NBA Opening Night Round-Up: After The First Night Of Games, A Look At Who To Beat This Season
The defending champions headlined the NBA opening night with a 114-110 loss to the young and rebuilding Philadelphia 76ers. The defending champions hopes to win their third straight championship with a stronger and more solid line up.
Despite the loss to the Sixers without the help of Dwyane Wade in the lineup, the back-to-back champions defeated the Bulls in almost a blowout game in their opening game two days ago.
In Houston, another team to beat, dominated the court and beated the Charlotte Bobcats with a 96-83 win.
Newly acquired Dwight Howard dictated the game recording 17 points and an amazing 26 rebounds showing confidence that his team can finish on top when the season ends.
"When I stood there and looked around, I thought to myself, 'I've got an amazing opportunity here, and I'm not going to let it go to waste," the Rockets center said.
Howard had a rough season when he was with the Lakers last year finishing low in the playoffs while he was suffering a shoulder injury most of the season. Although, he said that he feels a lot better now in his new team.
"My mind was at the ball, but my body was still on the other side. I'm a lot healthier than I was last season," said the former Lakers star.
In Philadelphia, the young 76ers upset the Miami Heat with a 114-110 win care of a late winning three-pointer from Spencer Hawes and an almost-quadruple-double performance Michael Carter-Williams.
The rookie MCW recorded 22 points, 12 assists, nine rebounds and nine steals.
The San Antonio Spurs look to revenge last season defeat in the finals with 101-94 victory over Memphis Grizzlies.
However, veteran player Tim Duncan was escorted out of the court after getting hit in the chest with an elbow during the game.
"He had spasms in his shoulder and his neck. It looks like his chest is bruised. He caught an elbow, so it kind of affected (him) from his chest up through his neck at some time or another," head coach Greg Popovich said.
New York is also looking to win big this season with a 90-83 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony played with the idea of being a free agent because he will become one at the end of the season. He however cancelled his idea but instead Melo thought of inviting more people to play for their team instead of him leaving the Big Apple.
"I think people would love to come to play in New York. And when that time comes, we'll be working on that. ... I have a big black book. I have a big Rolodex. People that talk about what's going on with me in the offseason, this and that, I should be getting people to come here, I am. I'm trying."