The stat: 91 points for the 5 major of New Orleans
The New Orleans Pelicans started their season with a victory against the Memphis Grizzlies (111-104). The victory was practically acquired by the players of the major five of the Louisiana franchise. Between them, they actually scored 91 points.
Zion Williamson, who only played 29 games last season due to a hamstring injury, had 23 points (9/17 shooting, no three-point shots). CJ McCollum scored 24 (8/16 including 6/11 at three points). Brandon Ingram (19 pts), Herbert Jones (13) and Jonas Valanciunas (12) also contributed to the victory, leaving only crumbs for the bench players.
The player: Porzingis with fond memories of the Knicks
The Boston Celtics won against the New York Knicks (108-104) for their entry into the new season. They can notably thank their new insider, the Latvian Kristaps Porzingis, who arrived from Washington. At 2’34” from the buzzer, while New York led 101-97, the latter scored 9 points (three series of free throws then a 3-point shot), which allowed Boston to take control.
Drafted by New York in 2015, All-Star in 2018 with the Knicks, Porzingis shone against his former team. He finished the match with 30 points (8/15 shooting including 5/9 three-pointers). Jayson Tatum’s 34 units also helped the Celtics win. Jaylen Brown was more discreet (11 pts).
The team: Detroit catches up from 19 points… but loses
With 9’25” remaining in the fourth and final quarter, the Detroit Pistons were in pain, trailing the Miami Heat by 19 points (94-75). But, in the space of 8 minutes, the visitors managed to erase this gap, thanks in particular to Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren. And, 1’44” from the buzzer, Detroit was back within one point (103-102). But nothing more was recorded afterwards, allowing Miami, finalist last season, to start the Championship with a victory. Cunningham notably missed two three-point shots and saw another of his attempts blocked by Bam Adebayo. Infuriating.
