Bulls Clinch Win Over Pistons In Season Opener
The Chicago Bulls defeated the Detroit Pistons, 94-88, at Little Caesars Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Bulls (1-0) couldn't have asked for a better opponent to start the season in the rebuilding Pistons (0-1), and while the Bulls were far from playing at their best, they did enough to start the season with a victory. Chicago had to come from behind to get the win, however, as Detroit played with intensity in the opening 12 minutes and built a 20-14 lead after the first quarter. Chicago shrunk the deficit a bit with a 26-24 score in the second quarter, but they completed the turnaround in the second half after outscoring their rivals by a 31-25 score in the third quarter. The two-point differential was rather slim, but the Bulls made sure the Pistons wouldn't flip things around in the final 12 minutes of action and secured the win after winning the final quarter by a 23-19 score. Chicago shot 43.5 percent from the field and 30.4 percent from three-point range, while the Pistons converted 40 percent of their buckets -- but only 21.4 percent of their long-distance attempts.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls in the season opener since he finished with 34 points, adding seven rebounds and four assists. DeMar DeRozan had a strong debut as well, notching 17 points to go along with seven boards and two assists, while Nikola Vucevic chipped in with a double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds -- he also dished out seven dimes. Lonzo Ball had 12 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Just like it happened several times last season, Jerami Grant paced the Pistons offensively and finished with 24 points while adding six rebounds and two assists. Isaiah Stewart mustered 12 points and eight rebounds, while Saddiq Bey ended with 13 points, nine boards and four assists. Kelly Olynyk had 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal in 22 minutes off the bench.
The Bulls (1-0) couldn't have asked for a better opponent to start the season in the rebuilding Pistons (0-1), and while the Bulls were far from playing at their best, they did enough to start the season with a victory. Chicago had to come from behind to get the win, however, as Detroit played with intensity in the opening 12 minutes and built a 20-14 lead after the first quarter. Chicago shrunk the deficit a bit with a 26-24 score in the second quarter, but they completed the turnaround in the second half after outscoring their rivals by a 31-25 score in the third quarter. The two-point differential was rather slim, but the Bulls made sure the Pistons wouldn't flip things around in the final 12 minutes of action and secured the win after winning the final quarter by a 23-19 score. Chicago shot 43.5 percent from the field and 30.4 percent from three-point range, while the Pistons converted 40 percent of their buckets -- but only 21.4 percent of their long-distance attempts.
Zach LaVine paced the Bulls in the season opener since he finished with 34 points, adding seven rebounds and four assists. DeMar DeRozan had a strong debut as well, notching 17 points to go along with seven boards and two assists, while Nikola Vucevic chipped in with a double-double of 15 points and 15 rebounds -- he also dished out seven dimes. Lonzo Ball had 12 points, five rebounds and four assists.
Just like it happened several times last season, Jerami Grant paced the Pistons offensively and finished with 24 points while adding six rebounds and two assists. Isaiah Stewart mustered 12 points and eight rebounds, while Saddiq Bey ended with 13 points, nine boards and four assists. Kelly Olynyk had 10 points, four rebounds, three assists and a steal in 22 minutes off the bench.
Hornets Edge Pacers, 123-122
The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Indiana Pacers, 123-122, at Spectrum Center on Wednesday night.
The Pacers (0-1) appeared to already be in midseason form throughout a first quarter in which they racked up 38 points while limiting the Hornets (1-0) to 27. Indiana stayed hot offensively during the second period as well, leading to a seemingly commanding 75-59 halftime lead. However, the dynamic of the contest changed for good during a third quarter in which the hosts enjoyed a 33-13 advantage. That set up a rollercoaster fourth quarter that Charlotte barely escaped from with victory, as a pair of P.J. Washington free throws and a Domantas Sabonis miss on an 11-foot would-be game-winning bucket conspired to give the home team a narrow win.
Sabonis did lead the Pacers with 33 points, complementing them with 15 rebounds and two assists. Malcolm Brogdon followed with a 28-point, 11-assist double-double that also included four rebounds and one block. Chris Duarte furnished 27 points, five boards, one assist and one steal. Justin Holiday delivered 11 points, seven boards and four assists, while Myles Turner tallied nine points, seven rebounds, one assist and four blocks.
