The first full week of the NBA season gave way to a busy Friday slate, and several early-season storylines got sharper. Here is how the night unfolded.
Celtics 107, Knicks 103
A rivalry game that stayed tight for three quarters belonged to Jayson Tatum in the end. Boston's forward finished with 36 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, repeatedly answering whenever New York crept close. The Celtics broke the game open with a 33-point third quarter, and although the Knicks won the fourth 30-24, they never found the final stop they needed.
OG Anunoby did a little of everything for New York, posting 20 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists. The loss leaves the Knicks still searching for their first win, while Boston evens its record at 1-1.
Hawks 128, Hornets 81
This one was over early. Atlanta led from the opening quarter and kept extending the gap until the margin reached 47, one of the most lopsided results of the young season. Jalen Johnson ran the show with 19 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, and the Hawks scored at least 29 points in every quarter. Atlanta moves to 2-0. Charlotte, held under 24 points in each period, will want to forget this tape quickly; Naz Reid led the Hornets with 17.
Bulls 132, Bucks 125
Milwaukee jumped out 32-17 after one quarter, then watched Chicago pour in 44 points in the second to flip the game. Tyler Herro carried the Bucks with 34 points, but the Bulls had answers all night, and Jalen Smith's 14 points and 13 rebounds gave them a physical edge inside. Chicago gets its first win; Milwaukee is still looking for its first.
Late Action Out West
The Lakers held a double-digit lead over the Clippers in the closing minutes of the Los Angeles derby, with Walker Kessler stuffing the stat sheet (22 points, eight rebounds, three steals) while Brook Lopez scored 22 for the Clippers. In Sacramento, Portland led late behind Deni Avdija's 26 points despite a monster triple-double from Domantas Sabonis, who had 26 points, 19 rebounds and 10 assists. Golden State and Memphis were locked in a close fourth quarter, with Stephen Curry leading the Warriors in scoring.
The Takeaway
It is far too early for conclusions, but Friday offered signals: Atlanta looks sharp on both ends, Boston still has a closer, and New York's slow start is becoming a story worth watching.
Final scores for the late West Coast games will be updated as they become official.
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