Pacers, Nets Both On Second Night Of Back To Back
By Dan Bruno
The Indiana Pacers play host to the Brooklyn Nets at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Saturday evening.
Both the Nets (1-1) and the Pacers (1-1) will be on the second night of a back-to-back, with the Pacers coming off a loss on the road and the Nets coming off an exciting home win.
Caris LeVert capped off an impressive 28-point, six-assist, five-rebounds performance with the game-winning shot in the Nets home win over the Knicks on Friday evening. LeVert has been great over the Nets' first two games of the season and could on his way to a breakout season. Spencer Dinwiddie and D'Angelo Russell have looked good so far, while Jarret Allen has quickly shown he is ready to be a force in the paint. Allen is averaging 16 points, 10.5 rebounds and four blocks per game over his first two games of the season. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (hip) remains sidelined for the Nets.
Meanwhile, the Pacers are coming off a tough loss in Milwaukee on Friday night, where they trailed for almost the entire game. They shot 44 percent, including 33 percent from long range in the loss. Victor Oladipo has had a relatively quiet start to the season, with just 16 points in his first game, and 25 points on 10-of-23 shooting in the loss to the Bucks. The Pacers will need him to be at the top of his game if they expect to have high hope this season. Tyreke Evans, Doug McDermott, Cory Joseph and Domantas Sabonis give the Pacers a strong supporting cast off the bench, contributing a combined 39 points, 19 rebounds and seven assists in the Pacers' last contest.
Both the Nets (1-1) and the Pacers (1-1) will be on the second night of a back-to-back, with the Pacers coming off a loss on the road and the Nets coming off an exciting home win.
Caris LeVert capped off an impressive 28-point, six-assist, five-rebounds performance with the game-winning shot in the Nets home win over the Knicks on Friday evening. LeVert has been great over the Nets' first two games of the season and could on his way to a breakout season. Spencer Dinwiddie and D'Angelo Russell have looked good so far, while Jarret Allen has quickly shown he is ready to be a force in the paint. Allen is averaging 16 points, 10.5 rebounds and four blocks per game over his first two games of the season. Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (hip) remains sidelined for the Nets.
Meanwhile, the Pacers are coming off a tough loss in Milwaukee on Friday night, where they trailed for almost the entire game. They shot 44 percent, including 33 percent from long range in the loss. Victor Oladipo has had a relatively quiet start to the season, with just 16 points in his first game, and 25 points on 10-of-23 shooting in the loss to the Bucks. The Pacers will need him to be at the top of his game if they expect to have high hope this season. Tyreke Evans, Doug McDermott, Cory Joseph and Domantas Sabonis give the Pacers a strong supporting cast off the bench, contributing a combined 39 points, 19 rebounds and seven assists in the Pacers' last contest.
Wizards Host New-Look Raptors
The Washington Wizards play host to the Toronto Raptors at Capital One Arena on Saturday.
The Raptors (2-0) have looked like one of the best teams in the league in the opening week, as Kawhi Leonard is thriving in his new home. The 55 points and 23 combined rebounds in the first two games emphasize that point, as it's clear Toronto wants to run the show through him. In fact, he's played at least 36 minutes in both games, attempting 47 shots combined. That's incredibly high usage and it's obvious that Leonard is fully healthy and ready to return to MVP form. He and Kyle Lowry have gelled brilliantly too, with Lowry averaging 21 points, 3.5 rebounds and 7.0 assists on 75 percent shooting in his first two games. The fact that he's been so efficient is a great sign for fans as well, as he and Leonard look eerily similar to the DeMar DeRozan-Lowry duo that Toronto fans adored for the last decade.
The Wizards (0-1) suffered a devastating loss in their opener, as they took a 113-112 defeat at the hands of the Miami Heat on Thursday. The 19 ties and 21 lead changes in that game show just how competitive it was, with neither club ever attaining a double-digit lead. The fact that Washington allowed an offensive rebound putback with 0.2 seconds left made the loss all the more heartbreaking, as that was the problem throughout the game. In fact, the Wizards were outrebounded on the offensive end, 22-7, and 55-40 for the game. What's ironic about that fact is that Dwight Howard was brought in to fix the rebounding issues. Howard had to miss that game due to a glute issue, as he's questionable heading into this matchup. While Howard's game has been criticized throughout his career, adding a post presence and rebounder like him can't be overlooked for a team in desperate need of something just like that.
