By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Bulls might have lost by one point to Hornets in their season opener (126-125), though Lauri Markkanen made a statement in his first game of the 2019-20 campaign! The Finnish forward enjoyed a career-high and a double-double with 35 points and 17 boards across 34 minutes on the court. This performance made him the first Bull player to score 35 points in a season opener since Michael Jordan in 1995.
Luka Doncic was equally impressive in his season opener with the Mavericks against the Wizards, posting 34 points and nine rebounds in 34 minutes. Kristaps Porzignis followed Luka’s lead and added 23 points and four rebounds as the Mavs finally grabbed a 108-100 victory.
Nikola Jokic tipped off the season with a double-double of his own, putting 20 points and 13 rebounds in Nuggets’ 108-100 victory against the Trail Blazers.
Another dominant performance was that of Domantas Sabonis, although the Pacers lost to Pistons 119-110. Sabonis, who recently signed a new contract with the team had 27 points and 13 rebounds in his first game of the season.
Nikola Vucevic and Evan Fournier led Magic past Cedi Osman and the Cavaliers with a 94-85 victory and by posting 21 and 16 points each. Osman ended the game with 13 points for the Cavs.
Goran Dragic enjoyed a 19-point performance as the heat got past Memphis Grizzlies, while Enes Kanter dropped 12 points and three boards in Celtics’ 107-93 defeat to the Sixers.
Bojan Bogdanovic and Rudy Gobert shared 16 points/3 rebounds and 7 points/14 rebounds each in Jazz’ 100-95 win over Thunder.
Ricky Rubio posted a double-double of 11 points and 11 assists in Suns’ 124-95 stroll past Sacramento Kings.