The Wrap-Up: Sixers shock the world to #BeatTheHeat
Keith Firmin brings you The Wrap-Up on all of last night’s NBA games, including the shock season opening win for the Philadelphia 76ers over reigning champs, Miami Heat.
Brooklyn @ Cleveland
All eyes were on the Nets following their summer moves but Cleveland weren’t interested, as Tristan Thompson led them with 18 points en-route to a 98-94 win. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce combined for 25 points and 14 rebounds. Andrew Bynum played his first NBA game since 2012, recording two blocks in just under eight minutes. Deron Williams didn’t play in the fourth through injury.
Miami @ Philadelphia
On a night when 76ers legend, Allen Iverson, officially announced his retirement and thus drew a close to one chapter in the Sixers history, Philadelphia was starting a new one as they faced the Miami Heat with a team that will struggle to rack up wins this season. But a surprise 114-110 win over the Heat got them off to the best possible start to the season thanks to rookie, Michael Carter-Williams’, outstanding 22 point, 12 assist, 9 steal, 7 rebound, single turnover performance. The Wade-less Heat saw Lebron James record a double-double of 25 points and 13 rebounds in the loss.
Boston @ Toronto
The Raptors beat the new-look Celtics, 93-87 thanks to Rudy Gay’s 19 points and eight rebounds. Jeff Green led all scorers in the game with 25 points as the Celtics faced life without KG, Paul Pierce and an injured Rajon Rondo for the first time.
Washington @ Detroit
Both teams have been touted as being playoff contenders this season and it was the Pistons who got the upper hand in the opener, hosting and beating the Wizards 113-102. Greg Monroe led the home team with 24 points and 16 rebounds while Josh Smith had 19 points on his debut. John Wall endured a difficult night, shooting 8 of 21 for 20 points and 11 assists in the loss. Trevor Ariza had 28 points and 11 rebounds on the night.
Milwaukee @ New York
The Knicks started their season with a win, beating the visiting Bucks 90-83. Carmelo Anthony had a double-double of 19 points and 10 boards while Felton and Shumpert provided solid contributions in the win, scoring 18 and 16 respectively. For the Bucks, Zaza Pachulia had a 13 points-11 rebound double-double.
Charlotte @ Houston
The world had it’s first glimpse of the Howard-Harden combo down in Houston as the Rockets beat the Bobcats 96-83. Howard was a monster on the boards, grabbing 26 rebounds while adding 17 points and two blocks in the win. The Bobcats’ loss came despite looking after the ball, committing only seven turnovers.
Orlando @ Minnesota
The TImberwolves had a 17-point lead at one stage but made difficult work of their home opener against the Orlando Magic, eventually putting them away in overtime 120-115, after a Kevin Love three tied the game in regulation. A slim-line Kevin Love had an All Star-esque 31 points/17 rebounds, while ‘Pretty Ricky Rubio’ helped out with 13 points and 11 dimes. The Magic only shot 18 free throws to the T-Wolves’ 34, compounding their struggles.
Indiana @ New Orleans
New Orleans played their first NBA game as the Pelicans, losing to the Pacers 95-90. A day after Paul George put 24 points on the Magic, he was at it again, scoring 32 points against the Pelicans to take the Pacers to 2-0 this season. Hibbert took his tally of blocked shots this season to 12, as he recorded five in the win. For the Pelicans, Anthony Davis had a strong showing with 20 points, 12 rebounds and three blocks and if you were wondering how New Orleans were going to handle the musical chair scenario of Evans, Holiday and Gordon for just two guard spots, they did so by starting Holiday and Gordon who combined for 49 points.
Atlanta @ Dallas
In his first regular season game for the Mavericks, Monta Ellis dropped a game-high 32 points on the Hawks while Nowitzki chipped in 24 as the Mavericks topped the Hawks 118-109. Jeff Teague led the Hawks in scoring with 24 but also had a team worst -24 plus/minus.
Memphis @ San Antonio
Last year’s beaten finalist Spurs got the 2013/14 season off to a good start, beating the gritty Grizzlies 101-94. Duncan, Parker and Ginobili all played restricted minutes in the win.
Oklahoma @ Utah
The OKC Thunder relied on Kevin Durant’s 42 points to see off the pesky Jazz 101-98. The Jazz had six players with double-digit points but it wasn’t enough to beat the visiting Thunder.
Portland @ Phoenix
LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard combined for 60 points on the night but the Suns were still triumphant, pulling out the win, 104-91. Dragic and Bledsoe formed a formidable backcourt as they posted a joint 48 points. Changing Frye played his first game in a year for the Suns after suffering a heart condition. Freeland had three points and four boards in 12 minutes.
Denver @ Sacramento
Randy Foye missed a game winning three at the buzzer for the Nuggets which gave the Kings a 90-88 win at home. The Jekyll and Hyde character that is DeMarcus Cousins had a commanding game with 30 points and 14 rebounds.
LA Lakers @ Golden State
Less than 24 hours after their stunning opening night victory over the Clippers, the Lakers were put in their place by the Warriors who beat LA, 125-94. Klay Thompson had a ridiculous 38 points on an obscene 15-19 shooting, including 5-of-7 from distance.