While these teams split their four-game season series last year, Toronto won nine of their previous 10 games over Washington headed into the 2017 season.
The Raptors (2-0) have looked like one of the best teams in the league in the opening week, as Kawhi Leonard is thriving in his new home. The 55 points and 23 combined rebounds in the first two games emphasize that point, as it's clear Toronto wants to run the show through him. In fact, he's played at least 36 minutes in both games, attempting 47 shots combined. That's incredibly high usage and it's obvious that Leonard is fully healthy and ready to return to MVP form. He and Kyle Lowry have gelled brilliantly too, with Lowry averaging 21 points, 3.5 rebounds and 7.0 assists on 75 percent shooting in his first two games. The fact that he's been so efficient is a great sign for fans as well, as he and Leonard look eerily similar to the DeMar DeRozan-Lowry duo that Toronto fans adored for the last decade.
The Wizards (0-1) suffered a devastating loss in their opener, as they took a 113-112 defeat at the hands of the Miami Heat on Thursday. The 19 ties and 21 lead changes in that game show just how competitive it was, with neither club ever attaining a double-digit lead. The fact that Washington allowed an offensive rebound putback with 0.2 seconds left made the loss all the more heartbreaking, as that was the problem throughout the game. In fact, the Wizards were outrebounded on the offensive end, 22-7, and 55-40 for the game. What's ironic about that fact is that Dwight Howard was brought in to fix the rebounding issues. Howard had to miss that game due to a glute issue, as he's questionable heading into this matchup. While Howard's game has been criticized throughout his career, adding a post presence and rebounder like him can't be overlooked for a team in desperate need of something just like that.
While these teams split their four-game season series last year, Toronto won nine of their previous 10 games over Washington headed into the 2017 season.
Knicks Play Host to Celtics
The Boston Celtics travel to The Big Apple to play the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Saturday.
The Celtics (1-1) ran into a buzzsaw on Friday, as they took their first defeat at the hands of the Toronto Raptors. Not only did the Raptors look like an elite team in that 114-102 win, Boston collapsed late. In fact, Toronto finished that game on a 12-2 run, as the Celtics couldn't get anything going in the final three minutes. One strange aspect in that defeat was the lack of bench production, as they got just 23 bench points in that loss. That's a low number from a team who maintains that they have the deepest bench in the league and one has to wonder who's going to lead this team. Many assume it's Kyrie Irving, but he has just 28 combined points on 12-of-34 shooting in his first two games. It's probably a case of him getting his feet underneath him after missing much of the 2017 season, as he and Gordon Hayward have a lot of work to do to get back to where they need to be for this team to be at top form.
The Knicks (1-1) looked dominant in their opener, as they handed the Atlanta Hawks a 126-107 defeat. Unfortunately, they followed that up with a 107-105 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. It was a heartbreaker too, as Caris LeVert hit a game-winning lay-up with one second left to break a tied game. While that loss is disappointing, some of the individual performances have to be extremely encouraging. In fact, Tim Hardaway Jr. has 61 combined points in the first two games, as he and Enes Kanter are carrying this team. Kanter has 45 points and 21 rebounds combined in the first two games and it's clear who's going to run the show for this team. Those two matched up with Kristaps Porzingis (knee) was the future of this franchise, but it remains to be seen exactly when Porzingis will return. He is now eight months removed from his injury but there's really no word yet on when he'll return. That would just add another talented young piece to this already growing core, as Knick fans have a team to get excited about for the first time in a decade.
Boston has defeated New York in 12 of their last 15 games dating back to 2015.
