NBA
The Toronto Raptors started the 2025/26 season of the National Basketball Association (NBA) with a win on Wednesday (local time). The Canadians won clearly at the start against the Atlanta Hawks with 138:118. Austria’s only NBA professional Jakob Pöltl contributed 14 points, six rebounds, two assists and one block. The 30-year-old center from Vienna was in action for 22:22 minutes.
The Raptors made the preliminary decision with a 45:28 in the third quarter including a 14:0 run to 108:85 towards the end of the period. Atlanta didn’t get closer than 20 points after that. The Canadiens were led by RJ Barrett with 25 and Scottie Barnes with 22 points.
“Great start to the season,” said Pöltl, who continued to play with a face mask, about the result: “We played with a lot of intensity and speed and were able to score efficiently under the basket and in transition, especially in the third quarter. We worked well together on defense and found a good balance on offense.”
Milwaukee next opponent
The Milwaukee Bucks, who will be visiting Pöltl and colleagues on Lake Ontario on Friday, won 133:120 against the Washington Wizards. Superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo led the winners with 37 points and 14 rebounds.
In Dallas, Victor Wembanyama shone as the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Mavericks 125:92. The young star recorded 40 points and 15 rebounds. The New York Knicks won the duel between two contenders for the top spots in the Eastern Conference with the Cleveland Cavaliers 119:111. NBA record champions Boston Celtics lost their opening game against the Philadelphia 76ers, led by Tyrese Maxey with 40 points, 116:117.
