By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A high-scoring affair in Delta Center favored the Memphis Grizzlies en route to a 126-124 victory versus the Utah Jazz on Wednesday.
Spanish Santi Aldama started the 2024-25 NBA Regular Season with a team-high 27 points behind 10/16 from the field, including five three-pointers. Starting for the team coached by Taylor Jenkins and lasting 31 minutes, he added five rebounds and two assists.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game, but we had to get on to a right start,” noted Aldama, “I am really proud of the team.”
On the wrong end, Finnish Lauri Markkanen drew a game-high 35 points with 9/15 field goals, including four triples. The fellow European starter also registered nine rebounds and two assists in 34 minutes.
Ukrainian Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk did not play.
Curry, Warriors dominate
A lopsided win, 139-104, for the Golden State Warriors against the Portland Trail Blazers in Moda Center. Stephen Curry went for 17 points, ten assists, and nine rebounds, before sitting out the fourth quarter.
For the home side, Israeli Deni Avdija recorded 15 points, seven rebounds, two blocks, two assists, and two steals in his first official outing as a Blazer.
“It might look ugly. It might look like we gave up, but we are not giving up,” he said, “People forget we are a very young team. We are still learning.”
Starting as well, Belgian Toumani Camara finished with 11 points, six rebounds, four assists, and two steals. French Rayan Rupert had six points, three rebounds, and one steal.