Scoreboard
Pistons 113, Magic 109
Wizards 114, Pacers 107
Hawks 117, Rockets 107
Pelicans 130, Nets 108
Bulls 116, Heat 108
Raptors 108, Cavaliers 105
Grizzlies 115, Knicks 112
Timberwolves 115, Thunder 108
Hornets 129, Spurs 102
Jazz 123, Nuggets 102
Suns 107, Mavericks 105
Trail Blazers 115, Kings 108
What went down
The most awaited rematch of the Dallas Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns did not disappoint. Dallas led for majority of the game, with a comfortable gap that ballooned to as high as 22 points. The Suns rallied back and snatched the lead late in the game, but Luka Doncic tied it up until Damion Lee bagged a tough game-winning shot with 9.7 seconds remaining.
The nail-biter match was an exciting way to start their season. The Suns put on a show with Devin Booker anchoring his squad with his 28 points, four rebounds, and nine assists. Chris Paul was benched early in the last quarter and only had six points but big man Deandre Ayton stepped up with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Doncic led Dallas with 35 points, nine rebounds, and six assists while his partner guard Spencer Dinwiddie had 15 points, three rebounds, and three assists. Christian Wood from the bench helped them with his 25 points and eight rebounds. They performed exquisitely well but no other player had more than 10 points.
The Suns looked like they learned their lesson from their last playoff loss and made sure they got away with the W this time around.
Big-time ballers
Zion Williamson was back on the floor for the Pelicans as he returned with a 25-point and nine-board showing, helping New Orleans defeat Kyrie Irving, Ben Simmons, and the whole Brooklyn squad, 130-108. Brandon Ingram had his Durant-esque fadeaway jumper going on and paced the Pelicans with 28 points and seven rebounds.
Ja Morant also had an explosive performance in the Memphis Grizzlies’ win at home against the New York Knicks, finishing with a 34-point output.
The duo of Bradley Beal and Kristaps Porzingis managed to seal the victory for the Washington Wizards as they recorded 23 points and 15 points, respectively, against the rebuilding Indiana Pacers.
What he said
Booker really said: payback time.
Book and the Suns sought revenge for last season’s loss 😤 pic.twitter.com/D1jMM3W0YZ
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 20, 2022
Did you see that?
Banchero flies high for the poster in his debut game.
