James Harden ... point guard?
In their first game without Kobe Bryant since 1995, the Lakers beat the Rockets 120-114 behind Jordan Clarkson's 25 points off the bench. But that didn't stop Harden, who stepped in to play the point for Houston, from dishing out 17 assists (in just three quarters). He also added 34 points.
.@JHarden13 has a career-high 17 assists. We still have just over 2 minutes remaining in the 3rd! pic.twitter.com/728Hgr3z1i
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) October 27, 2016
Anthony Davis has monster game
The Pelicans center scored a whopping 50 points in New Orleans' season opener. According to ESPN Stats & Information, he's the fifth player in the last 50 seasons with 40 points and 10 rebounds in a season opener. Davis is the first player to notch 50 points in a season opener since Michael Jordan in 1989, according to Elias. One of Davis' standout plays was this ferocious dunk:
AD coming in hot!!! #Pelicans #WinTheNight pic.twitter.com/hpC6RGHeQI
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) October 27, 2016
Westbrook narrowly misses triple-double
In his first game without Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook recorded 32 points, 12 rebounds, nine assists and this dunk in a 103-97 win over the 76ers.
Westbrook throws it down with AUTHORITY! @ESPNNBA #NBARapidReplay https://t.co/FDuTH5o9zg
— NBA (@NBA) October 27, 2016
Raptors teammates run wild
If you're wondering who the only teammates in NBA history with a 40-point game and 30-point game in a season opener are, it's DeMar DeRozan (40 points) and Jonas Valanciunas (32), according to Elias. Behind that tandem, Toronto beat Detroit 109-91.
Worth the wait?
Joel Embiid missed his first two NBA seasons because of injuries but finally made his regular-season debut for the 76ers Wednesday night, and his first bucket sent Philly fans into a tizzy. He scored 20 points in the game, which, according to ESPN Stats & Information, was a total he never reached in 28 games at Kansas.
Embiid gets his first #NBA points with the turnaround jumper on @ESPNNBA. #NBARapidReplay #NBARooks https://t.co/YLeUX0FAIo
— NBA (@NBA) October 27, 2016
Pregame styles on point
The Thunder are in Philly, and Russell Westbrook is upholding his reputation as the NBA's fashionista. Meanwhile, in Boston, Gerald Green (and his hair) are ready for their return to the Celtics.
Russ before he turns into The Incredible Hulk tonight... pic.twitter.com/yIhTYbtoye
— Ohm Youngmisuk (@NotoriousOHM) October 26, 2016
Guys, Gerald Green's hair. pic.twitter.com/eUERFWURRR
— Tom Westerholm (@Tom_NBA) October 26, 2016