The Celtics (1-1) ran into a buzzsaw on Friday, as they took their first defeat at the hands of the Toronto Raptors. Not only did the Raptors look like an elite team in that 114-102 win, Boston collapsed late. In fact, Toronto finished that game on a 12-2 run, as the Celtics couldn't get anything going in the final three minutes. One strange aspect in that defeat was the lack of bench production, as they got just 23 bench points in that loss. That's a low number from a team who maintains that they have the deepest bench in the league and one has to wonder who's going to lead this team. Many assume it's Kyrie Irving, but he has just 28 combined points on 12-of-34 shooting in his first two games. It's probably a case of him getting his feet underneath him after missing much of the 2017 season, as he and Gordon Hayward have a lot of work to do to get back to where they need to be for this team to be at top form.
The Knicks (1-1) looked dominant in their opener, as they handed the Atlanta Hawks a 126-107 defeat. Unfortunately, they followed that up with a 107-105 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Friday. It was a heartbreaker too, as Caris LeVert hit a game-winning lay-up with one second left to break a tied game. While that loss is disappointing, some of the individual performances have to be extremely encouraging. In fact, Tim Hardaway Jr. has 61 combined points in the first two games, as he and Enes Kanter are carrying this team. Kanter has 45 points and 21 rebounds combined in the first two games and it's clear who's going to run the show for this team. Those two matched up with Kristaps Porzingis (knee) was the future of this franchise, but it remains to be seen exactly when Porzingis will return. He is now eight months removed from his injury but there's really no word yet on when he'll return. That would just add another talented young piece to this already growing core, as Knick fans have a team to get excited about for the first time in a decade.
Boston has defeated New York in 12 of their last 15 games dating back to 2015.
Sixers Host Magic With Simmons Sizzling
The Philadelphia 76ers play host to the Orlando Magic at Wells Fargo Center on Saturday.
The Magic (1-1) had a great effort in their opener when they handed the Miami Heat a three-point defeat but followed that up with a stinker on Friday. In fact, Orlando took a 120-88 defeat at the hands of the Charlotte Hornets, as they never looked competitive in that game. Those 88 points are especially discouraging, considering this team was near the bottom in nearly every offensive statistic last season. While most people expect them to be a bad offensive team, it's unacceptable to play like that against a weak Charlotte squad. If there's a silver lining in that blowout loss, it's the fact that none of the starters played more than 25 minutes. That means they should be at full strength in this second half of a back-to-back set, thus giving them a small chance as an already massive underdog.
The Sixers (1-1) had the unfortunate task of playing the Boston Celtics on the road in their opener, but they bounced back nicely by handling the Chicago Bulls in their most recent outing. The player who's really been impressive is Ben Simmons, as he's averaging 16 points, 14 rebounds, 9.5 assists, 2.5 steals and 2.0 blocks in his first two games. That's arguably the best all-around stat line in the NBA right now and it's a scary thought that this kid is only 22-years-old. Joel Embiid has been just as good, as he's averaging 26.5 points and 11 rebounds of his own. One of the biggest stories after the most recent win was the fact that Markelle Fultz connected on his first career three-pointer, especially considering his jumper has been a spot of discussion in Philly since he was drafted. If they can get him playing at his potential, the sky is the limit for this young and talented team.
Philly absolutely dominated their three-game season series over Orlando last season, winning all three games by double-digit margins.
The Magic (1-1) had a great effort in their opener when they handed the Miami Heat a three-point defeat but followed that up with a stinker on Friday. In fact, Orlando took a 120-88 defeat at the hands of the Charlotte Hornets, as they never looked competitive in that game. Those 88 points are especially discouraging, considering this team was near the bottom in nearly every offensive statistic last season. While most people expect them to be a bad offensive team, it's unacceptable to play like that against a weak Charlotte squad. If there's a silver lining in that blowout loss, it's the fact that none of the starters played more than 25 minutes. That means they should be at full strength in this second half of a back-to-back set, thus giving them a small chance as an already massive underdog.
The Sixers (1-1) had the unfortunate task of playing the Boston Celtics on the road in their opener, but they bounced back nicely by handling the Chicago Bulls in their most recent outing. The player who's really been impressive is Ben Simmons, as he's averaging 16 points, 14 rebounds, 9.5 assists, 2.5 steals and 2.0 blocks in his first two games. That's arguably the best all-around stat line in the NBA right now and it's a scary thought that this kid is only 22-years-old. Joel Embiid has been just as good, as he's averaging 26.5 points and 11 rebounds of his own. One of the biggest stories after the most recent win was the fact that Markelle Fultz connected on his first career three-pointer, especially considering his jumper has been a spot of discussion in Philly since he was drafted. If they can get him playing at his potential, the sky is the limit for this young and talented team.
