The December 28 edition of the new NBA season had a lot of talks going. The league has truly evolved to be a more competitive ground of basketball from big leads, blowouts, buzzer-beaters, and monster performances. With 20 teams rumbling for wins, the 10-game schedule had many highlights that fans and analysts should note. Here's a recap of what happened.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers (124-73)
The most surprising outcome of today's games was the Mavericks' blowout game against the Clippers. The Mavericks set an all-time NBA record for scoring the widest margin in halftime as they lead 77-27 in 24 minutes.
Slovenian phenom Luka Doncic spearheaded the Mavericks with a near triple-double of 24 points, nine boards, and eight assists. Josh Richardson added 21 points, three rebounds, and two assists for Dallas.
Paul George led with 15 points on 31 percent shooting while Serge Ibaka, who accidentally hit Kawhi Leonard in the mouth in their previous game, chipped in 13 points and nine rebounds. The Clippers were playing without Leonard.
It was the Mavericks' first win for this season (1-2) while the Clippers tasted their first defeat (2-1).
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (127-91)
Kyle Kuzma became the first-half star for the Lakers after installing 20 points in a 127-91 routing of the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers played without their All-Star center Anthony Davis while the Timberwolves continued with the absence of Karl-Anthony Towns.
Five more players produced double-digit markers, including LeBron James with 18 and Dennis Shroeder with 11. Marc Gasol, Montrezl Harrell, and Talen Horton-Tucker scored 12 points apiece.
No. 1 Overall pick Anthony Edwards scored 15 points in 6 of 21 shooting for the Timberwolves.
Both teams now sit at 2-1.
New York Knicks vs. Milwaukee Bucks (130-110)
The third blowout game of the day was from the young Knicks squad, wherein they beat the Bucks in a commanding 130-110 finish. Julius Randle put a team-high 29 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists, while Elfrid Payton carved in 27 points and seven assists for the Knicks.
Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo paced the Bucks with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists.
Tom Thibodeau looks forward to the Knicks' better finish this season after ending last season as the NBA's worst team.
The Knicks and the Bucks are now 1-2 for this season.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Philadelphia 76ers (118-94)
The Cavaliers eclipsed a high-caliber 76ers, 118-94, as they dashed to a 3-0 start for the season. The second worst NBA team last season took the opportunity to fire shots at the 76ers, whose All-Star center Joel Embiid was sidelined due to a back injury.
Andre Drummond filled the stat sheet for the Cavs after scoring 24 points, to go with 14 rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks.
Tobias Harris posted 16 points, nine rebounds and five assists as the 76ers (2-1) suffered their first loss of the season.
Phoenix Suns vs. Sacramento Kings (116-110)
The Phoenix Suns sprang up in a nearly-contested fight against the Kings, 116-110. Mikal Bridges led the Suns with 22, while Cameron Johnson scored 21. Devin Booker added 20. The biggest lead for the Suns was 23.
Chris Paul handed a game-high 12 assists as Deandre Ayton recorded a game-high 15 boards for the Suns.
In their first loss of the season, Buddy Hield shot 17 points for the Kings.
The Suns and the Kings are now 2-1 for this season.
Orlando Magic vs. Washington Wizards (120-113)
The Wizards (0-3) failed to bag their first win of the season after falling to the Magic, 120-113. Markelle Fultz and Terrence Ross had 26 points for the Magic.
Russel Westbrook sat out for the Wizards after his two straight double-double performance, both coming from a loss.
Bradley Beal bannered the Wizards with 29 points, seven assists, and five rebounds.
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Charlotte Hornets vs. Brooklyn Nets (106-104)
Appearing from two dominant wins this season, the Nets have faltered to the Hornets after a 106-104 loss. They were still able to spark a 23-9 run, but the Hornets caught up in action.
Gordon Hayward rifled 28 points for the Hornets as five other Hornets players scored in double figures.
Nets duo Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving combined for 54 points.
The Hornets (1-2) acquired their first win of the season as the Nets (2-1) experienced their first loss.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. San Antonio Spurs (98-95)
The Spurs (2-1) could have knotted their third straight game after DeMar DeRozan's clutch triple only if Eric Bledsoe did not block his shot.
Youngblood duo Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson tallied a total of 46 points and 22 rebounds for the Pelicans (2-1).
Meanwhile, Rudy Gay built a team-high 22 markers as five other Spurs cagers added double-figure scores.
Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics (108-107)
The Pacers cruised to an unblemished 3-0 opener after Domantas Sabonis delivered a clutch and-one basket. They won against the Celtics, 108-107 in a seesaw match.
Malcolm Brogdon fired 25 points as Sabonis concluded the game with 19 markers, ten boards, and five dimes for the Pacers.
The Celtics are now 1-2, led by Jason Tatum's 25 points.
Golden State Warriors vs. Chicago Bulls (129-128)
Klay Thompson might be absent for a much-needed trey, but Damion Lee stepped up after sinking the game-winning trifecta for the Warriors' 129-128 win over the Bulls.
Bulls' Zach Lavine shot a clutch basket just three seconds before Lee's trey. The Warriors found another splash brother as Lee ended with 12 points, all coming from the outside.
Stephen Curry had a game-high 36 points while Zach Lavine knocked down 33 points.
The Bulls (0-3) will be aiming to win their next game while the Warriors (1-2) won their first game of the season.
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