller totaled 15 points and 12 boards. DeVonte' Graham was huge off the bench, collecting 23 points, four rebounds and eight assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Chicago traveling to face the Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte playing host to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
While these were two bottom-dwellers last season, they left it all on the floor in this competitive opener. In fact, there were nine ties and 11 lead changes in this fixture. Despite the fact that Chicago led 118-108 with six minutes remaining, Charlotte ended the game on an 18-7 run to cap off their comeback victory. The key for the Hornets was their three-point shooting, connecting on 23-of-44 while the Bulls hit 9-of-30. Charlotte won despite being outrebounded 49-41 and losing the turnover differential, 19-10.
The Bulls (0-1) were led by Lauri Markkanen, as he tallied 35 points, 17 rebounds and two assists. Zach LaVine accrued 16 points, six rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Wendell Carter amassed 12 points and nine boards. Thaddeus Young led the bench with 17 points, three rebounds and two assists while Coby White totaled 17 points, three rebounds and seven assists.
The Hornets (1-0) got a career performance from P.J. Washington, leading the way with 27 points and four boards on 7-of-11 from long range. Dwayne Bacon generated 22 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals. Cody Zeller totaled 15 points and 12 boards. DeVonte' Graham was huge off the bench, collecting 23 points, four rebounds and eight assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Chicago traveling to face the Memphis Grizzlies and Charlotte playing host to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Heat Dominates Grizzlies, 120-101
The Miami Heat defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 120-101, at American Airlines Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Heat (1-0) announced earlier in the day that prized offseason acquisition Jimmy Butler would miss the season opener for personal reasons. With Dion Waiters already suspended for the contest as well, that left the Miami starting five notably short-handed. After a slow first quarter in which they were outscored by four points, the home squad would go on to outscore the Grizzlies (0-1) by a 59-52 margin in the middle periods and outpace Memphis by a 37-17 margin over the final 12 minutes to seal the big home victory.
Jaren Jackson, Jr. led the Grizzlies with 17 points, adding three rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Tyus Jones followed with a bench-leading 15 points, complementing them with seven assists, one rebound and two steals. Second overall pick Ja Morant posted 14 points, four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block in his regular-season debut. Jae Crowder totaled 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Justise Winslow led the Heat with 27 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block. Kris Nunn provided 24 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Goran Dragic came off the bench to pitch in 19 points, three rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Rookie Tyler Herro poured in 14 points and added eight rebounds, one assist and two steals. Bam Adebayo matched Herro's scoring and added 11 rebounds, three assists and one steal.
The Grizzlies head home to take on the Chicago Bulls on Friday evening, while the Heat pay a visit to the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday afternoon.
The Heat (1-0) announced earlier in the day that prized offseason acquisition Jimmy Butler would miss the season opener for personal reasons. With Dion Waiters already suspended for the contest as well, that left the Miami starting five notably short-handed. After a slow first quarter in which they were outscored by four points, the home squad would go on to outscore the Grizzlies (0-1) by a 59-52 margin in the middle periods and outpace Memphis by a 37-17 margin over the final 12 minutes to seal the big home victory.
Jaren Jackson, Jr. led the Grizzlies with 17 points, adding three rebounds, two blocks and one steal. Tyus Jones followed with a bench-leading 15 points, complementing them with seven assists, one rebound and two steals. Second overall pick Ja Morant posted 14 points, four rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block in his regular-season debut. Jae Crowder totaled 13 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal.
Justise Winslow led the Heat with 27 points, complementing them with seven rebounds, seven assists, one steal and one block. Kris Nunn provided 24 points, three assists, two rebounds and two steals. Goran Dragic came off the bench to pitch in 19 points, three rebounds, three assists, two blocks and one steal. Rookie Tyler Herro poured in 14 points and added eight rebounds, one assist and two steals. Bam Adebayo matched Herro's scoring and added 11 rebounds, three assists and one steal.
The Grizzlies head home to take on the Chicago Bulls on Friday evening, while the Heat pay a visit to the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday afternoon.
Timberwolves Top Nets During OT Thriller
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Brooklyn Nets in overtime, 127-126, at Barclays Center on Wednesday.
The Timberwolves (1-0) and the Nets (0-1) played an exciting game that went down to the wire, as the Nets had a chance to secure the win but Kyrie Irving missed the final shot on overtime. In any case, this was a back-and-forth game that included a huge Brooklyn rally during the second half. Minnesota jumped to a 33-22 lead after the first quarter and increased that advantage to 12 points at the break (68-56) before the Nets got themselves in front after three thanks to a dazzling performance in the third quarter (37-20; 93-88). Minnesota didn't back down, however, and sent the game to OT after winning the final 12-minute frame by five (27-22). The Timberwolves relied on Andrew Wiggins on overtime and Irving couldn't win it for Brooklyn at the buzzer.
