It was a busy Friday night in the NBA. The 2017-18 season is well underway, and we've already seen some interesting matchups. There were 10 games played on Friday night, including a matchup between the Charlotte Hornets and the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks won their season opener against the Dallas Mavericks earlier this week, while the Hornets lost their first game of the season against the Pistons. It was the perfect opportunity for Charlotte to get the win in front of their home fans at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte.
Hornets come from behind and take the win
The Hawks opened up the game much better than the home team, as they took an early 19-14 lead. Atlanta held a 10-point lead (28-18) after the first 12 minutes of the game. They even increased their lead in the second quarter, and midway through the period, it was 44-30 for the Hawks. Charlotte managed to cut that lead down to seven points before halftime, as the score was 56-49 for Atlanta after the first two quarters. It was in the third period of the game when the Hornets made their comeback. They outscored the Hawks 35-17 in the third quarter and held a 84-73 lead heading into the final period of the game. The Hornets held the Hawks to just 18 points in the fourth quarter and ended up with a convincing, 109-91 victory.
Kemba Walker led the way for the home team in this one. Walker finished the game with 26 points, nine assists, and four rebounds. He got great help from Frank Kaminsky and Dwight Howard as well. Kaminsky scored 21 points and grabbed six rebounds, while Howard added 20 points and 15 rebounds.
For the Hawks, it was Dennis Schroder once again who led them in scoring.
Schroder scored 25 points and dished out five assists, while Taurean Prince contributed with 15 points and six rebounds for Atlanta.
Boston finally wins one
The Boston Celtics played against the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday night. After losing the first two games of the season, the Celtics were looking to get their first win of the season.
They outscored Philadelphia 24-21 in the first quarter and held a 37-31 lead midway through the second quarter. But it was Philadelphia with the lead at halftime, as the score was 50-46 for the home team. Heading into the final period of the game, the 76ers were still in front as the score was 72-69. But the Celtics made their run in the fourth quarter, outscoring the 76ers 33-20 in the period. Boston ended up with a 102-92 victory as they finally got their first win of the 2017-18 season.
Kyrie Irving scored 21 points, pulled down six rebounds, and dished out four assists for the Celtics in this one. Al Horford also played a good, all-around game, as he finished with 17 points, nine rebounds, and three assists.
Jayson Tatum contributed with 15 points and eight rebounds for Boston.
For the home team, the 76ers, it was J.J. Redick with 19 points and four assists who led the way. Jerryd Bayless added 18 points, while Ben Simmons finished with 11 points, 11 rebounds and five assists for Philadelphia.