LaMelo Ball paced the Hornets with 31 points, adding nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Gordon Hayward supplied 27 points, five boards, three assists and one steal. Kelly Oubre and Ish Smith generated matching 14-point contributions while recording three rebounds and five assists, respectively. Miles Bridges registered 13 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Cody Martin managed 10 points, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Mason Plumlee mustered eight points, 10 boards, five assists and one block in his regular-season team debut.
The Pacers remain on the road and visit the Washington Wizards on Friday night, while the Hornets travel to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night as well.
The Pacers (0-1) appeared to already be in midseason form throughout a first quarter in which they racked up 38 points while limiting the Hornets (1-0) to 27. Indiana stayed hot offensively during the second period as well, leading to a seemingly commanding 75-59 halftime lead. However, the dynamic of the contest changed for good during a third quarter in which the hosts enjoyed a 33-13 advantage. That set up a rollercoaster fourth quarter that Charlotte barely escaped from with victory, as a pair of P.J. Washington free throws and a Domantas Sabonis miss on an 11-foot would-be game-winning bucket conspired to give the home team a narrow win.
Sabonis did lead the Pacers with 33 points, complementing them with 15 rebounds and two assists. Malcolm Brogdon followed with a 28-point, 11-assist double-double that also included four rebounds and one block. Chris Duarte furnished 27 points, five boards, one assist and one steal. Justin Holiday delivered 11 points, seven boards and four assists, while Myles Turner tallied nine points, seven rebounds, one assist and four blocks.
LaMelo Ball paced the Hornets with 31 points, adding nine rebounds, seven assists and two steals. Gordon Hayward supplied 27 points, five boards, three assists and one steal. Kelly Oubre and Ish Smith generated matching 14-point contributions while recording three rebounds and five assists, respectively. Miles Bridges registered 13 points, eight rebounds, four assists, three steals and one block. Cody Martin managed 10 points, six rebounds, one steal and one block. Mason Plumlee mustered eight points, 10 boards, five assists and one block in his regular-season team debut.
The Pacers remain on the road and visit the Washington Wizards on Friday night, while the Hornets travel to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night as well.
Knicks Top Celtics In Double-OT Thriller
The New York Knicks defeated the Boston Celtics, 138-134, at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday evening.
The Knicks (1-0) and the Celtics (0-1) played one of the most memorable Opening Night games in recent memory, as these two Eastern Conference rivals needed two overtime periods to find a winner. They played a back-and-forth contest where both teams traded leads often, and while the Knicks looked certain to win it late in the fourth, the Celtics forced the first overtime period thanks to a last-second three-pointer from Marcus Smart. While the first overtime couldn't find a winner, the Knicks executed better down the stretch in the second extra five-minute period, as the Celtics simply gassed out and couldn't match up with New York's intensity.
Julius Randle and Evan Fournier both carried the Knicks on offense and each surpassed the 30-point mark -- while Randle posted 35 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, Fournier chipped in with 32 points, six boards, four steals and three dimes. R.J. Barrett had 19 points, while Mitchell Robinson posted an 11-point, 17-rebound double-double. Obi Toppin had 14 points and five rebounds coming off the bench.
Jaylen Brown did everything he could to prevent the Celtics from losing, as he finished with 46 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three steals. Jayson Tatum contributed 20 points and 11 rebounds, but he only shot 7-for-30 from the field. Robert Williams III mustered 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Grant Williams and Marcus Smart each posted 15 points. Smart also added eight rebounds and six assists as well.
The Knicks (1-0) and the Celtics (0-1) played one of the most memorable Opening Night games in recent memory, as these two Eastern Conference rivals needed two overtime periods to find a winner. They played a back-and-forth contest where both teams traded leads often, and while the Knicks looked certain to win it late in the fourth, the Celtics forced the first overtime period thanks to a last-second three-pointer from Marcus Smart. While the first overtime couldn't find a winner, the Knicks executed better down the stretch in the second extra five-minute period, as the Celtics simply gassed out and couldn't match up with New York's intensity.
Julius Randle and Evan Fournier both carried the Knicks on offense and each surpassed the 30-point mark -- while Randle posted 35 points, nine assists and eight rebounds, Fournier chipped in with 32 points, six boards, four steals and three dimes. R.J. Barrett had 19 points, while Mitchell Robinson posted an 11-point, 17-rebound double-double. Obi Toppin had 14 points and five rebounds coming off the bench.