Philly absolutely dominated their three-game season series over Orlando last season, winning all three games by double-digit margins.
Pistons and Bulls Meet in Early-Season Divisional Battle
The Detroit Pistons take on the Chicago Bulls at United Center on Saturday evening.
The Pistons (1-0) were able to squeak by the Brooklyn Nets in their regular-season opener last Wednesday by a 103-100 score at Little Caesar's Arena. The visitors took Detroit to the limit in a back-and-forth fourth quarter until Reggie Jackson was able to seal the victory with two late free throws. Blake Griffin, beginning his first full season in Motown, led the way with 26 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Andre Drummond turned in a trademark 24-point, 20-rebound double-double that also included two assists and a block. Jackson complemented both of their efforts with 19 points, four assists, two rebounds and a steal. Ish Smith led the second unit with 11 points.
The Pistons will come into Saturday's game without any injuries to report.
The Bulls (0-1) had a much rougher start to their season, as they were walloped by the Philadelphia 76ers, 130-112, on Thursday evening as well. Chicago had no answer for either Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid, who tallied a triple-double and double-double, respectively. Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 30 points, five rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Bobby Portis supplied 20 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Antonio Blakeney registered 15 points, five rebounds and two assists. Jabari Parker matched Blakeney's scoring total in his Windy City debut.
The Bulls will be without Lauri Markkanen (elbow), Denzel Valentine (ankle), Mmer Asik (arthritic condition) and Kris Dunn (personal) for Saturday's contest, while Cristiano Felicio (ankle) will be a game-time decision.
The Pistons won the season series against the Bulls last year by a 3-1 margin, with all three wins coming by double digits.
The Pistons (1-0) were able to squeak by the Brooklyn Nets in their regular-season opener last Wednesday by a 103-100 score at Little Caesar's Arena. The visitors took Detroit to the limit in a back-and-forth fourth quarter until Reggie Jackson was able to seal the victory with two late free throws. Blake Griffin, beginning his first full season in Motown, led the way with 26 points, eight rebounds and six assists. Andre Drummond turned in a trademark 24-point, 20-rebound double-double that also included two assists and a block. Jackson complemented both of their efforts with 19 points, four assists, two rebounds and a steal. Ish Smith led the second unit with 11 points.
The Pistons will come into Saturday's game without any injuries to report.
The Bulls (0-1) had a much rougher start to their season, as they were walloped by the Philadelphia 76ers, 130-112, on Thursday evening as well. Chicago had no answer for either Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid, who tallied a triple-double and double-double, respectively. Zach LaVine paced the Bulls with 30 points, five rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Bobby Portis supplied 20 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. Antonio Blakeney registered 15 points, five rebounds and two assists. Jabari Parker matched Blakeney's scoring total in his Windy City debut.
The Bulls will be without Lauri Markkanen (elbow), Denzel Valentine (ankle), Mmer Asik (arthritic condition) and Kris Dunn (personal) for Saturday's contest, while Cristiano Felicio (ankle) will be a game-time decision.
The Pistons won the season series against the Bulls last year by a 3-1 margin, with all three wins coming by double digits.
Heat Host Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets travel to Florida to play the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on Saturday.
The Hornets (1-1) have looked much better than most expected in their first two games, as they have a 32-point win over the Orlando Magic and a one-point defeat at the hands of the competitive Milwaukee Bucks. It's clear why they've been playing well, with Kemba Walker posting some career statistics. In fact, Walker is averaging 33.5 points per game in his first two games. While that's impossible to keep up, it seems likely that Walker's career is still on the rise after a breakout 2017 campaign. It's not about Walker with this team though, they simply need more from their role players to succeed. Walker will get his, but it's up to players like Nicolas Batum and Jeremy Lamb to help Walker out and take some of the load off of his shoulder. A promising start from Malk Monk is a good sign, as he's averaging 14.5 points per game to lead the Hornets bench. Monk is a highly touted top-10 pick for Charlotte and if they can get him playing up to his potential, this team could be much better than people think.
