The Boston Celtics defeated the New York Knicks 132:109 at home in the opening game of the new season in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Before the start of the match at the TD Garden, the championship banner was raised with the name of the Celts, who won title number 18 during the past campaign.
There was only one team on the floor, and Joe Mazzula's players were one accurate shot behind the arc from a new record for three-pointers made in a game. Boston made 29 of 61 attempts, tying the Milwaukee Bucks' mark since 2020. However, the Celtics missed their last 13 shots in search of the coveted 30th three-pointer. Above everyone for the winners was Jayson Tatum, who finished with a double-double - 37 points and 10 assists, on 14/18 from the game and 8/11 from the three. Derrick White and Jaylen Brown finished with 24 and 23 points, respectively, and three more players scored in double figures - Jrue Holiday (18), Al Horford (11) and Sam Hauser (10).
Jalen Brunson and Miles McBride finished with 22 points apiece for the Knicks, who simply had no answer for the long-range flurry that hit them. Mikal Bridges added 16 points, Josh Hart and Karl-Anthony Towns scored 12 points each, and Cameron Payne finished with 11 points.
In the other opening night game, the LA Lakers beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 110:103 in front of their home crowd. The game will be remembered for the debut of the first father and son duo in the League - LeBron James got the opportunity to play alongside his son Bronny, who spent nearly three minutes on the court and in that time missed both of his shots, including one three, and registerd a rebound. His father LeBron helped for the win with 16 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks.
Above all for the Lakers was Anthony Davis, who dominated the rim, finishing with a monstrous double-double - 36 points, 16 rebounds. He missed just two of his 15 free throws, had four assists and made three blocks. Rui Hachimura also contributed 18 points. Austin Reeves was close to a double-double with 12 points and 9 rebounds, and Jaxson Hayes contributed 10 points off the bench.
For the Wolves, Anthony Edwards was the top scorer with 27 points, and Rudy Gobert finished with a double-double - 13 points and 14 rebounds. Julius Randle (16), Nickeil Alexander-Walker (14), Naz Reed (12) and Donte DiVincenzo (10) also reached double figures, but it wasn't enough for the win. | BGNES