Jaylen Brown did everything he could to prevent the Celtics from losing, as he finished with 46 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three steals. Jayson Tatum contributed 20 points and 11 rebounds, but he only shot 7-for-30 from the field. Robert Williams III mustered 16 points and 10 rebounds, while Grant Williams and Marcus Smart each posted 15 points. Smart also added eight rebounds and six assists as well.
New-look Wizards Topple Raptors, 98-83
The Washington Wizards defeated the Toronto Raptors, 98-83, at Scotiabank Arena on Wednesday night.
The Wizards (1-0) were opening up a new era Wednesday after five seasons under the guidance of the departed Scott Brooks, and they also were rolling out a revamped first unit that featured three offseason arrivals in Spencer Dinwiddie, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kyle Kuzma. The new group set the right tone from the start, building a 57-37 halftime lead on the strength of effective play on both ends of the floor. While the second half was much more balanced on the scoresheet, the outcome of the contest wasn't ever seriously in doubt thanks to Washington's dominance over the Raptors (0-1) during the first two quarters.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 23 points, complementing them with four assists, three rebounds and four steals. Montrezl Harrell, another newcomer, followed with 22 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one block. Dinwiddie provided 13 points, six assists and four rebounds. Kuzma contributed an 11-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included three assists, one steal and one block. Demi Avdija and Daniel Gafford posted matching eight-point efforts while pulling down seven and five rebounds each. Gafford notably added five blocks.
Scottie Barnes and Fred VanVleet co-led the Raptors with 12 points apiece. Barnes added nine rebounds, one assist and one steal, while VanVleet, who was just 5-for-20 from the floor, mustered four assists, three rebounds and three steals. OG Anunoby provided 11 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Goran Dragic and Khem Birch generated matching nine-point tallies, with Dragic also supplying four assists and three rebounds and Birch pulling down nine rebounds.
The Wizards return home to host the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, while the Raptors visit the Boston Celtics on Friday night as well.
The Wizards (1-0) were opening up a new era Wednesday after five seasons under the guidance of the departed Scott Brooks, and they also were rolling out a revamped first unit that featured three offseason arrivals in Spencer Dinwiddie, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Kyle Kuzma. The new group set the right tone from the start, building a 57-37 halftime lead on the strength of effective play on both ends of the floor. While the second half was much more balanced on the scoresheet, the outcome of the contest wasn't ever seriously in doubt thanks to Washington's dominance over the Raptors (0-1) during the first two quarters.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 23 points, complementing them with four assists, three rebounds and four steals. Montrezl Harrell, another newcomer, followed with 22 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one block. Dinwiddie provided 13 points, six assists and four rebounds. Kuzma contributed an 11-point, 15-rebound double-double that also included three assists, one steal and one block. Demi Avdija and Daniel Gafford posted matching eight-point efforts while pulling down seven and five rebounds each. Gafford notably added five blocks.
Scottie Barnes and Fred VanVleet co-led the Raptors with 12 points apiece. Barnes added nine rebounds, one assist and one steal, while VanVleet, who was just 5-for-20 from the floor, mustered four assists, three rebounds and three steals. OG Anunoby provided 11 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Goran Dragic and Khem Birch generated matching nine-point tallies, with Dragic also supplying four assists and three rebounds and Birch pulling down nine rebounds.
The Wizards return home to host the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, while the Raptors visit the Boston Celtics on Friday night as well.
Sixers Cruise Past Pelicans On The Road
The Philadelphia 76ers defeated the New Orleans Pelicans, 117-97, at Smoothie King Center on Wednesday night.
The 76ers (1-0) and the Pelicans (0-1) played a tight game early on, but Philadelphia was just too much for New Orleans and didn't have problems to walk away with a victory in the season opener. The Sixers quickly established a four-point lead following the first quarter (29-25), but New Orleans responded with a 28-24 score in the second quarter to even things up at the break. However, the 76ers increased the tempo in the second half and they used a strong run to build an 11-point advantage heading into the final quarter. New Orleans tried to fight back, but it was too late for them to mount a potential comeback. The Sixers won the final quarter by nine points (36-27) and ended winning by a 20-point differential. The Sixers shot 51.8 percent from the field and 52 percent from three-point range, while the Pelicans shot 41.9 percent from the field and 43.3 percent from three-point range.
