What a spectacle between the Utah Jazz and the Golden State Warriors. The champ collected 81 points in the first half, only to win in a heartbeat final. The duel for New York is also decided by a game winner. Dennis Schröder and the Oklahoma City Thunder, on the other hand, remain victorious.
Orlando can probably be described as Kemba Walker’s favourite opponent. Before this game the Guard had won the last eleven (!) comparisons with the Magic and that didn’t change that night either. Walker started a little bumpy, but against unbelievably weak Magic (only 10 points in the first quarter) this played no role at all. At first it was Nic Batum (15) who hit his first four throws and brought the Hornets onto the winning road early.
At Orlando absolutely nothing came together and so there were a lot of whistles from the own fans during the break (31:51). Also the second run did not bring any improvement. Walker ran hot from a distance and made sure early on that the starters could start the well-deserved evening before the end of the third quarter.
Walker was again the topscorer with 26 points (5/10 three) and now shares the start record with Ray Allen (season 2001/02) with 12 converted three players in the first two games. Charlotte was also pleased with the performances of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (12, 9 rebounds) and Rookie Miles Bridges (15, 6/8 FG), who was allowed to let off steam in Garbage Time.
For Orlando, Terrence Ross was the best scorer with just 14 points, while Aaron Gordon (5, 2/9 FG, 10 rebounds) disappointed all along the line. Also No.6-Pick Mo Bamba could not confirm his strong debut against Miami. The center remained in just 19 minutes without points in four attempts out of the field.
Caris LeVert was the hero of the evening for the Brooklyn Nets. Not only did the Shooting Guard score a new Career High with 28 points (8/13 FG), but with a courageous drive one second before the end the team of coach Kenny Atkinson won for the first time this season.
Brooklyn got off to a better start and benefited from the initially sleepy Knicks defense. The hosts quickly gained a two-digit advantage through numerous easy finishes, which the Knicks evaporated again in the course of the game. Tim Hardaway Jr. and Enes Kanter each scored 29 points for the visitors, who, however, were outgunned from a distance (9/28 three).
So Kanter was the most reliable option in the attack and the Turk was the one who made up for the game with a three-point game 16 seconds before the end – before LeVert hit the game winner. Otherwise only No-9-Pick Kevin Knox was a bright spot for the Knicks. The forward scored 17 points, 6 rebounds and three distance throws.
Brooklyn, on the other hand, spread the scoring over more shoulders. Jarrett Allen (15, 11 rebounds, 4 blocks) had a double double and D’Angelo Russell also scored the same points. In the Point Guard game, however, there were lots of light and shadow (5 assists, 4 turnovers). Second round pick Rodions Kurucs surprised with 11 points.
Page 1: Knicks lose dramatic city duel
Page 2: Butler and Thibs booed up in Minnesota – Pels like in a frenzy
Page 3: Schröder without rhythm – Warriors shoot crazy spectacle in Utah with heartbeat final