NBA opening week continued on Thursday night, as the final six teams took the floor to play their first game of the regular season. The headline of all the games was Lonzo Ball making his debut in the NBA. Ball was taken off the injury report Wednesday, so he was going to play as much as coach Luke Walton wanted him too. Also, the Thunder debuted their big three, as Carmelo Anthony faced his former team. Who was able to start the season off with a win?
Raptors blow by Bulls
The Toronto Raptors haven't been talked about, as they are returning much of their core and should be a force in the eastern conference.
They started off their season against the Bulls, who have their own problems within the team. The Raptors were led by their big man Jonas Valuncunis, who scored 23 points and 15 rebounds. Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan struggled in their debut, scoring a combined 23 points on 6-16 shooting. The Raptors went on a 20-2 run in the third quarter, making their lead over the Bulls even larger. The Raptors were able to get the win, defeating the Bulls 117-101.
Westbrook dominates Knicks
Russell Westbrook picked up from where he left off last season, posting another triple-double with 21 points, ten rebounds, and 16 assists. He is now on pace to get 82 triple-doubles. Carmelo Anthony played well against his former team, scoring 22 points and played good defense with two steals and two blocks apiece.
Paul George was the high man for the Thunder with 28 points. The Thunder are looking like a team with chemistry already, and if they can keep it going the Warriors should be concerned.The Thunder beat the Knicks 105-85.
The Knicks are looking to gain experience with their young roster. Kristaps Porzingis led the team with 31 points, but the rest of the Knicks struggled from the floor.
The Knicks are going to have a long season, but at least they have a human highlight reel in Porzingis.
Lonzo's lackluster debut
Lonzo Ball didn't have a memorable first game in the NBA. He had to deal with Patrick Beverley, who will get in your face and be a pesky defender. Beverley welcomed Ball to the NBA by holding him to just three points on 1-6 shooting.
Ball had nine rebounds and four assists along with his measly three points. The rest of the Lakers seemed like they couldn't handle the limelight, as they couldn't handle the Clippers onslaught.
The Clippers were able to dominate their rivals with the help of Blake Griffin. Griffin finished the game with 29 points and 12 boards. The Clippers played fast basketball, keeping the Lakers on their toes. Deandre Jordan still lived at the rim scoring 14 points and grabbing an outrageous 24 rebounds. The Clippers simply outmatched the Lakers.
