Scoreboard
Hornets 123, Cavaliers 112
Knicks 121, Magic 96
Wizards 135, Pacers 134 (OT)
Raptors 115, Celtics 83
Nets 114, 76ers 109
Bulls 128, Pelicans 112
Rockets 124, Thunder 91
Nuggets 102, Spurs 96
Suns 115, Lakers 105
Jazz 110, Kings 101
What went down
It was a game that lived up to expectations despite the drama and uncertainty behind the two teams. One played without Ben Simmons and the other without Kyrie Irving. In the end, it was Kevin Durant and the Nets who stole the show.
KD notched a triple-double with a line of 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists while James Harden added 20 points, seven boards, and eight dimes. The Sixers were in control for most of the way, but the Nets rallied late and were able to stun the home team. Led by the overall brilliance of Durant, the Nets unfurled a 16-1 to close the game. They didn't even get a taste of the lead until there was under a minute remaining.
The Nets got their first win of the season in thrilling fashion.
Big-time ballers
Several players filled the stat sheet on the NBA's 10-game slate. But we have to give it up to two players who reached triple-doubles and a 40-point piece.
The aforementioned Durant had 29 points, 15 rebounds, and 12 assists (and he was a perfect 10-for-10 from the line, too). Over in Chicago, Lonzo Ball was instrumental in another Bulls win by providing 17 points, alongside 10 rebounds and 10 assists, plus three steals.
Myles Turner ended up as the day's top scorer with a career-high 40 points. The Pacers lost to the Wizards, but the center was a beast, going 15-for-22 from the field and pulling down 10 boards. He also had three rejections.
What he said
A lot of things have been said during the Ben Simmons saga in Philly. And while the former number one pick has yet to play since demanding a trade during the offseason, the team has made significant steps in trying to coax their star player back into the fold. There were some encouraging words from Joel Embiid before the Nets' game:
"He's still our brother."
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 22, 2021
Joel Embiid's message to fans about Ben Simmons before the Nets-Sixers game
(via @JClarkNBCS) pic.twitter.com/Miz3z3S6xX
What's in a number?
Chris Paul added another milestone to his already storied career, becoming the only player in NBA history to record at least 20,000 points and 10,000 assists.
20,000 points.
— NBA (@NBA) October 23, 2021
10,000 assists.@CP3 stands alone.#NBA75 pic.twitter.com/y7i0WaBZDC
Did you see that?
It wasn't a good night in LakerLand as the Lakers were walloped by the Suns. The lopsided score was one thing, but there was also a heated altercation between Anthony Davis and Dwight Howard. Though it's quite normal to see teammates keeping each other in check, this is probably not something you want from the title-seeking Lakers.
Things got chippy between Dwight Howard and Anthony Davis on the Lakers’ bench. pic.twitter.com/oZBhQ0MV7q
— ESPN (@espn) October 23, 2021
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