![Tim Hardaway Jr. came up big in his team's opening night win in NYC. [Image via MSG Networks/YouTube]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/10/19/660x290/b_502x220x82/tim-hardaway-jr-came-up-big-in-his-teams-opening-night-win-in-nyc-image-via-msg-networksyoutube_2123941.jpg "Tim Hardaway Jr. came up big in his team's opening night win in NYC. [Image via MSG Networks/YouTube]")
The NBA is back again and teams are in the early stages of the hustle towards elite status. On Wednesday, October 17th, a number of games took place from the regular schedule. These five NBA players were the ones who had the biggest performances to help their teams get victories Wednesday night!
Andre Drummond - Detroit Pistons
It was a successful opening night for the Pistons thanks to Blake Griffin, Reggie Jackson, and Andre Drummond. The Detroit trio combined for 69 points in the win. Drummond had 24 of them along with a whopping 20 boards!
.@AndreDrummond is the first #Pistons player to put up a 20-20 in a season opener.
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) October 18, 2018
He's our Player of the Game presented by @Jeep. #DetroitBasketball pic.twitter.com/DpM3kBdmBi
Anthony Davis - New Orleans Pelicans
Anthony Davis already proclaimed himself as the best player in the league. His performance on Wednesday could be early evidence of an MVP-worthy season. Davis came up with 32 points, 16 rebounds, and eight assists in a convincing 131-112 road win over Houston.
.@AntDavis23 starting the season right. 😤
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) October 18, 2018
32 p | 16 r | 8 a | 3 b #doitBIG pic.twitter.com/KKPLkRUSoR
Giannis Antetokounmpo - Milwaukee Bucks
The Greek Freak came up big in an overall big game in Charlotte. His opponent Kemba Walker had 41 points in a losing effort. Giannis had a solid double-double of 25 points and 18 rebounds as well as eight assists. He also hit two clutch free throws with 23.7 seconds to go in the narrow 113-112 victory.
The best of The Greek Freak as he went off for 29pts, 18 reb, 8 ast and a block in the Bucks WIN!!#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/5mhpXBfmlR
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 18, 2018
LaMarcus Aldridge - San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs are off to a good start in their first season without Kawhi Leonard. Former All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge showed his stuff with 21 points, 19 rebounds, three blocks, and two assists. Spurs picked up a 112-108 win to go 1-0.
Have a night, LA!
— San Antonio Spurs (@spurs) October 18, 2018
21 PTS | 18 REB pic.twitter.com/NuxKPHlFHW
Tim Hardaway Jr. - New York Knicks
The New York Knicks have been looking for a return to the playoffs for quite some time. It's still early and there's no Porzingis yet, but Tim Hardaway Jr. was ballin' on Wednesday. The former NBA All-Star's son had 31 points along with six rebounds and five assists in the 126-107 win over Brooklyn.
.@T_HardJR takin' it 💪 pic.twitter.com/nZjCs0jlXz
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) October 18, 2018