Joel Embiid was the top scorer for the Sixers since he ended with 22 points, but he also chipped in with six rebounds and five assists, while Furkan Korkmaz also notched 22 points -- though he did it while attempting only 11 shots and playing 20 minutes off the bench. Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey each had 20 points, though Harris also had a double-double with 12 rebounds. Seth Curry had 10 points, and Andre Drummond pulled down 17 rebounds.
Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 25 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker notched 23 points and five rebounds. Devonte Graham contributed 18 points and five assists in his New Orleans debut. No other New Orleans player had 10 points, but Jonas Valanciunas had nine points and 12 rebounds while playing 30 minutes.
The 76ers (1-0) and the Pelicans (0-1) played a tight game early on, but Philadelphia was just too much for New Orleans and didn't have problems to walk away with a victory in the season opener. The Sixers quickly established a four-point lead following the first quarter (29-25), but New Orleans responded with a 28-24 score in the second quarter to even things up at the break. However, the 76ers increased the tempo in the second half and they used a strong run to build an 11-point advantage heading into the final quarter. New Orleans tried to fight back, but it was too late for them to mount a potential comeback. The Sixers won the final quarter by nine points (36-27) and ended winning by a 20-point differential. The Sixers shot 51.8 percent from the field and 52 percent from three-point range, while the Pelicans shot 41.9 percent from the field and 43.3 percent from three-point range.
Joel Embiid was the top scorer for the Sixers since he ended with 22 points, but he also chipped in with six rebounds and five assists, while Furkan Korkmaz also notched 22 points -- though he did it while attempting only 11 shots and playing 20 minutes off the bench. Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey each had 20 points, though Harris also had a double-double with 12 rebounds. Seth Curry had 10 points, and Andre Drummond pulled down 17 rebounds.
Brandon Ingram paced the Pelicans with 25 points, seven rebounds and six assists, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker notched 23 points and five rebounds. Devonte Graham contributed 18 points and five assists in his New Orleans debut. No other New Orleans player had 10 points, but Jonas Valanciunas had nine points and 12 rebounds while playing 30 minutes.
Timberwolves Throttle Rockets, 124-106
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Houston Rockets, 124-106, at Target Center on Wednesday night.
The Timberwolves (1-0) started hot and didn't let up during the first half, compiling 72 points over the first 24 minutes to take a 27-point lead into intermission. That essentially sealed the outcome of the contest, with the Rockets' (0-1) 35-25 edge in the fourth quarter rendered meaningless. Houston actually shot a respectable 45.5 percent, but their 24 turnovers helped derail their chances of keeping the contest competitive.
Christian Wood led the Rockets with 16 points, adding nine rebounds, three assists and one block. Eric Gordon netted 15 points, two rebounds and one steal. Daniel Theis and Kevin Porter posted matching 11-point tallies while hauling in five and three rebounds, respectively. Alperen Sengun had 11 points of his own off the bench and complemented them with six rebounds, two assists and three steals.
Karl-Anthony Towns paced the Timberwolves with a 30-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two steals and two blocks. Anthony Edwards managed 29 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal. D'Angelo Russell furnished 22 points, seven assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Malik Beasley led the second unit with nine points.
The Rockets head home to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night, while the Timberwolves remain home and host the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night.
The Timberwolves (1-0) started hot and didn't let up during the first half, compiling 72 points over the first 24 minutes to take a 27-point lead into intermission. That essentially sealed the outcome of the contest, with the Rockets' (0-1) 35-25 edge in the fourth quarter rendered meaningless. Houston actually shot a respectable 45.5 percent, but their 24 turnovers helped derail their chances of keeping the contest competitive.
Christian Wood led the Rockets with 16 points, adding nine rebounds, three assists and one block. Eric Gordon netted 15 points, two rebounds and one steal. Daniel Theis and Kevin Porter posted matching 11-point tallies while hauling in five and three rebounds, respectively. Alperen Sengun had 11 points of his own off the bench and complemented them with six rebounds, two assists and three steals.
Karl-Anthony Towns paced the Timberwolves with a 30-point, 10-rebound double-double that also included two assists, two steals and two blocks. Anthony Edwards managed 29 points, six rebounds, three assists and one steal. D'Angelo Russell furnished 22 points, seven assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block. Malik Beasley led the second unit with nine points.