Wiggins scored 21 points with eight rebounds for the Timberwolves but their best player was Karl-Anthony Towns, as the talented big man ended with 36 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and three steals. Robert Covington chipped in with 15 points and nine rebounds, while Jeff Teague contributed 14 points, four assists and three boards. Josh Okogie (11 points) and Jake Layman (10 points) scored in double figures off the bench.
Irving had a game to remember after finishing with 50 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and zero turnovers, but his effort wasn't enough to lead Brooklyn to a win. Caris LeVert had 20 points with five rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Joe Harris delivered 14 points. Taurean Prince contributed 15 points with 11 rebounds. Spencer Dinwiddie had 14 in 19 minutes off the bench.
The Timberwolves (1-0) and the Nets (0-1) played an exciting game that went down to the wire, as the Nets had a chance to secure the win but Kyrie Irving missed the final shot on overtime. In any case, this was a back-and-forth game that included a huge Brooklyn rally during the second half. Minnesota jumped to a 33-22 lead after the first quarter and increased that advantage to 12 points at the break (68-56) before the Nets got themselves in front after three thanks to a dazzling performance in the third quarter (37-20; 93-88). Minnesota didn't back down, however, and sent the game to OT after winning the final 12-minute frame by five (27-22). The Timberwolves relied on Andrew Wiggins on overtime and Irving couldn't win it for Brooklyn at the buzzer.
Wiggins scored 21 points with eight rebounds for the Timberwolves but their best player was Karl-Anthony Towns, as the talented big man ended with 36 points, 14 rebounds, three assists, three blocks and three steals. Robert Covington chipped in with 15 points and nine rebounds, while Jeff Teague contributed 14 points, four assists and three boards. Josh Okogie (11 points) and Jake Layman (10 points) scored in double figures off the bench.
Irving had a game to remember after finishing with 50 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and zero turnovers, but his effort wasn't enough to lead Brooklyn to a win. Caris LeVert had 20 points with five rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Joe Harris delivered 14 points. Taurean Prince contributed 15 points with 11 rebounds. Spencer Dinwiddie had 14 in 19 minutes off the bench.
Sixers Defeat Celtics in Opener, 107-93
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the visiting Boston Celtics, 107-93, at Wells Fargo Center on Wednesday.
Philadelphia is expected to be the cream of the crop in the east and a double-digit victory over Boston in the opener is a great tone-setter. After trailing by five points after the first quarter, the Sixers won each of the final three quarters by at least five points apiece. Philly's defense was critical, holding Boston to 37 percent from the field and 27 percent from three-point range. Free-throw shooting also killed the Celtics, hitting just 20-of-34. The Sixers also out-rebounded the Celtics, 62-41 while out-blocking them 7-2.
The Celtics (0-1) got a double-double from Jayson Tatum, finishing with 21 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Gordon Hayward accumulated 25 points, five rebounds and two assists. Kemba Walker had a debut to forget, scoring just 12 points on 4-of-18 from the field. Enes Kanter was the only other player with more than eight points, amassing 12 points, six boards and two assists.
The Sixers (1-0) were led by Ben Simmons, as he collected 24 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Joel Embiid played just 23 minutes but still finished with 15 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Tobias Harris amassed 15 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and two steals while Josh Richardson accrued 17 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
On deck for the Celtics is their home opener against the Toronto Raptors on Friday. As for Philly, they travel to face the Detroit Pistons for their next fixture.
Philadelphia is expected to be the cream of the crop in the east and a double-digit victory over Boston in the opener is a great tone-setter. After trailing by five points after the first quarter, the Sixers won each of the final three quarters by at least five points apiece. Philly's defense was critical, holding Boston to 37 percent from the field and 27 percent from three-point range. Free-throw shooting also killed the Celtics, hitting just 20-of-34. The Sixers also out-rebounded the Celtics, 62-41 while out-blocking them 7-2.
The Celtics (0-1) got a double-double from Jayson Tatum, finishing with 21 points, 10 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Gordon Hayward accumulated 25 points, five rebounds and two assists. Kemba Walker had a debut to forget, scoring just 12 points on 4-of-18 from the field. Enes Kanter was the only other player with more than eight points, amassing 12 points, six boards and two assists.
The Sixers (1-0) were led by Ben Simmons, as he collected 24 points, eight rebounds and nine assists. Joel Embiid played just 23 minutes but still finished with 15 points, 13 rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Tobias Harris amassed 15 points, 15 rebounds, four assists and two steals while Josh Richardson accrued 17 points, six rebounds, two assists and two blocks.