The Heat (1-1) have been a highwire act in their first two games, with each fixture coming down to the last shot. Miami was on each end of those fixtures, as they lost to the Orlando Magic but beat the Washington Wizards. What's been interesting about those first two games is the lack of defense from Miami, allowing 108 points per game. That simply won't get it done for a team who finished bottom half of the league in nearly every offensive statistic last season and it's a wonder why the defense has been slipping. It looks like a new player is running the show for Miami this season on offense though, with Josh Richardson leading the team with 24.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. If they can get that kind of production from Richardson in addition to the solid play of Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside, this could be one of the teams to beat in the east.
Not only did Miami sweep their four-game season series over Charlotte last season, they've won six-straight over them in total.
The Hornets (1-1) have looked much better than most expected in their first two games, as they have a 32-point win over the Orlando Magic and a one-point defeat at the hands of the competitive Milwaukee Bucks. It's clear why they've been playing well, with Kemba Walker posting some career statistics. In fact, Walker is averaging 33.5 points per game in his first two games. While that's impossible to keep up, it seems likely that Walker's career is still on the rise after a breakout 2017 campaign. It's not about Walker with this team though, they simply need more from their role players to succeed. Walker will get his, but it's up to players like Nicolas Batum and Jeremy Lamb to help Walker out and take some of the load off of his shoulder. A promising start from Malk Monk is a good sign, as he's averaging 14.5 points per game to lead the Hornets bench. Monk is a highly touted top-10 pick for Charlotte and if they can get him playing up to his potential, this team could be much better than people think.
The Heat (1-1) have been a highwire act in their first two games, with each fixture coming down to the last shot. Miami was on each end of those fixtures, as they lost to the Orlando Magic but beat the Washington Wizards. What's been interesting about those first two games is the lack of defense from Miami, allowing 108 points per game. That simply won't get it done for a team who finished bottom half of the league in nearly every offensive statistic last season and it's a wonder why the defense has been slipping. It looks like a new player is running the show for Miami this season on offense though, with Josh Richardson leading the team with 24.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game. If they can get that kind of production from Richardson in addition to the solid play of Goran Dragic and Hassan Whiteside, this could be one of the teams to beat in the east.
Not only did Miami sweep their four-game season series over Charlotte last season, they've won six-straight over them in total.
Timberwolves Look For Back-to-Back Wins Versus Mavericks
The Minnesota Timberwolves take on the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night at American Airlines Center on Saturday evening.
The Timberwolves (1-1) rode a 71-first half and 50.6 percent success rate from the field to a wild 131-123 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers for their first win of the season on Friday night. Jimmy Butler led Minnesota with a game-high 33 points, including the final four after Cleveland had narrowed their deficit to 127-123 with 46.6 seconds remaining. He also managed seven rebounds, three assists, four steals and two blocks. Andrew Wiggins supplied 22 points, three boards, two assists and three steals. Taj Gibson (13 points, eight rebounds, two assists) and Karl-Anthony Towns (12 points, nine rebounds, two assists, four blocks) provided important complementary production on the starting five. Derrick Rose led the bench with 12 points, eight assists and four rebounds.
Minnesota will come into Saturday's contest without any major injuries to report.
The Mavericks (0-1) saw the upstart Phoenix Suns upend them in their regular-season opener on Wednesday night, dropping a 121-100 road decision. Dallas did see all five members of their first unit record double-digit scoring, but their top offensive performance came off the bench. Dwight Powell paced the Mavs with 16 points, a total he supplemented with five rebounds, one steal and one block. Wesley Matthews tallied 15 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Last year's first-round pick, Dennis Smith, Jr., provided 13 points five assists, two rebounds and three steals, but he only managed to shoot 6-for-19 from the field.
The Mavericks will likely list Harrison Barnes (hamstring) as doubtful for Saturday's contest, while Dirk Nowitzki (ankle) and Devin Harris (hamstring) will be sidelined.
The Timberwolves swept the four-game season series from the Mavericks last season.
