A handful of exciting events coming to us from the world’s strongest basketball league, it was a real marathon on the last night’s program.
The New York Knicks were defeated in Charlotte 93:95. The real drama was seen after the final buzzer. The fantastic Knicks’ rookie, Kristaps Porzingis, hit an incredible three-pointer at the buzzer. This basket would be enough for victory, but the referees, after viewing footage, decided to annul the basket, and the triumph belonged to Michael Jordan’s team. Porzingis recorded a double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds. The most efficient Knick was Carmelo who scored 29 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Jeremy Lin shined again with 17 points, Lamb added 14, Cody Zeller scored 12 including a basket at 0.6 seconds for the lead and triumph, and Batum added 24.
Orlando Magic defeated the LA Lakers in dramatic finish 101: 99 in his Vucevic’s buzzer beater. The Montenegrin had only 1.5 seconds for the final attempt, fired the fade away shot and scored. Vucevic scored 18; Shabazz Napier recorded a career-high 22 points, and Fournier added 16.
Philadelphia is still without a win after eight games. Toronto crushed them last night 119:103. The only bright spot in the 76’ers was the phenomenal 3rd pick from the draft Jahlil Okafor, who scored 26 points and 7 rebounds. In the winning team, Luis Scola scored 21 points, 17 came in the third period. Lowry contributed 23 points and 8 assists.
Indiana Pacers defeated the Boston Celtics 102:91 at the TD Garden. Paul George stopped at a very acceptable 26 with 10 rebounds and field goal 10/22. On the other side, Evan Turner scored 20 points with excellent 9/13 from the field.
New Orleans Hornets played without Anthony Davis and lost 98:106 at Atlanta. Eric Gordon recorded a season-high 26 points, Ryan Anderson was up to the task and posted a double-double with 17 points and 11 rebounds, and Ish Smith scored 18 points and 10 assists. However, it was not enough to topple the Hawks for which Al Horford shined with 26 points and 8 rebounds and field goal 11/15 and 4/6 for three points. Paul Millsap was great with 19 points and 16 rebounds, and Jeff Teague also recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 assists.
Dirk Nowitzki enjoyed last night and was an enigma for the Clippers’ defense. Incredible German terrorized the net from all positions; he ended up with 31 points, 11 rebounds, fantastic field goal percentage 11/14, and even 5/6 for three points. Wesley Matthews played the best match since arriving in Dallas with 9/13 from the field for 25 points. Dallas won 118:108.
After seven consecutive losses, the Brooklyn Nets finally celebrated. Last night at the Toyota Center they defeated Houston Rockets 106:98. Bojan Bogdanovic was splendid and scored 22 points with 9 rebounds off the bench. Brook Lopez had a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds. On the other hand, Harden recorded 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. Dwight Howard was excellent with 20 points, 17 rebounds, and 5 blocks, but that did not help the Rockets who were left out without fuel.
Golden State continued to dominate the NBA. Even after nine games they don’t know for a defeat. Last night they beat Memphis Grizzlies 100: 84. Of course, Stephen Curry led his team to a victory with 28 points and 5 assists while shooting 9/21 from the field. Iguodala scored 20 points and 4 three-pointers.
Denver Nuggets beat the Milwaukee Bucks 103: 102 in the Pepsi Center, with Kenneth Faried’s winner only 5 seconds before the end. The Bucks could do better, but Middleton forced a tough shot and missed. Danilo Gallinari was the best in his team with 25 points and 7 rebounds. He was accompanied by phenomenal Emanuel Mudiay, who finished with the double-double performance of 16 points and 11 assists while the hero Kenneth Faried recorded 19 points and 9 rebounds. On the other hand, Jarryd Bayless scored 22 points.
DeMarcus Cousins led his team to the 101:92 victory against Detroit with 33 points and 9 rebounds. He even recorded 4 three-pointers. Rajon Rondo came to his second triple-double of the season with 15 points, 15 assists, and 11 rebounds. Rudy Gay shined with 25 points and 10/14 in the game.
Finally, the San Antonio Spurs won at Portland without major problems, 113:101. This was the first LaMarcus Aldridge’s match in Oregon after leaving Portland last summer. Although he expected a bad reception, was awarded a standing ovation. However, the All-Star power forward did not show mercy to a former team and delivered 23 points. Leonard followed him with 20 points and 7 rebounds. Damian Lillard was the best in the home team with 22 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds.
The scores:
Charlotte vs. New York 95:93
Orlando vs. L.A. Lakers 101:99
Philadelphia vs. Toronto 103:119
Boston vs. Indiana 91:102
Atlanta vs. New Orleans 106:98
Dallas vs. L.A. Clippers 118:108
Houston vs. Brooklyn 98:106
Memphis vs. Golden State 84:100
Denver vs. Milwaukee 103:102
Sacramento vs. Detroit 101:92
Portland vs. San Antonio 101:113