On deck for the Celtics is their home opener against the Toronto Raptors on Friday. As for Philly, they travel to face the Detroit Pistons for their next fixture.
Mavericks Handle Wizards in Opener, 108-100
The Dallas Mavericks defeated the visiting Washington Wizards, 108-100, at American Airlines Arena on Wednesday.
While this final margin was fairly close, Dallas was in control throughout. In fact, Dallas led by at least five points for the final 32 minutes of action, thanks to a 38-23 second quarter. A 29-20 third quarter is what really put the game away but Washington's 32-17 fourth quarter made the final scoreline look closer than it actually was. The Mavericks really dominated the shooting disparity, shooting 46 percent from the field while holding the Wizards to under 40 percent from the field. Getting to the free-throw line was also big, with Dallas hitting 27-of-33 and Washington connecting on 15-of-18.
The Wizards (0-1) were led by Bradley Beal, as he tallied 19 points, six rebounds, nine assists and three steals despite going 1-of-11 from three-point range. Thomas Bryant amassed 14 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Rui Hachimura totaled 14 points and 10 boards. Jordan McRae led the bench with 11 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Mavericks (1-0) were led by Luka Doncic, who accumulated 34 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kristaps Porzingis played his first regular-season game in two years, collecting 23 points, four rebounds and two assists. Dorian Finney-Smith finished with 10 points and eight boards while Jalen Brunson led the bench with nine points, four rebounds, three assists and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Dallas traveling to face the New Orleans Pelicans and Washington facing the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road too.
While this final margin was fairly close, Dallas was in control throughout. In fact, Dallas led by at least five points for the final 32 minutes of action, thanks to a 38-23 second quarter. A 29-20 third quarter is what really put the game away but Washington's 32-17 fourth quarter made the final scoreline look closer than it actually was. The Mavericks really dominated the shooting disparity, shooting 46 percent from the field while holding the Wizards to under 40 percent from the field. Getting to the free-throw line was also big, with Dallas hitting 27-of-33 and Washington connecting on 15-of-18.
The Wizards (0-1) were led by Bradley Beal, as he tallied 19 points, six rebounds, nine assists and three steals despite going 1-of-11 from three-point range. Thomas Bryant amassed 14 points, 11 rebounds and three assists. Rui Hachimura totaled 14 points and 10 boards. Jordan McRae led the bench with 11 points, five rebounds and three assists.
The Mavericks (1-0) were led by Luka Doncic, who accumulated 34 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kristaps Porzingis played his first regular-season game in two years, collecting 23 points, four rebounds and two assists. Dorian Finney-Smith finished with 10 points and eight boards while Jalen Brunson led the bench with nine points, four rebounds, three assists and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday, with Dallas traveling to face the New Orleans Pelicans and Washington facing the Oklahoma City Thunder on the road too.
Spurs Roar Back to Topple Knicks, 120-111
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the New York Knicks, 120-111, at AT & T Center on Wednesday evening.
The Spurs (1-0) opened the game on a strong note, outscoring the Knicks (0-1) by a 22-15 margin through the first 12 minutes. However, New York came to life offensively at that point, outscoring San Antonio by a 69-61 margin over the second and third quarters. However, the Spurs would hit their stride again in the fourth, finishing on a 33-18 run over the final 10:10 to close out the season-opening home win.
Marcus Morris led the way for the Knicks in his team debut, posting 26 points, four rebounds, one assist and three steals. Julius Randle followed with a 25-point, 11-rebound double-double in his first regular-season game with New York, adding six assists and three steals. R.J. Barrett totaled 21 points, five boards, two assists and two steals in his regular-season NBA debut. Kevin Knox (13 points, five rebounds) and Elfrid Payton (11 points, eight assists, two rebounds, five steals) were productive off the bench.
LaMarcus Aldridge paced the Spurs with 22 points, also hauling in eight rebounds, dishing out one assist and recording two blocks. Bryn Forbes followed with 20 points, five rebounds and one assist. Dejounte Murray turned in 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals across 24 minutes in his regular-season return to action after last fall's ACL tear. DeMar DeRozan and Rudy Gay produced matching 13-point tallies, with DeRozan adding four rebounds and four assists and Gay supplying six boards and three assists.
The Knicks technically remain on the road but head back to the Empire State to take on the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night, while the Spurs remain home to face the Washington Wizards on Saturday evening.