The Rockets head home to host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday night, while the Timberwolves remain home and host the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night.
Morant Comes Up Huge To Lead Grizzlies To First Win
By Dan Bruno
The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers, 132-121, at FedEx Forum on Wednesday evening.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as both teams poured in 32 points in the first quarter. The Grizzlies picked up the pace in the second, where they scored 41 points, while holding the Cavs to 29 points, to take a 12-point lead at the half. The Cavs fought their way back through the third quarter, outscoring the hosts by eight and cutting it to a four-point game heading into the final frame. The Grizzlies responded with a 10-0 run early in the fourth to reclaim a double digit lead. The Cavs would not fold and rallied back to make it a one-point game with 2:33 left. However, Ja Morant came up clutch down the stretch, with nine of the Grizzlies' final 15 points to ensure they closed out their home-opener the right way.
Morant finished with a game-high 37 points on 17-of-29 shooting, six rebounds, six assists and two blocks, in 34 minutes. Desmond Bane followed up with 22 points, three assists, three rebounds and two steals, while De'Anthony Melton added 20 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Grizzlies shot 53 percent from the field, including 14-of-33 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jarrett Allen led the way for the Cavs with 25 points on 11-of-11 shooting, in 29 minutes. Collin Sexton and Evan Mobley followed up with 17 points each, while Cedi Osman chipped in 15 points off the bench. The Cavs shot 50.5 percent from the field, including 14-of-38 from deep.
The Cavs (0-1) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hornets on Friday. The Grizzlies (1-0) take on the Clippers in L.A. on Saturday.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start as both teams poured in 32 points in the first quarter. The Grizzlies picked up the pace in the second, where they scored 41 points, while holding the Cavs to 29 points, to take a 12-point lead at the half. The Cavs fought their way back through the third quarter, outscoring the hosts by eight and cutting it to a four-point game heading into the final frame. The Grizzlies responded with a 10-0 run early in the fourth to reclaim a double digit lead. The Cavs would not fold and rallied back to make it a one-point game with 2:33 left. However, Ja Morant came up clutch down the stretch, with nine of the Grizzlies' final 15 points to ensure they closed out their home-opener the right way.
Morant finished with a game-high 37 points on 17-of-29 shooting, six rebounds, six assists and two blocks, in 34 minutes. Desmond Bane followed up with 22 points, three assists, three rebounds and two steals, while De'Anthony Melton added 20 points, four rebounds and three assists. The Grizzlies shot 53 percent from the field, including 14-of-33 from deep.
Meanwhile, Jarrett Allen led the way for the Cavs with 25 points on 11-of-11 shooting, in 29 minutes. Collin Sexton and Evan Mobley followed up with 17 points each, while Cedi Osman chipped in 15 points off the bench. The Cavs shot 50.5 percent from the field, including 14-of-38 from deep.
The Cavs (0-1) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Hornets on Friday. The Grizzlies (1-0) take on the Clippers in L.A. on Saturday.
Spurs Earn Convincing Home Win In Season-Opener
By Dan Bruno
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the visiting Orlando Magic, 123-97, at AT&T Center on Wednesday evening.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start, as the Spurs led, 32-28, after one quarter. They kept the momentum going in the second and outscored the visitors by eight, to take a, 61-49, lead by halftime. The young Magic squad had no answers in the second half, as the Spurs outscored them by 11 points in the third quarter, to push it to a 23-point game heading into the final frame. The Spurs kept their composure down the stretch and closed out the impressive home win to kick off their season the right way.
Seven players scored in double digits for the Spurs, led by Devin Vassell, who totaled 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including 3-of-4 from deep, in 25 minutes off the bench. Lonnie Walker IV followed up with 17 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Derrick White added 16 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Spurs shot 50 percent from the field, including 13-of-30 from deep.
Mo Bamba led the way for the Magic with 18 points, four rebounds, four assists, four blocks, in 27 minutes. Terrence Ross followed up with 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting, off the bench, while Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 13 points and eight rebounds. The Magic shot 40.7 percent from the field, including 9-of-29 from long range.
The Magic (0-1) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Knicks on Friday. The Spurs (1-0) take on the Nuggets in Denver on Friday.
