NBA Season Kicks Off: Surprises and Setbacks in the First Two Nights!

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Twenty-four NBA teams have commenced their 2024-25 season, with the remaining six set to kick off their campaigns on Thursday.

As we assess the season’s early days, it’s important to recognize both the successes and setbacks. A notable setback includes new New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray, who suffered a fracture in his left (non-shooting) hand, according to ESPN.

The Boston Celtics have continued their strong performance from last season, while LeBron James and his son Bronny made history. Additionally, the Los Angeles Clippers played their inaugural game in the brand-new $2 billion Intuit Dome.

Here’s a look at the standout performers and those who faced challenges in the first two nights of the season:

Winners

Ja Morant, Desmond Bane, Santi Aldama

In a thrilling matchup, Memphis Grizzlies duo Ja Morant and Desmond Bane, alongside forward-center Santi Aldama, contributed a combined 73 points in a 126-124 triumph over the Utah Jazz. Morant recorded 22 points, 10 assists, and five rebounds; Bane added 24 points; while Aldama led with 27 points.

Onyeka Okongwu, Trae Young

Atlanta Hawks forward Onyeka Okongwu had a breakout performance from the bench, scoring a career-high 28 points on an impressive 11-for-12 shooting. Teammate Trae Young also shone, producing 30 points, 12 assists, and five rebounds in the Hawks’ victory against the Brooklyn Nets.

Paolo Banchero

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero, an All-Star last season, demonstrated his talents by netting 33 points and grabbing 11 rebounds in a commanding 116-97 win over the Miami Heat.

Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard had a strong showing with 30 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in a 124-109 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, complemented by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 25 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists.

Charles Lee, Kenny Atkinson, Mike Budenholzer, JJ Redick

Coaches Charles Lee (Charlotte Hornets), Kenny Atkinson (Cleveland Cavaliers), JJ Redick (Los Angeles Lakers), and Mike Budenholzer (Phoenix Suns) all secured victories in their debut games with their new teams. The Hornets defeated Houston 110-105, the Cavaliers triumphed over Toronto 136-106, the Lakers won against Minnesota 110-103, and the Suns edged the Clippers 116-113 in overtime.

Jayson Tatum

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum kicked off his MVP campaign with an explosive 37 points and 10 rebounds, sinking eight of his 11 three-point attempts in a decisive win over the New York Knicks.

Celtics 3-pointers

The Celtics set an NBA record by making 29 three-pointers against the Knicks. Alongside Tatum’s eight, Derrick White contributed six, Jaylen Brown five, Jrue Holiday four, Al Horford three, Sam Hauser two, and Payton Pritchard one.

Lonzo Ball

Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball made his long-awaited return to the NBA after nearly three years due to multiple knee surgeries. Even in a limited role, he registered five points, four assists, and two rebounds in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans, marking a triumphant comeback.

LaMelo Ball

In contrast, Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, Lonzo’s brother, had a stellar game, scoring 34 points while adding 11 assists and eight rebounds against the Rockets.

LeBron James, Bronny James

LeBron and Bronny James made history as the first father-son duo to play together in the NBA, creating a memorable moment for the family and the league.

Losers

New Orleans Pelicans

Despite Brandon Ingram scoring 33 points and Dejounte Murray contributing 14 points, 10 assists, and eight rebounds in a 123-111 win over the Chicago Bulls, Murray’s injury raises concerns about his return.

Philadelphia 76ers

With Joel Embiid sidelined and Paul George absent, the Philadelphia 76ers’ season opener lost some of its anticipation in a matchup against the Bucks.

Houston Rockets

After a promising previous season, the Houston Rockets stumbled in their opener, falling to the Hornets at home, where they were outscored 61-45 in the second half.

Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo

Miami Heat’s Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo struggled, combining for just two field goals on 13 attempts in their game against the Magic.

J.B. Bickerstaff, Jordi Fernandez

Coaches J.B. Bickerstaff of the Detroit Pistons and Jordi Fernandez of the Brooklyn Nets faced defeats in their first games with their new teams, with Indiana defeating Detroit 115-109 and Atlanta claiming victory over Brooklyn 120-116.

Trail Blazers, Pistons, Sixers’ 3-pointers

The Portland Trail Blazers hit a rough patch, shooting 23.5% from beyond the arc in a significant loss to the Golden State Warriors, while the Pistons and Sixers also struggled from long range in their respective defeats.

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks were unable to send a strong message in a 132-109 loss to the Celtics, trailing by as much as 35 points and falling short in their season opener.

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