NBA Recap 10/23/24

Hornets vs. Rockets
Charlotte Hornets: The charlotte hornets had an impressive performance against the Houston Rockets, in a comeback victory. After returning from an ankle injury LaMelo Ball scored 34 points, dished out 11 assists and grabbed 8 rebounds. Additionally, Tre Mann and Grant Williams played great off the bench. Despite trailing most of the game the Hornets managed to pull off the upset on opening night!

Houston Rockets: Despite, a strong start the Rockets couldn't maintain their lead and ultimately fell short. Jalen Green led the team with 28 points, while Alperen Sengun scored 25 points and grabbed 18 rebounds. Additionally, Amen Thompson had 13 points off the bench, and Reed Sheppard had 4 points in his NBA debut. The Rockets only shot 36% from three, and made 13 three pointers, compared to the Hornets 15 three pointers. The Rockets also got out rebounded, as the Hornets had 56 rebounds and the Rockets had 43 rebounds.

Sixers vs. Bucks
Milwaukee Bucks: The Bucks beat the sixers, as Damian Lillard and Giannis combined for a total of 55 points. Lillard scored 30 points and made 6 threes, while Giannis scored 25 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. Additionally, Brook Lopez had 6 blocks, and Taurean Prince had 16 points and made 4 threes in his Bucks debut. Gary Trent Jr also played well in his debut with the Bucks, as he scored 11 points, and connected on two three pointers, and Bobby Portis was vital off the bench scoring 16 points. The bucks showed, that they are a deep team, with role players such as Taurean Prince, Delon Wright, and Bobby Portis coming off the bench for them.

Philadelphia 76ers: The 76ers faced a tough challenge against the Bucks, as they struggled without Paul George and Joel Embiid. The 76ers got off to a good start, but the Bucks went on a run in the second quarter and never looked back. Tyrese Maxey had a rough shooting night scoring 25 points on 32% from the field. However, the sixers new additions looked very good in their debut as Andre Drummond had 10 points and 13 rebounds, Guershan Yabusele scored 10 points, 3 assists and 4 rebounds off the bench, and Caleb Martin had 12 points and 9 rebounds off the bench. Kelly Oubre scored 21 points, and Kyle Lowry scored 13 points off the bench. The 76ers have a lot of depth, with their new additions, that are key replacements for Tobias Harris. Once, Joel Embiid and Paul George are back this team could be a force to be reckoned with.

Clippers vs. Suns
Phoenix Suns: The suns pulled off an impressive overtime victory, winning 116-113 in overtime. Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal had impressive performances against the Suns as they had 25 and 24 points respectively. Kevin Durant hit a tough mid range jumper to tie the game and force overtime, while Bradley Beal hit some clutch shots in overtime. Additionally, new additions such as Tyus Jones initiated the offense, scoring 11 points and dishing out 8 assists. Unfortunately, Devin Booker fouled out after scoring 15 points and dishing out 6 assists. Jusuf Nurkic scored 11 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. The suns, had a good win against the Clippers, but their bench could play better.

Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers fought hard in a game without Kawhi Leonard, almost pulling off the upset against the Phoenix Suns in their new arena Intuit Dome. James Harden scored 29 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, Norman Powell scored 17 points, Ivica Zubac scored 21 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, and Derrick Jones Jr, scored 12 points in his Clippers debut. Amir Coffey scored 11 points, and guarded Kevin Durant in the closing minutes. Ultimately, the Clippers fought very hard, but didn't have enough talent to win the game without Kawhi Leonard.

Grizzlies vs. Jazz
Memphis Grizzlies: The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Utah Jazz in a thrilling victory, without their star power forward Jaren Jackson Jr. Ja Morant had an impressive game scoring 22 points and dishing out 10 assists. However, Santi Aldama stepped up big time scoring 27 points and making clutch shots at the end of the game, while Desmond Bane had 24 points and 4 assists. Additionally, Marcus Smart scored 11 points, and Jay Huff scored 13 points off the bench. Zach Edey only had 5 points in his NBA debut and fouled out. The Grizzlies have a very deep team with underrated role players such as Jake Laravia, Jay Huff, Santi Aldama, and John Konchar. Additionally, the Grizzlies also have great star power with Ja Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr and Desmond Bane. The Grizzlies could become surprise contenders in the Western Conference.

Utah Jazz: The Jazz fought hard coming back from a 17 points, but ultimately losing at the end of the game. Lauri Markannen had an impressive performance of 36 points and 9 rebounds. Additionally, Taylor Hendricks scored 12 points, Collin Sexton scored 16 points, Walker Kessler scored 16 points, and Keyonte George scored 12 points. Taylor Hendricks, can be a great role player in the future, as he plays well on both offense and defense. Additionally, the Utah Jazz bench had a great game as Jordan Clarkson scored 17 points and John Collins scored 11 points. The Utah Jazz have experienced veterans such as Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson, and John Collins. However, they also have young talent such as Walker Kessler, Taylor Hendricks, Keyonte George, and Taylor Hendricks. Although the Jazz have a lot of talent, they are probably not ready to make the playoffs yet.