K-Love's near triple double powers Wolves
Timberwolves 116, Mavericks 108
Going to face the rugged Minnesota Timberwolves is going to test any team. They have some great inside-out play and their hot start is evidence of the potential on this roster.
The Mavericks are holding onto the last vestiges of whatever is left in many of their careers. They are fighting for it all, sometimes quite literally as Vince Carter discovered. He really wishes he could take it back as Dallas could have used every last bit of effort and energy.
Without Carter, the Mavericks fell to the Timberwolves as Monta Ellis took those extra shots and did not take advantage of them. He took 24 field goals to score his 23 points.
Meanwhile, Kevin Love had 32 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists as Minnesota proved to be the tougher team Friday night. Kevin Martin, who Carter would likely have had to guard for some stretches, also had 32 points for the Wolves. They continue to impress and turn heads with their scoring.
This Minnesota team might be cooking something nice. If they can stay healthy, that is.
Kerr: Rockets not title contenders
Clippers vs. Rockets, 8 p.m.
It is far too early in the season to make any firm conclusions regarding any team in the NBA. The Rockets though have gotten blown out by the Clippers on the road and then lost to the Lakers at the buzzer earlier this week. That led TNT broadcaster Steve Kerr to say the Rockets are a very nice team, but are not quite at a championship level. He does not anticipate the Rockets being able to lift the trophy this year.
Anthony Davis' career night
Pelicans 96, Lakers 85
In large part, we are still figuring out who Anthony Davis is. Performances like Friday's show us exactly who Davis can be. Davis had a highlight dunk as part of his showcase 32 points and 12 rebounds in the win for the Pelicans. The Lakers, coming off the big win against the Rockets, could not keep pace as Davis hounded them for six blocks too. If this is who Davis will be . . .
Knicks spoil Ewing's coaching debut
Knicks 101, Bobcats 91
The Bobcats were playing with heavy hearts as coach Steve Clifford went tot he hospital and had to undergo a heart procedure. The unexpected absence thrust Patrick Ewing into the lead chair (finally). Unfortunately, asking the Bobcats to play well and extend their win streak with this news might have been asking too much. Carmelo Anthony had 28 points to lift the Knicks to the 10-point win as they played their first game without Tyson Chandler this season.
Bulls ease past Jazz
Bulls 97, Jazz 73
The Bulls appeared to be righting their ship a bit. Then again, they were playing the Jazz. Luol Deng nearly posted a triple double with 19 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists as the Bulls easily defeated the Jazz on Friday. Derrick Rose had 12 points and five assists in 27 minutes as the game was decided early.
Wizards keep Nets wondering
Wizards 112, Nets 108, OT
The Nets will surely get their act together at some point. They are a bunch that are still learning to play together under a rookie coach, no less. But the losses continue to pile up in disappointing fashion. The Wizards are the latest to defeat these star-studded Nets. Marcin Gortat recorded a double double 15 points and 12 rebounds and Bradley Beal led the team with 29 points in Washington's win.
Sixers ace Bynum's return
76ers 94, Cavaliers 79
Philadelphia fans were reveling in seeing Andrew Bynum finally suit up at Wells Fargo Center. The Cavaliers backup center scored four points and five rebounds in 15 minutes. The Sixers were the real show however. All five starters scored in double figures with Evan Turner leading the way with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Tony Wroten scored 18 points off the bench as the Sixers continue their hot play.
Suns shut down Nuggets
Suns 114, Nuggets 103
Denver got its first win Thursday night. Then they got another dose of reality against the scorching Suns. Phoenix got 28 points off the bench from Markieff Morris and another 11 points from his brother Marcus. Miles Plumlee scored 18 points in the starting lineup. Phoenix continues to turn heads and play extremely well early on in the season.
Durant efficiently disposes of Detroit
Thunder 119, Pistons 110
Sometimes you just have to admire Kevin Durant's perfection. Durant scored 37 points on 9-for-15 shooting as the Thunder outlasted the Pistons at home Friday. That is just crazy efficiency and shows what amaster Durant is at scoring. It might have been the performance of the night Friday night. It is hard to appreciate these scoring performances when Durant does them so often.
Turnovers doom Magic
Celtics 91, Magic 89
The Magic turned the ball over 20 times, leading to 25 Celtics points as the aggressive Celtics attacked the basket on the break and outworked this spunky Magic team. Orlando's problems (and limited success) could not be seen any clearer than in Jameer Nelson. Nelson dished out seven assists and turned the ball over seven time on his way to 12 points on 4-for-15 shooting. That highlighted the shooting struggles that both teams really had in the half court.
Spurs ugly up Warriors
Spurs 76, Warriors 74
You do not expect the Warriors to play games in the 70s. The Spurs on the other hand . . . well, if you expect them to be the Spurs of the early 2000s. This was just an odd game. The Warriors were without Stephen Curry and fought hard despite shooting 40.8 percent stayed in the game. However the Spurs' Tony Parker scored 18 points and did enough to hold off the Warriors in this minor "revenge game."
Pacers still perfect
Pacers 91, Raptors 84
The pacers remained the NBA's lone unbeaten team with a 91-84 win over the Raptors on Friday. Indiana got 23 points, eight rebounds and six assists from Paul George. George is proving to be more than just a flash in the pan. This kid can play. The Pacers can too as they equaled the best start in franchise history.
Blazers withstand Cousins
Trail Blazers 104, Kings 91
DeMarcus Cousins' talent is simply undeniable at this point. Cousins poured in 35 points and nine rebounds. But, like it is often with the Kings during Cousins' tenure in Northern California, it was not enough. Damian Lillard had 22 points and eight rebounds to lead the Blazers to the double digit win and send the Kings to 1-4 on the year.
