The match: Carmelo Anthony shines, the Lakers unlock their counter
When the Lakers play with only one interior, it’s still much better. Badly handled in their first two matches, the Californians relied on a much faster and more mobile five to avoid further disappointment on Sunday evening. With the only Dwight Howard in the paint, surrounded by LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Malik Monk and rookie Austin Reaves, they made the difference in the fourth quarter to finally win a first victory by defeating the Grizzlies (121 -118).
This “small ball” configuration offers a lot more space to the Lakers who stepped on it a little on offense in their first two meetings. More stretched opposing lines and therefore open shots. It was precisely on two consecutive three-point baskets from Carmelo Anthony, followed by two others from LeBron James and Malik Monk, that Frank Vogel’s players unlocked the game at the start of the fourth quarter. The score then went from 94-94 to 106-97. The Grizzlies finally picked up under the impetus of a supersonic Ja Morant (40 points). But without ever going back.
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Well almost. Because the young point guard and his teammates took advantage of the constant mistakes of their opponents to potentially snatch an extension. Morant was allowed three free throws with two seconds remaining. He tucked in the first two… before missing the third, which would have tied the two teams. Carmelo Anthony then concluded the game on the line. As a symbol, moreover, given his performance. The future Hall Of Famer was the X factor in Los Angeles with 28 points scored off the bench. The most prolific player on his team ahead of Davis (22) and James (19). Melo also moved up to ninth place in the ranking of all-time leading scorers. Westbrook compiled 13 points (5 of 15), 7 rebounds, 13 assists, 4 steals and 9 fly balls. But the main thing for the Lakers is obviously victory. The first of the season. Finally.
The player: Stephen Curry harvests but the Warriors win again
It starts strong for Golden State. The Warriors clinched a third victory in as many games by beating the Kings (119-107). With 27 points and 10 assists for Stephen Curry. But the superstar point guard was rather clumsy (9 of 23 and 4 of 15 from three-pointers). It was not particularly him who made the difference in the end of the game. Fortunately, the Warriors can count on other players ready to take over. Jordan Poole scored 22 points, Andrew Wiggins 17 and Draymond Green 16. And now the Californians are back at the top of the Western Conference.
The surprise: Charlotte shocks Brooklyn and wins another victory
And 1, and 2, and 3-0. The Hornets have never started a season so well. Winner of the Nets (111-95) in Brooklyn, the Charlotte team has validated the best start in its history by offering a third victory in a row. “Limiting this opponent to 95 points is really special“Aptly underlines Ish Smith, heroic substitute point guard on Sunday evening. The young hornets have indeed made the difference in defense in the last twelve minutes. With their second knives on the floor. Smith scored 15 points while distributing 4 assists. Cody Martin scored 8 of his 12 points in money time and the Nets found no response, abandoned by an amorphous bench (2 out of 10 for Patty Mills).
Kevin Durant must have felt lonely at times. Because he tried everything to win his family. 38 points on 17 of 24 on shots. Hard to do much better. All his teammates, on the other hand, have room. James Harden, already struggling on his first two outings, compiled 15 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists but missed 10 of his 16 attempts. The Hornets took advantage of this collective fragility of the Nets to drive the point home by winning the fourth quarter by 15 lengths (32-17). If Charlotte is 3-0, Brooklyn has only won one in three matches.
The state: 22
Like the number of points scored by Terrence Ross in the fourth quarter of the duel between the Magic and the Knicks. This is called a “heat check”. A heat stroke, in VF. The veteran made the difference to lead the young Orlando team to a first victory, while pushing New York to its first defeat (110-104). The Floridians therefore made the difference in the last twelve minutes (36-24) under the impetus of their winger, author of all his baskets in the important moments of the game.
The rookie: Jalen Green slams his first card
After two first matches ended with 9 points on the clock, Jalen Green finally took off. The No. 2 draft pick, a heavy favorite for the Rookie of the Year trophy, scored 30 pawns last night. With an excellent 8 out of 10 behind the arc. A fine performance which should help him gain confidence and launch his campaign. On the other hand, collectively, the Rockets conceded a third defeat by losing against the Celtics (97-107), who won their first success thanks to 31 points from Jayson Tatum.
The French: Evan Fournier less successful
Delicate match for Evan Fournier. Opposed to Orlando, his former franchise, the back of New York converted only 3 of his 11 attempts (8 points) and the Knicks lost against the Magic (104-110). Small match also for Theo Maledon, limited to 13 minutes and no points scored with the Thunder.
The matches of the night
Nets – Hornets : 95-111
Knicks – Magic : 104-110
Rockets – Celtics : 97-107
Thunder – Sixers : 103-115
Kings – Warriors : 107-119
Lakers – Grizzlies : 121-118
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