The contest got out to a high-scoring start, as the Spurs led, 32-28, after one quarter. They kept the momentum going in the second and outscored the visitors by eight, to take a, 61-49, lead by halftime. The young Magic squad had no answers in the second half, as the Spurs outscored them by 11 points in the third quarter, to push it to a 23-point game heading into the final frame. The Spurs kept their composure down the stretch and closed out the impressive home win to kick off their season the right way.
Seven players scored in double digits for the Spurs, led by Devin Vassell, who totaled 19 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including 3-of-4 from deep, in 25 minutes off the bench. Lonnie Walker IV followed up with 17 points, six rebounds, three assists, a steal and a block, while Derrick White added 16 points, four rebounds, four assists and a steal. The Spurs shot 50 percent from the field, including 13-of-30 from deep.
Mo Bamba led the way for the Magic with 18 points, four rebounds, four assists, four blocks, in 27 minutes. Terrence Ross followed up with 15 points on 5-of-10 shooting, off the bench, while Wendell Carter Jr. finished with 13 points and eight rebounds. The Magic shot 40.7 percent from the field, including 9-of-29 from long range.
The Magic (0-1) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Knicks on Friday. The Spurs (1-0) take on the Nuggets in Denver on Friday.
Jazz Close Out Thunder In Season-Opener
By Dan Bruno
The Utah Jazz defeated the visiting Oklahoma City Thunder, 107-86, at Vivint Arena on Wednesday evening.
The Jazz got out to a dominant start with a, 27-18, lead after one quarter. They kept control through the second and added another three points to their lead to make it a 12-point game by halftime. The Thunder had no answers in the third, as the Jazz outscored the visitors, 29-21, to push their lead to 20, heading into the final frame. The Thunder kept up the fight in the fourth, but could not cut into the deficit, as the Jazz held strong to close out the 21-point home win.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the way for the Jazz with 22 points on 10-of-17 shooting, in 28 minutes of action. Jordan Clarkson followed up with 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting, off the bench, while Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell added 16 points each. The Jazz shot 44 percent from the field, including 14-of-47 from deep.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 18 points on 7-of-17 shooting, in 33 minutes. Darius Bazley followed up with 15 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Jeremiah Robinson-Earl was the only other player to score in double digits for the Thunder, with 10 points off the bench. The Thunder shot 37.4 percent from the field, including 7-of-35 from long range.
The Thunder (0-1) will look to bounce back as they take on the Rockets in Houston on Friday. The Jazz (1-0) take on the Kings in Sacramento on Friday.
The Jazz got out to a dominant start with a, 27-18, lead after one quarter. They kept control through the second and added another three points to their lead to make it a 12-point game by halftime. The Thunder had no answers in the third, as the Jazz outscored the visitors, 29-21, to push their lead to 20, heading into the final frame. The Thunder kept up the fight in the fourth, but could not cut into the deficit, as the Jazz held strong to close out the 21-point home win.
Bojan Bogdanovic led the way for the Jazz with 22 points on 10-of-17 shooting, in 28 minutes of action. Jordan Clarkson followed up with 18 points on 6-of-11 shooting, off the bench, while Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell added 16 points each. The Jazz shot 44 percent from the field, including 14-of-47 from deep.
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder with 18 points on 7-of-17 shooting, in 33 minutes. Darius Bazley followed up with 15 points, seven rebounds and two assists, while Jeremiah Robinson-Earl was the only other player to score in double digits for the Thunder, with 10 points off the bench. The Thunder shot 37.4 percent from the field, including 7-of-35 from long range.
The Thunder (0-1) will look to bounce back as they take on the Rockets in Houston on Friday. The Jazz (1-0) take on the Kings in Sacramento on Friday.
Nuggets Defeat Suns, 110-98
The Denver Nuggets defeated the host Phoenix Suns, 110-98, at Footprint Center on Wednesday.
While Phoenix grabbed a game-high 16-point lead near the end of the second quarter, Denver rode a 59-40 second half to their comeback victory. That actually started with Denver scoring eight unanswered points at the end of the second quarter, leading to a 28-point turnaround. The Nuggets shot 53 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 41 percent from the field and 38 percent from long range. In addition, Denver won the points off of turnover battle, 27-22, and outscored Phoenix in fastbreak points, 18-10.
The Nuggets (1-0) were led by Nikola Jokic, tallying 27 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Will Barton amassed 20 points, six rebounds and five assists. Michael Porter Jr provided 15 points, six rebounds and five assists while Aaron Gordon amassed 12 points, eight rebounds and four assists. All four of those guys shot above 50 percent from the field.
