Scoreboard
Pelicans 112, Clippers 91
Celtics 112, Wizards 94
Cavaliers 121, Knicks 108
Pistons 128, Warriors 114
Spurs 107, Timberwolves 98
Mavericks 114, Magic 105
Suns 124, Rockets 109
Lakers 121, Nuggets 110
What went down
Finally.
The LA Lakers picked the best time to get their first win. On the night that they were honoring George Mikan by raising his number 99 up into the rafters, the Lakers also ended their five-game losing streak.
99 forever in the rafters 💛 pic.twitter.com/lizjpU5ZuJ
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) October 31, 2022
It seemed like the Lakers were in for another ho-hum loss after they fell behind by eight points late in the third quarter. Then something magical happened.
They went on a 21-2 run, built on strong outside shooting and bench play, to build an 11-point lead early in the fourth quarter. The Nuggets threatened to come back in the fourth quarter but LeBron James and Anthony Davis hit timely shots to keep them at bay.
It was also fitting that the much-maligned Russell Westbrook was the one to put the nail on the coffin when he converted on a lefty layup after grabbing a crucial offensive rebound.
RUSS ?? pic.twitter.com/9ugLUxzekW
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 31, 2022
James finished with 26 points, six rebounds, and eight assists to lead the team. Davis had 22 points and 15 rebounds. Westbrook put up an 18-8-8 statline, but more importantly, he was a +18 off the bench. The Lakers hit 13-of-30 outside shots, the first time they broke the 40 percent 3-point percentage mark this season.
Now that the first win is on the board, the Lakers need to prove they can string together a couple of Ws to get back from their 0-5 hole.
Big-time baller
The only choice here is Luka Doncic, picking anyone else just seems ridiculous.
He followed up back-to-back 30-point triple-doubles with a 44-point masterpiece in today’s match-up against the Orlando Magic. After today’s game, Doncic joins elite company.
Luka Doncic has scored 30+ PTS in each of his first six games.
— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 31, 2022
Michael Jordan was the last player to do this in 1986. @HoopMuse pic.twitter.com/Ub3ds7U66b
The buzz before the season was that Doncic was in the best shape of his NBA career and is in for an MVP-level season. All that is true after his first six games this season.
He said what?
The league gets crazy when Halloween rolls along. Players enter the arenas wearing costumes while the broadcast and in-arena entertainment add their own spooky twist to the games. Nothing tops Grant Williams though.
Not only did he come into the game dressed as Batman. He also gave his post-game interview using the iconic movie voice.
Live from Gotham pic.twitter.com/8skgmZd4M2
— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) October 31, 2022
Jayson Tatum’s choice words to Williams during the interview only makes this clip so much funnier.
Did you see that?
What a pass by Cade Cunningham 😲
— NBA (@NBA) October 31, 2022
The Pistons lead the Warriors by 10 in Q4 on NBA League Pass.
📲 https://t.co/1pomQZMAZK pic.twitter.com/oIHLyXLMBO
Because I didn’t.
I thought Cunningham was throwing the ball into a whole mess of white shirts. I didn’t see Killian Hayes cutting from the left wing. I also didn’t see an opening for the ball to get to Hayes. But Cunningham threaded his pass perfectly. It bounced past four defenders and found its way to the finisher at the right spot.
Cunningham is incredible. He finished with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists to lead the Detroit Pistons to a stunning upset of the defending champs.