The Timberwolves (1-1) rode a 71-first half and 50.6 percent success rate from the field to a wild 131-123 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers for their first win of the season on Friday night. Jimmy Butler led Minnesota with a game-high 33 points, including the final four after Cleveland had narrowed their deficit to 127-123 with 46.6 seconds remaining. He also managed seven rebounds, three assists, four steals and two blocks. Andrew Wiggins supplied 22 points, three boards, two assists and three steals. Taj Gibson (13 points, eight rebounds, two assists) and Karl-Anthony Towns (12 points, nine rebounds, two assists, four blocks) provided important complementary production on the starting five. Derrick Rose led the bench with 12 points, eight assists and four rebounds.
Minnesota will come into Saturday's contest without any major injuries to report.
The Mavericks (0-1) saw the upstart Phoenix Suns upend them in their regular-season opener on Wednesday night, dropping a 121-100 road decision. Dallas did see all five members of their first unit record double-digit scoring, but their top offensive performance came off the bench. Dwight Powell paced the Mavs with 16 points, a total he supplemented with five rebounds, one steal and one block. Wesley Matthews tallied 15 points, five assists, two rebounds and one steal. Last year's first-round pick, Dennis Smith, Jr., provided 13 points five assists, two rebounds and three steals, but he only managed to shoot 6-for-19 from the field.
The Mavericks will likely list Harrison Barnes (hamstring) as doubtful for Saturday's contest, while Dirk Nowitzki (ankle) and Devin Harris (hamstring) will be sidelined.
The Timberwolves swept the four-game season series from the Mavericks last season.
Suns, Nuggets Looking To Stay Undefeated
By Dan Bruno
The Denver Nuggets play host to the Phoenix Suns, at Pepsi Center on Saturday evening.
Both the Suns and the Nuggets started off their seasons with impressive wins on Wednesday night. The Suns topped the Mavericks by 21 at home, while the Nuggets put together a nine-point win in L.A. against the Clippers. Both teams also made some solid acquisitions through the draft and during the off-season. In the case of the Nuggets, neither Isaiah Thomas (hip), nor Michael Porter Jr. (back) played in the season opener, but are expected to be ready at some point in the season. On the other hand, the Suns lineup featured off-season acquisition, Trevor Ariza, who tallied 21 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and one steal, in 37 minutes as starting small-forward. Ryan Anderson, who was also acquired in the offseason, stared at power forward and finished with two points, seven rebounds and three assists, in 24 minutes. The Suns' top pick, Deandre Ayton, was great in his first NBA game, as he totaled 18 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block, in 36 minutes at the starting center position.
Both these teams will have to battle for every win they can get, in order to have a chance at a playoff spot in the jam-packed West. It is never too early to start and the Nuggets and Suns must recognize the importance of a matchup like this one early on in the season. This will be the first road game of the season for the Suns, and the first home game for the Nuggets, which could lead to some nerves on both sides, but also sets the stage for a great contest.
Both the Suns and the Nuggets started off their seasons with impressive wins on Wednesday night. The Suns topped the Mavericks by 21 at home, while the Nuggets put together a nine-point win in L.A. against the Clippers. Both teams also made some solid acquisitions through the draft and during the off-season. In the case of the Nuggets, neither Isaiah Thomas (hip), nor Michael Porter Jr. (back) played in the season opener, but are expected to be ready at some point in the season. On the other hand, the Suns lineup featured off-season acquisition, Trevor Ariza, who tallied 21 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and one steal, in 37 minutes as starting small-forward. Ryan Anderson, who was also acquired in the offseason, stared at power forward and finished with two points, seven rebounds and three assists, in 24 minutes. The Suns' top pick, Deandre Ayton, was great in his first NBA game, as he totaled 18 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, one steal and one block, in 36 minutes at the starting center position.
Both these teams will have to battle for every win they can get, in order to have a chance at a playoff spot in the jam-packed West. It is never too early to start and the Nuggets and Suns must recognize the importance of a matchup like this one early on in the season. This will be the first road game of the season for the Suns, and the first home game for the Nuggets, which could lead to some nerves on both sides, but also sets the stage for a great contest.
