Scoreboard
Magic 116, Rockets 86
Celtics 108, Knicks 104
Pacers 143, Wizards 120
Hornets 116, Hawks 110
Raptors 97, Timberwolves 94
Heat 103, Pistons 102
Cavaliers 114, Nets 113
Pelicans 111, Grizzlies 104
Thunder 124, Bulls 104
Kings 130, Jazz 114
Mavericks 126, Spurs 119
Clippers 123, Trail Blazers 111
What went down
Today, most of the NBA made their debuts (only the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers are yet to hit the court) and plenty of big things started happening all at once.
In New York, the Knicks almost pulled off an upset against the new-look Boston Celtics. But they just couldn’t get over their division rivals, who now have one of their former franchise stars.
LOB THREAT 🚨 pic.twitter.com/c8lmKYUZH9
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 25, 2023
Kristaps Porzingis finished with 30 points on 8-for-15 shooting, complementing Jayson Tatum’s 34-point outing. Jrue Holiday also debuted for Boston, playing 34 minutes and collecting nine points and three steals.
The Miami Heat had to make some big plays to put away the Detroit Pistons. The Heat were up by as much as 21 in the fourth period and by eight, 103-95, with three minutes to go, but couldn’t buy a bucket down the stretch. The Pistons made a late rally behind the returning Cade Cunningham.
Cade Cunningham:
— Bally Sports Detroit (@BallySportsDET) October 26, 2023
?? 30 PTS
?? 13-24 FG
?? 9 AST#DetroitBasketball pic.twitter.com/CZepZLN6Lo
The 2021 Draft top overall pick missed most of last season due to a stress fracture in his shin, which he suffered last December. In his first game back, he did a little of everything, dropping 30 points and handing out nine assists. Cunningham and Detroit had Miami on the ropes, but fell silent offensively in the final minute of the game.
Another player who made a relatively quiet return from injury was Zion Willamson. He had plenty of highlights in the New Orleans Pelicans’ win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Z LOOK OUT 😤 pic.twitter.com/YyWevYc3HF
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) October 26, 2023
Aside from dunking on the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Williamson finished with 23 points and seven rebounds. The Pelicans have always been a dangerous team when Williamson plays. It’s just a matter of finding a way to keep the big man healthy.
In Brooklyn, Donovan Mitchell helped his Cleveland Cavaliers escape the Nets, drilling a tough 3-pointer to take the lead in the dying seconds.
DONOVAN DAGGER 🗡?#LetEmKnow pic.twitter.com/RuzDI9NwYy
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) October 26, 2023
Mitchell fought off a tough shooting stretch in the second half and finished with 27 points, five rebounds, and six assists. He outdueled the Nets’ heat-check machine Cam Thomas, who poured in 36 points in just 25 minutes.
Big-time baller
With everyone excited for the debut of Victor Wembanyama, Luka Magic took over in San Antonio.
Luka magic was in full effect for the Mavs season opener 🔥
— NBA (@NBA) October 26, 2023
- 33 PTS
- 13 REB
- 10 AST
- W#KiaTipOff23 pic.twitter.com/MSDwgAmRO5
Doncic finished with a triple-double of 30 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists, and helped douse a late Wemby run with a classic dagger triple over two defenders.
LUKA. DONCIC.
— NBA (@NBA) October 26, 2023
Dallas leads by 7 🗣?
📺: Spurs-Mavs | Live on ESPN | #KiaTipOff23 pic.twitter.com/tkXziDET6p
What he said
The All-Star Draft was fun while it lasted. Today, Adam Silver announced that the All-Star Game is returning to the classic East vs. West format.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announces the return of the classic East vs. West format for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game. pic.twitter.com/ingdASk5GJ
— NBA (@NBA) October 25, 2023
Did you see that?
Andre Drummond gave Chet Holmgren his “Welcome to the NBA” moment.
Drummond made him touch Earth 😮@NBCSChicago | @AndreDrummond pic.twitter.com/BwLcCgrAc5
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 26, 2023
Extra pass
Tomorrow’s going to have a fun double feature, starting with the Milwaukee Bucks debuting the Freak Time tandem of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard against the troubled Philadelphia 76ers. That game’s happening live on NBA TV Philippines at 7:30 AM.
After that, the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Lakers face off in what should be another interesting early matchup between two star-studded Western Conference squads. That game’s showing on NBA League Pass at 10 AM.