The Spurs (1-0) opened the game on a strong note, outscoring the Knicks (0-1) by a 22-15 margin through the first 12 minutes. However, New York came to life offensively at that point, outscoring San Antonio by a 69-61 margin over the second and third quarters. However, the Spurs would hit their stride again in the fourth, finishing on a 33-18 run over the final 10:10 to close out the season-opening home win.
Marcus Morris led the way for the Knicks in his team debut, posting 26 points, four rebounds, one assist and three steals. Julius Randle followed with a 25-point, 11-rebound double-double in his first regular-season game with New York, adding six assists and three steals. R.J. Barrett totaled 21 points, five boards, two assists and two steals in his regular-season NBA debut. Kevin Knox (13 points, five rebounds) and Elfrid Payton (11 points, eight assists, two rebounds, five steals) were productive off the bench.
LaMarcus Aldridge paced the Spurs with 22 points, also hauling in eight rebounds, dishing out one assist and recording two blocks. Bryn Forbes followed with 20 points, five rebounds and one assist. Dejounte Murray turned in 18 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals across 24 minutes in his regular-season return to action after last fall's ACL tear. DeMar DeRozan and Rudy Gay produced matching 13-point tallies, with DeRozan adding four rebounds and four assists and Gay supplying six boards and three assists.
The Knicks technically remain on the road but head back to the Empire State to take on the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night, while the Spurs remain home to face the Washington Wizards on Saturday evening.
Jazz Rally In Fourth Quarter For Successful Home Opener
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 100-95, at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Jazz got out to a great start at home, with a 23-12 lead after one quarter. The Thunder responded in the second and cut the deficit to three by halftime. The Thunder carried the momentum into the second half, where they outscored the Jazz by nine in the third quarter to take a 74-68 lead into the final frame. However, the Jazz had other plans as they rallied in the fourth, outscoring the visitors 32-21 in the quarter, to earn an impressive victory in their home opener.
Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 32 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Bojan Bogdanovic followed up with 16 points, three rebounds and a steal, while Rudy Gobert tallied seven points, 14 rebounds and a block. Emmanuel Mudiay looked great in his first game with the Jazz, as he tallied 12 points, five assists, two rebounds and a block, in 23 minutes off the bench. The Jazz shot 45 percent from the field, including 6-of-24 from long range.
Meanwhile, the Thunder's new faces put on a show, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had an impressive opening night for his new team with 26 points on 10-of-23 shooting, in 37 minutes. Chris Paul also had a great debut, with 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 30 minutes, while Danilo Gallinari tallied 21 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Thunder shot 39 percent from the field, including 10-of-27 from long range.
The Thunder (0-1) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Friday. The Jazz (1-0) take on the Lakers in L.A. on Friday.
The Jazz got out to a great start at home, with a 23-12 lead after one quarter. The Thunder responded in the second and cut the deficit to three by halftime. The Thunder carried the momentum into the second half, where they outscored the Jazz by nine in the third quarter to take a 74-68 lead into the final frame. However, the Jazz had other plans as they rallied in the fourth, outscoring the visitors 32-21 in the quarter, to earn an impressive victory in their home opener.
Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz with 32 points, 12 rebounds, three assists and two steals, in 36 minutes. Bojan Bogdanovic followed up with 16 points, three rebounds and a steal, while Rudy Gobert tallied seven points, 14 rebounds and a block. Emmanuel Mudiay looked great in his first game with the Jazz, as he tallied 12 points, five assists, two rebounds and a block, in 23 minutes off the bench. The Jazz shot 45 percent from the field, including 6-of-24 from long range.
Meanwhile, the Thunder's new faces put on a show, as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had an impressive opening night for his new team with 26 points on 10-of-23 shooting, in 37 minutes. Chris Paul also had a great debut, with 22 points, eight rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 30 minutes, while Danilo Gallinari tallied 21 points, seven rebounds, two assists and a steal. The Thunder shot 39 percent from the field, including 10-of-27 from long range.
The Thunder (0-1) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Wizards on Friday. The Jazz (1-0) take on the Lakers in L.A. on Friday.
Suns Scorch In Home Opener
By Dan Bruno
The Phoenix Suns defeated the visiting Sacramento Kings, 124-95, at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Wednesday evening.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Kings jumped to a 29-25 lead after one quarter, and held on to take a 59-54 lead into halftime. The tides turned in the third quarter as the Suns outscored the visitors 32-17 in the quarter to take an 86-78 lead into the final frame. The Suns did not let up for an instant in the fourth, outscoring the Kings by 19 in the quarter, to close out an impressive home opener.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 22 points and 10 assists, in 32 minutes. Kelly Oubre Jr. got the start and proved he belongs in that role, with 21 points, nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks, in 30 minutes. Deandre Ayton and Ricky Rubio each tallied double-doubles, while Tyler Johnson and Jevon Carter both scored in double digits off the bench. The Suns shot 50 percent from the field, including 11-of-33 from deep.
