The second matchday of Week 1 of the 2021-22 NBA season has concluded and it’s time to take a look back at the scores and highlights of the matches and standings of the teams.
Following the frenzy of the season-opening night between the NBA heavyweights, the second matchday included 11 fixtures spanned across the Eastern and Western Conference.
NBA 2021-22 season
Hornets 123 – 122 Pacers
Charlotte Horners secured a narrow win over the Indiana Pacers in the first game of their season. The Hornets were down by 11 points after the first quarter, but they made their way back into the contest with a stellar 33-13 display in the third quarter.
Rookie of the year winner LaMelo Ball shone with a 31 point display while Domantas Sabonis recorded 33 points and 14 rebounds in a losing cause.
Pistons 88 – 94 Bulls
The new-look Bulls marched their way to victory over the previous season’s wooden spoon holders. Zach LaVine posted 34 points for the win. He was well supported by debutants DeMar DeRozan, Lonzo Ball, and Alex Caruso.
Jerami Grant notched 24 points for the Pistons at the Little Caesars Arena in a losing cause.
Knicks 138 – 134 Celtics
In an opening week thriller, the New York Knicks overcame the Boston Celtics after double overtime. In a back and forth contest, both sides kept trading the lead and could not be separated even after the first overtime.
Julius Randle stood out with 35 points to his name with Evan Fournier chipping in with 32 points as well. Jaylen Brown top-scored with 46 points in a memorable display, but it was not enough to send the Celtics over the line.
Raptors 83 -98 Wizards
The Washington Wizards executed a comfortable win in their first game since the departure of Russell Westbrook. Bradley Beal top scored with 23 points and former Laker Kyle Kuzma also made his debut, recording 11 points and 15 rebounds.
Timberwolves 124 – 106 Rockets
After a forgettable season following the exits of Harden and Westbrook, the Rockets have not begun this season on an optimum note. None of their players were able to score 20 points, with Christian Wood being the top scorer with 16 points.
Karl Anthony – Towns shone for the home side with a 30 point, 10 rebounds display. Last season’s number draft pick Anthony Edwards also made his mark with 29 points to his name.
Pelicans 97 – 117 76ers
Amid the drama surrounding the franchise off the court, the 76ers were all business on the court at New Orleans. Last season’s Eastern Conference top seed were at their best in the 20-point win over the Pelicans.
Tobias Harris, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Furkan Korkmaz all scored at least 20 points for the win. Brandon Ingram top-scored for the hosts with 25 points.
Grizzlies 132- 121 Cavaliers
Memphis Grizzlies came out on top against the former champions in a high-scoring encounter. Former Rookie Of The Year Ja Morant stole the show with his 37 points display.
Spurs 123 – 97 Magic
San Antonio Spurs began their campaign with a comfortable win over Orlando Magic. No player recorded over 20 points in the encounter with Devin Vassell scoring the highest, with 19.
Jazz 107 – 86 Thunder
Last edition’s conference finalists got off to a perfect start with a win over Oklahoma City Thunder. Bogdan Bogdanovic recorded 22 points while reigning defensive player of the year Rudy Gobert amassed 21 rebounds.
Trail Blazers 121 – 124 Kings
Sacramento Kings emerged victorious over the Portland TrailBlazers on the back of their stellar performance across the second and the third quarter. CJ McCollum top scored with 34 points while Damian Lillard scored 20 points.
Harrison Barnes ran the show with 36 points to his name in a winning cause. De Aaron Fox registered 27 points.
Suns 98 – 110 Nuggets
2020-21 NBA season runner-ups got off to a losing start in the season following a defeat to Denver Nuggets. Mikal Bridges recorded 16 points while Devin Booker could only post 15.
Reigning NBA MVP Nikola Jokic slammed 27 points and 13 rebounds for the win at the Talking Stick Resort Arena.
Also Read:
NBA Week 1 Oct 19 Results: Scores, standings, match summary and highlights