The Suns (0-1) were led by Mikal Bridges, totaling 16 points and five rebounds. Devin Booker shot just 3-of-15 from the field to finish with 12 points, four rebounds and four assists. Chris Paul collected 15 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and two steals while Deandre Ayton had 15 points, six rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday against Conference foes, with Phoenix traveling to face the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver returning home to play the San Antonio Spurs.
While Phoenix grabbed a game-high 16-point lead near the end of the second quarter, Denver rode a 59-40 second half to their comeback victory. That actually started with Denver scoring eight unanswered points at the end of the second quarter, leading to a 28-point turnaround. The Nuggets shot 53 percent from the field and 44 percent from three-point range while holding the Suns to 41 percent from the field and 38 percent from long range. In addition, Denver won the points off of turnover battle, 27-22, and outscored Phoenix in fastbreak points, 18-10.
The Nuggets (1-0) were led by Nikola Jokic, tallying 27 points, 13 rebounds, two assists and two steals. Will Barton amassed 20 points, six rebounds and five assists. Michael Porter Jr provided 15 points, six rebounds and five assists while Aaron Gordon amassed 12 points, eight rebounds and four assists. All four of those guys shot above 50 percent from the field.
The Suns (0-1) were led by Mikal Bridges, totaling 16 points and five rebounds. Devin Booker shot just 3-of-15 from the field to finish with 12 points, four rebounds and four assists. Chris Paul collected 15 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and two steals while Deandre Ayton had 15 points, six rebounds and two assists.
Both teams return to action on Friday against Conference foes, with Phoenix traveling to face the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver returning home to play the San Antonio Spurs.
Kings Defeat Trail Blazers,124-121
The Sacramento Kings defeated the host Portland Trail Blazers, 124-121, at Moda Center on Wednesday.
Sacramento rode a 38-26 second quarter to their victory, holding the lead for the entirety of the second half. In fact, they held the lead for all but two minutes in this game, maintaining a double-digit lead for the majority of the second half. With that said, Portland cut it to a three-point margin behind a 36-24 fourth-quarter but missed their only game-tying opportunity at the buzzer. Fastbreak scoring was the only major advantage for Sacramento, outscoring Portland, 20-2. In addition, the Kings shot 42 percent from three-point range while holding the Blazers to 34 percent.
The Kings (1-0) were led by Harrison Barnes and his 36 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. De'Aaron Fox finished with 27 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Richaun Holmes had 21 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Buddy Hield led the bench with 17 points, six rebounds and two assists.
The Trail Blazers (0-1) were led by C.J. McCollum, collecting 34 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals on 14-of-24 from the field. Damian Lillard tallied 20 points, six rebounds and 11 assists. Jusuf Nurkic accumulated 20 points, 14 rebounds and two assists. Norman Powell provided 14 points and five boards.
On deck for Sacramento is a home matchup with the Utah Jazz on Friday. As for Portland, they're off until Saturday, when they play host to the Phoenix Suns.
Sacramento rode a 38-26 second quarter to their victory, holding the lead for the entirety of the second half. In fact, they held the lead for all but two minutes in this game, maintaining a double-digit lead for the majority of the second half. With that said, Portland cut it to a three-point margin behind a 36-24 fourth-quarter but missed their only game-tying opportunity at the buzzer. Fastbreak scoring was the only major advantage for Sacramento, outscoring Portland, 20-2. In addition, the Kings shot 42 percent from three-point range while holding the Blazers to 34 percent.
The Kings (1-0) were led by Harrison Barnes and his 36 points, nine rebounds, two assists and two steals. De'Aaron Fox finished with 27 points, five rebounds and eight assists. Richaun Holmes had 21 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and two blocks. Buddy Hield led the bench with 17 points, six rebounds and two assists.
The Trail Blazers (0-1) were led by C.J. McCollum, collecting 34 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals on 14-of-24 from the field. Damian Lillard tallied 20 points, six rebounds and 11 assists. Jusuf Nurkic accumulated 20 points, 14 rebounds and two assists. Norman Powell provided 14 points and five boards.
On deck for Sacramento is a home matchup with the Utah Jazz on Friday. As for Portland, they're off until Saturday, when they play host to the Phoenix Suns.