Moda Center Site for Spurs and Blazers
The San Antonio Spurs (1-0) entered the season maligned by the depletion of their core roster due to a tumultuous off-season, in addition to the injuries plaguing their up-and-coming stars. But Wednesday night saw the team emerge victorious in their season opener over the visiting Minnesota Timberwolves, 112-108. The Spurs were efficient from the paint and long range, where they shot a collective 43% and 44%, respectively, and were led offensively by DeMar DeRozan, who posted 28 points, four rebounds and four assists in his debut with the club. LaMarcus Aldridge had a monster night off the boards, hauling in 19 rebounds to add to his 21 points and seven buckets from the foul line. Rudy Gay finished with 18 points and seven rebounds, while Marco Belinelli came off the bench to deliver 10 points and a pair of triples. San Antonio's West Coast mini-road trip continues on Monday with a visit to LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.
It was James' same Lakers who were dropped on Thursday night on the road at the hands of Aldridge's former team, the Portland Trail Blazers (1-0), 128-119. The Blazers's bench combined for 55 points in the affair, buoyed by a 24-point performance from new team member Nik Stauskas, who went 5-for-8 from beyond the arc and made all five of his shot attempts from the free throw line. Stauskas joins Portland after splitting his 2017-18 season with the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets. Damian Lillard led the team in scoring with 28 points, adding six rebounds and dishing out four assists, while Jusuf Nurkic came just shy of a double-double with 16 points and nine rebounds. The team was white hot from the charity stripe in the victory, shooting a collective 27-of-29.
It was James' same Lakers who were dropped on Thursday night on the road at the hands of Aldridge's former team, the Portland Trail Blazers (1-0), 128-119. The Blazers's bench combined for 55 points in the affair, buoyed by a 24-point performance from new team member Nik Stauskas, who went 5-for-8 from beyond the arc and made all five of his shot attempts from the free throw line. Stauskas joins Portland after splitting his 2017-18 season with the Philadelphia 76ers and Brooklyn Nets. Damian Lillard led the team in scoring with 28 points, adding six rebounds and dishing out four assists, while Jusuf Nurkic came just shy of a double-double with 16 points and nine rebounds. The team was white hot from the charity stripe in the victory, shooting a collective 27-of-29.
Lakers and Rockets Clash at Staples Center
The Houston Rockets (0-1), pegged by many as a favorite to emerge from the Western Conference this season, received a wake-up call from the visiting New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday night, getting thumped, 131-112. The Rockets were simply out-manned at every turn, despite a team-high 21 points off the pine from Eric Gordon. Chris Paul and PJ Tucker put up 19 points apiece, with Paul adding six assists, five rebounds and three triples, and Tucker shooting 4-of-7 from downtown. James Harden logged 18 points and had 10 assists on his way to a double-double in the loss, on a night when he received his 2017-18 MVP trophy. New Houston member Carmelo Anthony had a subdued outing in his debut with the team, coming off the bench for nine points and four rebounds in 27 minutes of floor time. The team will remain at Staples through the weekend, as they take on the L.A. Clippers on Sunday.
Despite a pair of early, scintillating dunks in his Los Angeles Lakers (0-1) debut, LeBron James' third team fell on the road to the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night, 128-119. James was the leading offensive contributor in the loss, dropping 26 points and grabbing 12 boards for the double-double. The superstar struggled from long range, where he missed all four of his shot attempts, in line with the team's woes from deep as a whole, where they went a collective 7-for-30. Josh Hart played off the bench for 20 points and nearly half of the team's three-point production with three triples, while Brandon Ingram had 16 points and four boards. Next up for the Lakers will be a Monday night visit from the San Antonio Spurs.
Despite a pair of early, scintillating dunks in his Los Angeles Lakers (0-1) debut, LeBron James' third team fell on the road to the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday night, 128-119. James was the leading offensive contributor in the loss, dropping 26 points and grabbing 12 boards for the double-double. The superstar struggled from long range, where he missed all four of his shot attempts, in line with the team's woes from deep as a whole, where they went a collective 7-for-30. Josh Hart played off the bench for 20 points and nearly half of the team's three-point production with three triples, while Brandon Ingram had 16 points and four boards. Next up for the Lakers will be a Monday night visit from the San Antonio Spurs.