Meanwhile, Buddy Hield led the Kings with 28 points, five rebounds and two assists, in 31 minutes. Marvin Bagley III logged a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Harrison Barnes chipped in 12 points. The Kings turned the ball over 26 times, which led to 35 points against. They shot 39 percent from the field, including 10-of-29 from deep.
The Kings (0-1) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Friday. The Suns (1-0) take on the Nuggets in Denver on Friday.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as the Kings jumped to a 29-25 lead after one quarter, and held on to take a 59-54 lead into halftime. The tides turned in the third quarter as the Suns outscored the visitors 32-17 in the quarter to take an 86-78 lead into the final frame. The Suns did not let up for an instant in the fourth, outscoring the Kings by 19 in the quarter, to close out an impressive home opener.
Devin Booker led the Suns with 22 points and 10 assists, in 32 minutes. Kelly Oubre Jr. got the start and proved he belongs in that role, with 21 points, nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks, in 30 minutes. Deandre Ayton and Ricky Rubio each tallied double-doubles, while Tyler Johnson and Jevon Carter both scored in double digits off the bench. The Suns shot 50 percent from the field, including 11-of-33 from deep.
Meanwhile, Buddy Hield led the Kings with 28 points, five rebounds and two assists, in 31 minutes. Marvin Bagley III logged a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Harrison Barnes chipped in 12 points. The Kings turned the ball over 26 times, which led to 35 points against. They shot 39 percent from the field, including 10-of-29 from deep.
The Kings (0-1) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Trail Blazers on Friday. The Suns (1-0) take on the Nuggets in Denver on Friday.
Nuggets Stun Trail Blazers In Portland
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 108-100, at Moda Center on Wednesday evening.
The Trail Blazers got out to a good start at home as they led for most of the first quarter and took a 27-24 lead in to the second. The Nuggets responded in the second and outscored the hosts by seven in the quarter, to take a 54-50 lead at halftime. The Nuggets pushed their lead to nine early in the third, but the Trail Blazers rallied back to take a one-point lead heading into the final frame. However, Nikola Jokic took over in the fourth with 16 points in the quarter to help the Nuggets outscore the Blazers 35-26 in the quarter and pull away with the eight-point road win.
Jokic finished with 20 points and 13 rebounds on the night, despite being limited to 24 minutes due to foul trouble early on. Will Barton filled the stat sheet with 19 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block, while Jamal Murray, Paul Millsap and Torrey Craig all chipped in double-digit scoring. The Nuggets shot 42 percent from the field, including an impressive 18-of-32 from long range.
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 32 points, eight assists and four rebounds, in 38 minutes of action. Hassan Whiteside had big debut with his new team, as he tallied 16 points, 19 rebounds and two blocks, in 26 minutes. C.J. McCollum and Rodney Hood were the only others to score in double digits. Portland shot 41 percent from the field, including 7-of-28 from long range and tallied 13 assists compared to 20 turnovers.
The Trail Blazers (0-1) will look to bounce back as they take on the Kings in Sacramento on Friday. The Nuggets (1-0) play host to the Suns on Friday.
The Trail Blazers got out to a good start at home as they led for most of the first quarter and took a 27-24 lead in to the second. The Nuggets responded in the second and outscored the hosts by seven in the quarter, to take a 54-50 lead at halftime. The Nuggets pushed their lead to nine early in the third, but the Trail Blazers rallied back to take a one-point lead heading into the final frame. However, Nikola Jokic took over in the fourth with 16 points in the quarter to help the Nuggets outscore the Blazers 35-26 in the quarter and pull away with the eight-point road win.
Jokic finished with 20 points and 13 rebounds on the night, despite being limited to 24 minutes due to foul trouble early on. Will Barton filled the stat sheet with 19 points, five rebounds, two assists, two steals and a block, while Jamal Murray, Paul Millsap and Torrey Craig all chipped in double-digit scoring. The Nuggets shot 42 percent from the field, including an impressive 18-of-32 from long range.
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 32 points, eight assists and four rebounds, in 38 minutes of action. Hassan Whiteside had big debut with his new team, as he tallied 16 points, 19 rebounds and two blocks, in 26 minutes. C.J. McCollum and Rodney Hood were the only others to score in double digits. Portland shot 41 percent from the field, including 7-of-28 from long range and tallied 13 assists compared to 20 turnovers.
The Trail Blazers (0-1) will look to bounce back as they take on the Kings in Sacramento on Friday. The Nuggets (1-0) play host to the Suns on Friday.