By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Nicolo Melli was a starter for the first time in his NBA career, put up seven points, four rebounds two assists, one steal and one block on Thursday for the New Orleans Pelicans in the 122-107 win over the Denver Nuggets at the Smoothie King Center. The winning side improved to 1-4 in the 2019-20 NBA Regular Season. Nikola Jokic finished with 13 points, six assists, six boards and one steal for the Nuggets, but Juan Hernangomez and Vlatko Cancar failed to get on the board in limited action.
The Los Angeles Clippers beat the San Antonio Spurs, 103-97, at the Staples Center. Croatian Ivica Zubac scored six points, also grabbed five rebounds. For the visitors, Jakob Poeltl posted five points, three rebounds and one dime, while Marco Belinelli had two points with 1/6 from the field and a pair of boards and Luka Samanic was inactive.
Goran Dragic notched four points, three dimes and one rebound for the Miami Heat that defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 106-97, at the State Farm Arena. Fellow European Alex Len had five points, four boards and one assist for the hosts.