Well, let's just put it this way: it was certainly worth the wait. NBA is back baby! And if the 2021-2022 season will be anything like this first week, we have a lot to look forward to. Here are this week's highlights.
The festivities first kicked off earlier this week, when some of the biggest names in the league showed out in a big way on the court. From ring ceremonies to California team rivalry showdowns, the hype from Tuesday, October 19th carried over to the next day as we entered the highly anticipated second night of the season. First off, we had the New York Knicks clinching a double-overtime win against the Celtics.
Tonight's BOS/NYK and IND/CHA games added to the list of epic opening night finishes in recent years.#KiaTipOff21 pic.twitter.com/kZPhPEzqVj
— NBA (@NBA) October 21, 2021
Everything was looking in the Celtics' favor as they carried a 12-point lead into the fourth quarter of the game. But then it all changed. In what felt like a second, the Knicks hit back with an 11-point climb that looked a done deal for Boston. But leave it to Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart who snuck in some three-pointers to send the game into overtime. It was a tough battle, but in the end the Knicks, thanks to recent addition, Evan Fournier, took home the W with a go-ahead triple in the last minute. But let's talk about the action in North Carolina.
All eyes were on LaMelo as he kept the heat going from the Rookie of the Year win during the first game of the season. He started the year off strong with 31 points, seven assists, and nine rebounds. Thanks to his killer moves, the Hornets came back from a 23-point deficit to take home the first win of the season against the Pacers with a final score of 123 to 122. And over in Memphis, the Grizzlies got some hometown love with their first W. Morant was unstoppable on the court, finishing with 37 points, plus six rebounds and assists each. Safe to say these games made for some fire highlight reels.
Unbelievable. 🥷 pic.twitter.com/R9oJ1j7hZb
— Bally Sports: Grizzlies (@GrizzOnBally) October 21, 2021
But this is just the beginning, so be sure to check back soon for more game updates from the NBA and beyond.
